 |
||||||||||||||||
 |
| Legal
Directories
At the most recent ‘Chambers Bar Awards’ 11 South Square were awarded ‘Set of the Year’ for Intellectual Property. Henry Carr QC was nominated for ‘IP Silk of the Year’, which we won last year, and Piers Acland was nominated for ‘IP Junior of the Year’. These awards add to a number of other accolades received over the past few years including ‘2007 IP Set of the Year’, ‘2006 IT Set of the Year’ and ‘2005 IP/IT Set of the Year.’ 11 South Square has been well regarded by all the leading Legal Directories for a number of years and often have the majority of Chambers highly ranked or mentioned in favourable terms. Below is a round up of how we have been perceived by the leading two directories in their most recent editions: Chambers and Partners Bar Awards
Awarded Set of the Year 2009 & 2007 Information Technology Awarded Set of the Year 2006
Chambers and Partners Rankings 2010 Edition Intellectual Property Specialist set 11 South Square is a firm favourite for IP work, not least because of the standard of its clerking. Under the stewardship of senior clerk Ashley Carr, the approach to solicitors "is not precious," and "you never feel that your instructions are just another piece of work." The standard of barrister is high across the board, with one source enthusing that "I have worked with virtually everyone in the set at some point, and have not met anyone I would be worried to recommend." A full service is offered, with one observer summing up thus: "In terms of bang for your buck, clever people and a real sense of commitment, I do not think you can do any better than 11 South Square." Henry Carr QC is "astonishingly quick to pick up a case," and "is completely single-minded once engaged." Sources find him "an amazing strategist and a very fast thinker," noting his "beguiling advocacy skills." In addition, he is "a real team player" who is "particularly good at making junior team members feel valued," encouraging all to believe that "he can make a weak case winnable." With such skills, it is no surprise that he is "hugely in demand." Of late, he has flexed his muscles on behalf of Dr Reddy's in a patent infringement case against Eli Lilly, and for L'Oréal against Bellure at the ECJ. His head of chambers Michael Silverleaf QC is "someone you definitely want on your side of the court." His "spirited advocacy," "terribly effective cross-examination" and "insight into what the Bench is likely to be thinking" have won him a number of devotees. Interviewees feel that he is "passionate, clearly still cares and will even find time to champion the little guy." His skills have recently been in evidence in Schlumberger Holdings v Electromagnetic Geoservices, a case which illustrated his particular prowess in engineering and technology-related issues. A popular choice for heavyweight matters, Iain Purvis QC impresses with his "laid-back, incisive and almost minimalist style of advocacy - his particular talent in a case is the ability to focus on and develop only those arguments that really go to the heart of the matter." In addition, he is a "commercially minded and brave" advocate, who can "adapt his cross-examination to catch the witness with a variety of approaches," He appeared in Kelly and Another v GE Healthcare, a patent case relating to cardiac imaging product Myoview, and also in Hotel Cipriani and Others v Cipriani, a trade mark dispute between the Italian hotel and the London restaurant. A recent addition to the set's band of silks, Mark Vanhegan QC is "quick to see the nuances of a situation, and gets his teeth right into the detail while at the same time retaining a sharp focus on the main aim." He is also "brave in front of the judge, but knows when to stop," and is "good fun, without airs." He acted for Premium Aircraft against Virgin Atlantic Airways, a case centring on patents used in first-class seating on aeroplanes. Many of the next generation of star silks are doubtless to be found amongst the juniors here. Piers Acland, for example, is renowned for his "amazing grasp of the law," appreciation for detail and "shrewd strategic advice." One commentator described his impressions of him thus: "I once had him on the other side of a case and it was plain that it was his hard work which was responsible for the sophistication of the arguments put forward." His "understanding of client needs" and "clever and practical advice" have resulted in his being "incredibly busy this year," and have prompted some to speculate that his name might soon appear on the silks list. Patent litigation is his forte, and he appeared on behalf of Dyson in a case against SAMSUNG regarding cyclonic vacuum cleaner patents. Known to some as 'Brain Nicholson," thanks to his reputation as "an intellectual powerhouse," Brian Nicholson"looks set to be a star of the future." He is recognised for his specialism in cases involving electronic and computing content, as well as his tactical skill and "pragmatic approach to disputes." He appeared in Siemens v Thorn Security, an appeal relating to patent infringement of plastic protective coatings for printed circuit boards. Hugo