‘A very good, go-to set, with true bench strength at all levels‘, 3 Verulam Buildings routinely acts in large-value, multi-jurisdictional, complex cases, both at all levels of the English court system and globally. In the leading 2023 COVID-19 business interruption test case London International Exhibition Centre v RSA and others, Adam Kramer KC and rising star William Day acted for the lead claimants. In Argentum Exploration Ltd v The Republic of South Africa, Liisa Lahti was part of the legal team that successfully represented treasure hunters, who resisted South Africa’s state immunity claims in relation to 2,391 bars of silver salvaged from the wreck of the SS Tilawa, which was sunk during World War II. Elsewhere in chambers, Christopher Harris KC and James McWilliams, in Labrador Marine Corporation v Petroserv Marine Inc, are acting for Petroserv in major Commercial Court proceedings concerning Labrador’s entitlement to substantial sums under a promissory note.
Commercial litigation in
London Bar
3 Verulam Buildings
Testimonials
‘Stephen Penson and Stuart Pullum are superb clerks. They intimately understand clients’ needs and are adept at suggesting the best candidates for the mandates at hand – a very strong clerking team.’
‘The clerks are wonderfully helpful. Stephen Penson and Stuart Pullum are amongst the best clerks in London.’
‘Stephen Penson and Lucy Burrows are a dream to work with – responsive, available (even at odd hours) and supremely helpful.’
‘3VB is a very good, go-to set, with true bench strength at all levels.‘
‘Great strength in depth and an impressive junior roster.‘
‘3VB is strong on a number of levels.‘
‘3VB is a set of choice. They have incredible strength in depth and their clerking is second to none.‘
‘The juniors are great and 3VB is rightly renowned as one of the leading sets.‘
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Instructed in the market’s most high-profile disputes, Brick Court Chambers ‘deservedly has an outstanding reputation in the field of commercial litigation‘. In Federal Republic of Nigeria v Process & Industrial Developments, Mark Howard KC, leading Tom Pascoe and Joanne Box, represented Nigeria in a dispute concerning the enforcement of a $9.6bn arbitral award against Nigeria; and in a major boost to chambers, Richard Eschwege KC and Craig Morrison KC both took silk in March 2023. Eschwege KC acts unled for the two principal defendants in a $330m civil fraud claim involving oil trading in West Africa; and Morrison KC’s track record includes representing the Ingenious Media Group and Patrick McKenna in a film production schemes-related dispute, where Ingenious was sued by hundreds of former investors for deceit, misrepresentation, and breach of contract.
Testimonials
‘Paul Dennison is first class.’
‘Paul Dennison is always very helpful and pragmatic.’
‘Paul Dennison does a great job of keeping this set at the very top for levels of service.’
‘Tony Burgess can always be trusted to provide the right solutions.’
‘Brick Court Chambers deservedly has an outstanding reputation in the field of commercial litigation.‘
‘Stellar chambers with amazing strength in depth at all levels.‘
‘Strong clerking team – as is expected from one of the leading commercial sets.‘
‘Brick Court is one of the leading sets. Its barristers combine intellect and just the right amount of aggression to good effect.‘
Work highlights
Essex Court Chambers
Fielding ‘one of the very finest groups of barristers around‘, Essex Court Chambers is a ‘go-to set for anything important or high-value‘. In recent highlights, Joe Smouha KC, leading Ciaran Keller, represented the government of Mozambique in the “Tuna bond case”, its claim against Credit Suisse concerning government-backed loans that were arranged by Credit Suisse and pushed Mozambique into a debt crisis. In The Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Process & Industrial Developments Ltd, Tom Ford was instructed as the most senior junior for Nigeria, which seeks to set aside an $11bn award, on the basis that it and the underlying contract were the result of a massive fraud. Ruth den Besten KC, who recently successfully defended a $1.2bn fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy claim concerning a mining venture in Guinea, was elevated to silk status in March 2023; and in November 2022, commercial dispute resolution junior Matthieu Gregoire joined from 4 New Square Chambers.
Testimonials
‘Katie Myles, in particular, stands out – she is extremely personable, responsive, and efficient at servicing clients’ needs.’
‘Essex Court is a phenomenal set. The quality of the members is unparalleled and this is matched by a fantastic clerking team, led by Joe Ferrigno. A go-to set for anything important or high-value.’
‘The service is invariably excellent, both overall and from the clerks’ room.‘
‘Kevin Grubb is an outstanding diplomat and negotiator.’
‘One of the very finest groups of barristers around.‘
‘Clients receive a superlative level of service from the clerks at Essex Court Chambers.‘
‘Extremely user-friendly clerking team.‘
‘Essex Court Chambers is simply the best of the best.‘
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Sought out to appear in heavyweight Commercial Court, Financial List and Chancery Division cases, Fountain Court Chambers is ‘a top-flight set for commercial work, with excellent silk and junior coverage‘. In Soteria Insurance (formerly CIS General Insurance) v IBM United Kingdom, which concerns a failed IT transformation project, Bankim Thanki KC successfully acted for Soteria in the Court of Appeal on a significant commercial contractual interpretation point. In Federal Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan Chase, one of the Commercial Court’s largest cases of 2022, Rosalind Phelps KC, leading David Murray, successfully represented the defendant bank against the Nigerian Government's $870m-plus claim under the Quincecare duty concerning the Malabu oil scandal. Elevated to silk in March 2023, Simon Atrill KC‘s recent track record includes representing a Saudi royal family member in HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud v Gibbs, a $30m claim against a former Magic Circle firm partner for allegedly misappropriating investment funds.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are impeccable. Sian Huckett and Alfie Harper, in particular, stand out.’
‘Sian Huckett and Alfie Harper are both very responsive and commercial, and just nice people to work with.’
‘Sian Huckett is a pleasure to work with – she is extremely responsive and always looking to find a solution to a problem.’
‘Best chambers in London for commercial litigation.‘
‘Fountain Court is a go-to set for commercial litigation.‘
‘An excellent set from the very junior right up to the top.‘
‘A top-flight set for commercial work, with excellent silk and junior coverage.‘
‘The clerks at Fountain Court are helpful and proactive.‘
Work highlights
One Essex Court
‘A fantastic commercial set with superstars at all levels‘, One Essex Court is ‘a first port of call for any difficult dispute‘. In Virgin Aviation TM Limited & Anr v. Alaska Airlines Inc, Daniel Toledano KC acted for Virgin Enterprises (Virgin) in post-merger, declaratory proceedings over $160m royalty payments pursuant to a trade mark licensing agreement, with Virgin arguing that it is entitled to royalties even if the Virgin brand at issue is no longer in use. In Allianz Global Investors GmbH & others v G4S Limited, Laurence Rabinowitz KC, leading Simon Colton KC and Emma Jones, defended security services company G4S against shareholder claims for over £100m, which arose out of alleged untrue and misleading statements in G4S’s published information. Within the set’s enviable senior junior pool, Nehali Shah, led by Sonia Tolaney KC, is representing Deutsche Bank in a large claim, brought by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (on behalf failed US banks), against several banks and the British Bankers’ Association for alleged manipulation of the USD LIBOR interest rate.
