What others say
One Brick Court is top ranked as a "leading chambers" in Defamation/Privacy in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners legal directories. Individual members are also ranked in Defamation/Privacy and Media/Entertainment.
Below is a selection of what they say and the Chambers and Partners Bar Awards won by Chambers in recent years.
"This set is renowned for its depth of experience in libel, and houses some of the most talented individuals in this field. It specialises in media law, covering defamation and privacy as well as related areas such as freedom of information, data protection and reporting restrictions, and has been involved in some of the most important defamation matters of the past year. Barristers from the set are acting on both sides of the Mohamed Taranissi v BBC case, and members have also acted in Carmen May Briscoe-Mitchell v Constance Briscoe and Hodder & Stoughton as well as Austin Ivereigh v Associated Newspapers. The set may have lost Victoria Sharp QC to the Bench but has in Andrew Caldecott QC "a quite simply outstanding advocate and tactician" who is widely regarded as the cleverest and most formidable performer at the Libel Bar. His "brilliant mind" makes him a top choice for very complex matters and he is regularly instructed in the most high-profile cases, having recently, for example, defended the Guardian against Tesco's libel claims. Richard Rampton QC gets his fair share of the plum work too. This "absolute gentleman" is "consistently excellent in the advice he provides." Solicitors affirm that "he is not intimidated or fazed by any circumstances he faces and is renowned for his ability to deal with large, document-heavy, complex actions." He is currently representing Mohamed Taranissi in his libel claim against the BBC. As well as possessing "attention to detail and thoroughness that are legendary," Stephen Suttle QC "also displays fierce commitment to his client's case." His practice encompasses the full range of media law, as well as related human rights matters. Among the juniors, Manuel Barca is "a pugnacious and skilled advocate who exercises excellent judgement." He takes a "calm and logical approach whilst always retaining a sense of humour," and has been defending the BBC in the libel action brought by Mohamed Taranissi. Like Barca, Catrin Evans "has an enviable reputation and is highly respected by claimants and defendants alike." She possesses "an excellent ability to focus on the key issues in her cases," and has recently worked with Andrew Caldecott QC in defending the Guardian against the libel claims brought by Tesco. Jane Phillips is appreciated for her pragmatism and experience, and for her "ability to see the key issues immediately." One interviewee commented: "I find her easy to discuss ideas or strategies with, and she gets on with clients very well." The bulk of her practice is made up of acting for claimants, although she does also undertake defendant work. Aidan Eardley is another firm favourite with instructing solicitors, who agree that he is "a rising star in the privacy and defamation field as he is incredibly user-friendly, an excellent pleader, and he gets things down beautifully in writing." Harvey Starte, meanwhile, is also making waves as he offers advice that is "always clear, pragmatic and full of common sense." His recent work has included representing the family of a man who committed suicide whilst on holiday, in a privacy and libel claim against the Mirror Group. As "an essential part of the team throughout the progress of a case," Caroline Addy is viewed by clients as "fantastically bright, and someone who really gets involved with the detail of a dispute." She recently acted as junior counsel for Frank Warren in his libel claims against Ray Hatton and the BBC. Joanne Cash is "dependable and assured – she's a formidable barrister with a superb grasp of media law and a very sharp mind." One client commented: "I'm a big fan because we've got some very good results with her." Ian Helme is "a bright, promising junior with good attention to detail," whilst Timothy Atkinson receives praise for his ability to "be tough in a polite way, and to remain quietly persistent." David Glen "seems indestructible. He shows total commitment and a huge capacity to absorb infromation." His practice covers the breadth of media and information law, and he has been acting as junior counsel to the BBC in the Taranissi case. He gains plaudits along with the "proactive and impressive" Sarah Palin, who is "very balanced and able to take things in her stride without being fazed by unexpected things happening." Her noteworthy work has included acting as junior counsel in a successful reporting restrictions judicial review brought by Paul Dacre and Associated Newspapers against Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Finally here, Kate Wilson "brings a greater maturity than one would expect for her call." She "impresses due to the level of her skill and her total thoroughness." "Chambers and Partners 2010 - Defamation/Privacy
"With appellate victories in defamation cases like Curistan, Jeynes and Burstein, One Brick Court has enjoyed an excellent 2008. Andrew Caldecott QC embodies the set’s best values; he has ‘a brilliant mind‘, is ‘always effective‘, and ‘valued and respected by all.‘ Richard Rampton QC and Stephen Suttle QC also remain prominent. The set’s ability to field large teams is evident - Richard Rampton QC, Jane Phillips and Ian Helme for the claimant in Taranissi v BBC, with Manuel Barca and David Glen for the BBC. Barca ‘gives people confidence and in libel, someone who inspires confidence is critical‘. He ‘produces papers when promised with spot-on advice.‘ Catrin Evans is ‘tenacious and personable‘, ‘sound and gifted‘ as a lawyer. Cases like Tesco v Guardian Newspapers and Bond v BBC illustrate the ease with which she fulfils the role of an ideal junior. Sarah Palin’s experience as a journalist gives her ‘unique and extremely helpful perspectives‘; she is ‘technically very able‘. Elsewhere, Joanne Cash is ‘dependable and assured‘; Aidan Eardley is ‘building his reputation‘ and Jane Phillips is ‘highly able, incisive and pragmatic‘. Caroline Addy is also ‘first-rate and commercial‘. Kate Wilson and Ian Helme are also highly recommended for ‘getting stuck in and giving a case their all‘. The clerking is ‘responsive and sensible on fees‘ and noted for ‘responsiveness, helpfulness and efficiency‘." Legal 500 2009/10 - Defamation & Privacy