Cuddigan is "commercial and smart but doesn't lord it over anybody." "Approachable and accessible," he "becomes truly committed to cases, and his highly tenacious and, when necessary, appropriately forthright in court." Giles Fernandotakes a "confident and energetic" approach to cases and "gives 100% every time." Interviewees are also impressed with his tenacity, "encyclopaedic knowledge of the law," and knack of "knowing what clients want." Fellow junior Richard Hacon is "a calm, clear thinker who presents his arguments very clearly." He is "not only user-friendly but also great with clients." Hacon is keenly sought out by solicitors as is the "persuasive" Benet Brandreth, who is "extremely good on his feet and wise beyond his years." Tipped as a future star, Anna Edwards-Stuart's growing prominence is reflected in her move up the table this year. Interviewees approve of her determined approach and hard work. Another growing force is Kathryn Pickard, who "really holds her ground," and "has an amazing calmness under pressure." She is "willing to go the extra mile for the client." Others to impress at the set include Jacqueline Reid, who also has a strong interest in data protection. She has been acting for companies in the fashion and beauty industries of late, and appeared in L'Oréal v Bellure on behalf of L'Oréal. Clients find her invaluable in a hard-fought case. Up-and-comer Tom Alkin impresses as "quick on the uptake, frank and always constructive." He is popular, as he is "not afraid to offer suggestions in relation to the broader picture." Information Technology 11 South Square is modern, flexible set of chambers that has adapted itself well to changing times. Aware of the fact that competition for work is as fierce as it has ever been, the set has a "friendly, grandeur-free approach and a flexible attitude to fees "that play extremely well with solicitors. Much of its work in the IT sector has a heavy IP tinge but it does cover a wide range, handling all with assurance and great skill. The star performer of the chambers is Henry Carr QC. He "has been in the game for decades - he practically invented it," and such experience has made him a first choice for many. He regularly appears in major cases, such as Aerotel v Wavecrest. Clients and solicitors alike favour him, as he "has an engaging manner with the court, is an amazing strategist and also has the happy knack of making the junior members of a team feel valued." Similarly lauded, Michael Silverleaf QC is "the go-to silk when a client wants to take a particularly forceful stance." "Intelligent and dedicated, he has a first-class command of the papers and never lets go in cross-examination." He recently acted on Trafalgar Financial Futures v Hamdi Indigo & Others, a case concerning an automated technique for trading future contracts on a derivatives exchange. Fellow silk Mark Vanhegan QC is "very affable and very straight in all his dealings." "Punchy, very intelligent and strong on the written side," he is expected to do very well now in silk. Of the juniors, Brian Nicholson "has the commerciality and legal knowledge to do well." His greatest strength is his "fantastic in-depth knowledge of electronics."
Legal 500 Rankings 2009 Edition Intellectual Property Clients say that 11 South Square is "very user-friendly, and the great efficiency of the clerks is a major contributor to the service the set provides." In 2008, Henry Carr QC appeared in the ECJ in L'Oréal v Bellure. He is rated for "first-class advocacy and shrewd cross-examination," and "works well as part of a team." "Powerful and persuasive advocate" Michael Silverleaf QC was instructed on the Nokia v Interdigital mobile phone patent disputes. Clients effusively praise his "formidable intelligence and dedication," "legal knowledge across IP and commercial nous." Iain Purvis QC is also "rapidly establishing himself as a leading IP silk." Piers Acland is "an excellent all-round advocate, exceptionally quick-witted," while Heather Lawrence receives praise for an "encylcopaedic knowledge of IP law and keen business acumen." Brian Nicholson is "an intellectual powerhouse - you couldn't want for better in complex cases," and Benet Brandreth is a "rising star, excellent on his feet and in skeleton arguments." Information Technology 11 South Square straddles IP and IT, with silks Henry Carr QC and Michael Silverleaf QC exemplifying the set's crossover expertise. "Pre-eminent tech silk" Carr acted for Visto in its dispute with Research in Motion over 'Blackberry' patents - he is a "really class act for mixed IP/IT." The "intellectually superb, realistic and commercial" Silverleaf led Heather Lawrence in Ardentia v BT. Brian Nicholson is "highly regarded" - he acted in Interdigital v Nokia. Jacqueline Reid also receives praise for "encylopaedic knowledge, fantastic drafting and impressive advocacy." Media, Entertainment and Sport At leading IP/IT set 11 South Square, Iain Purvis QC led the "excellent advocate," Hugo Cuddigan in the long-running dispute over "A Whiter Shade of Pale." Cuddigan has also represented album cover artist Roger Dean. |
Intellectual Property