Testimonials
‘Adam Wheeler is superb! He is always happy to help solve a problem, no matter how small!’
‘Jackie Ginty is an excellent clerk.’
‘One Essex Court has an excellent senior clerking team in Darren Burrows and Rob Smith. Both are excellent.’
‘OEC barristers are brilliant at offering practical and comprehensive advice.’
‘Excellent at communications, which enable instructing solicitors to manage client expectations more easily.‘
‘One Essex Court is right at the top of the market – its barristers appear in all the biggest cases.‘
‘One Essex Court is a fantastic commercial set with superstars at all levels.‘
‘A first port of call for any difficult dispute.‘
Work highlights
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk is ‘a very strong commercial set‘. Although particularly well known for its insurance and shipping credentials, the set’s members are also consistently mandated for other heavyweight commercial litigation. In Premia Reinsurance Ltd v Amtrust International Insurance, Ltd, David Edwards KC acts for Premia Reinsurance in an approximately £20m claim regarding its purchase of the legacy business of a number of Lloyd’s syndicates run by another insurer. In the AerCap litigation, over fifty members of chambers (including Gavin Kealey and Clara Benn for AIG, and Richard Waller KC and Michael Ryan for Lloyd’s) are instructed in Commercial Court claims brought by aircraft lessors against their insurance companies and concern the Russian government’s banning of Western aircraft from leaving Russia, effectively expropriating them, after its invasion of Ukraine.
Testimonials
‘The best in the business – Gary Rose always makes clients’ lives easier.’
‘Gary Rose is a very helpful clerk.’
‘The clerks at 7KBW are brilliant – Joe Clayton is always available to speak and a problem solver. He takes time to understand clients’ needs and always identifies an appropriate solution.’
‘They have a terrific set of clerks, with Greg Leyden a standout.’
‘Eddie Johns, Joe Clayton and Gary Rose make sure that clients are well looked after and supported.’
‘7KBW has genuine strength in depth in this area.’
‘7KBW is a premier set in the insurance/reinsurance and general commercial litigation fields.
‘The clerks at 7KBW are very attentive and a pleasure to work with.’
Work highlights
Blackstone Chambers
‘A go-to set for commercial disputes‘, Blackstone Chambers‘ litigators are routinely able to leverage the set’s notable credentials in financial services, City regulation and civil fraud. In an approximately $120m contractual dispute claim involving the use of the Virgin name, recently-elected joint chambers’ head Tom Weisselberg KC acted for Alaska Airways; and in Deposit Guarantee Fund of Ukraine v Bank Frick & anor, Luka Krsljanin, led by Andreas Gledhill KC, succeeded in striking out a claim, which was brought by a Ukrainian liquidator to set aside tens of millions of pounds in payments allegedly made by fraudsters to defendant banks, as a misuse of the Insolvency Act 1986’s section 423 procedure. Adam Baradon KC, who recently led Carmine Conte in a $3bn trial over assets in India, took silk in March 2023.
Testimonials
‘Gary Oliver has some class operators in the clerks’ room.’
‘Rio Sully is great – really responsive, helpful and pragmatic.’
‘Chambers director Mat Swallow is worth singling out – he is obviously well-attuned to the broader needs of law firms and works hard on the set’s behalf.’
‘Blackstone deserves its place at the top of the market. It has a depth of experience through the ranks that truly sets it aside from other sets.’
‘Good service from the clerking team.’
‘Seamless service from top to bottom.’
‘Blackstone is a go-to set for commercial disputes.’
‘Excellent clerking. Always very responsive, commercial, keen to relationship-build, and happy to discuss which counsel might be most appropriate.’
Work highlights
Maitland Chambers
Maitland Chambers‘ ‘barristers are top quality in terms of academic legal argument and advocacy skills‘. In Upham v HSBC UK Bank plc, Matthew Collings KC acted for the claimants in a massive claim brought by over 350 victims of the failed Eclipse Film Finance scheme. Also touching on showbusiness, in Green v White Lantern Film (Britannica) Limited, Edmund Cullen KC was instructed by actress Eva Green in her dispute with a film production company over the aborted production of science fiction film A Patriot; Green is claiming contractual damages from the production company for failing to pay her. Within the junior ranks, Watson Pringle is representing Watchstone Group in a £63m claim for breach of confidence and conspiracy, in relation to the alleged unlawful disclosure of Watchstone’s confidential information by its adviser PwC in secret meetings with Watchstone’s counterparty during a large commercial transaction.
Testimonials
‘Ryan Elliott is very responsive and helpful.’
‘The clerking service is very good. They are responsive when asked for figures at short notice.’
‘John Wiggs is a legend’
‘John Wiggs is outstanding.’
‘Danny Wilkinson is very responsive and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Maitland’s barristers are top quality in terms of academic legal argument and advocacy skills.‘
‘Excellent set and fantastic set of clerks.‘
‘The clerks are great.‘
Work highlights
Serle Court
‘Standout set‘ Serle Court is consistently involved in the market’s most significant disputes, including heavyweight commercial cases before both the Commercial Court and the Business and Property Courts. In Kea v Watson, Elizabeth Jones KC, leading a team of six juniors against three separate teams for the defendants, is representing New Zealand businessman and philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn in various proceedings concerning BVI joint venture company, Spartan Capital. In The Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan, Philip Marshall KC, leading Simon Hattan, represents one of the defendants in a $800m-plus fraud claim, arising out of alleged bribery involving Kuwait’s state pension fund’s investments, while Hugh Norbury KC is acting for the claimant. Senior junior and business disputes specialist, Jennifer Meech, joined chambers in October 2022 from Enterprise Chambers, and in April 2023, head clerk Steve Whitaker retired after 48 years at chambers, with management of the clerking team passed to senior clerks Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler, who are ‘real assets for the set‘.
Testimonials
‘Daniel Wheeler and Nick Hockney are real assets for the set.’
‘Nick Hockney, Daniel Wheeler and Emma Quin are particularly good.’
‘Nick Hockney is an experienced clerk who develops an excellent rapport with solicitors, and Daniel Wheeler is bright and responsive.’
‘Charlie Payne is a rising star as a clerk.’
