3 Verulam Buildings ‘continues to be a blue ribbon set with many proven and talented silks and juniors of various ranges of experience‘. The set’s recent investments, particularly at the junior end, have not gone unnoticed, having ‘materially improved the offering across the range of expertise needed for major international litigation‘. Major recent mandates include Ewan McQuater KC leading Adam Kramer KC and Hannah Glover on behalf of Vodafone in Phones4U Ltd (in administration) v EE, Vodafone UK and others, in which Phones 4U’s administrators claim that Vodafone conspired with other mobile network operators to stop supplying Phones 4U, sinking the business. Multiple members, including Ali Malek KC, Matthew Hardwick KC, Andrew Onslow KC, David Head KC and George McPherson are representing the defendants in the epic SKAT (The Danish Customs & Tax Administration) v Solo Capital Partners LLP, concerning “cum-ex” trading of Danish shares by a Dubai-based hedge fund which the Danish authorities allege to be a tax fraud.
Commercial litigation in
London Bar3 Verulam Buildings
Testimonials
Set
‘3VB is a great set for banking disputes – it has a great stable of top silks and strong juniors.‘
‘Fantastic set with a breadth of experience – my go to set.’
‘3VB has increasingly become a chambers with unparalleled depth in its bench. Recent investments in the team have materially improved the offering across the range of expertise needed for major international litigation. A particular mention must go to the exceptionally strong juniors in chambers, who demonstrate and support the strong value and merit embodied in the KCs.’
‘3VB are a very impressive set in banking and civil fraud cases. Good consistency across the board. Very approachable and commercial. They have a standout clerking team who are extremely commercial in their approach.’
‘3VB continues to be a blue ribbon set with many proven and talented silks and juniors of various ranges of experience.’
Clerking
‘The clerking at 3VB is excellent. Richard Ansell is our main contact.’
Blackstone Chambers
Blackstone Chambers is an ‘outstanding set of chambers with a deep pool of talent‘ and a favoured choice for ‘prestigious clients or complex commercial litigation and arbitrations‘. Nine members, including Andrew Green KC and Harry Adamson for HSBC, were involved in the Ingenious Litigation, Rowe & Ors v Ingenious Media Holdings Ltd, involving claims by over 500 investors seeking damages after HMRC rejected £620m worth of expected tax relief linked to controversial film finance schemes. Several members are defending the respondents in the high-profile Ocado Group claims concerning the alleged misuse of Ocado’s confidential information to set up a competitor, with Anthony Peto KC and Daniel Burgess representing one of Ocado’s co-founders, Jonathan Faiman, and Robert Weekes KC representing Faiman’s lawyer and ex-Jones Day partner Raymond McKeeve – the case involved allegations of destruction of documents and contempt of court on the part of McKeeve, among other complicating factors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone is my preferred set in London for what, in my view, is an unrivalled mix of technical specialism, commercial approach to advising, and a realistic, balanced approach on fees.’
‘Amazing strength in depth across all areas.’
‘First class Chambers – for me the go to Chambers for prestigious clients or complex commercial litigation and arbitrations.’
‘Pre-eminent in the areas of commercial litigation and high court employment work. Full of top drawer individuals. I have never been disappointed trying someone new at Blackstone. They have rolled out some great online training sessions this last year.’
‘This is an outstanding set of chambers with a deep pool of talent.’
Clerking
‘Tremendous. All of them whether form Gary Oliver and Derek Sutton down to the youngest/newest clerks. The clerks are friendly helpful courteous; I trust their judgments and recommendation and after 50 years of being a lawyer that speaks volumes.
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers
‘continues to field an extremely impressive bench, from senior silks down to junior juniors’ and is widely considered ‘one of the strongest commercial civil sets‘. The set’s members have a diverse range of expertise and are ‘excellent‘ for international disputes. The ongoing litigation, Privatbank v Kolomoisky and others, has involved several senior and junior members, including Mark Howard KC, Michael Bools KC, Alec Haydon KC and Geoffrey Kuehne , all defending the bank’s former owner, Igor Kolomoisky, against allegations that he misappropriated US$2.4bn by arranging fraudulent loans. Tim Lord KC is also leading Simon Birt KC, Craig Morrison KC, and Sophie Shaw on behalf of the respondent, Ingenious Media, in the high-profile test case launched by investors over the tax treatment of its film finance investment schemes.
