Thursday 4 April 2013

TOP TALENT 2013

Each year i single out a few barristers and Judges whom i think are in the ascendency.I was glad to see that past picks Hefin  Rees and Ed Pepperall took silk last month.
In no order whatsoever the ones to watch are
HHJ Simon Brown QC who has done so much to spread the word about costs budgeting. His decision in SAFETYNET where he awarded the winner their costs as budgeted is far more significant than the Appeal Court decision in HENRY.
Lord Justice Jackson is destined for the Supreme Court. His devotion to his case work is beyond belief.He cancelled a dinner we had arranged so that he could stay writing a judgment at the RCJ until 10pm.
Simon Butler and Stuart McKechnie continue to draw unsolicited praise for their thorough approach to difficult injury cases.9 Gough Square is so lucky to have them.
Sean Jones QC continues to soar in the employment field and has become the silk of choice for several premier League football clubs .His preparation is meticulous . A Judge in the making.
The retirement of Jeremy Morgan QC , a good man , leaves Nicholas Bacon QC at the very top.I do expect Dr Mark Friston to be a silk within a year.Roger Mallalieu impressed me enormously as did Alexander Hutton QC , both of whom i worked with for the first time recently.
Mrs Justice Swift is on the road to the Court of Appeal and Lady Justice Hallett has got a major promotion around the corner.
David Pilling knows portal law inside out.