Chambers & Partners directory 2011 stated that Ian Stern QC "is regarded throughout the field as an "exceptional talent," who is able to prosecute and defend across a range of professions and in front of a variety of professional bodies. Clients marvel that "he never takes a bad point," and further appreciate the fact that he combines a very nice personal manner with the capacity to be "fantastically aggressive in court when appropriate."

In earlier directories he has been described as "highly prized" and as "a skilled operator who smoothes over the wrinkles however fraught the case". "A stalwart of the market, he was recently appointed as silk and is regularly instructed to appear before an array of disciplinary bodies..."

"an exceptional advocate, who puts up a terrific fight", "good at the details" and "clients reported that they are "confident that he has left nothing unconsidered".