Testimonials
Set
‘Premier set for commercial disputes.’
‘Brick Court continues to field an extremely impressive bench, from senior silks down to junior juniors. They are capable of assembling large teams for the most complex cases and have a good roster of senior juniors and junior silks who can take on smaller matters by themselves.’
‘Brick Court are stand-out – they have real strength in depth, absolute quality and they are very visible.’
‘Brick Court are one of the strongest commercial civil sets. They are a very powerful set, massive, always able to service work.’
‘Excellent set for international work. Really good working relationships from silks to juniors.’
Clerking
‘Paul Dennison is now the best clerk in the London market, and helps us and our clients wherever barristers happen to be and whenever we need them.’
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers is ‘packed with excellent barristers‘ and has ‘a deserved reputation as a Magic Circle chambers for heavyweight litigation‘. The set’s senior and junior members offer an incredibly broad range of expertise, including overlapping strengths in civil fraud and commercial arbitration. Recent noteworthy cases include Dynasty Company for Oil and Gas Trading Ltd v The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq; and Dr Ashti Hawrami, a US$1.5bn Commercial Court claim relating to change of control of two oil and gas blocks in Northern Iraq in which Hawrami was successfully represented by Graham Dunning KC, Anton Dudnikov and Catherine Jung. Several members, including Dunning, Anna Dilnot KC, Ruth den Besten KC, Ciaran Keller and Benedict Tompkins, are representing different groups of defendants in, Suppipat & Ors v Nop Narongdeg & Ors, a US$2bn claim concerning an alleged fraud by Thai businessman Nop Narongdej and several other individuals and entities over the ownership of Thailand’s largest renewable energy company.
Testimonials
Set
‘One of the market leading commercial litigation sets – packed with excellent barristers.’
‘Essex court is one of the leading sets in commercial litigation for a reason. They have true strength and depth.’
‘I am consistently impressed by Essex Court. Everyone I have worked with there is very intelligent and hard working. They are without question a go-to set when you have a difficult issue.’
‘Essex Court is excellent and the top of the tree for commercial litigation work.’
‘Essex Court is an outstanding set with a deserved reputation as a Magic Circle chambers for heavyweight litigation. They are my go-to choice for complex civil fraud claims. All the tenants are outstanding.’
Clerking
‘Ably led by Joe Ferrigno, they know what they deliver and how to pair barristers with the work on which they are instructed.’
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court Chambers is ‘a stellar set of chambers that can offer both very capable juniors and well-respected and highly talented silks‘. The set’s impressive credentials stretch across several core areas, from high-end banking and finance disputes, through to civil and criminal fraud. A major instruction has been NMC Health Ltd & Ors v BR Shetty & Ors, in which Bankim Thanki KC is leading Nico Leslie, among others, for the joint administrators of the Middle Eastern healthcare company, NMC Health, involving claims against the founder and certain prominent former shareholders for fraud and embezzlement. In VTB Capital plc v Republic of Mozambique & Others, David Railton KC is leading Timothy Howe KC , Adam Sher and Ian Bergson for the claimant, in a dispute involving monetary claims against Mozambiquan borrowers, guaranteed by the Mozambique state.
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court is a stellar set of chambers that can offer both very capable juniors and well-respected and highly talented silks, many of which have assisted us in our cases in the past few years.’
‘Fountain Court are undoubtedly one of the top sets in the business. Their junior barristers are top notch and the silks are refreshingly down to earth, and practical in their approach to cases.’
‘They are my go-to set. Clerking is top notch. Super responsive. Service is impeccable. They have never failed to accommodate any request. Counsel are always available. What sets this set apart from the rest is the consistency of quality of counsel. They are all (bar none) super clever, very approachable, very client friendly and advice is never wrong.’
‘Fountain Court remains one of the very top commercial sets in London.’
‘Fountain Court Chambers is a tremendous set on every level. The entire team appears invested in their client’s success and it is a joy to work with them.’