"With a strong defamation and privacy practice, Andrew Caldecott QC, Catrin Evans and Sarah Palin at One Brick Court represent media clients including Associated Press and Guardian Newspapers, as well as high-profile individuals, notably Sir Alan Sugar." Legal 500 2009/10 - Media, Entertainment & Sport
Chambers is "renowned for its efforts in handling sophisticated defamation and privacy issues, and also covers general media law and breach of confidence matters. Regularly involved in the most talked-about and challenging cases, the set fields some of the best juniors around." Every silk in chambers is recognized in this year's survey, Andrew Caldecott QC "is in a league of his own", Richard Rampton QC, "A genius of a man and a nice guy to deal with", Victoria Sharp QC "disarms even the steeliest of opponents" and Stephen Suttle QC praised as "simply spectacular". There was specific praise for a number of juniors, including Harvey Starte, Manuel Barca, Caroline Addy and Catrin Evans. Chambers and Partners 2009 - Defamation/Privacy
"Solicitors appreciate One Brick Court for its collective expertise and responsiveness, and describe the head of chambers Andrew Caldecott QC as ' the brightest brain in Britain’, who is ' streets ahead in libel law’, ' easy to get along with’ and ' trusted by the courts’. Richard Rampton QC is ' a hugely experienced jury advocate’. The Hon Victoria Sharp QC provides ' concise, robust advice covering every base’. She represented the newspaper in Curistan v Times Newspapers. Manuel Barca is praised for being ' focused and tenacious’. Well-regarded junior Sarah Palin acted in the Martyn Jones MP case. Solicitors praise Stephen Suttle QC as ' one of the cleverest advocates at the bar’. The ' fantastic all-rounder’ Catrin Evans is considered ' tough, bright and articulate’. Jane Phillips is universally appreciated as ' a safe pair of hands’, while Joanne Cash also successfully appeared in Hollingsworth. Freedom of information expert Aidan Eardley 'produces excellent paperwork’. Promising juniors include the ' clear thinking’ Kate Wilson and Ian Helme." Legal 500 2008/9 – Defamation/Privacy
"Market-leading defamation set One Brick Court is also prominent in media and entertainment law, focusing on freedom of information work. Andrew Caldecott QC, described as ' supportive and delightful to work with’, The Hon Victoria Sharp QC and Catrin Evans act for clients including Associated Press and Guardian Newspapers." Legal 500 2008/9 - Media & Entertainment
"According to many, this is “the pre-eminent chambers" for high-profile defamation and privacy cases. Accordingly, it is constantly exposed to serious and interesting matters. Interviewees praised it fulsomely for the depth of experience it has and for its “clutch of sensible personalities." Its team can boast unmatched involvement in the past year’s key defamation trials. Members acted in Sir Martin Sorrell v FullSix SpA and Benatti, an action regarding defamation and privacy. In Lord Browne v Associated Newspapers, barristers from One Brick Court appeared for Associated Newspapers in a key privacy injunction case brought by Lord Browne, Group Chief Executive of BP. The case raised important questions about the extent to which information derived from a claimant`s partner is to be regarded as private or confidential. The group was also involved in Paul McKenna v Mirror Group Newspapers, Boris Berezovsky v Mikhail Fridman and Marion Henry v BBC. "Chambers & Partners 2008 – Defamation/Privacy
"Solicitors praise the 'very, very good’ chambers for its out-of-hours cover and say the clerks 'can always find the right personality for the case and client’." Legal 500 2007/8 – Defamation/Privacy
"Some of the barristers at market-leading defamation and privacy set One Brick Court also have a wealth of experience in media and entertainment law. The 'extremely impressive’ Andrew Caldecott QC maintains an active and high-profile practice. Catrin Evans is active in acting for newspapers, broadcasters and publishers in relation to matters including reporting restrictions. The Hon Victoria Sharp QC is also highly regarded." Legal 500 2007/8 – Media & Entertainment
"Consistency is its hallmark. As one client pointed out: “The lovely thing is that if you can`t get who you want, there is always somebody who is just as good." The set offers “a fantastic fount of technical knowledge," and has historically been seen as “the go-to set for defamation and privacy matters." Instructing solicitors warm to the fact that “the youngsters here are constantly introduced at a competitive rate and quickly build up priceless skills and knowledge."Chambers and Partners 2007 – Defamation/Privacy
"One Brick Court’s members act for newspapers, broadcasters and celebrities, with last year`s highlights including several important cases on the Reynolds privilege, (or the `defence of responsible journalism`). “One Brick Court boasts 'a bunch of extremely talented people all of whom are ready for action.’ Clients applauded its 'great panache and professional know-how,’ with one interviewee stating: 'There is no substitute for the expertise and responsiveness that its juniors can bring to a case.’ The 'crème de la crème,’ it was also commended for its 'hard-work ethic and close ties with clients’." Legal 500 2006/7 – Defamation/Privacy
"A 'popular choice’ for defamation and privacy, this set boasts a 'fabulous breadth and strength’ in the field and offers clients 'some of the best advocates in the country’." Chambers and Partners 2005 – Defamation/Privacy
"One Brick Court has a host of excellent silks and juniors operating in the fields of privacy and defamation." Legal 500 2005 – Defamation/Privacy
Chambers and Partners Bar Awards
One Brick Court has won Defamation/Privacy Chambers of the year in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
We have also won Defamation/Privacy Silk and Junior of the the Year on several occasions.
Andrew Caldecott QC - Silk of the Year 2009
Catrin Evans - Junior of the Year 2008
Andrew Caldecott QC - Silk of the Year 2007
Richard Rampton QC - Silk of the Year 2006
Andrew Caldecott QC - Silk of the Year 2005