The latest publication of Chambers and Partners endorses 9 St John Street’s Commercial and Property team of nine commercial and property experts describing them as ‘specialist litigators... who can assist on an impressive array of commercial and traditional chancery matters, including contentious trust and probate matters as well as insolvency and partnership disputes.’ Overall the team is said to be modern and proactive, offering a “high level of service.”
The Head of Group David Gilchrist, together with James Fryer Spedding and Joanna Vicary also receive individual commendation.
The Chancery guide states:
David Gilchrist
Draws praise as a seasoned commercial and chancery litigator with strengths in property disputes, claims against company directors and complex contractual disputes.
Expertise: "David handles the very complex aspects of a case well. He has strong intellectual abilities."
Recent work: He represented a purchaser in the Court of Appeal in a development dispute which hinged on whether the notice to complete served by the vendor was valid or not.
James Fryer-Spedding
A dedicated chancery practitioner whose practice spans both commercial and traditional matters. He is particularly noted for his skill in property and succession disputes, while insolvency and partnership are equally prominent aspects of his work.
Expertise: "He has mental agility and the ability to put issues across in a very clear way, to grasp the essentials very quickly and to put it in language that non-lawyers can understand."
Recent work: He represented the claimant in a professional negligence claim against a solicitors' firm for negligence surrounding ancillary relief proceedings. The case was settled favourably for the claimant at trial.
Joanna Vicary
An increasingly prominent junior barrister who is making waves in the chancery field. She handles both commercial and traditional work, with contentious probate, property disputes and insolvency work forming the bedrock of her practice.
Expertise: "She has a practical, sustainable, punchy approach." "She is very tenacious and she dug around to find points we hadn't previously appreciated. She is very easy to deal with."
The Commercial guide states:
David Gilchrist
Focuses his practice exclusively on chancery and commercial work. He is noted for the breadth of his experience of commercial disputes, especially with regards to property disputes and derivative claims.
James Fryer-Spedding
A chancery and commercial specialist who receives praise for his extensive experience of commercial disputes, which ranges from insolvency work to contractual claims and property litigation.
Expertise: "He is an extremely strong advocate; responsive, excellent with clients and a pleasure to work with."
The team is assisted by a dedicated team of clerking staff led by Julia Lanza. Chambers and Partners 2014 commended the team’s clerking staff, saying: "The clerking is good and they are not shy about giving estimates or talking money. As a set they don't rest on their laurels; they continue to perform well in the market."
Julia Lanza can be contacted directly on Julia.Lanza@9sjs.com