3 Verulam Buildings has ‘a strong civil fraud practice, particularly for cases involving banking fraud‘. The set was recently particularly active in litigation surrounding several very high-value frauds involving the Covid-related furlough scheme and business loans. In other areas, David Head KC is defending Dimitrios Tsouvelekakis against a substantial claim, which alleges that he acted fraudulently in relation to advice on discretionary investment trusts. In a multi-jurisdictional dispute over Russia’s largest fishing business, Hodge Malek KC defended Vitaly Orlov, CEO and co-founder of the Norebo Group, against complex fraud and conspiracy claims brought by Alexander Tugushev. Elsewhere in chambers, Ewan McQuater KC is leading a substantial counsel team that includes David Quest KC and rising star William Day, in defending the interests of Dubai Islamic Bank and Noor Bank, further to the 2020 collapse of the NMC Healthcare group, which is said to have been the subject of a massive fraud by its management. Juniors building notable fraud practices include Sophia Dzwig, Ryan Ferro and Ravi Jackson.
Fraud: civil in
London Bar
3 Verulam Buildings
Testimonials
‘Best in London. Stuart Pullum goes out of his way to help, no matter the size of the brief.‘
‘Steve Penson is very user friendly and commercial.‘
‘James Kelly is excellent in fixing hearings and arranging things with the court.‘
‘3VB has a strong civil fraud practice, particularly for cases involving banking fraud.‘
‘The whole clerking team is incredibly pragmatic and commercially minded.‘
‘Excellent – responsive and commercial.‘
‘3VB offers a cornucopia of talent – brilliant minds but also brilliantly normal. There is always a specialist to help.‘
‘A very good and trusted set. Clients are very impressed with 3VB generally.‘
Work highlights
Blackstone Chambers
‘A go-to set for complex fraud matters‘, Blackstone Chambers is able to leverage the chambers’ associated strengths in commercial litigation and regulatory expertise, particularly in the financial services sector. Robert Anderson KC and Andrew Hunter KC co-lead the representation of Ukraine’s PrivatBank, which alleges a $2bn fraud by its former owners, the trial adjourned owing to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine making a fair trial impracticable. Andrew Green KC is currently defending HSBC against a £1bn-plus Commercial Court claim arising from an alleged fraudulent conspiracy involving a failed film finance scheme. Over in the junior ranks, Leona Powell acted as key junior counsel for the defendants in HMRC v Delancey Real Estate & Ors, a high-stakes tax dispute concerning complex misrepresentation allegations; and Timothy Lau represents a global steel producer as claimant in a $1.5bn dispute that involves conspiracy to evade payment of a foreign arbitral award. Recent silk-level growth for the set includes the 2023 elevation of Adam Baradon KC.
Testimonials
‘Blackstone’s clerks are incredibly efficient. Special mention goes to Derek Sutton, who is highly responsive and provides invaluable assistance.’
‘Adam Fuschillo is very responsive and helpful, while Marc Armstrong is amongst the best clerks in London.’
‘Danny Compton is simply excellent – there is no nicer, nor more helpful, clerk in the business.’
‘Gary Oliver and his team are best in class – responsive, innovative, and with great knowledge of the market.’
‘Blackstone is a great set. The strength in depth of the counsel team is remarkable.’
‘They never let clients down – always impresses as a set, particularly in the quality of their KCs and juniors.’
‘Blackstone is a go-to set for complex fraud matters. It is home to the best legal minds in the country.’
‘Top drawer for civil fraud type work. Really impresses.’
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers‘ members are consistently sought out to act in the market’s most high-stakes civil fraud cases. Mark Howard KC repeatedly acts in complex fraud matters with offshore elements and sums at stake exceeding $1bn; while Tim Lord KC is representing three defendants in SKAT v Solo Capital Partners, a multi-party claim by the Danish tax authority, which seeks to recover £1.5bn paid out through withholding tax refunds, the claim including fraud and conspiracy allegations and involving complex issues of public international law. Craig Morrison KC, who recently led the successful defence of a £30m-plus construction dispute that involved allegations of serious dishonesty; and Richard Eschwege KC, currently representing the two principal defendants in a $330m civil fraud claim involving oil trading in West Africa, were both raised to silk level in March 2023. Among the juniors, Sophie Shaw regularly acts in heavyweight civil fraud cases, while Tom Wood is another name to note among the set’s juniors.
Testimonials
‘Highly responsive and efficient, Paul Dennison in particular.’
‘Led by Tony Burgess and Paul Dennison, the clerking is really top notch. Jo Francis is also very good.’
‘Paul Dennison is a lovely man and nothing is too much trouble for him.’
‘Clerks are impressive – Paul Dennison and Philip Wilkes are both excellent.’
‘Luke Carvalho is a standout presence in the clerks’ room.’
‘The level of service from Brick Court is first class.’
‘A go-to set for complex or high-value matters.’
‘Brick is outstanding at all levels. Expensive, but market leading and very accommodating.’
Essex Court Chambers
With ‘a deep roster of highly-skilled barristers‘, Essex Court Chambers ‘boasts remarkable strength-in-depth, allowing it to handle a wide range of complex cases with expertise and confidence‘. The set’s members consistently appear in the largest fraud cases before the Commercial and Chancery Courts, and at appellate level, both at home and abroad. In Suppipat v Narongdeg & Ors, reportedly the largest Commercial Court case of 2022, Anna Dilnot KC acted for Khunying Boonyachinda, Golden Music and Cornwallis in defence of contempt proceedings, against a backdrop of an alleged conspiracy to defraud the claimants of over a billion dollars of shares in a Thai wind farm company. In a $800m claim arising out of the alleged bribery of the former Kuwaiti social security fund head, David Davies KC is defending a former senior partner of Swiss private bank, Banque Mirabaud. In March 2023, Ruth Den Besten KC, who recently successfully defended Balda Foundation and Nysco Management Corporation, against a $1.2bn fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy claim concerning a mining venture in Guinea, took silk. Turning to the set’s juniors, Owen Lloyd and Katherine Ratcliffe also maintain active civil fraud practices.
