One Brick Court, the chambers of Lord Garnier QC, said ‘it is with great sadness’ it has decided to dissolve with effect from 24 June 2019.  One Brick Court is a long-established barristers’ chambers in the heart of the Temple, London, specialising in media and information law. Further details to be released shortly.

Vulnerable

Barristers at One Brick Court pride themselves on being ‘specialists in media, communications and information law. We work at the cutting edge of new and evolving legal developments resulting from the rapidly changing legal and technological landscape.’ A statement noted, ‘for well over a century Chambers has, despite its modest size, provided an exemplary service both to our clients and to the development of the law in our specialist field and numbered among our members many distinguished Judges and leading advocates.’ The statement explained the reasoning, that ‘recent unexpected departures and a retirement have, however, adversely affected the structural balance between leaders and juniors. In the modern era, a small specialist set of Chambers, despite our current financial stability and professional strength, is vulnerable to unplanned events.  We have decided to anticipate further potential difficulties in the medium to longer term future by arranging an orderly dissolution over the next 3 months.  We would all have wished to carry on, but have regrettably concluded that this is no longer the responsible course to follow.’

Painful process

The statement went on to explain, ‘all members of Chambers have been united in seeking to manage this painful process with the minimum disruption to our clients, our current work and our staff.  We would especially like to thank our committed and long-serving clerks and administrator, our many loyal former members, and all those who have instructed Chambers over so many years for their support and understanding. Our current expertise will not be lost, since members will be joining other Chambers in the coming months. Details will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, we will carry on as normal and continue to accept instructions. Our barristers and staff will work with clients to ensure that there is minimal disruption to continuing professional relationships which we hope will continue for many years to come at our new professional homes.’ The chambers’ specialisation in libel goes back to the 1880s when Sir Hugh Fraser published his first book on defamation. Since then members of Chambers have been leading advocates, published important text books, and have included notable appointments to the Bench.