One Brick Court – Credit: Mike Quinn/Wikimedia

Media and defamation chambers One Brick Court is to close as it anticipates "difficulties" in the near future. 

The Chambers, led by former solicitor general Lord Garnier QC, will shut its doors on June 24, due to what it referred to in a statement as a vulnerability to "unplanned events", which include "recent unexpected departures and a retirement".

The statement continued: "We have decided to anticipate further potential difficulties in the medium- to longer-term future by arranging an orderly dissolution over the next three months.  We would all have wished to carry on, but have regrettably concluded that this is no longer the responsible course to follow."

Ten One Brick Court barristers have departed to rival sets 5RB and Doughty Street Chambers. The seven joining 5RB include Andrew Caldecott QC and juniors Jane Phillips, Aidan Eardley, Kate Wilson, Jonathan Scherbel-Ball, Clara Hamer and Ben Gallop.

In a statement, 5RB joint head Desmond Browne QC said: "The news that One Brick Court will be dissolving has saddened everyone at 5RB. Their members have been our much respected friends and adversaries for many years.

"We are therefore delighted that Andrew Caldecott QC and six of his colleagues have decided to join 5RB. Their arrival will consolidate the reputation of 5RB as the first choice for all aspects of media and communications law, including data protection and freedom of information."

Doughty Street Chambers, meanwhile, has taken Heather Rogers QC and barristers Caroline Addy and Claire Overman. That group will join their new firm on May 1. 

The set has acted for a diverse portfolio of high-profile individuals and organisations, including Deutsche Bank AG and the BBC, as well as national newspapers The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph.