4 Stone Buildings is ‘an excellent set with strength in depth at all levels’. Its members regularly advise on civil and regulatory banking disputes, as well as major insolvency-related cases. Notable matters include Stanford International Bank (SIB) v HSBC in which Andrew de Mestre KC is representing the liquidators of the Ponzi scheme ran by Allen Stanford in a case (set for trial in 2023) concerning allegations that HSBC breached its Quincecare duties to SIB. In Syndicate Bank v Dansingani John Brisby KC and Alastair Tomson acted on a long-running litigation on behalf of the UK branch of an Indian bank which went to the Court of Appeal in 2021.
‘Excellent chambers -one of the best and as a firm we have used several of their barristers.’
‘The chambers develop very close-knit bonds to their clients and it goes a long way with keeping a long term relationship. They have never failed myself as a client whenever they have suggested counsel.’
‘An excellent set with strength in depth at all levels. I always find the counsel easily accessible and never stand on ceremony when it comes to solving urgent problems.’
‘4 Stone Buildings are an outstanding Chancery set. Most (if not all) of our fee earners regularly instruct their Counsel at all levels, from the most junior members up to Silks. Without exception, their barristers are friendly, easy to work with, and supremely confident and gifted lawyers. They can be flexible and innovative with regard to fee structures and rates, and their clerks always ensure that someone is available, even on very short notice. They always recommend the right person for the job.’
‘4 Stone Buildings’ strength lies in the quality of counsel at both ends of the spectrum.’
LEADING SILKS
Tier 2
Jonathan Crow KC –4 Stone Buildings ‘Fantastic legal mind with a great courtroom manner. Client friendly and an awesome opponent.’
Tier 4
John Brisby KC –4 Stone Buildings ‘John’s oral advocacy and cross examination are par excellence. He pitches his argument to perfection and wins.’
Richard Hill KC –4 Stone Buildings ‘Excellent team leader who is not afraid to get stuck into the details and make his mark on difficult cases; excellent judgment; great courtroom manner which combines forensic precision with a robust approach. Consummate modern advocate.’
Tier 5
Andrew de Mestre KC – 4 Stone Buildings ‘Andrew is outstanding with high-end investment banking cases; he isn’t fazed by complex numbers or esoteric structures and will grapple with the detail as well as the big picture.’
LEADING JUNIORS
Tier 2
Christopher Harrison –4 Stone Buildings ‘Chris is the doyen of section 994 petitions and is able to bring his considerable banking experience to the table to advise his clients.’
Alastair Tomson –4 Stone Buildings ‘A clear and engaging advocate, with deep technical expertise. Always calm under pressure.’
Tier 4
James Knott –4 Stone Buildings ‘James is a pleasure to work with. Very hardworking and diligent. James is technically strong; he quickly grasped the issues in a very complex banking dispute and identified the relevant issues.’
Clerking
‘The clerks Ben Lashmar and Ryan Tunkel are at the top of their game. Very helpful and accommodating and will match counsel with the type of work.’
