Testimonials & Quotes
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Leading Commercial Litigation Chambers (Legal 500 2008)
Entering the rankings, firms say 11 Stone Buildings‘ applies a commercial approach to work, ably assisted by some of the best clerks in the business'. Alan Gourgey QC is ‘extremely bright, very good in court and user-friendly', Marcia Shekerdemian is ‘ thorough and practical', and Tim Penny has ‘ first-rate advocacy skills' and ‘ commercial acumen'. (Legal 500 2008)
Alan Gourgey QC – leading silk (Chambers & Partners 2009 and Legal 500 2008)
The extremely brainy and accessible Alan Gourgey QC at 11 Stone Buildings is highly sought-after. He has been immersed in the BSkyB/EDS litigation concerning allegations of deceit and breach of contract. (Chambers & Partners 2009)
“Consistently good,” Alan Gourgey QC at 11 Stone Buildings “never ceases to amaze” sources with his cast-iron practicality and user-friendliness. He is heavily involved in a multimillion-pound dispute between Sky and EDS premised on allegations of deceit and breach of contract. (Chambers & Partners 2008)
Marcia Shekerdemian - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
Tim Penny - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
Max Mallin – leading junior (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Few understand finance-related litigation and commercial fraud better than Max Mallin. A man with Wall Street and City banking experience, he is "utterly au fait with the world of high finance." (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Specialising in large-scale litigation and arbitration, 11 Stone Buildings’ Max Mallin is noted for his expertise in contractual issues and his affinity with financial markets. “Clients like him a lot” and peers describe him as a “reliable presence” in court. (Chambers & Partners 2008)
Commercial Chancery
Leading Commercial Chancery Chambers (Legal 500 2008 & Chambers & Partners 2009)
11 Stone Buildings is promoted following a quiet revolution in chambers. The legendary Chris Berry having retired from the set, Michael Couling's arrival from Fountain Court Chambers has coincided with an upturn in work for the set's barristers. This year sees individual improvement in the tables, but also gaining mention in the media, commercial litigation and civil fraud tables, and promotion in the insolvency rankings. Alan Gourgey QC and Tim Penny are two barristers prominent in our tables. (Legal 500 2008)
This innovative commercial set is faring well following the advent of a "wave of outstanding juniors who are already making their mark." Clients favour the "fresh and accommodating atmosphere" at the set as well as its "ongoing commitment to innovation both in court and beyond." Head of chambers Edward Cohen was unanimously hailed as "a tactical and polished advocate," meriting additional mention as "one of the quiet, legal geniuses of the Bar." His practice continues to focus on company and insolvency matters, as well as commercial fraud, and he has enjoyed a successful appearance before the Privy Council. Jonathan Lopian is junior counsel to the Crown and has a particular insolvency bent. Clients deem him "an easy choice - he's committed, diligent and a consummate professional." (Chambers & Partners 2007)
Edward Cohen – leading junior (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Head of chambers Edward Cohen is seen as a "delight to work with." He has a broad-based chancery practice and recently acted as sole counsel for the appellate in Tasarruf Mevduati Sigorta Fonu v Demirel in the Court of Appeal. According to clients, he "has an amazing brain and is great for detailed paperwork." (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Head of chambers at 11 Stone Buildings, Edward Cohen is known both for his wealth of experience in chancery-related matters and for his industrious and focused approach. (Chambers & Partners 2008)
Tim Penny - leading junior (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Tim Penny enters this year's tables after being highly recommended by peers and clients as "hard-working, effective and user-friendly." His chancery practice overlaps with his media and privacy practice. (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Iain Pester - up and coming (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Also praised here is Iain Pester, who has built up a decent fraud, insolvency and partnership-based chancery practice: "a thorough performer, he is able to explain potentially complicated matters to clients with clarity." (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Jonathan Lopian – Chancery Treasury Counsel (Chambers & Partners 2009)
A well-regarded Treasury Counsel practitioner, Jonathan Lopian acted for the Secretary of State in the British Coal respiratory disease litigation and represented HMRC in the Farepak Limited administration. Peers describe him as "a good, forceful litigator ."(Chambers & Partners 2009)
11 Stone Buildings is a large set handling business litigation, property and insolvency matters. Individuals are recommended in company, sports law and civil fraud. Jane Giret QC and Max Mallin stand out. (Legal 500 2007)
Banking
James Barnard - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
Company
Leading Company Chambers (Chambers & Partners 2009)
11 Stone Buildings has a notable presence in the market due to the fact that it has a large number of members practising in the area. Handling shareholders' disputes, directors' disqualifications, conspiracy and breaches of fiduciary duty, the members here regularly involve themselves in work of the highest quality. Cost-effective, they "look after their clients well and provide excellent advice." Jane Giret QC has a broad practice that covers company law and chancery matters, among other areas. "A really strong advocate who gets the job done quickly and efficiently," she handles both insolvency and company law effectively. Marcia Shekerdemian is an experienced junior who "pays great attention to detail - nothing escapes her notice." Her strong presence on a case is undeniable and "she commands the respect of the courtroom with ease." She is recommended along with Tina Kyriakides, "a highly pragmatic and responsive practitioner" who provides "client-friendly advice" on all aspects of company law.
