11 South Square is a leading set of barristers’ chambers specialising in the law of intellectual property. Chambers is equally well known for its information technology and media and entertainment work.

Michael Silverleaf QC, the current Head of Chambers, leads a total of 5 Queen’s Counsel and 11 juniors, each specialising primarily in intellectual property law. Many of the barristers at 11 South Square have extensive previous experience in science and industry which puts Chambers in a position to offer legal advice and advocacy of the highest standard.

11 South Square is recognised as “a modern, flexible set of chambers that has adapted itself well to changing times” (Chambers and Partners 2010) as well as “‘very user-friendly” with “great efficiency of the clerks” (Legal 500 2009). In addition to Chambers’ overall profile as a leading IP/IT set, the majority of our members are recognised as leaders in their fields and are often nominated for and recipients of awards.

Members of chambers are frequently instructed in high-profile intellectual property, information technology and media cases and appear in courts and tribunals of all levels in the UK and other jurisdictions throughout the world, including the European Court of Justice. As litigants increasingly seek to resolve disputes through alternative means, members of Chambers have found themselves involved in many arbitrations and mediations, as advocates, mediators and members of the panel. A number of Chambers’ barristers, both silks and juniors, are accredited mediators. The majority of cases mediated by 11 South Square barristers are in Chambers’ core specialist areas, although occasionally in other areas of law.

11 South Square is proud that it has provided three of the past four High Court Patents Judges. In 2008 Mr. Justice Arnold followed the path of Mr. Justice Floyd and the late Lord Justice Pumfrey from Chambers on to the High Court Bench. They are succeeded in Chambers by a team of barristers that contains a group of the most highly rated silks, strength at senior junior level with many leading on cases and junior members that are recognised as current and future stars.

Members of chambers are also actively involved with the Bar Pro Bono unit’s new “Friends in Law” initiative. 11 South Square has provided sponsorship for the scheme which helps provide assistance to applicants who have a meritorious case but cannot afford to pay for the assistance sought or cannot obtain public funding.  Individual members of chambers have also contributed their own time to the scheme by advising applicants brought to them by the unit. Through involvement in this scheme, junior members of chambers have been able to further their advocacy experience.

All enquiries regarding instructing a barrister should, in the first instance, be directed to the clerks. The clerking team at 11 South Square is led by Ashley Carr. He, together with the other clerks, is always on hand to deal with any queries, provide information about members of Chambers and assist generally.

11 South Square is a proud sponsor of the
Bar Pro Bono “Friends in Law” scheme