‘Serle Court is a standout set.‘
‘A first port of call for any offshore matters.‘
‘Serle Court has excellent strength in depth, and the clerks consistently go above and beyond to ensure they can identify available counsel.‘
‘The clerking room is approachable, responsive and flexible. Clients couldn’t rate them more.‘
Work highlights
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex is ‘an excellent chambers for international commercial disputes‘. For major Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases, the set particularly benefits from its members’ private and public international law expertise, including specialisms in jurisdiction, conflicts and enforcement work. In Process & Industrial Developments v Federal Republic of Nigeria, an extremely high-profile $11bn dispute, Philip Riches KC is representing Nigeria, which seeks to set aside the mega-value award made against it on grounds of fraud; and in Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse, Privinvest & others, a high-stakes $2bn Commercial Court claim arising out of the “tuna bond scandal”, involving fraud, bribery, corruption and conspiracy allegations, former head of chambers Duncan Matthews KC is leading Riches and others in the representation of Privinvest in this case.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are excellent. Sam McDowall is particularly helpful and always on hand to help with any queries.’
‘Christopher Theobald is a brilliant clerk – always very helpful in relation to the practicalities of fee arrangements and very responsive.’
‘Anthony Carroll and Robert Wheeler are both excellent.’
‘Excellent depth at all levels.‘
‘The set’s quality is extremely high.‘
‘An excellent chambers for international commercial disputes.‘
‘Excellent clerks.‘
‘The clerks offer a very good service indeed – fast, responsive and friendly.‘
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
One of the largest commercial Chancery chambers in London, Wilberforce Chambers houses ‘a lot of good people for commercial disputes‘. Recent highlights include Alan Gourgey KC, in Arma Partners Limited v Wejo Limited, defending approximately £16m claims over a SPAC transaction, a relatively rare incident of litigation over special purposes acquisition companies. In Suppipat & others v Narongdej & 16 others, Tim Penny KC was leading counsel for the main defendant (as well as the 17th defendant) in a $2bn claim, which arose from an alleged fraud involving a Thai wind farm company. In a boost to the set’s silk ranks, Thomas Grant KC, who has particular experience in heavyweight, multi-party disputes, joined from Maitland Chambers in October 2022.
Testimonials
‘Andrew Barnes, Antonia Matthew, Conor Michaels, Tara Shah and George Salvage are always eager to assist and solve any issues.’
‘Andrew Barnes is particularly enjoyable to work with.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers has a lot of good people for commercial disputes.‘
‘Wilberforce is a wonderful full-service set that engages in a modern and commercial way with instructing solicitors.‘
‘Always able to recommend appropriate counsel at the appropriate level, and communicate cost and time estimates well and fairly.‘
‘The clerks are very approachable and a joy to deal with.‘
‘Excellent clerking and practice management.‘
‘They go out of their way to find suitable Counsels that fit with solicitors’ practises, and – importantly – their approach to litigation.‘
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
‘A leading commercial and Chancery set with a strong offshore presence‘, XXIV Old Buildings consistently acts in high-stakes commercial disputes occurring throughout the world; and in addition to the set’s enviable international arbitration, insolvency and civil fraud credentials, clients additionally benefit from members’ complementary specialisms in partnership, trusts, professional negligence and aviation law. Highlights include Elspeth Talbot Rice KC acting for the ninth, tenth and eleventh defendants in a proprietary claim to the assets of Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky’s insolvent estate. In The Public Institution for Social Security v Al Rajaan, Francis Tregear KC represents a Swiss investment bank in relation to a claim for over $800m that alleges bribery and money laundering against a former investment manager and several international banks and intermediaries. In March 2023, Adam Cloherty KC, who recently acted for the claimant in Akers and others v Samba, a large-value case against a Saudi bank that raised fundamental issues on whether a common law trust can be created over civil law assets, took silk.
Testimonials
‘Good spread of practice areas and excellent clerks.‘
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a favourite chambers – always responsive, helpful, and dedicated to getting the best advice to clients.‘
‘Paul Horsfield, ably supported by James Ladbrook and Perry Brown, are a strong and responsive team. They are very visible at key Chancery events, and their experience and guidance are always very welcome and very reliable.‘
‘The clerks are excellent, with James Ladbrook a particular standout performer.‘
‘The clerks are excellent and extremely responsive.‘
‘The clerks’ room is approachable and commercial – very strong.‘
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a hidden gem – whilst best known for traditional Chancery and offshore work, they have a real depth of talent, from silks to the most junior barrister for all nature of disputes – a go-to set.‘
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a leading commercial and Chancery set with a strong offshore presence.‘
Work highlights
4 New Square Chambers
‘A go-to set for high-end work‘, 4 New Square is consistently sought out by Magic Circle firms and litigation boutiques to handle complex, high-value business disputes that frequently incorporate cross-border issues. In TRW Pension Trust Ltd v Indesit & Others, Ben Elkington KC acted for Askoll TR, the supplier of a component of dishwashers, in a multi-party sale of goods case, where it was alleged that a component was faulty, causing a catastrophic fire in an office block. Elsewhere in chambers, Daniel Saoul KC acted for claimant CMC Spreadbet in a High Court financial trading-related claim against property investor Robert Tchenguiz.
Testimonials
‘Lizzy Stewart is sensible and approachable.’
‘The clerks are first rate – Nick Angliss deserves particular mention.’
‘All the clerks are very good, particularly Christopher Ebdon who is always immensely helpful.’
‘4 New Square is a go-to set for high-end work.‘
‘4 New Square is a very strong set.‘
‘Very affable clerks and they know how to deliver service.‘
‘The clerks go the extra mile.‘
‘A very strong clerking team.‘
Work highlights
4 Stone Buildings
4 Stone Buildings is an ‘excellent chambers with an impeccable reputation for having first-rate advocates‘. The set has a significant track record in major disputes in both the Commercial and Chancery courts, ranging from disputes over commercial contracts, to boardroom fallouts from market disasters. In Dargamo Holdings Ltd v Avonwick Holdings Ltd, Jonathan Crow KC is instructed in an appeal arising from a dispute between three Ukrainian oligarchs, the matter involving complex allegations of deceit, causation issues, and conflicts over choice of law; and in Tribe v Elborne Mitchell, George Bompas KC successfully defended, with an order for indemnity costs, a claim for an increased share of partnership profits by a former partner. Particularly focused on high-value disputes in England and Wales, as well as offshore jurisdictions, Alexander Cook KC took silk in March 2023, while former member Paul Greenwood became an Insolvency and Companies Court judge in October 2022.
Testimonials
‘David Goddard is one of the best known and most capable of senior clerks.’