Clerking
‘The Fountain Court clerks are a pleasure to deal with. Alfie Harper is my go-to and never disappoints. Prompt, consistent and considered service, with a real appreciation for the challenges we face as solicitors and client requirements.’
One Essex Court
One Essex Court is ‘an exceptional set of chambers with a fabulous pool of talent‘ who are considered ‘the absolute cream of the crop of commercial/fraud litigators‘. Few can match the set’s deep bench of top name silks and juniors, which was deepened further by the return of Lord Wolfson KC from his stint as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice. Anna Boase KC also led Emma Jones for the defendant in The Carphone Warehouse Ltd v Telefonica UK Ltd, a breach of contract claim linked to special offer tariffs for SIM-only deals. In another key case, Allianz Global Investors GmbH & others v G4S, Laurence Rabinowitz KC and Simon Colton KC defended the security services company in shareholder claims for in excess of £100 million arising out of alleged untrue and misleading statements in, and material omissions from, G4S’s published information; namely its attempts to bill the Ministry of Justice for electronically tagging criminals who had either never been tagged or were dead.
Testimonials
Set
‘One Essex are the absolute cream of the crop of commercial/fraud litigators.’
‘OEC is an exceptional set of chambers with a fabulous pool of talent. Someone is always made available because they all work incredibly hard, not because they ever have too little to do.’
‘Elite. Exceptional. The best of the best.’
Clerking
‘Jackie Ginty is a force. She is an excellent manager of both the clerks and the barristers. She is very responsive and will do her best to assist with any issue.’
‘Darren Burrows is a very smooth operator.’
‘The clerking service at OEC is and always has been by far the best of chambers I’ve ever used. They never promise what cannot be delivered, unlike many of their counterparts. Stand-out clerks include Adam Wheeler, David Amdor and Rob Smith.’
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings is a ‘top-quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user-friendly approach‘. It is considered ‘a go-to for trust and fraud litigation‘ and is an undoubted leader for the full range of Offshore matters. Recent matters include Capital WW v Paysafe & Ors in which Robert Levy KC led Bajul Shahfor the claimant in its applications for Norwich Pharmacal relief concerning unpaid dividends from a gambling business. Several senior juniors regularly act unled in significant cases, including Adam Cloherty KC and Hugh Miall; the latter represented the claimant, a property consultancy company, in Burbage Realty Ltd v RJ 15 Ltd & Ors, a dispute over fees for the introduction, negotiation and development of a warehousing and logistics site next to the M1.
Testimonials
Set
‘Top quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user-friendly approach.’
‘Great annual training conference is a fixture in the calendar. Some pretty good fun social events too.’
‘XXIV have been one of my go-to sets for many years. The quality of many of the barristers, at an extremely competitive price point, makes them a great fit for a lot of work that I undertake.‘
‘Very good set – a go to for trust and fraud litigation.’
‘XXIV is an excellent chambers for Chancery work, always at the forefront of developing law.’
Clerking
‘Professional and easy to deal with – Perry Brown is an excellent practice manager who always seems in complete control.’
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk is ‘a very strong all round commercial set with a barrister to suit all requirements‘. Traditionally known for strengths in insurance and shipping it is also ‘great at any commercial disputes‘ backed by ‘lots of strength in depth from juniors‘. The set is a popular choice for major cross-border international litigations, and in PetroSaudi Oil Services (Venezuela) Ltd v Clyde & Co , David Allen KC and Jason Robinson represented PetroSaudi in its bid access US$325m in the law firm’s escrow account, which had been frozen due to alleged collections with the 1MDB fraud, to satisfy an arbitral award. Another highlight was the set’s role on the FCA test case litigation, FCA v Arch and others, concerning business interruption claims concerning COVID-19 lockdowns, with several members including Gavin Kealey KC and Jonathan Gaisman KC respectively leading for two selected insurers, Amlin and Hiscox.
Testimonials
Set
‘7 KBW is a very strong all round commercial set with a barrister to suit all requirements.’
‘Great set with lots of strength in depth from juniors.’
