The Legal 500

Position

Alan Boyle is a barrister with a broad practice in commercial and chancery litigation, encompassing fraud and asset recovery, contentious trusts, property, company and insolvency, financial services and mediation. He is known for his thorough preparation and forceful advocacy, contributing to his reputation as ‘a first-class practitioner who is right at the top of his game’. (‘The Legal 500’ 2010). He ‘works bloody hard, knows his cases inside out, and can change a judge’s mind with his persistence’. (‘The Legal 500’ 2010). ‘His approach is measured, authoritative and highly competent, and he is adept at complex explanation and clear strategic direction’. (‘The Legal 500’ 2010). He ‘has great tactical insights and perspectives’. (‘The Legal 500’ 2010). His experience extends to some of the largest cases of recent years. These include Masri v Consolidated Contractors [2011], committal application relating to alleged breaches of receivership orders, disputes arising out of Madoff fraud (2011), Centenary Holdings (2011), claims under s151 CA 1985, Lictor v Mir Steel [2011], disputes relating to hot strip steel mill in South Wales following insolvency and appointment of administrators, disputes concerning Russian conglomerate (2009), Yugraneft v Abramovich [2008], major multijurisdiction case concerning affairs of Russian oil company, disputes concerning mineral company (2008), share sale agreements, disputes arising out of banking crisis (2008), Charman v Charman (treatment of trust assets on divorce), Huntingdon v Imagine (trial and appeal concerning claim to incentive payments) and the Thyssen-Bornemisza litigation (claims to avoid Bermuda trust for undue influence). He also has experience of major fraud trials (Art Corporation v Schuppan, supply of supercars), sport (Jordan v Vodafone, F1 sports sponsorship dispute) and entertainment (Apple v EMI, Beatles 1960s recording contracts; Elton John v Dick James, contract, copyright and undue influence). More recent cases include international trust litigation in the Bahamas, Jersey and Bermuda, a leading case on economic torts (Meretz v Britel), and a claim for restitution of monies stolen from a public company and gambled away on spread betting (Charter v City Index), and substantial probate litigation (Sherrington v Sherrington, Bechal deceased, Court of Appeal, and Birley). He has also handled two leading cases in the Court of Protection, including Re H, the first reported case on the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Since training with CEDR in 2003, Alan has also built up a substantial mediation practice, mediating a wide range of disputes. He prepares thoroughly and adopts a flexible approach.

Career

Qualified 1972, Lincoln’s Inn; QC 1991; publications: editor and contributor, ‘The Practice and Procedure of the Companies Court’, Lloyds of London Press.

Languages

French.

Member

Chancery Bar Association; COMBAR; Insolvency Layers’ Association.

Education

Royal Shrewsbury School; St Catherine’s College, Oxford (1970 BA PPE; MA).

Leisure

Hill walking, music, photography.

Practice Areas

Chancery (general); Litigation - commercial; Private client - contentious trusts