News

AN EXCEPTIONAL YEAR FOR NO.18 CHAMBERS IN THE ANNUAL LEGAL 500 RANKINGS

No.18 Chambers are delighted to announce we have again received increased recognition for the Tenth year running in the annual Legal 500 rankings strengthening our TIER 2 status in Family & TIER 3 status in Employment.

We would like to thank all those who have and continue to support us.

The Legal 500 assesses law firms throughout the country and this year No.18 Chambers have been named as one of the recommended sets on the Western Circuit  for Family & Employment, and the only set for Immigration. Furthermore, 12 barristers with 15 rankings have been individually acknowledged in the "Leading Juniors" list and having a rising star for their work in Family law & Children, Family: divorce and financial remedy ,Employment. & Immigration.

Family: Children & Domestic Violence

No.18 Barristers Chambers is home to ‘incredibly talented barristers who are tenacious in their approach to achieving the best outcome for the client‘. One such practitioner is Laura Baines, ‘a walking legal encyclopaedia’ with notable expertise in public law proceedings, especially those surrounding care and supervision orders and matters concerning other jurisdictions. Nigel Cholerton is ‘an exceptionally skilled and compassionate advocate, particularly in sensitive areas like domestic abuse’, as well as disputes surrounding contact residence issues. Tracey Hennessey ‘is able to articulate complex legal arguments, making her a first port of call for complex cases’, and she is well-equipped to represents clients with mental health difficulties and issues of capacity in both public and private children law proceedings in cases arising from allegations of sexual and physical abuse, as well as neglect.

'A strong and reliable chambers with a good mix of experience and fresh-faced enthusiasm.'

‘Chambers has a reasonable level of strength in depth.'

'The set as a whole is wonderful. They will always do their best to accommodate even last-minute instructions, and someone is always available to help. They offer regular seminars, and their email updates are thorough and relevant.'

Leading Juniors: Family: children and domestic abuse

Tracey Hennessey (2001) - No.18 Chambers ' (Tier 2)  'Tracey is an experienced and exceptional advocate with a deep knowledge of the law and she is able to articulate complex legal arguments, making her a first port of call for complex cases. She is personable and friendly and well liked by both professional and lay clients.'

Nigel Cholerton (2007) - No.18 Chambers. (Tier 3)  'Nigel is an excellent advocate in court and the feedback from clients is always positive. He puts the clients at ease and is also a good negotiator outside of the courtroom, managing to reach an agreement with the other side outside of court on many occasions.'

Laura Baines (2007) - No.18 Chambers  (Tier 1). 'Laura is an exceptional advocate, as she is quick thinking and articulate with a deep knowledge of the law. Her strength is her ability to communicate effectively with professionals and lay clients alike and she is extremely approachable and personable.'

Claire Hook (2010) - No.18 Chambers  (Tier 4)  'Claire is an extremely strong advocate who puts a client's argument to the court in the strongest way possible, often leading to positive outcomes for clients. She has a soft and gentle approach and excels with vulnerable clients due to her personable and sensitive approach.'

Francis Payne ( 2014 ) - No.18 Chambers  (Tier 4)  'Francis is a highly skilled barrister known for his exceptional advocacy and meticulous case preparation. His strength really does lie in his clear, persuasive communication style, strategic thinking and ability to adapt his arguments effectively to the needs of the case.'

Amelia King  (2016) - No.18 Chambers  (Tier 4) 'Amelia is robust and thorough in her approach, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail and a strong grasp of the law and case law. Amelia manages clients effectively, ensuring they understand the process while setting realistic expectations.'

Rachel Chapman (2017) -  No.18 Chambers  (Tier 4)  'Rachel is an excellent all-round advocate, she is always well prepped and knowledgeable about discreet points of law, and she is excellent at reporting the outcome in a timely manner and is always happy to answer any further queries.'