‘A quality chambers. All of the many tenants I have dealt with there over the years are exceptionally intelligent and good practitioners. There is thus real strength in depth and a place to go to for topline advice and advocacy.’
‘The chambers are great to work with, the best for any insurance related work but great at any commercial disputes.’
‘7KBW remains my go-to for any matters relating to insurance or shipping, but increasingly also for general commercial matters.’
Clerking
‘The senior clerk and deputy head clerks are all excellent. They are always available and responsive.’
Maitland Chambers
Maitland Chambers is ‘an excellent set of chambers with huge bench strength‘. Complimentary expertise in related areas such as offshore, insolvency and fraud make it a destination set for high profile commercial disputes. David Mumford KC and Thomas Munby KC are on the team representing the Qatari government in Qatar v Banque Havilland SA, a claim concerning an alleged conspiracy by the bank and the government of the United Arab Emirates, which severed diplomatic relations with Qatar between 2017 and 2021, to cause a run on the value of the riyal and Qatari sovereign debt. Munby KC, alongside Duncan McCombe, was also led by Andrew Twigger KC on behalf of the claimant in Bugsby Property v LGIM Commercial Lending, involving a damages claim against a Legal & General group company for an alleged breach of an exclusivity agreement, which concluded with a four-week trial.
Testimonials
Set
‘Maitland has particular strength in running the line between pure insolvency and commercial asset recovery. They have the tactical awareness required in guiding commercial litigation to the best outcome, backed up by deep founded knowledge in black letter insolvency law.’
‘Maitland are an excellent set of chambers with huge bench strength. I have worked with may of the barristers there over the years and have always been impressed. Never wanting and never disappointed.’
‘Maitland’s service levels are outstanding and the responsiveness and engagement from the team is superb. Highly technical barristers who are easy to deal with and work well in teams.’
‘Maitland is clearly one of the leading commercial and chancery sets, with plenty of strength in depth, and a great clerk’s room.’
‘Fantastic set full of clever barristers.’
Clerking
‘Maitland has an excellent clerks’ room which is responsive, straightforward and welcoming.’
Serle Court
Serle Court is ‘a class act‘ with ‘a number of fantastic silks and excellent junior coming up‘. The set has a top-notch reputation for high-end Chancery, offshore, and fraud claims, which translates well into broader commercial disputes. Several members, including Jonathan Adkin KC and Adil Mohamedbhai for the trustee defendants and James Weale for an intervenor, are involved in Wong v Grand View Private Trust Company & Ors, a case before the Bermuda Supreme Court in which the claimant seeks to recover billions of dollars of assets purportedly held in the purpose trusts on behalf of his late father’s estate. Philip Marshall KC and Simon Hattan are acting for one of the defendants, Kamran Amouzegar, in The Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan, a US$800m-plus fraud claim involving bribery allegations linked to banking and investments of Kuwait’s state pension fund.
Testimonials
Set
‘Serle Court is a class act.’
‘Serle Court has incredible strength in depth at all levels. I consider the Serle Court name to be a quality stamp. You invariably receive user friendly, incisive and commercial advice and advocacy from this set.’
‘Serle Court is going from strength to strength. They have a number of fantastic silks and excellent junior coming up.’
‘Serle Court are an absolutely first rate set. The quality of the barristers I have worked with there has been uniformly high and their breadth of expertise within the area is impressive. I would highly recommend them to anyone.’
‘Very strong offering in commercial dispute resolution at all levels.’
Clerking
‘Emma Quin is a pleasure to deal with. She is always extremely helpful and friendly, often going the extra mile to make sure that we are well looked after.’
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex is a ‘ go-to set for substantial commercial disputes, particularly with an international angle‘. Clients appreciate its ‘good strength in depth and a dazzling array of legal talent,‘ who bring experience of handling the largest cases. Notable instructions include Abdulhameed Dhia Jafar v The GHF Group Limited and GHF General Partner Limited, a case arising from the collapse of the Abraaj emerging markets private equity house, in which Stephen Atherton KC is leading Sarah Tresman for GHF, which sits within the Abraaj fund structure. Another major case involving several members is PJSC National Bank Trust; PJSC Otkritie Bank Financial Corporation v Boris Mints; Dmitry Mints; Alexander Mints; Igor Mints, a fraudulent conspiracy claim in relation to the restructuring of loans, with Philip Edey KC and Tresman representing Boris Mints and Duncan Matthews KC representing his son, Igor Mints.
