Two barristers’ chambers are to merge, forming the second largest commercial set in London and the joint top set for property litigation.
Maitland Chambers and 9 Old Square have voted to join forces, with effect from 1 October 2004.
The set will continue to be known as Maitland Chambers, although 9 Old Square will be referred to on publicity and letterheads for the foreseeable future.
Among commercial sets, the new chambers, with 63 member barristers, will be second in size only to Essex Court, which holds 65 barristers.
The merger also means that, in the rankings in law firm league tables Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, Maitland will become the joint top set for property litigation.
In Chambers & Partners, both Maitland and Falcon Chambers will have 15 barristers recommended for property litigation, while, in The Legal 500, Maitland will have 23 barrister recommendations in property litigation and Falcon Chambers will have 22.
The new Maitland will continue to practice from the three main buildings in Lincoln’s Inn, but will benefit from a major development at 7 Stone Buildings.
Proposed works comprise a reception area, client areas, a clerks’ room and large library facilities.
In addition, the three heads of chambers will continue on a joint basis, while Maitland’s chief executive Peter Bennett and senior clerk Andy Flanagan will manage the merged set and clerking team.
In a recent press release, Bennett stated that the merger had, for the first time, placed a commercial Chancery litigation set at the heart of the “magic circle”.
According to The Legal 500, Maitland has developed a strong reputation for housing some of the best barristers in the field of property litigation.
Hazel Williamson QC, a specialist in rent review, leasehold reform and professional negligence and an Estates Gazette columnist, received the most regular client praise in 2003.
At 9 Old Square, barristers Michael Driscoll QC, Simon Berry QC and Judith Jackson QC also have a long-established status in the field.
In 2002, Jackson and Timothy Harry acted for the Howard de Walden Estates on a successful appeal to the House of Lords regarding an enfranchisement dispute.
Commenting on the merger for 9 Old Square, Driscoll said: “This is a milestone for the Chancery Bar, which will allow the new Maitland with 9 Old Square to offer a unique choice of commercial chancery litigators at every level of call to our clients.”
References: EGi News 03/06/04
