Family Law

Leading family law set becomes biggest in England & Wales

4 Paper Buildings, the leading specialist family law set of barristers, is delighted to announce that as from the 1 June 2009 seven international family law barristers formerly of Renaissance Chambers will be joining them. Led by Henry Setright QC, a leading Silk in international family law, and Teertha Gupta, (Chambers and Partners' Family Junior of the year 2008), the new members will augment 4 Paper Buildings' existing team of leading international family barristers, led by Marcus Scott Manderson QC.

The addition of seven experienced practitioners will further strengthen 4 Paper Buildings' international arm, making them the leading family law set in terms of both number of practitioners and range of expertise. Whether in child abduction, international movement of children, leave to permanently remove children to other jurisdictions or seeking protection under the Forced Marriage Act, 4 Paper Buildings is now the unrivalled specialist chambers in international and domestic family law.

Commenting on the arrival of the new members Head of Chambers Jonathan Cohen QC said: I am absolutely delighted that Henry, Teertha and the others have decided to join 4 Paper Buildings. Their arrival complements our existing team of international specialists. It is a natural coming together of like minded leading barristers and we are rightly proud of our expansion. Chambers is now the largest family only set in the country and is able to field experts at all levels in every aspect of family law. In only four years we have increased our number from 37 to 61. Size is not everything but quality is. The reputation of 4 Paper Buildings is based on the market's knowledge that in choosing Counsel from these chambers clients will receive truly expert advice and advocacy at one of the most difficult times in their lives."

The arrival of the seven new practitioners comes two years after Alex Verdan QC and eight other child law specialists joined 4 Paper Buildings from 9 Gough Square.

Henry Setright QC said: "We are all delighted to be joining 4 Paper Buildings which for many years has been a leading family set. We are all excited by the exceptional opportunities that lie ahead. International family law is both complex and rewarding, and the move to this set will allow us to continue to practice at the highest level and now within a Chambers which provides the optimum service for all of its clients, all of the time. The ability we now have to provide a complete service in this area with our new colleagues is unrivalled."

Teertha Gupta said: "Leaving friends in one chambers to move to another is never an easy decision to make. The move to 4 Paper Buildings sees us joining forces with a group of committed professionals, and creating a centre of excellence in international family law. Many of the leading cases in recent years have involved members of 4 Paper Buildings or Renaissance Chambers. I hope that now we are together we can go from strength to strength".

Michael Reeves, Chambers Senior Clerk said: "It is a daunting task to be in charge of clerking the array of talent we now have. I am personally delighted at our recent expansion which will enable my clerking team to provide an even better service to our clients; we have gained in expertise at a time when clients are, more than ever, seeking quality advocacy from specialist practitioners. Chambers is now large but I have no doubt it will retain the friendly, approachable house style that we have become known for. The current developments in the government's approach to family fees for barristers is worrying, but we are confident that by providing quality advocacy we will continue to succeed. Henry, Teertha and the others have been friends with many in chambers for several years. We are a very happy family at 4Paper Buildings and are delighted that they are now part of it."

4 Paper Buildings is consistently ranked as a leading family set of chambers, with over 15 members currently recommended in the legal directories in all areas of family law, as leaders in their fields. Many of the most serious, sensitive and significant family cases in the legal calendar are undertaken by members of 4 Paper Buildings and instructions are received from a diverse array of clients including Government departments, media organizations, the rich and/or famous, parents seeking to prevent children from being removed into care and children's guardians."