‘Ben Lashmar makes an excellent deputy to David Goddard.’
‘The clerks are very good.’
‘Ryan Tunkel is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Ryan Tunkel – never had any issues with his level of service. He is attentive and has an excellent relationship with solicitor firms.’
‘Excellent chambers with an impeccable reputation for having first-rate advocates.‘
‘4 Stone Buildings has great strength in depth – excellent barristers at all levels, from senior and junior silks, to senior juniors and junior barristers.‘
‘True experts – impressive professionals across the board.‘
Work highlights
Quadrant Chambers
‘Increasingly considered one of the top all-round commercial litigation sets‘, Quadrant Chambers‘ members were recently particularly active in disputes involving banking, international trade, IT, telecoms, media, LNG, energy, retail and insurance, as well as contractual and joint venture-related claims. In one of the first post-Brexit case concerning the interface between arbitration law and consumer protection law, Simon Rainey KC represented the appellant, art collector Amir Soleymani, in a NFT auction-related claim against Nifty’s crypto trading platform, successfully seeking permission to argue the case before the Court of Appeal; and in SEGRO v Roxhill, Paul Downes KC and Emily Saunderson are both acting in relation to various disputes between property development companies over alleged breaches of warranty and the right to develop sites for logistics centres.
Testimonials
‘Simon Slattery runs a tight ship and is very smooth and personable.’
‘John Walker and Mike Wright are very helpful and open to working with clients’ circumstances when agreeing fees.’
‘Daniel Westerman, in particular, is an absolute star. He is always available and eager to assist, and ensures that all needs, no matter how urgent, are catered to.’
‘Excellent chambers.‘
‘Great strength-in-depth for a variety of disputes, and they also offer innovative training, such as TED-style talks.‘
‘No issues with unexpected counsel availability and they are clerked very well.‘
‘Great set – particularly well known for shipping, but increasingly considered one of the top, all-round commercial litigation sets.‘
‘Very capable barristers and a good clerking team. Clients also find their topical articles and updates very useful.‘
Work highlights
South Square
‘An excellent set of chambers‘, South Square‘s members are routinely involved in heavyweight commercial litigation, particularly cases with banking and financial law aspects. In Emtel Ltd v Cellplus Mobile Telecommunciations Ltd, a Privy Council appeal relating to alleged unlawful cross-subsidies paid under Mauritian law, Aidan Casey KC, who joined the set in June 2022 from 3 Hare Court, is instructed by Cellplus. In BNP Paribas v Uro Property, David Allison KC, led the counsel team representing BNP Paribas (BNP), which refused to release the security on a loan until a make-whole premium of approximately €250m was paid. Another leading silk, Felicity Toube KC is currently acting for the claimants in three sets of heavy litigation concerning the NMC Health scandal.
Testimonials
‘Dylan Playfoot is very reliable, and always gives excellent intelligence on likely lead times on hearings and the navigation of tricky practical challenges in the courts.’
‘Dylan Playfoot and Marco Malatesta stand out, but they are all excellent.’
‘William Mackinlay, Dylan Playfoot and Lewis Madle are all very personable and responsive.’
‘All of the clerks are amazing. Particular shout-out to Dylan Playfoot and Luke Clark.’
‘An unmatched depth of talent and they are all superb.‘
‘South Square is an excellent set of chambers.‘
‘Without a doubt the best clerking room.‘
‘Pragmatic, commercial, reasonable, friendly, responsive, and flexible clerks. Everything that you could wish for.‘
4 Pump Court
A ‘very good set with lots of depth‘, 4 Pump Court is ‘strong at both KC and junior level‘. In recent highlights, Nigel Tozzi KC defended Brightline Holdings against a $250m-plus claim that was brought by Virgin Enterprises, in relation to a trade mark licence agreement for the use of its name and brand in the US; and Laurence Page acted for the claimant in a £200m FSMA class action relating to an allegedly negligent share prospectus, which was said to have led to the defendant's share price being listed at an inflated level. In a boost to chambers, senior commercial and chancery silk, Simon Davenport KC, joined in May 2023 from 3 Hare Court.
Testimonials
‘Mark Latham and Richard Sumarno, in particular, are always super-responsive and willing to work with clients to find a solution.’
‘Excellent – particularly Mark Latham, who always responds quickly and is extremely personable.’
‘Sam Penny is an outstanding clerk, who is extremely approachable and passionate about his work. Nothing is too much of an ask for Sam, and his responses and follow-ups on matters are quick.’
‘Niki Merison is a good clerk, who is very easy to deal with and follows up on matters quickly.’
‘Very strong at all levels and always responds quickly and with enthusiasm.‘
‘4 Pump Court is a very strong set.‘
‘Very good set with lots of depth.‘
‘Strong at both KC and junior level.‘
Work highlights
Erskine Chambers
‘Unrivalled for technical ability‘, Erskine Chambers is ‘a go-to chambers for corporate matters‘. In a landmark Supreme Court ruling on directors’ duties to act in creditors’ interests, Andrew Thompson KC appeared for the appellant in BTI Industries v Sequana, a $80m claim regarding dividends that were allegedly paid in breach of fiduciary duty. Several members of the set are involved in the multi-faceted litigation surrounding the collapse of Carillion - James Potts KC is leading Andrew Blake in the representation of the company's former finance director in ongoing directors’ disqualification proceedings.
Testimonials
‘Seamus Nixon is very good to deal with.’
‘Unrivalled for technical ability.‘
‘A go-to chambers for corporate matters.‘
‘The clerks and juniors who assist are very good.‘
‘A very strong company law set.‘
‘A historically excellent set.‘
‘The juniors are all very bright and responsive.‘
‘The service from the clerks has always been courteous and efficient.‘
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers‘ commercial disputes work covers both domestic and international disputes, including the Middle East, Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Gibraltar. In, reportedly, the largest case the London Commercial Court has handled to date, Nigel Jones KC is instructed to represent Sanjay Shah, a British hedge fund manager based in Dubai, and his 22 internationally-based companies, against a £2bn claim (including interest), arising from successful applications for the reimbursement of dividend tax from Denmark’s tax authorities which they allege amounts to fraud. Turning to the set’s juniors, Charles Raffin is defending Logan Ravishankar against a range of claims brought by the Motopark Academy team in connection with Ravishankar’s son’s proposed drive with the team in the 2020 Euroformula Open Championship season.