Testimonials
‘Essex Court Chambers excels in litigation and advocacy.‘
‘Joe Ferrigno is a class act.‘
‘Jac Sexton and David Banks are helpful and a pleasure to deal with.‘
‘Demi Woolger and Tom Gannon are commended for their exceptional professionalism and dedication to their roles. They excel in their respective fields, demonstrating outstanding organisational skills, prompt responsiveness, and an unwavering commitment to providing top-notch client service.‘
‘Demi Woolger and Tom Gannon’s proactive approach, attention to detail, and ability to manage administrative tasks effectively contribute significantly to the smooth running of cases.‘
‘With a deep roster of highly-skilled barristers, the chambers boasts remarkable strength in depth, allowing it to handle a wide range of complex cases with expertise and confidence.‘
‘Clients benefit from the availability of counsel, ensuring prompt and personalised attention throughout the legal journey.‘
‘The barristers from Essex Court Chambers do an excellent job in civil fraud matters.‘
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
‘Obviously one of the top sets in the market in this area‘, Fountain Court Chambers‘ members are routinely instructed in high-stakes civil fraud cases, both in the UK and overseas. Recent workloads encompass banking and finance sector disputes, as well as cases with international elements. Africa-related civil fraud work is a notable growth area for the set, which is also particularly active in Asia, Middle East and Russia & CIS matters. In arguably one of the largest fraud claims of 2022, Rosalind Phelps KC acted for the defendant in the high-profile Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan, which involved a $870m claim that concerned an allegedly corrupt oil deal and issues of the Quincecare duty. March 2023-appointed silk Simon Atrill KC, led by Timothy Howe KC, represented Credit Suisse in a substantial claim involving bribery and undue influence allegations, in relation to Libya’s placement of substantial investments with Western banks. Aaron Taylor, Nicolas Damnjanovic and Samuel Rabinowitz are notable juniors in chambers.
Testimonials
‘Excellent clerks, particularly Luke Diebelius.’
‘The clerks are excellent, particularly Alfie Harper who is very good at striking the right balance between serving client needs and demands, and protecting his barristers and allocating their capacity appropriately.’
‘Excellent – rightly regarded as one of the top sets in London.’
‘The clerks are prompt and responsive, and are able to offer suitable barristers at very short notice for urgent hearings.’
‘Clerks are very responsive and assist with the preparation of cost estimates, which is much appreciated by clients.’
‘Keen to help and responsive.’
‘Fountain Court is excellent and has good depth.’
‘Fountain Court is obviously one of the top sets in the market in this area.’
Work highlights
One Essex Court
‘One of the standout London commercial sets‘, One Essex Court fields ‘a great collection of top-end silks‘. The set’s members handle a sizeable number of cases that involve civil fraud elements, as well as allegations of bribery, conspiracy, deceit, misrepresentation, unlawful means, corruption or dishonesty. In one of the largest and most complex cases to come before the Commercial Court, Laurence Rabinowitz KC and Jamie Goldsmith KC represent SKAT, the Danish tax authority, in a high-profile £1.5bn claim against over 100 defendants, which concerns an alleged international conspiracy to deceive the Danish tax authority through “cum-ex” strategies. Sonia Tolaney KC‘s recent highlights include acting for Vale, a Brazilian multinational mining conglomerate, in a $2bn mining rights-related claim for fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy to defraud. Henry Forbes Smith KC, who is routinely instructed in major fraud disputes, is at silk level since March 2023; and rising star Alyssa Stansbury is currently part of the counsel team for a high-profile Ukrainian businessman, in PrivatBank v Kolomoisky, Bogolyubov & Ors, which concerns the allegation that approximately $2bn was misappropriated from Ukrainian bank PrivatBank. Nathaniel Bird joined the team in October 2023.
Testimonials
‘Rob Smith is particularly helpful and always a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Rob Smith is worthy of particular praise – always transparent and his court relationships can be invaluable.’
‘Genuine strength in depth, led by the charming Darren Burrows.’
‘The clerks at One Essex Court work seamlessly with barristers and solicitors, and are responsive, enthusiastic and extremely professional. Darren Burrows and Rob Smith deserve particular praise.’
‘Very strong set, with a great collection of top-end silks.’
‘The best in the business.’
‘Overall probably the Bar’s strongest set of barristers.’
‘One Essex Court is a first-class chambers.’
Work highlights
Serle Court
‘An excellent set with a roster of formidably intelligent, yet approachable and user-friendly barristers‘, Serle Court‘s members consistently appear in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division’s most substantial civil fraud actions. Head of chambers Elizabeth Jones KC has longstanding experience in handling litigation involving fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other wrongdoing. In Joannou Paraskavides Overseas Limited (in liquidation) v Joannou, Philip Marshall KC represents an international construction company’s claimant liquidators, which are bringing claims of over $1bn for fraudulent trading and conspiracy to defraud. Meanwhile, in a $3bn bribery action before the Commercial Court, Jonathan Adkin acts for the Republic of Mozambique against a number of banks and an Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilder, in relation to allegations that state guarantees were procured by massive bribes to bankers and state agents. Dan McCourt Fritz KC, who took silk in March 2023, routinely acts in a broad range of fraud litigation; while at a junior level, Gregor Hogan‘s civil fraud practice spans multiple jurisdictions, including England, the DIFC, BVI and the Isle of Man.
Testimonials
‘Serle Court provides very good coverage, particularly for civil fraud claims.‘
‘Daniel Wheeler, in particular, is a superb clerk. Commercial, approachable and with a can-do attitude that guarantees excellent service every time.‘
‘Emma Quin and Charlie Payne are fantastic.‘
‘Serle Court offers tremendous depth of resources on cases.‘
‘Very impressive depth of expertise.‘
‘Excellent from top to bottom.‘
‘The clerks at Serle Court have long been the front-runners in providing a great service to solicitors.‘
‘Serle Court is an excellent set with a roster of formidably intelligent, yet approachable and user-friendly barristers.’
Work highlights
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex‘s civil fraud members are able to leverage the chambers’ complementary expertise in financial services and terminology. Paul Lowenstein KC is a go-to silk for injunction and jurisdiction work, both in England and offshore Caribbean jurisdictions. In the long-running PJSC National Bank Trust v Mints case, Philip Edey KC, leading Sarah Tresman and Richard Greenberg, is defending businessman Boris Mints against claims by two Russian banks for alleged fraudulent conspiracy involving loan restructuring. In the same matter, former chambers head Duncan Matthews KC and represents fourth defendant Igor Mints, his son. In a novel cryptocurrency case, unled Josephine Davies KC acted for Fetch.Ai in obtaining worldwide freezing orders against the hackers of its Binance.com trading account, along with information orders against Binance entities.
Testimonials
‘Sam McDowall is highly professional and demonstrates impressive efficiency. His ability to address any administrative matters swiftly and provide timely assistance is commendable.’
‘Anthony Carroll does a fantastic job in keeping clients happy and in arranging for counsel schedule.’
‘Anthony Carroll serves as a constant point of contact, which is appreciated, especially when members of the clerking team may change from time to time. Hands on and a personal service that is straightforward.’
‘Arron Zitver provides a quality service to clients and is great to deal with.’
‘Excellent service from all, with Christopher Theobald standing out.’
‘Exceptionally strong chambers. Clerks can always find an alternative barrister of a high quality.’
‘Swift and responsive clerking, able to offer a good range of counsel (often at short notice), and sensible on fees.’
’20 Essex is one of the leading sets, particularly for international arbitration but also with an increasingly strong commercial litigation and civil fraud offering.’
Work highlights
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk ‘has a growing reputation in civil fraud, with a number of members building a strong reputation in the area‘. The set’s expertise encompasses the pursuit and defence of a range of high-value and cross-jurisdictional fraud claims. In one of the most important civil fraud judgments of 2022, David Allen KC and Jason Robinson defended businessman George Logothetis and his companies against allegations of fraudulently inducing the claimants into making shipping market investments of over $14m. Elsewhere in chambers, Elizabeth Lindesay was part of the junior counsel team instructed on the $1.5bn claim by the Libyan Investment Authority against Société Générale, which was alleged to have paid bribes of $58m; and Clara Benn defended the Bank of Cyprus against a fraudulent claim brought by a property developer, the matter involving allegations of dishonesty and forgery on both sides.
Testimonials
‘A great set of chambers.‘
‘The clerking of the set is very good and commercial, with real knowledge and expertise in listing battles.‘
‘Gary Rose is the one to go to.‘
‘Gary Rose is efficient and very pleasant to deal with.‘
‘The clerks are super-friendly.‘
‘7KBW has a growing reputation in civil fraud, with a number of members building a strong reputation in the area.‘
‘The clerks are efficient and clients are very happy with their service.‘
Work highlights
Maitland Chambers
‘An excellent set of highly intellectual, experienced and street-smart barristers‘, Maitland Chambers‘ members are regularly sought out to act in civil fraud proceedings at all court levels. Richard Morgan KC recently acted for the claimant in defending an appeal brought in Bermuda by Credit Suisse in relation to a $607.5m judgment concerning life insurance premium-related frauds committed by an employee of the bank. Offshore, David Mumford KC is defending two prominent Ukrainian political figures against claims before the BVI courts that they fabricated a BVI trust, and then used it to seize control of several hundreds of millions of dollars of assets. In one of the most high-profile claims to be issued in the High Court in recent years, civil fraud junior Duncan McCombe represents the British Bankers’ Association in its defence to a US federal agency claim that the BBA and nine of the world’s largest banks) rigged LIBOR the former benchmark interest rate.
Testimonials
‘John Wiggs is an asset.’
‘John Wiggs runs a very responsive and successful operation.’
‘A genuinely entrepreneurial set that has its fingers on the pulse of the market, and wants to get out there and do its best for clients.‘
‘Reliable and top quality across the board, always fielding good candidates.‘
‘Excellent set of highly intellectual, experienced and street-smart barristers.‘
‘Incredibly helpful clerks who know their clients and preferences really well.‘
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
A ‘wonderful full-service set that engages in a modern and commercial way with instructing solicitors‘, Wilberforce Chambers‘ civil fraud work is closely aligned to the set’s enviable offshore practice. In Bourlakova v Bourlakov, Alan Gourgey KC acts for the principal defendant in a high-profile claim concerning ownership of approximately $3bn of assets. John Wardell KC represented a shopping centre magnate in his defence of a €55m claim brought against him by the Bank of Ireland, which claimed that he had lied about his assets and liabilities in a statement of affairs. Clare Stanley KC also routinely acts in major fraud cases; and in a boost to chambers, Thomas Grant KC, an expert in obtaining and defending freezing and related interim orders, joined from Maitland Chambers in October 2022.
Testimonials
‘Andrew Barnes is at the top of the clerking game and is on top of all the detail of the cases he manages and his barristers’ practice areas.’
‘Stewart Cameron is particularly impressive but the whole team is a delight to work with. Commercial and sensible.’
‘Conor Michaels and Nancy Lee are always very helpful and diligent.’
‘Excellent all round. Conor Michaels has been consistently helpful in often difficult situations.’
‘The clerks are approachable and solution focused.’
‘The clerking room is very engaged and skilled.’
‘They have some very good practitioners in this area at silk and senior junior level.’
‘Wilberforce is a wonderful full-service set that engages in a modern and commercial way with instructing solicitors.’
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
‘A go-to chambers for civil fraud work involving complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes‘, XXIV Old Buildings also has a consistent flow of domestic fraud work, and is widely esteemed for its expertise in trusts and insolvency-related civil fraud matters. Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is currently acting in a claim that funds were stripped out of a company to render it judgment-proof; and in an important decision on the principles to apply in determining a forum challenge involving foreign law expert evidence, Stephen Moverley Smith KC represented various defendants in a claim to recover $50m of alleged bribes that were paid to an agro-chemical company’s chief executive. At the senior junior end of chambers, Stuart Adair is defending an individual who is alleged by the claimants to have induced them to invest in start-up technology company, Seed Media, by making multiple fraudulent misrepresentations.
Testimonials
‘Paul Horsfield is always helpful and easy to come to an agreement with on fees.’
‘Paul Horsfield is excellent – very professional and approachable.’
‘Paul Horsfield, Perry Brown and Tommie Drury all know what clients need and provide an excellent service. James Ladbrook is also singled out.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent chambers.’
‘XXIV is an exceptional chambers. They always manage to provide high-quality advice.’
‘A number of good barristers there who are doing very good work. Excellent availability of counsel and perfect cooperation with instructing solicitors.’
‘XXIV is a go-to chambers for civil fraud work involving complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes.’
‘Clever, astute and easy to work with. The chambers and its clerks always have a good range and availability of counsel.’
Work highlights
4 New Square Chambers
4 New Square Chambers is ‘a strong set with some stellar individuals among its ranks‘. In a complex $2bn fraud claim brought by a Thai businessman, Justin Fenwick KC, George Spalton KC and Kendrah Potts acted for the claimant, who alleges that one of Thailand’s largest financial institutions, together with its CEO, engaged in a fraudulent conspiracy to deprive him of his interest in a renewable energy company. Elsewhere in chambers, Daniel Saoul KC represents the Serious Fraud Office, KPMG, Harbour Litigation Funding, Quantuma, and a law firm in the high-stakes Orb litigation, which involves the rights to assets that are worth over £100m and the proceeds of complex frauds.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are first-class, particularly Lizzy Stewart, who is excellent.’
‘Dennis Peck and Lizzie Stewart do a great job.’
‘Lizzie Stewart, Alex Dolby and Dennis Peck are probably the strongest clerking team around. Very commercial and astute at steering useful juniors in the client’s direction.’
‘Very good. They have some real stars, who are not only brilliant but user-friendly and loved by clients and judges.‘
‘Some extremely capable KCs and juniors.‘
‘Very professional and responsive clerks.‘
‘A strong set with some stellar individuals among its ranks.‘
‘The clerking is excellent – responsive, highly-skilled in managing barristers, and very commercial.‘
4 Stone Buildings
With ‘excellent barristers and strength in depth‘, 4 Stone Buildings has particular experience in acting for liquidators, administrators, directors, creditors, bondholders, bond trustees, and shareholders in cases that frequently incorporate international aspects, such as worldwide tracing claims and cross-border insolvency issues. In recent highlights, Alexander Cook KC, who took silk in 2023, acted for the claimant in a large-value fraud dispute in the BVI Commercial Court and the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal; and in the senior-junior ranks, Christopher Harrison is acting in one of the highest profile corporate disqualification proceedings currently making its way through the courts, the matter concerning a well-known public relations firm. Rising star Karl Anderson is particularly focused on civil fraud matters involving both the UK and overseas.
Testimonials
‘Excellent. David Goddard and his team are responsive and very practical.’
‘Ben Lashmar is very personable.’
‘Ryan Tunkel, in particular, is a real asset to the set.’
‘Ben Lashmer and Ryan Tunkel are extremely efficient and helpful. They rank as among the best in the business.’
‘4 Stone Buildings is excellent, offering significant expertise across a range of practice areas.‘
‘The clerks provide an excellent service.‘
‘4SB is a great set. A really strong bench.‘
‘4 Stone Buildings has excellent barristers and strength in depth. If a preferred barrister is unavailable, clients can be assured that they are getting the same quality of service. Chambers also has an excellent group of juniors, who are able and ready to assist when called upon.‘
Work highlights
South Square
Comprising ‘great barristers‘ and providing ‘great service‘, South Square‘s recent track record includes large fraud claims commenced both in London and several offshore jurisdictions. Felicity Toube KC‘s broad practice covers civil fraud work, and she regularly appears in the Cayman Islands and BVI, as well as Bermuda, in high-stakes matters. In recent highlights, Tom Smith KC represented technology investment firm Softbank, in relation to claims made by Credit Suisse further to the collapse of supply chain finance business, Greensill; and at junior level, Robert Amey acted as sole counsel in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, defending an alleged $50m fraudulent transaction.
