Pump Court Chambers ranked as a leading set in Chambers & Partners 2024

Pump Court Chambers is ranked as a Band 1 set for Family/Matrimonial (Matrimonial Finance and Children) and Ecclesiastical Law and as a leading set for Crime and Employment.

Individually, 25 members of chambers are ranked across the above areas, in addition to Inquests and Public Inquiries and Health and Safety.

Interviewees note that the “legal expertise within the set is second to none.”

Family/Matrimonial

Pump Court Chambers is a market-leading set with a broad family and matrimonial offering which includes public and private children cases, as well as financial matters. Members frequently handle financial disputes involving high-value assets such as businesses, inheritance and overseas properties. The barristers at the set have strong expertise in children law matters, including complex shaken baby, sexual abuse and non-accidental injury cases, as well as relocation and Children Act proceedings. The set’s members “have an ability to take a step back and focus on the big picture, taking a practical approach, but also being sensitive to issues that are important to the client,” comments one interviewee. Another notes that the “legal expertise within the set is second to none.”

Client service

• “Senior clerk Tony Atkins’ team is first class – so responsive to enquiries.”
• “The clerks are always very knowledgeable, helpful, responsive and approachable.”
• “The clerks at Pump Court are the best of any chambers I have used. I know their clerks will be helpful from start to finish.”
• “The clerking is second to none. They are friendly, approachable, professional and willing to work with you.”

Family/Matrimonial (South Eastern)

Pump Court Chambers is a well-respected set with a noted strength in matrimonial finance and children law. The members have impressive expertise in high-value financial remedy proceedings involving a range of assets, as well as pre and post-nuptial agreements, TOLATA and inheritance proceedings. Additionally, members of the set act in complex children law matters, including those related to relocation, child arrangements and parental alienation. A source comments: “A diverse and very well-regarded set of barristers.”

Client service

• “A very professional client service – exceptional.”
• “Very friendly, approachable and efficient.”
• “Always available and accommodating.”
• “The clerks go above and beyond.”

Ecclesiastical Law

Pump Court Chambers houses a group of barristers with established expertise in the consistory courts and the Court of Arches. They are well versed in handling religious discrimination and human rights cases, church property and relic matters, and employment and discipline work as it relates to the clergy. Members of chambers acted for parties who opposed a petition by Jesus College Cambridge to remove a memorial to Tobias Rustat from the college chapel.

Client service

• “The clerks provide excellent service levels and responsiveness.”

Crime

Pump Court Chambers is a well-regarded set noted for its expert handling of a wide range of criminal cases. Members are regularly called upon to act for both the prosecution and defence in cases involving serious crimes such as murder, drugs-related matters and serious sexual offences. Additional areas of strength for the team include fraud and cases relating to serious violence, such as the homicide case in R v Jewell, where the defendant was ultimately convicted of manslaughter. Other recent instructions include representing an individual charged with the attempted murder of her son following a failed ‘mercy killing’.

Client service

• “Clerks Ben Harfield, James May and Tony George run a fantastic ship and are very user friendly.”

Employment

The Winchester-based employment barristers at Pump Court Chambers have achieved great success in gaining notable claimant and respondent-side instructions, appearing in cases relating to disability, victimisation, whistle-blowing detriment and other issues. Among the chambers’ prominent clients are police forces, local authorities and educational establishments. Members recently secured £1.7 million compensation on behalf of the widow of a man who had been dismissed from employment while he had terminal cancer. One interviewee reports “The set has an extremely broad selection of expertise.”

Client service

• “Jonathan Cue and Dean Cunniff are always happy to chat cases through and recommend appropriate individuals to undertake the work required. They have good availability and they like to go the extra mile.”
• “I have been really pleased with the service levels and responsiveness of the clerks.”
• “The clerks are very quick to respond and to assist.”