Testimonials
Set
‘Twenty Essex is full of excellent barristers at all levels – my go-to set.’
‘Twenty Essex is my go-to set for substantial commercial disputes, particularly with an international angle. They provide excellent silks and juniors for most types of commercial dispute. Their barristers are very accessible and approachable.’
‘Twenty Essex are brilliant and growing strongly with excellent barristers of a high calibre.’
‘Rightly regarded as one of the leading commercial sets with a good strength in depth and a dazzling array of legal talent.’
‘Twenty Essex is a fantastic set, one of our go-to sets given the quality of counsel and their personable nature.’
Clerking
‘Really good – helpful, responsive, and realistic and commercial when it comes to fees.’
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Part of the Offshore blue blood,’ Wilberforce Chambers is considered ‘a top commercial set with excellent silks‘ and ‘exceptional’ juniors. The set’s members have successfully blended the commercial and chancery elements of their practices to become a favoured destination for the largest disputes. Recently these have included Craig Wright, Tulip Trading Ltd and ors v Persons Unknown, Various Bitcoin Developers in which John Wardell KC, Bobby Friedman and Sri Carmichael are acting for Craig Wright, a man who has claimed to be Bitcoin's pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto, in a claim against various developers after losing access to £2-3bn worth of Bitcoin after his computer was hacked in 2020. In Vneshprombank v Bedzhamov, Alan Gourgey KC is leading three junior members, including Jack Watson, for the claimant in a £1bn plus claim against Georgy Bedzhamov, concerning the bank’s collapse and related allegations of fraud and conspiracy.
Testimonials
Set
‘Wilberforce is always one of the leading sets for commercial and chancery work.’
‘Wilberforce – part of the offshore blue blood. Responsive clerking, good value fee policies.’
‘Excellent set that always delivers. Great diversity in their offering.’
‘Wilberforce are a top commercial set with excellent silks.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers are a first rate set with a growing number of excellent barristers. It has grown from strength to strength.’
‘The quality of their barristers is exceptional, especially the juniors.’
Clerking
Work highlights
4 New Square
4 New Square is ‘a top-class outfit with top to bottom strength‘. Core areas such as professional negligence also feed into the increasingly impressive commercial practice of its members. Recent high profile cases include Vneshprombank (VPB) v Bedzhamov & Ors in which Justin Fenwick KC is leading Mark Cullen, on behalf of Georgy Bedzhamov, who alleges he is the victim of a corporate raid in fraud proceedings brought by a now-insolvent Russian bank, against a backdrop of intervention of his own Russian trustee in bankruptcy. Daniel Saoul KC is also leading the team, including Matthieu Gregoire, on behalf of the claimants in 600 Claimants v Spence, Kewley, Crump & Others, in which hundreds of individuals and companies were allegedly mis-sold holiday and student properties through the defendant’s ‘Emerging Properties’ brand.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 New Square are obviously top notch for negligence, but I am increasingly impressed by their wider commercial practice.’
‘4 New Square are renowned for civil litigation and strength in juniors.‘
‘4 New Square is highly respected and has a great reputation in the areas of fraud and commercial ligation. You are assured of quality if you instruct 4 New Square. The barrister that we deal with will always make themselves available but if for any reason they are not they will always suggest suitable substitute.’
‘4 New Square have strength and depth at every level.’
‘A top-class outfit with top to bottom strength.’
Clerking
‘They are all very good, receptive to my needs and client and business oriented.’
4 Stone Buildings
4 Stone Buildings is an ‘outstanding Chancery set‘ which is ‘highly reputable for offshore commercial matters’. Clients note that the ‘juniors, in particular, are of a consistently high calibre‘. Richard Hill KC is leading a large team, including fellow member Andrew de Mestre KC, for the claimants in Travelport and Ors v WEX Inc, concerning two joined claims arising out of WEX’s proposed acquisition of eNett and Optal. Another major mandate has been Faulkner v Vollin Investments Limited, in relation to a dispute between 70 shareholders in a projector technology company and its funder, in which Donald Lilly and, at an earlier stage, Orlando Fraser KC, represented the respondents.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Stone Buildings is a strong commercial set. We regularly instruct counsel from 4 Stone on a range of commercial disputes, including shareholder disputes and fraud. The juniors, in particular, are of a consistently high calibre.’