Testimonials
‘South Square is one of my favourite sets all round.‘
‘Dylan Playfoot is very good.‘
‘Great barristers and great service.‘
‘Very business minded and commercial.‘
‘Bright and dedicated across the board.‘
‘Wide skill sets, including civil fraud.‘
Work highlights
3 Verulam Buildings
Testimonials
‘Best in London. Stuart Pullum goes out of his way to help, no matter the size of the brief.‘
‘Steve Penson is very user friendly and commercial.‘
‘James Kelly is excellent in fixing hearings and arranging things with the court.‘
‘3VB has a strong civil fraud practice, particularly for cases involving banking fraud.‘
‘The whole clerking team is incredibly pragmatic and commercially minded.‘
‘Excellent – responsive and commercial.‘
‘3VB offers a cornucopia of talent – brilliant minds but also brilliantly normal. There is always a specialist to help.‘
‘A very good and trusted set. Clients are very impressed with 3VB generally.‘
Work highlights
Blackstone Chambers
‘A go-to set for complex fraud matters‘, Blackstone Chambers is able to leverage the chambers’ associated strengths in commercial litigation and regulatory expertise, particularly in the financial services sector. Robert Anderson KC and Andrew Hunter KC co-lead the representation of Ukraine’s PrivatBank, which alleges a $2bn fraud by its former owners, the trial adjourned owing to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine making a fair trial impracticable. Andrew Green KC is currently defending HSBC against a £1bn-plus Commercial Court claim arising from an alleged fraudulent conspiracy involving a failed film finance scheme. Over in the junior ranks, Leona Powell acted as key junior counsel for the defendants in HMRC v Delancey Real Estate & Ors, a high-stakes tax dispute concerning complex misrepresentation allegations; and Timothy Lau represents a global steel producer as claimant in a $1.5bn dispute that involves conspiracy to evade payment of a foreign arbitral award. Recent silk-level growth for the set includes the 2023 elevation of Adam Baradon KC.
Testimonials
‘Blackstone’s clerks are incredibly efficient. Special mention goes to Derek Sutton, who is highly responsive and provides invaluable assistance.’
‘Adam Fuschillo is very responsive and helpful, while Marc Armstrong is amongst the best clerks in London.’
‘Danny Compton is simply excellent – there is no nicer, nor more helpful, clerk in the business.’
‘Gary Oliver and his team are best in class – responsive, innovative, and with great knowledge of the market.’
‘Blackstone is a great set. The strength in depth of the counsel team is remarkable.’
‘They never let clients down – always impresses as a set, particularly in the quality of their KCs and juniors.’
‘Blackstone is a go-to set for complex fraud matters. It is home to the best legal minds in the country.’
‘Top drawer for civil fraud type work. Really impresses.’
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers‘ members are consistently sought out to act in the market’s most high-stakes civil fraud cases. Mark Howard KC repeatedly acts in complex fraud matters with offshore elements and sums at stake exceeding $1bn; while Tim Lord KC is representing three defendants in SKAT v Solo Capital Partners, a multi-party claim by the Danish tax authority, which seeks to recover £1.5bn paid out through withholding tax refunds, the claim including fraud and conspiracy allegations and involving complex issues of public international law. Craig Morrison KC, who recently led the successful defence of a £30m-plus construction dispute that involved allegations of serious dishonesty; and Richard Eschwege KC, currently representing the two principal defendants in a $330m civil fraud claim involving oil trading in West Africa, were both raised to silk level in March 2023. Among the juniors, Sophie Shaw regularly acts in heavyweight civil fraud cases, while Tom Wood is another name to note among the set’s juniors.
Testimonials
‘Highly responsive and efficient, Paul Dennison in particular.’
‘Led by Tony Burgess and Paul Dennison, the clerking is really top notch. Jo Francis is also very good.’
‘Paul Dennison is a lovely man and nothing is too much trouble for him.’
‘Clerks are impressive – Paul Dennison and Philip Wilkes are both excellent.’
‘Luke Carvalho is a standout presence in the clerks’ room.’
‘The level of service from Brick Court is first class.’
‘A go-to set for complex or high-value matters.’
‘Brick is outstanding at all levels. Expensive, but market leading and very accommodating.’
Essex Court Chambers
With ‘a deep roster of highly-skilled barristers‘, Essex Court Chambers ‘boasts remarkable strength-in-depth, allowing it to handle a wide range of complex cases with expertise and confidence‘. The set’s members consistently appear in the largest fraud cases before the Commercial and Chancery Courts, and at appellate level, both at home and abroad. In Suppipat v Narongdeg & Ors, reportedly the largest Commercial Court case of 2022, Anna Dilnot KC acted for Khunying Boonyachinda, Golden Music and Cornwallis in defence of contempt proceedings, against a backdrop of an alleged conspiracy to defraud the claimants of over a billion dollars of shares in a Thai wind farm company. In a $800m claim arising out of the alleged bribery of the former Kuwaiti social security fund head, David Davies KC is defending a former senior partner of Swiss private bank, Banque Mirabaud. In March 2023, Ruth Den Besten KC, who recently successfully defended Balda Foundation and Nysco Management Corporation, against a $1.2bn fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy claim concerning a mining venture in Guinea, took silk. Turning to the set’s juniors, Owen Lloyd and Katherine Ratcliffe also maintain active civil fraud practices.
