Magdalen Chambers ranked as a leading set by the Legal 500

By Lisa Glithero.

For the second year running Magdalen Chambers has been ranked by the respected professional directory, the Legal 500, as a leading set on the Western Circuit, with seven members of chambers, including both joint heads of chambers, being recognised as leading juniors in their fields.

Formed from the merger of Southernhay Chambers and Rougemont Chambers in 2013 – and with more than 40 members, now one of the largest sets on the circuit – Magdalen Chambers is considered by the authors of the Legal 500 to have “gone from strength to strength” and to be “very user-friendly”. Assisted by a clerking team headed by James Basden which was described as “helpful and accommodating” and providing “an excellent service”, chambers was recognised for its strength in the areas of commercial banking and insolvency, construction planning and environment, personal injury and clinical negligence, property and family law, where chambers is considered to be “one of the best sets in the South West for family law” and as being “particularly strong in public law children and financial remedy cases”.

The seven members recognised by the authors are;

• Joint head of chambers Michael Berkley, who was ranked in the commercial, banking and insolvency and property categories and was described as “A very personable and able lawyer” who “undertakes cases concerning adverse possession, boundary disputes, and landlord and tenant matters”
• Joint Head of Chambers Christopher Naish who was recognised for his expertise in family law and described as “effective in court, and good with clients from all walks of life.”
• Rupert Chapman, in the area of family law who was considered to be “A strong all-rounder with extensive knowledge of public and private children law and financial remedies.”
• Gavin Collett for expertise in construction, planning and environment, who is “known for his expertise in planning matters.”
• William Hopkin, recognised for expertise in commercial, banking and insolvency work who, it was said, “provides clear, forthright and sensible advice.”
• Jonathan O’Neill in the area of personal injury and clinical negligence of whom it was said that “it is clear that he is respected by his peers.”
• Tony Ward, in the area of family law who was considered to be “ruthless in cross-examination.”