Littleton Chambers
Consistently instructed in high-profile cases at the commercial Bar, Littleton Chambers‘ commercial group is particularly focused on complex, multi-party international claims involving contract, civil fraud, banking, and shareholder disputes. In Athena Capital Fund v Secretariat of the Holy See, reportedly dubbed the "Vatican’s Trial of the Century", Charles Samek KC represented a Swiss businessman in a case that concerning its financial investments in London’s property market; the Vatican alleges that the seller of the properties fraudulently inflated the price of a former Harrods warehouse. Jonathan Cohen KC, leading Ashley Cukier, acted for Sportfive, an operator of digital advertising boards, in its claim for an injunction against Nottingham Forest to prevent it from operating the advertising boards itself and terminating its contract with the company.
Work highlights
3 Verulam Buildings
Testimonials
‘Stephen Penson and Stuart Pullum are superb clerks. They intimately understand clients’ needs and are adept at suggesting the best candidates for the mandates at hand – a very strong clerking team.’
‘The clerks are wonderfully helpful. Stephen Penson and Stuart Pullum are amongst the best clerks in London.’
‘Stephen Penson and Lucy Burrows are a dream to work with – responsive, available (even at odd hours) and supremely helpful.’
‘3VB is a very good, go-to set, with true bench strength at all levels.‘
‘Great strength in depth and an impressive junior roster.‘
‘3VB is strong on a number of levels.‘
‘3VB is a set of choice. They have incredible strength in depth and their clerking is second to none.‘
‘The juniors are great and 3VB is rightly renowned as one of the leading sets.‘
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Instructed in the market’s most high-profile disputes, Brick Court Chambers ‘deservedly has an outstanding reputation in the field of commercial litigation‘. In Federal Republic of Nigeria v Process & Industrial Developments, Mark Howard KC, leading Tom Pascoe and Joanne Box, represented Nigeria in a dispute concerning the enforcement of a $9.6bn arbitral award against Nigeria; and in a major boost to chambers, Richard Eschwege KC and Craig Morrison KC both took silk in March 2023. Eschwege KC acts unled for the two principal defendants in a $330m civil fraud claim involving oil trading in West Africa; and Morrison KC’s track record includes representing the Ingenious Media Group and Patrick McKenna in a film production schemes-related dispute, where Ingenious was sued by hundreds of former investors for deceit, misrepresentation, and breach of contract.
Testimonials
‘Paul Dennison is first class.’
‘Paul Dennison is always very helpful and pragmatic.’
‘Paul Dennison does a great job of keeping this set at the very top for levels of service.’
‘Tony Burgess can always be trusted to provide the right solutions.’
‘Brick Court Chambers deservedly has an outstanding reputation in the field of commercial litigation.‘
‘Stellar chambers with amazing strength in depth at all levels.‘
‘Strong clerking team – as is expected from one of the leading commercial sets.‘
‘Brick Court is one of the leading sets. Its barristers combine intellect and just the right amount of aggression to good effect.‘
Work highlights
Essex Court Chambers
Fielding ‘one of the very finest groups of barristers around‘, Essex Court Chambers is a ‘go-to set for anything important or high-value‘. In recent highlights, Joe Smouha KC, leading Ciaran Keller, represented the government of Mozambique in the “Tuna bond case”, its claim against Credit Suisse concerning government-backed loans that were arranged by Credit Suisse and pushed Mozambique into a debt crisis. In The Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Process & Industrial Developments Ltd, Tom Ford was instructed as the most senior junior for Nigeria, which seeks to set aside an $11bn award, on the basis that it and the underlying contract were the result of a massive fraud. Ruth den Besten KC, who recently successfully defended a $1.2bn fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy claim concerning a mining venture in Guinea, was elevated to silk status in March 2023; and in November 2022, commercial dispute resolution junior Matthieu Gregoire joined from 4 New Square Chambers.
Testimonials
‘Katie Myles, in particular, stands out – she is extremely personable, responsive, and efficient at servicing clients’ needs.’
‘Essex Court is a phenomenal set. The quality of the members is unparalleled and this is matched by a fantastic clerking team, led by Joe Ferrigno. A go-to set for anything important or high-value.’
‘The service is invariably excellent, both overall and from the clerks’ room.‘
‘Kevin Grubb is an outstanding diplomat and negotiator.’
‘One of the very finest groups of barristers around.‘
‘Clients receive a superlative level of service from the clerks at Essex Court Chambers.‘
‘Extremely user-friendly clerking team.‘
‘Essex Court Chambers is simply the best of the best.‘
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Sought out to appear in heavyweight Commercial Court, Financial List and Chancery Division cases, Fountain Court Chambers is ‘a top-flight set for commercial work, with excellent silk and junior coverage‘. In Soteria Insurance (formerly CIS General Insurance) v IBM United Kingdom, which concerns a failed IT transformation project, Bankim Thanki KC successfully acted for Soteria in the Court of Appeal on a significant commercial contractual interpretation point. In Federal Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan Chase, one of the Commercial Court’s largest cases of 2022, Rosalind Phelps KC, leading David Murray, successfully represented the defendant bank against the Nigerian Government's $870m-plus claim under the Quincecare duty concerning the Malabu oil scandal. Elevated to silk in March 2023, Simon Atrill KC‘s recent track record includes representing a Saudi royal family member in HRH Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud v Gibbs, a $30m claim against a former Magic Circle firm partner for allegedly misappropriating investment funds.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are impeccable. Sian Huckett and Alfie Harper, in particular, stand out.’
‘Sian Huckett and Alfie Harper are both very responsive and commercial, and just nice people to work with.’
‘Sian Huckett is a pleasure to work with – she is extremely responsive and always looking to find a solution to a problem.’
‘Best chambers in London for commercial litigation.‘
‘Fountain Court is a go-to set for commercial litigation.‘
‘An excellent set from the very junior right up to the top.‘
‘A top-flight set for commercial work, with excellent silk and junior coverage.‘
‘The clerks at Fountain Court are helpful and proactive.‘
Work highlights
One Essex Court
‘A fantastic commercial set with superstars at all levels‘, One Essex Court is ‘a first port of call for any difficult dispute‘. In Virgin Aviation TM Limited & Anr v. Alaska Airlines Inc, Daniel Toledano KC acted for Virgin Enterprises (Virgin) in post-merger, declaratory proceedings over $160m royalty payments pursuant to a trade mark licensing agreement, with Virgin arguing that it is entitled to royalties even if the Virgin brand at issue is no longer in use. In Allianz Global Investors GmbH & others v G4S Limited, Laurence Rabinowitz KC, leading Simon Colton KC and Emma Jones, defended security services company G4S against shareholder claims for over £100m, which arose out of alleged untrue and misleading statements in G4S’s published information. Within the set’s enviable senior junior pool, Nehali Shah, led by Sonia Tolaney KC, is representing Deutsche Bank in a large claim, brought by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (on behalf failed US banks), against several banks and the British Bankers’ Association for alleged manipulation of the USD LIBOR interest rate.