Testimonials
‘Essex Court Chambers excels in litigation and advocacy.‘
‘Joe Ferrigno is a class act.‘
‘Jac Sexton and David Banks are helpful and a pleasure to deal with.‘
‘Demi Woolger and Tom Gannon are commended for their exceptional professionalism and dedication to their roles. They excel in their respective fields, demonstrating outstanding organisational skills, prompt responsiveness, and an unwavering commitment to providing top-notch client service.‘
‘Demi Woolger and Tom Gannon’s proactive approach, attention to detail, and ability to manage administrative tasks effectively contribute significantly to the smooth running of cases.‘
‘With a deep roster of highly-skilled barristers, the chambers boasts remarkable strength in depth, allowing it to handle a wide range of complex cases with expertise and confidence.‘
‘Clients benefit from the availability of counsel, ensuring prompt and personalised attention throughout the legal journey.‘
‘The barristers from Essex Court Chambers do an excellent job in civil fraud matters.‘
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
‘Obviously one of the top sets in the market in this area‘, Fountain Court Chambers‘ members are routinely instructed in high-stakes civil fraud cases, both in the UK and overseas. Recent workloads encompass banking and finance sector disputes, as well as cases with international elements. Africa-related civil fraud work is a notable growth area for the set, which is also particularly active in Asia, Middle East and Russia & CIS matters. In arguably one of the largest fraud claims of 2022, Rosalind Phelps KC acted for the defendant in the high-profile Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan, which involved a $870m claim that concerned an allegedly corrupt oil deal and issues of the Quincecare duty. March 2023-appointed silk Simon Atrill KC, led by Timothy Howe KC, represented Credit Suisse in a substantial claim involving bribery and undue influence allegations, in relation to Libya’s placement of substantial investments with Western banks. Aaron Taylor, Nicolas Damnjanovic and Samuel Rabinowitz are notable juniors in chambers.
Testimonials
‘Excellent clerks, particularly Luke Diebelius.’
‘The clerks are excellent, particularly Alfie Harper who is very good at striking the right balance between serving client needs and demands, and protecting his barristers and allocating their capacity appropriately.’
‘Excellent – rightly regarded as one of the top sets in London.’
‘The clerks are prompt and responsive, and are able to offer suitable barristers at very short notice for urgent hearings.’
‘Clerks are very responsive and assist with the preparation of cost estimates, which is much appreciated by clients.’
‘Keen to help and responsive.’
‘Fountain Court is excellent and has good depth.’
‘Fountain Court is obviously one of the top sets in the market in this area.’
Work highlights
One Essex Court
‘One of the standout London commercial sets‘, One Essex Court fields ‘a great collection of top-end silks‘. The set’s members handle a sizeable number of cases that involve civil fraud elements, as well as allegations of bribery, conspiracy, deceit, misrepresentation, unlawful means, corruption or dishonesty. In one of the largest and most complex cases to come before the Commercial Court, Laurence Rabinowitz KC and Jamie Goldsmith KC represent SKAT, the Danish tax authority, in a high-profile £1.5bn claim against over 100 defendants, which concerns an alleged international conspiracy to deceive the Danish tax authority through “cum-ex” strategies. Sonia Tolaney KC‘s recent highlights include acting for Vale, a Brazilian multinational mining conglomerate, in a $2bn mining rights-related claim for fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy to defraud. Henry Forbes Smith KC, who is routinely instructed in major fraud disputes, is at silk level since March 2023; and rising star Alyssa Stansbury is currently part of the counsel team for a high-profile Ukrainian businessman, in PrivatBank v Kolomoisky, Bogolyubov & Ors, which concerns the allegation that approximately $2bn was misappropriated from Ukrainian bank PrivatBank. Nathaniel Bird joined the team in October 2023.
Testimonials
‘Rob Smith is particularly helpful and always a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Rob Smith is worthy of particular praise – always transparent and his court relationships can be invaluable.’
‘Genuine strength in depth, led by the charming Darren Burrows.’
‘The clerks at One Essex Court work seamlessly with barristers and solicitors, and are responsive, enthusiastic and extremely professional. Darren Burrows and Rob Smith deserve particular praise.’
‘Very strong set, with a great collection of top-end silks.’
‘The best in the business.’
‘Overall probably the Bar’s strongest set of barristers.’
‘One Essex Court is a first-class chambers.’
Work highlights
Serle Court
‘An excellent set with a roster of formidably intelligent, yet approachable and user-friendly barristers‘, Serle Court‘s members consistently appear in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division’s most substantial civil fraud actions. Head of chambers Elizabeth Jones KC has longstanding experience in handling litigation involving fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other wrongdoing. In Joannou Paraskavides Overseas Limited (in liquidation) v Joannou, Philip Marshall KC represents an international construction company’s claimant liquidators, which are bringing claims of over $1bn for fraudulent trading and conspiracy to defraud. Meanwhile, in a $3bn bribery action before the Commercial Court, Jonathan Adkin acts for the Republic of Mozambique against a number of banks and an Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilder, in relation to allegations that state guarantees were procured by massive bribes to bankers and state agents. Dan McCourt Fritz KC, who took silk in March 2023, routinely acts in a broad range of fraud litigation; while at a junior level, Gregor Hogan‘s civil fraud practice spans multiple jurisdictions, including England, the DIFC, BVI and the Isle of Man.
