Maitland Chambers has hired 3 Stone Buildings’ head of chambers Andrew Twigger QC as exits from the Chancery and commercial set mount.
Sources close to the chambers said 3 Stone is in merger talks with another commercial set and a deal could close by the end of February.
3 Stone has lost a number of members in the last two months including Richard Wilson QC and Constance McDonnell to Serle Court; Fenner Moeran QC, Gilead Cooper QC and Andrew Child to Wilberforce; and Jennifer Seaman to Outer Temple.
Twigger’s exit will leave the set with three silks – Peter Crampin QC, David Lord QC and Norman Palmer QC – plus around 25 members. It is not known who will take over as head of chambers.
The Lawyer understands a group had planned to go to XXIV Old Buildings at the end of last year but the deal fell apart. 13 Old Square and 10 Old Square are also understood to be in talks to take on a number of 3 Stone barristers.
Longstanding senior clerk Andrew Palmer exited last month following an all-members’ meeting on a Sunday in early January. The set is now run by clerks Gary Bateman, Bill Rice and Adie Palmer.
A number of Chancery and commercial sets are experiencing significant instability in London following the shock collapse of 11 Stone Buildings late last year.
The set voted to close its doors in September after more than 40 years in operation, with the majority of members going to Wilberforce and Radcliffe.
A spokesperson from 3 Stone said there had been “no official decision” on plans for the future and added there was no further comment.
Maitland head of chambers Christopher Pymont QC said: “Andrew is an extremely impressive advocate and we’re delighted he will be joining us.”