Atkin Chambers has become the first barristers' chambers to receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise, winning recognition in the international trade category for its business performance and sustained growth in overseas earnings.

The 35-member London-based commercial set, which specialises in construction, engineering, shipping, energy and IT, has worked on cases involving 38 countries worldwide. Over the last two years, the set has seen its overseas workload double, while by 2004 45% of its work had an international element.


Recent international briefs have included acting for the Allseas Group in the London Maritime Arbitrators Association case involving the ship Solitaire, where it was instructed by City firm Denton Wilde Sapte, and representing the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority in its case against Impregilo and Others, instructed by US firm White & Case.


The awards are made annually by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an advisory committee that includes representatives from the government, industry and trade unions.


In its application for the award, Atkin Chambers had to submit details of its work, finances and equal opportunities policies, and was inspected by auditors to verify the information.


Robert Akenhead QC, head of chambers, said: 'We were surprised and thrilled to receive this award. I hope that it will be good for the bar as a whole to show that although we are a small profession we do get about and have a presence internationally.'


In previous years, City law firms such as Linklaters, Herbert Smith, and Allen & Overy have received awards in this category.


Visualfiles, a Leeds based company that develops case management systems for the legal industry, received an award this year in the innovation category.



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