‘The set as a whole is highly reputable for offshore commercial matters and they have excellent depth of offering.‘
‘Great chambers. We use a number of the KCs there regularly.’
‘4 Stone Buildings are an outstanding Chancery set. Most (if not all) of our fee earners regularly instruct their Counsel at all levels, from the most junior members up to Silks. Without exception, their barristers are friendly, easy to work with, and supremely confident and gifted lawyers. They can be flexible and innovative with regard to fee structures and rates, and their clerks always ensure that someone is available, even on very short notice. They always recommend the right person for the job.’
‘Really strong set with an abundance of talent.’
Clerking
‘All of the clerking team provide a first-rate service. Senior Clerk David Goddard is sophistication personified. David is very supportive, reassuring and avuncular with junior members of chambers, and he leads a brilliant clerking team with Ben Lashmar (First Junior Clerk) and Ryan Tunkel (Second Junior Clerk) who have an enviably commercial approach with our lawyers. They are always available, very responsive and can offer solutions when difficult circumstances arise. And they are thoroughly decent and fun people to work with. They often make the sometimes tough litigation process easier to manage with their unflappable approach, positive attitude and unstinting sense of humour.’
Erskine Chambers
Erskine Chambers remains the ‘go-to chambers for disputes with a corporate or company law angle‘ with barristers who ‘are out of the very top draw of talent at the Chancery Bar‘. Many are also used for broader commercial disputes, and stand out for claims with an offshore angle. High-profile cases include an injunction restraining the exercise of call options relating to the founder’s shares in the cryptocurrency exchange Bitstamp, in which Andrew Thompson KC led Jack Rivett on behalf of the claimant. Edward Davies KC and Ben Griffiths both represented the claimant in IsZo v Nam Tai, in a bid to reverse the US$170m placement of shares in the NYSE-listed company registered in the BVI.
Testimonials
Set
‘Go-to chambers for disputes with a corporate/company law angle.’
‘Excellent company chambers.’
‘Still the go-to set in relation to company law matters and insolvency. A particular feature of the set is the impressive strength and depth of it barristers. Without exception all members of chambers are out of the very top draw of talent at the Chancery bar.’
‘A strong set, not just in English company law, but also BVI company law and international commercial litigation.’
‘The go-to set for company law issues.’
Clerking
‘Extremely well clerked. The return of Phil Reeves as the senior clerk ensures the set will continue to remain a tight and well run ship.’
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers is ‘quality commercial set’ that ‘has moved well beyond its shipping roots‘. The ‘forward-thinking, commercially astute, and user friendly‘ chambers has ‘embraced technology leaving others far behind‘ and has ‘a number of good options at all levels for commercial litigation‘. Notable cases include DAZN v IMG in which Paul Downes KC is leading Nicola Allsop for the defendants in a dispute regarding the rights to broadcast Italian Serie A football in Brazil, and whether their disruption due to COVID-19 amounted to a force majeure event. Simon Rainey KC also led Joseph Sullivan for the defendant in Conocophillips Company v Chrysaor E&P, which concerned the construction of a contract used for the US$2.6bn purchase of the claimant’s UK oil and gas exploration and production businesses.
Testimonials
Set
‘Quadrant has moved well beyond its shipping roots to become a quality commercial set.’
‘Forward-thinking, commercially astute, and user friendly. They have embraced technology leaving others far behind. The quad cast series is accessible, personable, and entertaining. A first-class set.’
‘Quadrant has really improved their commercial litigation offering in recent years. They now have good strength in depth and a number of good options at all levels for commercial litigation.’
‘A strong set and now renowned for commercial litigation as much as maritime work.’
‘We regularly use a variety of barristers at Quadrant – they are a strong set. We use Quadrant for the vast majority of our IT and commercial litigation matters.’