Sara Chalk  (2018) - No.18 Chambers  (Tier 3) Sara is well adept at dealing with highly complex legal matters including FII and NAI cases. She is exceptionally well prepared and familiar with a wide array of expertise making her a valuable resource.’

Leading Juniors: Family: divorce and financial remedy

Nigel Cholerton (2007) - No.18 Chambers (Tier 3)  'Nigel is an excellent advocate in court and the feedback from clients is always positive. He puts the clients at ease and is also a good negotiator outside of the courtroom, managing to reach an agreement with the other side outside of court on many occasions.'

John Franklin  (2016) -  No.18 Chambers  (Tier 3) ‘John is an extremely effective and knowledgeable advocate. He is very rarely flustered, and he is a serious presence in the court. He is a concise communicator and is able to build up a rapport with people very quickly.'

Employment

No.18 Chambers continues to ‘develop an excellent regional employment law offering with several barristers able to provide support whenever required’. With considerable experience handling unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, Ian Wheaton leads the employment team in chambers. Barnaby Large is widely praised as ‘astute, organised, and charismatic’ as well as for his ‘methodical approach and thorough attention to detail’. In Parker v Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary he acted for the respondent in relation to a disability discrimination claim brought by a detective who was not permitted to bring an autism assistance dog to work. John Franklin’s broad practice covers discrimination, whistleblowing, victimisation, and unfair dismissal claims, among others.

Leading Juniors: Employment

Ian Wheaton (2002) - No.18 Chambers   (Tier 3) ‘Ian has an excellent way of explaining and summarising the issues at hand and the applicable law.  Clients appreciate his forthright and practical approach to progressing their matters.’

Barnaby Large (2007) - No.18 Chambers  (Tier 2) ‘Barnaby is astute, organised and charismatic. He is willing to go the extra mile to make sure that clients receive the best result possible. His calm and thoughtful approach is particularly helpful and gives confidence to those instructing him.

John Franklin  (2016) -  No.18 Chambers  (Tier 3) ‘John ensures that he has a thorough grasp of the case well in advance of the hearing and is a tenacious and effective advocate.’

Immigration

The team at No.18 Barristers Chambers is well-versed in immigration law and represents its broad client base on a variety of complex cases, such as human rights claims and emergency High Court injunctions.

Leading Juniors: immigration

Laura Baines (2007) – (Tier 1)

Sarah Hirech (2012) – (Tier 1)

Clerking

Family

‘The clerks are exceptional, especially Mark Windebank. He will always go the extra mile.'

'The clerking team at No 18 Chambers deserves special recognition for their exceptional service. Led by Mark Windebank, the clerking team provides seamless administrative support that enhances the barristers' ability to deliver outstanding representation.'

'Mark Windebank, senior clerk, can be relied upon to go that extra mile and is always so happy to help.'

'All the clerks are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. In particular, Mark Windebank and Dan Fantham have always ensured they make the time to discuss all relevant information needed and provide support and guidance.'

'Mark Windebank and Dan Fantham at No 18 Chambers are very personable, friendly and understanding. They will help whenever they can and if you have a query, they ensure they contact a barrister to provide an answer even when they are not representing a client of theirs to ensure they are assisting you as a client service, rather than simply a booking service. Breandan OCaoimh is a fantastic new clerk, and a senior clerk in the making.'

'Mark Windebank always makes you feel welcome and that he is happy to hear from you and nothing is to much trouble.'  'No 18 Chambers are fantastic. They are always available for the hearings when needed and if they are not immediately available, they go out of their way.

Employment

'Mark Windebank is excellent. He takes appropriate time on the telephone to understand the requirements and makes sure work is carried out as agreed. He is also friendly and informative.'

'Mark Windebank is the calm in the storm! He is supportive and looks after clients.'

'The service from the clerks' room, led by Mark Windebank, is outstanding. He is always keen to assist and ensures that chambers are able to offer appropriate representation.'

'Mark Windebank is an exceptional clerk. He is extremely responsive and works with clients to find solutions within budget. Nothing is too much trouble.'