Jane Giret QC – leading silk (Legal 500 2008 & Chambers & Partners 2009)
Tina Kyriakides - leading junior (Legal 500 2008 & Chambers & Partners 2009)
Marcia Shekerdemian - leading junior (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Sally Barber - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
Fraud: Civil
Leading Fraud Chambers (Legal 500 2008 and Chambers & Partners 2009)
11 Stone Buildings enjoys a steady stream of fraud cases to nicely complement the manifold insolvency instructions it receives. It has on offer "highly approachable" barristers who are exceptionally user-friendly. As one interviewee said, "from the clerks right up to the senior members, all are incredibly amiable and will bend over backwards to make sure things are done." Of their number, Alan Gourgey QC remains a silk to turn to for complex fraud matters. He is described as a "fantastic advocate" who is popular with both judges and peers. "Terrific advocate" Max Mallin inspires confidence in his clients. His practice focuses on major commercial and company disputes, with particular emphasis on commercial fraud, financial markets issues and general contract litigation. Mallin engenders further praise for his "ability to see the bigger picture" and the fact that "he leaves the ostentatious stuff at the door and focuses on the core issues." Iain Pester has recently been acting for the defendant in a large-scale fraud case in the Commercial Court where the claimants are claiming USD69 million. Interviewees commend him for his "ability to explain potentially complicated matters with clarity." Despite being only eight years' call, he is said to be "developing into a well-rounded chancery barrister who's prepared to roll up his sleeves and get involved." His cross-examination skills are of particular note, as they are of "a quality more usually seen in barristers of much greater experience." Also at the set, Nick Parfitt is especially recommended for his advices. (Chambers & Partners 2009)
11 Stone Buildings breaks into the rankings this year. ‘Excellent advocate' Max Mallin, formerly an investment banker, garners significant accolades, along with the 'very clever, very hard-working' Iain Pester. (Legal 500 2008)
This set often acts on matters at the interface between fraud and insolvency and has Alan Gourgey QC, a barrister of "skill and approachability" who is a popular choice amongst instructing solicitors. He is involved in an ongoing matter concerning a tax avoidance scheme. Advisory work arising within the fraud arena is where Nick Parfitt impresses most, whilst fellow junior Max Mallin obtains plaudits for "always being on his A-game." He was instructed on behalf of British Airways and other major airlines in relation to a travel agency fraud worth several million dollars. The action settled just before trial. Debuting in this year's Chambers tables is Iain Pester, who is described as being a "fantastic junior who has skills well beyond his call year." (Chambers & Partners 2008)
Alan Gourgey QC – leading silk (Chambers & Partners 2009 & Legal 500 2008)
Tim Penny - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
Max Mallin - leading junior (Chambers & Partners 2009 & Legal 500 2008)
Nick Parfitt - leading junior (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Iain Pester – leading junior (Chambers & Partners 2009 and Legal 500 2008)
Information Technology
Alan Gourgey QC – leading silk (Legal 500 2008)
Nick Parfitt - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
At 11 Stone Buildings, Alan Gourgey QC has a strong IT practice focusing on contracts and the supply of computer systems. Solicitors say he ‘has that rare combination in a silk of easy accessibility coupled with excellence coupled with excellent written material and perceptive advocacy’. He is defending world-leading IT supplier EDS against the major claim by BSkyB, described above. (Legal 500 2007)
Insolvency:
Leading Insolvency Chambers (Chambers & Partners 2009 and Legal 500 2008)
This "modern, client-focused" set is appreciated for offering "a fantastic service and great value for money." With its competitive fees and "approachable, unstuffy" staff, it proves a popular alternative to some of the longer-established sets in the market. The barristers here are "all refreshingly good at appreciating tight deadlines" and have a particularly strong profile in the mid-market, whilst also taking on the larger matters. They offer "a very broad range of choices to their clients," agree sources, many of whom took the time to also applaud the "very fine clerks who put themselves out for you." The set recently welcomed Michael Couling, who joined as chambers director in January 2008. Heading up the company and insolvency group, Jane Giret QC "brings a wealth of experience to the table." An "approachable and client-friendly" silk, she is congratulated for "exploring the issues and working around problems, rather than just focusing on what she's been asked to do." Much of her time recently has been spent acting for the trustee in the bankruptcy of a dishonest accountant. Leading the way amongst the juniors, Marcia Shekerdemian is "an incredibly hard-working and tenacious advocate who lives and breathes her cases." According to clients, her skills combine to make her "almost the perfect junior," and "she's definitely someone you want on your team." As well as being "excellent on her feet," her