Clerking
‘I have had excellent experiences with the clerking team at Quadrant Chambers. I could not praise Daniel Westerman enough. He always has a warm greeting and does everything in his power to help assist me with my query and either find options for barristers or assist with any issues that might arise during the court of the litigation – whether with availability, the Court or liaising with the other side. It is reassuring to know there is someone I can turn to for assistance in these circumstances who I know will get back to me quickly and keep me updated on progress. A star.‘
South Square
South Square has a ‘stellar reputation especially for insolvency-related litigation‘, but its ‘its areas of expertise have broadened very considerably over the last 10 or more years to cover most areas of high value commercial litigation‘. Notable disputes include Credit Suisse v Softbank, relating to claims made by Credit Suisse arising out of the collapse of Greensill, the supply chain finance business, in which Tom Smith KC is leading Adam Al-Attar for Softbank, the technology investment firm led by Masayoshi Son. Several members are involved in a challenge to the restructuring of the Virgin Active gym group, with Georgina Peters representing the landlords, with Smith and David Allison KC acting as opposing counsel.
Testimonials
Set
‘South Square is a very strong set. Historically, it was very much focused on Insolvency and restructuring but its areas of expertise have broadened very considerably over the last 10 or more years to cover most areas of high value commercial litigation, certainly (but not only) in the financial services sector.’
‘South Square is a leading chambers in several areas. The quality of the barristers there is first-rate.’
‘Stellar reputation, especially for insolvency-related litigation.’
‘South Square continue to be the go-to set for insolvency matters.’
‘Excellent.’
Clerking
‘Aside from the ability of many of its tenants, the single most important factor in South Square being my go to chambers is the strength of the clerking there. I have over the years, developed a very strong relationship with the team and always find them responsive and understanding of the pressures placed on solicitors by the lay client (for example in relation to fees). They are all very good, but Jim Costa and Dylan Playfoot require special commendation, closely followed by Marco Malatesta and Mike Killick.’
Work highlights
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court is ‘an excellent set to work with across a range of areas’ and ‘punches well above its weight in terms of quality and breadth of experience‘. Nigel Tozzi KC remains a leading figure in the market and represented Kestrel Coal in Quartz Assets LLC (and others) v KestrelCoal Midco Pty, a US$172m dispute concerning the acquisition financing of ming assets from Rio Tinto. Nicholas Vineall KC is also leading the Maduro team in in Central Bank of Venezuela: Maduro Board v Guaido Board, concerning who controls gold bullion at the Bank of England belonging to the Central Bank of Venezuela. At the junior end, Matthew Thorne regularly acts as sole counsel on prominent claims. The set was also boosted by the arrival of the up-and-coming Laurence Page from Gatehouse Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Pump Court, whilst smaller than its major competitors, punches well above its weight in terms of quality and breadth of experience. They have a stable of advocates who can turn their minds to any major, complex dispute.’
‘Pump Court are an impressive set with barristers of the highest calibre.’
‘4 Pump Court – very good set. Strength in depth.’
‘An excellent set to work with across a range of areas.’
‘Good commercial set.’
Clerking
‘The clerks, most recently Richard Sumarno, are helpful and user friendly.’
Littleton Chambers
Littleton Chambers is ‘an excellent set with high-quality counsel‘. Traditionally strong in employment and commercial disputes involving individuals, the set is an increasingly favoured choice for international commercial litigation and civil fraud. Members regularly work together on high value cross-border matters, and in Abdulrahman Al-Subaihi and Jamal Al-Muzein v Mishal Al-Sanea, Rupert D’Cruz KC and Alexander Halban are acting for the claimant in a dispute over the US$20m payment of legal fees, involving allegations of undue influence and breach of fiduciary and corporate capacity under Saudi law. Senior juniors such as Marc Delehanty and Nicholas Goodfellow respectively have significant roles for the defendants in major multi-party trials Privatbank v Kolomoisky, Bogolyubov, Teamtrend Ltd & others, and Jinxin Inc. v Media Partners and Silva, LLC and others.
Testimonials
Set
‘Littleton Chambers is an excellent set with high quality counsel, I instruct quite a few of them, they are also very responsive and willing to go over and above to find appropriate counsel or to assist with anything.’