Testimonials
‘Serle Court provides very good coverage, particularly for civil fraud claims.‘
‘Daniel Wheeler, in particular, is a superb clerk. Commercial, approachable and with a can-do attitude that guarantees excellent service every time.‘
‘Emma Quin and Charlie Payne are fantastic.‘
‘Serle Court offers tremendous depth of resources on cases.‘
‘Very impressive depth of expertise.‘
‘Excellent from top to bottom.‘
‘The clerks at Serle Court have long been the front-runners in providing a great service to solicitors.‘
‘Serle Court is an excellent set with a roster of formidably intelligent, yet approachable and user-friendly barristers.’
Work highlights
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex‘s civil fraud members are able to leverage the chambers’ complementary expertise in financial services and terminology. Paul Lowenstein KC is a go-to silk for injunction and jurisdiction work, both in England and offshore Caribbean jurisdictions. In the long-running PJSC National Bank Trust v Mints case, Philip Edey KC, leading Sarah Tresman and Richard Greenberg, is defending businessman Boris Mints against claims by two Russian banks for alleged fraudulent conspiracy involving loan restructuring. In the same matter, former chambers head Duncan Matthews KC and represents fourth defendant Igor Mints, his son. In a novel cryptocurrency case, unled Josephine Davies KC acted for Fetch.Ai in obtaining worldwide freezing orders against the hackers of its Binance.com trading account, along with information orders against Binance entities.
Testimonials
‘Sam McDowall is highly professional and demonstrates impressive efficiency. His ability to address any administrative matters swiftly and provide timely assistance is commendable.’
‘Anthony Carroll does a fantastic job in keeping clients happy and in arranging for counsel schedule.’
‘Anthony Carroll serves as a constant point of contact, which is appreciated, especially when members of the clerking team may change from time to time. Hands on and a personal service that is straightforward.’
‘Arron Zitver provides a quality service to clients and is great to deal with.’
‘Excellent service from all, with Christopher Theobald standing out.’
‘Exceptionally strong chambers. Clerks can always find an alternative barrister of a high quality.’
‘Swift and responsive clerking, able to offer a good range of counsel (often at short notice), and sensible on fees.’
’20 Essex is one of the leading sets, particularly for international arbitration but also with an increasingly strong commercial litigation and civil fraud offering.’
Work highlights
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk ‘has a growing reputation in civil fraud, with a number of members building a strong reputation in the area‘. The set’s expertise encompasses the pursuit and defence of a range of high-value and cross-jurisdictional fraud claims. In one of the most important civil fraud judgments of 2022, David Allen KC and Jason Robinson defended businessman George Logothetis and his companies against allegations of fraudulently inducing the claimants into making shipping market investments of over $14m. Elsewhere in chambers, Elizabeth Lindesay was part of the junior counsel team instructed on the $1.5bn claim by the Libyan Investment Authority against Société Générale, which was alleged to have paid bribes of $58m; and Clara Benn defended the Bank of Cyprus against a fraudulent claim brought by a property developer, the matter involving allegations of dishonesty and forgery on both sides.
Testimonials
‘A great set of chambers.‘
‘The clerking of the set is very good and commercial, with real knowledge and expertise in listing battles.‘
‘Gary Rose is the one to go to.‘
‘Gary Rose is efficient and very pleasant to deal with.‘
‘The clerks are super-friendly.‘
‘7KBW has a growing reputation in civil fraud, with a number of members building a strong reputation in the area.‘
‘The clerks are efficient and clients are very happy with their service.‘
Work highlights
Maitland Chambers
‘An excellent set of highly intellectual, experienced and street-smart barristers‘, Maitland Chambers‘ members are regularly sought out to act in civil fraud proceedings at all court levels. Richard Morgan KC recently acted for the claimant in defending an appeal brought in Bermuda by Credit Suisse in relation to a $607.5m judgment concerning life insurance premium-related frauds committed by an employee of the bank. Offshore, David Mumford KC is defending two prominent Ukrainian political figures against claims before the BVI courts that they fabricated a BVI trust, and then used it to seize control of several hundreds of millions of dollars of assets. In one of the most high-profile claims to be issued in the High Court in recent years, civil fraud junior Duncan McCombe represents the British Bankers’ Association in its defence to a US federal agency claim that the BBA and nine of the world’s largest banks) rigged LIBOR the former benchmark interest rate.
Testimonials
‘John Wiggs is an asset.’
‘John Wiggs runs a very responsive and successful operation.’
‘A genuinely entrepreneurial set that has its fingers on the pulse of the market, and wants to get out there and do its best for clients.‘
‘Reliable and top quality across the board, always fielding good candidates.‘
‘Excellent set of highly intellectual, experienced and street-smart barristers.‘
‘Incredibly helpful clerks who know their clients and preferences really well.‘
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
A ‘wonderful full-service set that engages in a modern and commercial way with instructing solicitors‘, Wilberforce Chambers‘ civil fraud work is closely aligned to the set’s enviable offshore practice. In Bourlakova v Bourlakov, Alan Gourgey KC acts for the principal defendant in a high-profile claim concerning ownership of approximately $3bn of assets. John Wardell KC represented a shopping centre magnate in his defence of a €55m claim brought against him by the Bank of Ireland, which claimed that he had lied about his assets and liabilities in a statement of affairs. Clare Stanley KC also routinely acts in major fraud cases; and in a boost to chambers, Thomas Grant KC, an expert in obtaining and defending freezing and related interim orders, joined from Maitland Chambers in October 2022.
Testimonials
‘Andrew Barnes is at the top of the clerking game and is on top of all the detail of the cases he manages and his barristers’ practice areas.’