Testimonials
‘Adam Wheeler is superb! He is always happy to help solve a problem, no matter how small!’
‘Jackie Ginty is an excellent clerk.’
‘One Essex Court has an excellent senior clerking team in Darren Burrows and Rob Smith. Both are excellent.’
‘OEC barristers are brilliant at offering practical and comprehensive advice.’
‘Excellent at communications, which enable instructing solicitors to manage client expectations more easily.‘
‘One Essex Court is right at the top of the market – its barristers appear in all the biggest cases.‘
‘One Essex Court is a fantastic commercial set with superstars at all levels.‘
‘A first port of call for any difficult dispute.‘
Work highlights
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk is ‘a very strong commercial set‘. Although particularly well known for its insurance and shipping credentials, the set’s members are also consistently mandated for other heavyweight commercial litigation. In Premia Reinsurance Ltd v Amtrust International Insurance, Ltd, David Edwards KC acts for Premia Reinsurance in an approximately £20m claim regarding its purchase of the legacy business of a number of Lloyd’s syndicates run by another insurer. In the AerCap litigation, over fifty members of chambers (including Gavin Kealey and Clara Benn for AIG, and Richard Waller KC and Michael Ryan for Lloyd’s) are instructed in Commercial Court claims brought by aircraft lessors against their insurance companies and concern the Russian government’s banning of Western aircraft from leaving Russia, effectively expropriating them, after its invasion of Ukraine.
Testimonials
‘The best in the business – Gary Rose always makes clients’ lives easier.’
‘Gary Rose is a very helpful clerk.’
‘The clerks at 7KBW are brilliant – Joe Clayton is always available to speak and a problem solver. He takes time to understand clients’ needs and always identifies an appropriate solution.’
‘They have a terrific set of clerks, with Greg Leyden a standout.’
‘Eddie Johns, Joe Clayton and Gary Rose make sure that clients are well looked after and supported.’
‘7KBW has genuine strength in depth in this area.’
‘7KBW is a premier set in the insurance/reinsurance and general commercial litigation fields.
‘The clerks at 7KBW are very attentive and a pleasure to work with.’
Work highlights
Blackstone Chambers
‘A go-to set for commercial disputes‘, Blackstone Chambers‘ litigators are routinely able to leverage the set’s notable credentials in financial services, City regulation and civil fraud. In an approximately $120m contractual dispute claim involving the use of the Virgin name, recently-elected joint chambers’ head Tom Weisselberg KC acted for Alaska Airways; and in Deposit Guarantee Fund of Ukraine v Bank Frick & anor, Luka Krsljanin, led by Andreas Gledhill KC, succeeded in striking out a claim, which was brought by a Ukrainian liquidator to set aside tens of millions of pounds in payments allegedly made by fraudsters to defendant banks, as a misuse of the Insolvency Act 1986’s section 423 procedure. Adam Baradon KC, who recently led Carmine Conte in a $3bn trial over assets in India, took silk in March 2023.
Testimonials
‘Gary Oliver has some class operators in the clerks’ room.’
‘Rio Sully is great – really responsive, helpful and pragmatic.’
‘Chambers director Mat Swallow is worth singling out – he is obviously well-attuned to the broader needs of law firms and works hard on the set’s behalf.’
‘Blackstone deserves its place at the top of the market. It has a depth of experience through the ranks that truly sets it aside from other sets.’
‘Good service from the clerking team.’
‘Seamless service from top to bottom.’
‘Blackstone is a go-to set for commercial disputes.’
‘Excellent clerking. Always very responsive, commercial, keen to relationship-build, and happy to discuss which counsel might be most appropriate.’
Work highlights
Maitland Chambers
Maitland Chambers‘ ‘barristers are top quality in terms of academic legal argument and advocacy skills‘. In Upham v HSBC UK Bank plc, Matthew Collings KC acted for the claimants in a massive claim brought by over 350 victims of the failed Eclipse Film Finance scheme. Also touching on showbusiness, in Green v White Lantern Film (Britannica) Limited, Edmund Cullen KC was instructed by actress Eva Green in her dispute with a film production company over the aborted production of science fiction film A Patriot; Green is claiming contractual damages from the production company for failing to pay her. Within the junior ranks, Watson Pringle is representing Watchstone Group in a £63m claim for breach of confidence and conspiracy, in relation to the alleged unlawful disclosure of Watchstone’s confidential information by its adviser PwC in secret meetings with Watchstone’s counterparty during a large commercial transaction.
Testimonials
‘Ryan Elliott is very responsive and helpful.’
‘The clerking service is very good. They are responsive when asked for figures at short notice.’
‘John Wiggs is a legend’
‘John Wiggs is outstanding.’
‘Danny Wilkinson is very responsive and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Maitland’s barristers are top quality in terms of academic legal argument and advocacy skills.‘
‘Excellent set and fantastic set of clerks.‘
‘The clerks are great.‘
Work highlights
Serle Court
‘Standout set‘ Serle Court is consistently involved in the market’s most significant disputes, including heavyweight commercial cases before both the Commercial Court and the Business and Property Courts. In Kea v Watson, Elizabeth Jones KC, leading a team of six juniors against three separate teams for the defendants, is representing New Zealand businessman and philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn in various proceedings concerning BVI joint venture company, Spartan Capital. In The Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan, Philip Marshall KC, leading Simon Hattan, represents one of the defendants in a $800m-plus fraud claim, arising out of alleged bribery involving Kuwait’s state pension fund’s investments, while Hugh Norbury KC is acting for the claimant. Senior junior and business disputes specialist, Jennifer Meech, joined chambers in October 2022 from Enterprise Chambers, and in April 2023, head clerk Steve Whitaker retired after 48 years at chambers, with management of the clerking team passed to senior clerks Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler, who are ‘real assets for the set‘.
Testimonials
‘Daniel Wheeler and Nick Hockney are real assets for the set.’
‘Nick Hockney, Daniel Wheeler and Emma Quin are particularly good.’
‘Nick Hockney is an experienced clerk who develops an excellent rapport with solicitors, and Daniel Wheeler is bright and responsive.’
‘Charlie Payne is a rising star as a clerk.’
