Daria Gleyze and Zara Yusuf in High Court pro bono art law dispute

On 22 May 2026, Three Stone’s Daria Gleyze and Zara Yusuf appeared in the High Court pro bono under the auspices of Advocate, to assist a vulnerable applicant in an art law and media-related case.

The applicant, who is an art dealer, faces a number of allegations from well-known TV presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly (Ant & Dec) in relation to a high-end art collection which the applicant assisted them in building. The applicant denies any wrongdoing.

Following a hotly contested hearing, Daria and Zara secured a significant reduction in the applicant’s costs liability, with the amount payable reduced by over half and payment deferred for a rarely seen eight weeks (instead of the standard 14 days). The anonymity order made in favour of the applicant, who cannot be identified publicly and in the media, will also continue until the next hearing. Daria and Zara have obtained directions to support the applicant going forward.

The judge, Mr Richard Farnhill KC (sitting as a Deputy Judge of the Chancery Division) took the opportunity to acknowledge Daria and Zara’s efforts and dedication to the administration of justice, thanking them for their invaluable assistance to the court and emphasising the importance of pro bono representation.

Three Stone continue to support Advocate, the Bar’s pro bono charity, in its vital work in facilitating access to justice and representation for those unable to pay legal fees. Zara Yusuf was recognised by Advocate in the 2026 Recognition List.