‘Stewart Cameron is particularly impressive but the whole team is a delight to work with. Commercial and sensible.’
‘Conor Michaels and Nancy Lee are always very helpful and diligent.’
‘Excellent all round. Conor Michaels has been consistently helpful in often difficult situations.’
‘The clerks are approachable and solution focused.’
‘The clerking room is very engaged and skilled.’
‘They have some very good practitioners in this area at silk and senior junior level.’
‘Wilberforce is a wonderful full-service set that engages in a modern and commercial way with instructing solicitors.’
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
‘A go-to chambers for civil fraud work involving complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes‘, XXIV Old Buildings also has a consistent flow of domestic fraud work, and is widely esteemed for its expertise in trusts and insolvency-related civil fraud matters. Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is currently acting in a claim that funds were stripped out of a company to render it judgment-proof; and in an important decision on the principles to apply in determining a forum challenge involving foreign law expert evidence, Stephen Moverley Smith KC represented various defendants in a claim to recover $50m of alleged bribes that were paid to an agro-chemical company’s chief executive. At the senior junior end of chambers, Stuart Adair is defending an individual who is alleged by the claimants to have induced them to invest in start-up technology company, Seed Media, by making multiple fraudulent misrepresentations.
Testimonials
‘Paul Horsfield is always helpful and easy to come to an agreement with on fees.’
‘Paul Horsfield is excellent – very professional and approachable.’
‘Paul Horsfield, Perry Brown and Tommie Drury all know what clients need and provide an excellent service. James Ladbrook is also singled out.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent chambers.’
‘XXIV is an exceptional chambers. They always manage to provide high-quality advice.’
‘A number of good barristers there who are doing very good work. Excellent availability of counsel and perfect cooperation with instructing solicitors.’
‘XXIV is a go-to chambers for civil fraud work involving complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes.’
‘Clever, astute and easy to work with. The chambers and its clerks always have a good range and availability of counsel.’
Work highlights
4 New Square Chambers
4 New Square Chambers is ‘a strong set with some stellar individuals among its ranks‘. In a complex $2bn fraud claim brought by a Thai businessman, Justin Fenwick KC, George Spalton KC and Kendrah Potts acted for the claimant, who alleges that one of Thailand’s largest financial institutions, together with its CEO, engaged in a fraudulent conspiracy to deprive him of his interest in a renewable energy company. Elsewhere in chambers, Daniel Saoul KC represents the Serious Fraud Office, KPMG, Harbour Litigation Funding, Quantuma, and a law firm in the high-stakes Orb litigation, which involves the rights to assets that are worth over £100m and the proceeds of complex frauds.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are first-class, particularly Lizzy Stewart, who is excellent.’
‘Dennis Peck and Lizzie Stewart do a great job.’
‘Lizzie Stewart, Alex Dolby and Dennis Peck are probably the strongest clerking team around. Very commercial and astute at steering useful juniors in the client’s direction.’
‘Very good. They have some real stars, who are not only brilliant but user-friendly and loved by clients and judges.‘
‘Some extremely capable KCs and juniors.‘
‘Very professional and responsive clerks.‘
‘A strong set with some stellar individuals among its ranks.‘
‘The clerking is excellent – responsive, highly-skilled in managing barristers, and very commercial.‘
4 Stone Buildings
With ‘excellent barristers and strength in depth‘, 4 Stone Buildings has particular experience in acting for liquidators, administrators, directors, creditors, bondholders, bond trustees, and shareholders in cases that frequently incorporate international aspects, such as worldwide tracing claims and cross-border insolvency issues. In recent highlights, Alexander Cook KC, who took silk in 2023, acted for the claimant in a large-value fraud dispute in the BVI Commercial Court and the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal; and in the senior-junior ranks, Christopher Harrison is acting in one of the highest profile corporate disqualification proceedings currently making its way through the courts, the matter concerning a well-known public relations firm. Rising star Karl Anderson is particularly focused on civil fraud matters involving both the UK and overseas.
Testimonials
‘Excellent. David Goddard and his team are responsive and very practical.’
‘Ben Lashmar is very personable.’
‘Ryan Tunkel, in particular, is a real asset to the set.’
‘Ben Lashmer and Ryan Tunkel are extremely efficient and helpful. They rank as among the best in the business.’
‘4 Stone Buildings is excellent, offering significant expertise across a range of practice areas.‘
‘The clerks provide an excellent service.‘
‘4SB is a great set. A really strong bench.‘
‘4 Stone Buildings has excellent barristers and strength in depth. If a preferred barrister is unavailable, clients can be assured that they are getting the same quality of service. Chambers also has an excellent group of juniors, who are able and ready to assist when called upon.‘
Work highlights
South Square
Comprising ‘great barristers‘ and providing ‘great service‘, South Square‘s recent track record includes large fraud claims commenced both in London and several offshore jurisdictions. Felicity Toube KC‘s broad practice covers civil fraud work, and she regularly appears in the Cayman Islands and BVI, as well as Bermuda, in high-stakes matters. In recent highlights, Tom Smith KC represented technology investment firm Softbank, in relation to claims made by Credit Suisse further to the collapse of supply chain finance business, Greensill; and at junior level, Robert Amey acted as sole counsel in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, defending an alleged $50m fraudulent transaction.
Testimonials
‘South Square is one of my favourite sets all round.‘
‘Dylan Playfoot is very good.‘
‘Great barristers and great service.‘
‘Very business minded and commercial.‘
‘Bright and dedicated across the board.‘
‘Wide skill sets, including civil fraud.‘