‘Serle Court is a standout set.‘
‘A first port of call for any offshore matters.‘
‘Serle Court has excellent strength in depth, and the clerks consistently go above and beyond to ensure they can identify available counsel.‘
‘The clerking room is approachable, responsive and flexible. Clients couldn’t rate them more.‘
Work highlights
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex is ‘an excellent chambers for international commercial disputes‘. For major Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases, the set particularly benefits from its members’ private and public international law expertise, including specialisms in jurisdiction, conflicts and enforcement work. In Process & Industrial Developments v Federal Republic of Nigeria, an extremely high-profile $11bn dispute, Philip Riches KC is representing Nigeria, which seeks to set aside the mega-value award made against it on grounds of fraud; and in Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse, Privinvest & others, a high-stakes $2bn Commercial Court claim arising out of the “tuna bond scandal”, involving fraud, bribery, corruption and conspiracy allegations, former head of chambers Duncan Matthews KC is leading Riches and others in the representation of Privinvest in this case.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are excellent. Sam McDowall is particularly helpful and always on hand to help with any queries.’
‘Christopher Theobald is a brilliant clerk – always very helpful in relation to the practicalities of fee arrangements and very responsive.’
‘Anthony Carroll and Robert Wheeler are both excellent.’
‘Excellent depth at all levels.‘
‘The set’s quality is extremely high.‘
‘An excellent chambers for international commercial disputes.‘
‘Excellent clerks.‘
‘The clerks offer a very good service indeed – fast, responsive and friendly.‘
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
One of the largest commercial Chancery chambers in London, Wilberforce Chambers houses ‘a lot of good people for commercial disputes‘. Recent highlights include Alan Gourgey KC, in Arma Partners Limited v Wejo Limited, defending approximately £16m claims over a SPAC transaction, a relatively rare incident of litigation over special purposes acquisition companies. In Suppipat & others v Narongdej & 16 others, Tim Penny KC was leading counsel for the main defendant (as well as the 17th defendant) in a $2bn claim, which arose from an alleged fraud involving a Thai wind farm company. In a boost to the set’s silk ranks, Thomas Grant KC, who has particular experience in heavyweight, multi-party disputes, joined from Maitland Chambers in October 2022.
Testimonials
‘Andrew Barnes, Antonia Matthew, Conor Michaels, Tara Shah and George Salvage are always eager to assist and solve any issues.’
‘Andrew Barnes is particularly enjoyable to work with.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers has a lot of good people for commercial disputes.‘
‘Wilberforce is a wonderful full-service set that engages in a modern and commercial way with instructing solicitors.‘
‘Always able to recommend appropriate counsel at the appropriate level, and communicate cost and time estimates well and fairly.‘
‘The clerks are very approachable and a joy to deal with.‘
‘Excellent clerking and practice management.‘
‘They go out of their way to find suitable Counsels that fit with solicitors’ practises, and – importantly – their approach to litigation.‘
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
‘A leading commercial and Chancery set with a strong offshore presence‘, XXIV Old Buildings consistently acts in high-stakes commercial disputes occurring throughout the world; and in addition to the set’s enviable international arbitration, insolvency and civil fraud credentials, clients additionally benefit from members’ complementary specialisms in partnership, trusts, professional negligence and aviation law. Highlights include Elspeth Talbot Rice KC acting for the ninth, tenth and eleventh defendants in a proprietary claim to the assets of Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky’s insolvent estate. In The Public Institution for Social Security v Al Rajaan, Francis Tregear KC represents a Swiss investment bank in relation to a claim for over $800m that alleges bribery and money laundering against a former investment manager and several international banks and intermediaries. In March 2023, Adam Cloherty KC, who recently acted for the claimant in Akers and others v Samba, a large-value case against a Saudi bank that raised fundamental issues on whether a common law trust can be created over civil law assets, took silk.
Testimonials
‘Good spread of practice areas and excellent clerks.‘
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a favourite chambers – always responsive, helpful, and dedicated to getting the best advice to clients.‘
‘Paul Horsfield, ably supported by James Ladbrook and Perry Brown, are a strong and responsive team. They are very visible at key Chancery events, and their experience and guidance are always very welcome and very reliable.‘
‘The clerks are excellent, with James Ladbrook a particular standout performer.‘
‘The clerks are excellent and extremely responsive.‘
‘The clerks’ room is approachable and commercial – very strong.‘
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a hidden gem – whilst best known for traditional Chancery and offshore work, they have a real depth of talent, from silks to the most junior barrister for all nature of disputes – a go-to set.‘
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a leading commercial and Chancery set with a strong offshore presence.‘
Work highlights
4 New Square Chambers
‘A go-to set for high-end work‘, 4 New Square is consistently sought out by Magic Circle firms and litigation boutiques to handle complex, high-value business disputes that frequently incorporate cross-border issues. In TRW Pension Trust Ltd v Indesit & Others, Ben Elkington KC acted for Askoll TR, the supplier of a component of dishwashers, in a multi-party sale of goods case, where it was alleged that a component was faulty, causing a catastrophic fire in an office block. Elsewhere in chambers, Daniel Saoul KC acted for claimant CMC Spreadbet in a High Court financial trading-related claim against property investor Robert Tchenguiz.
Testimonials
‘Lizzy Stewart is sensible and approachable.’
‘The clerks are first rate – Nick Angliss deserves particular mention.’
‘All the clerks are very good, particularly Christopher Ebdon who is always immensely helpful.’
‘4 New Square is a go-to set for high-end work.‘
‘4 New Square is a very strong set.‘
‘Very affable clerks and they know how to deliver service.‘
‘The clerks go the extra mile.‘
‘A very strong clerking team.‘
Work highlights
4 Stone Buildings
4 Stone Buildings is an ‘excellent chambers with an impeccable reputation for having first-rate advocates‘. The set has a significant track record in major disputes in both the Commercial and Chancery courts, ranging from disputes over commercial contracts, to boardroom fallouts from market disasters. In Dargamo Holdings Ltd v Avonwick Holdings Ltd, Jonathan Crow KC is instructed in an appeal arising from a dispute between three Ukrainian oligarchs, the matter involving complex allegations of deceit, causation issues, and conflicts over choice of law; and in Tribe v Elborne Mitchell, George Bompas KC successfully defended, with an order for indemnity costs, a claim for an increased share of partnership profits by a former partner. Particularly focused on high-value disputes in England and Wales, as well as offshore jurisdictions, Alexander Cook KC took silk in March 2023, while former member Paul Greenwood became an Insolvency and Companies Court judge in October 2022.
Testimonials
‘David Goddard is one of the best known and most capable of senior clerks.’
‘Ben Lashmar makes an excellent deputy to David Goddard.’
‘The clerks are very good.’
‘Ryan Tunkel is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Ryan Tunkel – never had any issues with his level of service. He is attentive and has an excellent relationship with solicitor firms.’
