The well-known legal directories, Chambers UK and the Legal 500, both recommend Stone Chambers. We set out below the most recent comments made about Stone Chambers and its members by the editors of those directories.

Chambers UK (2007)

Stone Chambers is listed for its expertise in Shipping & Commodities:-

“Although smaller than its competitors and maybe not quite as visible in the market, this set is nonetheless a genuine force. It has some “very successful players in shipping” at all levels who undertake a rich diet of both wet and dry work. On the wet side in particular, the set is “in a league with the other leading sets.” There is, moreover, additional expertise in relation to the international and domestic sale of goods and commodities, as well as insurance matters. The head of chambers Steven Gee QC is a “formidable brain as well as somebody with a lot of experience.” A considerable amount of his shipping practice is dedicated to dry matters, but he does also undertake wet work. He further possesses specialist expertise on injunctive relief, writing the major textbook in this area. He acted in relation to a fraud case in a shipping context and appeared in the Court of Appeal in Arkin v Borchard Lines, a case raising important competition law issues in the context of the activities of two liner shipping conferences. Primarily known for admiralty work, Elizabeth Blackburn QC is also a “very useful sounding board” on limitation and jurisdiction matters. She is “very able and a particularly easy person to work with.” She was involved in some large shipping casualties, including The Kaminesan, a tripartite collision action currently going ahead in Singapore which arose out of the largest maritime casualty in 2004. She also appeared in The Antigoni and The Tasman Spirit case, and advised Italian lawyers on issues arising out of the construction of a mega yacht. Pollution work is another string to her bow: she continues to advise various Canadian oil multinationals on runoff claims under the now defunct oil industry Contract Regarding an Interim Supplement to Tanker Liability for Oil Pollution (CRISTAL). “Very experienced” Jervis Kay QC handles both wet and dry work, as well as a fair amount of international trade and some commercial matters. Over the past year, he prosecuted Greenpeace protesters for breaches of the Merchant Shipping Act, was tied up in an international trade arbitration and sat as arbitrator in several shipping disputes. Vasanti Selvaratnam QC is well known in shipping circles and a very active member of the London Shipping Law Centre. She specialises in both wet and dry shipping, and is “one of the best wet practitioners in chambers.” She is currently advising Petroplus on a multimillion-dollar commodity dispute concerning an agreement to supply naphtha and LPG. She further appeared in the Court of Appeal in Arkin v Borchard Lines, a case raising important competition law issues in the context of the activities of two liner shipping conferences. “Popular and visible,” Timothy Hill’s practice includes all aspects of dry and wet shipping and international trade work, and has a particular emphasis on commodity disputes, contracts of afreightment and charter party work. This “vigorous and energetic advocate” stands out for his “inventiveness and sense of humour.” He appeared in over 20 cases last year, including The Ken Explorer and The Tasman Spirit, and also handled numerous arbitrations. At the junior end, Rachel Toney acts on an even balance of wet and dry shipping and commercial matters, including some direct work for P&I clubs. She has handled several collision actions and successfully defended a defendant fishing vessel owner in relation to a collision within Holyhead Harbour.”

Steven Gee QC is also listed among the Leading Silks for Commercial Litigation in which field he “is described as a ‘leader in his field’ by lawyers.”  The commentary continues: “A consummate professional in interlocutory injunctions, he is brilliant at outwitting opponents.”His description as a Leading Silk in the Civil Fraud arena states “… increasingly popular, Steven Gee QC … brings ‘an innovative approach to the secural of asset tracing and freezing injunctions.’ A ‘dedicated barrister,’ clients prize his ‘hard work through and through.’…”

Legal 500 (2006)
In the Legal 500’s ‘London Bar Overview’, Stone Chambers is described as a Leading Set.

Stone Chambers is recommended as a Leading Set in the Shipping sector. Barristers Steven Gee QC, Elizabeth Blackburn QC, Jervis Kay QC, John Reeder QC, Vasanti Selvaratnam QC are all listed as Leading Silks, with Timothy Hill, Rachel Toney and Mark Jones also being recommended Leading Juniors. The editors go on to comment:

“… A smaller set, known primarily for wet work, Stone Chambers offers some respected practitioners at affordable rates. Steven Gee QC is an excellent choice for cutting-edge cases involving novel points of law, while John Reeder QC is an authority on salvage loss. 'Extremely thorough and a good advocate', Vasanti Selvaratnam QC is also known for salvage work. Shipping solicitors continue to be impressed by Elizabeth Blackburn QC who is 'always on top of the issues and comes across very well.' Pollution, jurisdictional issues and limitation are her specialities. A commanding presence in the courtroom, Timothy Hill remains the pick of the set's juniors and is considered 'excellent value.' Rachel Toney and Mark Jones continue to build good reputations… ”

Steven Gee QC is also, once again, listed as a Leading Silk for Commercial Litigation.

Chambers UK (2006)

Stone Chambers is listed for its expertise in Shipping & Commodities:-

“This compact and powerful set combines wet and dry shipping expertise with experience across all areas of maritime law. Steven Gee QC was acknowledged as "very confident in himself and certain of his arguments - a stellar presence at the Bar." Peers rated his "excellent brain." Elizabeth Blackburn QC was recognised as a leader in wet disputes and she has undisputed expertise in pollution and jurisdiction matters. Solicitors described her as "extremely competent and thorough." Jervis Kay QC is an authority on the wet shipping side and has an excellent reputation among peers and clients. Vasanti Selvaratnam QC was praised for her "confidence and sheer intellect," two qualities which make her a "great but tough cross-examiner." She recently acted in the 'Starsin' case. Timothy Hill is "very hard-working and popular" while Rachel Toney was acknowledged by market peers to be developing a reputation for attracting high-quality shipping work.”

Steven Gee QC is also listed among the Leading Silks for Commercial Litigation for a practice that includes contractual disputes, banking, reinsurance, fraud and shipping.  He “is especially rated for his injunction expertise.”  He is also described as a Leading Silk in the field of Civil Fraud having received “enthusiastic praise for ‘being a superior advocate to most; he is not only creative on the important asset tracing and freezing injunctions but he also has a great reputation for getting the job done.’ …”

Legal 500 (2005)
In The Legal 500's 'London Bar Overview', Stone Chambers is described as a Leading Set, with the editors going on to describe Chambers as “a small but busy commercial set with a notable shipping practice.”

Stone Chambers is recommended as a Leading Set in the Shipping sector. Barristers Steven Gee QC, Elizabeth Blackburn QC, Jervis Kay QC, John Reeder QC, Vasanti Selvaratnam QC are all listed as Leading Silks, with Timothy Hill, Rachel Toney and Mark Jones also being recommended as Leading Juniors.  The editors go on to comment:

“… Reportedly 'excellent value' Stone Chambers offers a reasonably priced alternative to the larger shipping sets, especially in 'wet' work. Solicitors say that for a case with an interesting point of law there's no-one better than Steven Gee QC. Vasanti Selvaratnam QC is 'expert at presenting salvage cases', while Elizabeth Blackburn QC is 'excellent for pollution and jurisdictional matters'. Jervis Kay QC has a niche specialism in yacht work and 'he's good on the practical stuff; he'll roll up his sleeves and get down to business with the Admiralty judge'. The 'hardworking' Timothy Hill is the set's leading junior. Also now emerging are Rachel Toney and Mark Jones whose time with Ince & Co means he 'knows what solicitors want.' …”

Steven Gee QC is also, once again, listed as a Leading Silk for Commercial Litigation.