By John Malpas
Fountain Court Chambers' proud 72-year-old record of never losing a tenant to a rival set has ended with the departure of Simon Browne-Wilkinson QC to Serle Court Chambers.
Although Browne-Wilkinson's move has caused quite a stir within the Inns of Court, it is being interpreted as a sign of the times, rather than a major setback for Fountain Court, which is one of the big four commercial sets.
"If this had happened 10 years ago it would have been sensational news," said one senior clerk. "But barristers are moving more and more these days."
Browne-Wilkinson, a white-collar crime specialist, said he spent several months agonising over whether to accept an offer to join Serle Court.
He said he had worked closely with several of Serle Court's tenants and his practice fitted.
"I felt that it would be interesting and exciting just to have a change. In most walks of life every once in a while you change jobs," he added.
Both Fountain Court and Serle Court Chambers have been recruiting aggressively recently.
Last year Fountain Court took on aviation silk Michael Crane QC and a junior tenant from 5 Bell Yard.
Head of chambers Anthony Boswood QC said: "Movement between sets of chambers is becoming increasingly common at the Bar. We have already benefited from it and will hope to continue to do so."
Serle Court head of chambers Charles Sparrow QC said: "We have been, and will continue to be, selecting from among the very best at the Bar in order to provide our clients with an in-depth service over a wide field of business-related litigation."