‘Excellent chambers with an impeccable reputation for having first-rate advocates.‘
‘4 Stone Buildings has great strength in depth – excellent barristers at all levels, from senior and junior silks, to senior juniors and junior barristers.‘
‘True experts – impressive professionals across the board.‘
Work highlights
Quadrant Chambers
‘Increasingly considered one of the top all-round commercial litigation sets‘, Quadrant Chambers‘ members were recently particularly active in disputes involving banking, international trade, IT, telecoms, media, LNG, energy, retail and insurance, as well as contractual and joint venture-related claims. In one of the first post-Brexit case concerning the interface between arbitration law and consumer protection law, Simon Rainey KC represented the appellant, art collector Amir Soleymani, in a NFT auction-related claim against Nifty’s crypto trading platform, successfully seeking permission to argue the case before the Court of Appeal; and in SEGRO v Roxhill, Paul Downes KC and Emily Saunderson are both acting in relation to various disputes between property development companies over alleged breaches of warranty and the right to develop sites for logistics centres.
Testimonials
‘Simon Slattery runs a tight ship and is very smooth and personable.’
‘John Walker and Mike Wright are very helpful and open to working with clients’ circumstances when agreeing fees.’
‘Daniel Westerman, in particular, is an absolute star. He is always available and eager to assist, and ensures that all needs, no matter how urgent, are catered to.’
‘Excellent chambers.‘
‘Great strength-in-depth for a variety of disputes, and they also offer innovative training, such as TED-style talks.‘
‘No issues with unexpected counsel availability and they are clerked very well.‘
‘Great set – particularly well known for shipping, but increasingly considered one of the top, all-round commercial litigation sets.‘
‘Very capable barristers and a good clerking team. Clients also find their topical articles and updates very useful.‘
Work highlights
South Square
‘An excellent set of chambers‘, South Square‘s members are routinely involved in heavyweight commercial litigation, particularly cases with banking and financial law aspects. In Emtel Ltd v Cellplus Mobile Telecommunciations Ltd, a Privy Council appeal relating to alleged unlawful cross-subsidies paid under Mauritian law, Aidan Casey KC, who joined the set in June 2022 from 3 Hare Court, is instructed by Cellplus. In BNP Paribas v Uro Property, David Allison KC, led the counsel team representing BNP Paribas (BNP), which refused to release the security on a loan until a make-whole premium of approximately €250m was paid. Another leading silk, Felicity Toube KC is currently acting for the claimants in three sets of heavy litigation concerning the NMC Health scandal.
Testimonials
‘Dylan Playfoot is very reliable, and always gives excellent intelligence on likely lead times on hearings and the navigation of tricky practical challenges in the courts.’
‘Dylan Playfoot and Marco Malatesta stand out, but they are all excellent.’
‘William Mackinlay, Dylan Playfoot and Lewis Madle are all very personable and responsive.’
‘All of the clerks are amazing. Particular shout-out to Dylan Playfoot and Luke Clark.’
‘An unmatched depth of talent and they are all superb.‘
‘South Square is an excellent set of chambers.‘
‘Without a doubt the best clerking room.‘
‘Pragmatic, commercial, reasonable, friendly, responsive, and flexible clerks. Everything that you could wish for.‘
4 Pump Court
A ‘very good set with lots of depth‘, 4 Pump Court is ‘strong at both KC and junior level‘. In recent highlights, Nigel Tozzi KC defended Brightline Holdings against a $250m-plus claim that was brought by Virgin Enterprises, in relation to a trade mark licence agreement for the use of its name and brand in the US; and Laurence Page acted for the claimant in a £200m FSMA class action relating to an allegedly negligent share prospectus, which was said to have led to the defendant's share price being listed at an inflated level. In a boost to chambers, senior commercial and chancery silk, Simon Davenport KC, joined in May 2023 from 3 Hare Court.
Testimonials
‘Mark Latham and Richard Sumarno, in particular, are always super-responsive and willing to work with clients to find a solution.’
‘Excellent – particularly Mark Latham, who always responds quickly and is extremely personable.’
‘Sam Penny is an outstanding clerk, who is extremely approachable and passionate about his work. Nothing is too much of an ask for Sam, and his responses and follow-ups on matters are quick.’
‘Niki Merison is a good clerk, who is very easy to deal with and follows up on matters quickly.’
‘Very strong at all levels and always responds quickly and with enthusiasm.‘
‘4 Pump Court is a very strong set.‘
‘Very good set with lots of depth.‘
‘Strong at both KC and junior level.‘
Work highlights
Erskine Chambers
‘Unrivalled for technical ability‘, Erskine Chambers is ‘a go-to chambers for corporate matters‘. In a landmark Supreme Court ruling on directors’ duties to act in creditors’ interests, Andrew Thompson KC appeared for the appellant in BTI Industries v Sequana, a $80m claim regarding dividends that were allegedly paid in breach of fiduciary duty. Several members of the set are involved in the multi-faceted litigation surrounding the collapse of Carillion - James Potts KC is leading Andrew Blake in the representation of the company's former finance director in ongoing directors’ disqualification proceedings.
Testimonials
‘Seamus Nixon is very good to deal with.’
‘Unrivalled for technical ability.‘
‘A go-to chambers for corporate matters.‘
‘The clerks and juniors who assist are very good.‘
‘A very strong company law set.‘
‘A historically excellent set.‘
‘The juniors are all very bright and responsive.‘
‘The service from the clerks has always been courteous and efficient.‘
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers‘ commercial disputes work covers both domestic and international disputes, including the Middle East, Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Gibraltar. In, reportedly, the largest case the London Commercial Court has handled to date, Nigel Jones KC is instructed to represent Sanjay Shah, a British hedge fund manager based in Dubai, and his 22 internationally-based companies, against a £2bn claim (including interest), arising from successful applications for the reimbursement of dividend tax from Denmark’s tax authorities which they allege amounts to fraud. Turning to the set’s juniors, Charles Raffin is defending Logan Ravishankar against a range of claims brought by the Motopark Academy team in connection with Ravishankar’s son’s proposed drive with the team in the 2020 Euroformula Open Championship season.
Littleton Chambers
Consistently instructed in high-profile cases at the commercial Bar, Littleton Chambers‘ commercial group is particularly focused on complex, multi-party international claims involving contract, civil fraud, banking, and shareholder disputes. In Athena Capital Fund v Secretariat of the Holy See, reportedly dubbed the "Vatican’s Trial of the Century", Charles Samek KC represented a Swiss businessman in a case that concerning its financial investments in London’s property market; the Vatican alleges that the seller of the properties fraudulently inflated the price of a former Harrods warehouse. Jonathan Cohen KC, leading Ashley Cukier, acted for Sportfive, an operator of digital advertising boards, in its claim for an injunction against Nottingham Forest to prevent it from operating the advertising boards itself and terminating its contract with the company.