Five more join million-a-year club

The number of barristers earning more than £1m a year has grown by a third in the last year, according to the new Chambers & Partners directory.

There are now 20 silks in the "million-a-year club", an increase of five.

Reena Sen Gupta, the directory's editor, refuses to name those on the list, which will be unveiled tomorrow (28 September) at the directory's launch.

Ric Martin, chambers director at magic circle set Fountain Court says head of chambers Peter Scott QC is likely to be a new addition to the list while Peter Goldsmith QC is knocking on the door.

However, both Essex Court Chambers, which last year had four on the list, and One Essex Court with one, claim not to have increased their number of million pound earners.

Traditionally, the big earners at the bar come from the specialist fields of commercial, tax and IP law.



Chambers has also revealed its shortlist for most improved law firm of the year. They are: Addleshaw Booth & Co, Herbert Smith, DJ Freeman, Bird & Bird, Maclay Murray & Spens, Morgan Cole, Norton Rose, Pinsent Curtis, Paisner & Co and Taylor Joynson Garrett.