paperwork is highly rated and her turnaround fast, due to the fact that she "can seemingly juggle hundreds of balls at the same time." Shekerdemian is further praised for her "ability to identify the central issues quickly and put forward a sensible solution." Raquel Agnello is another "personable and forceful" junior who "comes across extremely well," agree commentators. Pre-eminent in corporate and personal insolvency, she recently acted for the Pensions Regulator in Sea Containers. Her technical knowledge is "second to none," and she is known for being "quick to understand the client and where they're coming from." Garnering much positive feedback this year, Chris Boardman is many people's number-one barrister. Viewed as "almost faultless," he impresses as "a bullish advocate who's superb on his feet." Peers describe him as "bright, commercial and focused on what needs to be done in order to get a result." He is especially popular with clients, who find him "unstuffy and excellent when it comes to technical knowledge, with the ability to run a complicated case." Tina Kyriakides "has a steady practice and is always fair," agree sources. "Clever, but not in a pompous way," she "gets deeply involved in her cases" and has "first-class knowledge." Sally Barber is recommended for property disputes arising in an insolvency context. A "clued-up and approachable" junior, she "has a strong analytical brain and is robust in court," note clients. Jamie Riley is making progress as "an excellent strategist and advocate." Clients value his responsiveness, describing him as "practical and easy to work with." They also admire his commercial approach, saying: "He gives good, straight answers with a sensible rationale." A new entry to the tables this year, Iain Pester is "bright and thorough." "Firm but not flashy," he is an engaging performer who is applauded for presenting his cases attractively. Pester has particular experience of the private international law aspects of insolvency, including the application of the EU Regulation on insolvency Proceedings. He is joined in the tables by Jonathan Lopian "a clear and compelling advocate who always arrives at court raring to go." His recent cases have included Ahmed and Andronikou v TradIndex, and he has also had a role in the Farepak affair. (Chambers & Partners 2009)
11 Stone Buildings moves up this year, ‘the wide range of experience in this specialist area, combined with the responsiveness of the clerks and individual members of chambers' making the set the ‘ top choice (for insolvency)' for many instructing solicitors. ‘Excellent, both on paper and in court', the ‘absolutely exceptional junior' Marcia Shekerdemian receives numerous plaudits as being ‘very bright, user-friendly, and particularly alive to the needs of clients'. An ‘excellent communicator, technically very adept', Jane Giret QC has been acting on the Thakrar litigation for the trustee in bankruptcy. Rated for providing ‘pragmatic and clear advice', as well as for being ‘ very responsive', Tina Kyriakides moves up to join Raquel Agnello in the upper echelons of the rankings. Agnello is considered ‘terrifically good' by clients, and acted in the Court of Appeal in Hickling v Baker last year. The ‘extremely impressive' Christopher Boardman is ‘seen as up-and-coming' here. (Legal 500 2008)
Jane Giret QC and Alan Gourgey QC - leading silks (Chambers & Partners 2009 and/or Legal 500 2008)
Tina Kyriakides, Raquel Agnello, Marcia Shekerdemian, Sally Barber, Adam Deacock, Birgitta Meyer, Jonathan Lopian, Christopher Boardman, Jamie Riley, Iain Pester, Reuben Comiskey - leading juniors in Chambers & Partners 2009 and/or Legal 500 2008
Intellectual Property
Robert Deacon - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
11 Stone Buildings offers Robert Deacon, who is described by clients as ‘ our first port of call for a junior barrister on IP matters' and ‘ a bright star' of ‘ exceptional quality'. (Legal 500 2008)
Media, Sport & Entertainment
Leading Media, Sports & Entertainment Chambers (Legal 500 2008)
At 11 Stone Buildings IP specialist Robert Deacon recently acted for Status Quo. Tim Penny, who acted for the claimants in the ‘Busted' case, impresses solicitors with his ‘ ability to grasp complex matters quickly and provide sound tactical advice'. (Legal 500 2008)
Pensions
Raquel Agnello - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
New entrant Raquel Agnello at 11 Stone Buildings joins the table this year on the strength of her work as counsel for the Pensions Regulator in several cases including Sea Containers- the specific needs of the Regulator representing a new strand of pensions advice.
Property Litigation
Jonathan Arkush - leading junior (Legal 500 2008)
Travel
Max Mallin - leading junior (Chambers & Partners 2009)
"Down to earth" Max Mallin of 11 Stone Buildings puts his banking background to good use and has impressed clients in a number of high-profile travel fraud cases. (Chambers & Partners 2009)
Acting on behalf of ABTA and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Max Mallin of 11 Stone Buildings is exceptional on high-profile fraud litigations in the travel agency sector. (Chambers & Partners 2008)
A “pragmatic and effective” barrister, Max Mallin of 11 Stone Buildings is quoted as an “exceptional figure in complex high-profile litigation involving instances of travel fraud.” (Chambers & Partners 2007)