‘My go-to set for general commercial litigation, especially for cases with an employment related element.’
‘A strong commercial litigation set.’
‘Littleton Chambers are the rising stars of chambers covering employment, commercial disputes including civil fraud and sport.’
‘Littleton are very strong in commercial litigation work and this has improved over the past few years.’
Clerking
‘The clerks room is brilliant, I’ve always had excellent service. Scott Hersey in particular always goes the extra mile to provide responsive, quick and helpful service. ‘
Work highlights
3 Verulam Buildings
Testimonials
Set
‘3VB is a great set for banking disputes – it has a great stable of top silks and strong juniors.‘
‘Fantastic set with a breadth of experience – my go to set.’
‘3VB has increasingly become a chambers with unparalleled depth in its bench. Recent investments in the team have materially improved the offering across the range of expertise needed for major international litigation. A particular mention must go to the exceptionally strong juniors in chambers, who demonstrate and support the strong value and merit embodied in the KCs.’
‘3VB are a very impressive set in banking and civil fraud cases. Good consistency across the board. Very approachable and commercial. They have a standout clerking team who are extremely commercial in their approach.’
‘3VB continues to be a blue ribbon set with many proven and talented silks and juniors of various ranges of experience.’
Clerking
‘The clerking at 3VB is excellent. Richard Ansell is our main contact.’
Blackstone Chambers
Blackstone Chambers is an ‘outstanding set of chambers with a deep pool of talent‘ and a favoured choice for ‘prestigious clients or complex commercial litigation and arbitrations‘. Nine members, including Andrew Green KC and Harry Adamson for HSBC, were involved in the Ingenious Litigation, Rowe & Ors v Ingenious Media Holdings Ltd, involving claims by over 500 investors seeking damages after HMRC rejected £620m worth of expected tax relief linked to controversial film finance schemes. Several members are defending the respondents in the high-profile Ocado Group claims concerning the alleged misuse of Ocado’s confidential information to set up a competitor, with Anthony Peto KC and Daniel Burgess representing one of Ocado’s co-founders, Jonathan Faiman, and Robert Weekes KC representing Faiman’s lawyer and ex-Jones Day partner Raymond McKeeve – the case involved allegations of destruction of documents and contempt of court on the part of McKeeve, among other complicating factors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone is my preferred set in London for what, in my view, is an unrivalled mix of technical specialism, commercial approach to advising, and a realistic, balanced approach on fees.’
‘Amazing strength in depth across all areas.’
‘First class Chambers – for me the go to Chambers for prestigious clients or complex commercial litigation and arbitrations.’
‘Pre-eminent in the areas of commercial litigation and high court employment work. Full of top drawer individuals. I have never been disappointed trying someone new at Blackstone. They have rolled out some great online training sessions this last year.’
‘This is an outstanding set of chambers with a deep pool of talent.’
Clerking
‘Tremendous. All of them whether form Gary Oliver and Derek Sutton down to the youngest/newest clerks. The clerks are friendly helpful courteous; I trust their judgments and recommendation and after 50 years of being a lawyer that speaks volumes.
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers ‘continues to field an extremely impressive bench, from senior silks down to junior juniors’ and is widely considered ‘one of the strongest commercial civil sets‘. The set’s members have a diverse range of expertise and are ‘excellent‘ for international disputes. The ongoing litigation, Privatbank v Kolomoisky and others, has involved several senior and junior members, including Mark Howard KC, Michael Bools KC, Alec Haydon KC and Geoffrey Kuehne , all defending the bank’s former owner, Igor Kolomoisky, against allegations that he misappropriated US$2.4bn by arranging fraudulent loans. Tim Lord KC is also leading Simon Birt KC, Craig Morrison KC, and Sophie Shaw on behalf of the respondent, Ingenious Media, in the high-profile test case launched by investors over the tax treatment of its film finance investment schemes.
Testimonials
Set
‘Premier set for commercial disputes.’
‘Brick Court continues to field an extremely impressive bench, from senior silks down to junior juniors. They are capable of assembling large teams for the most complex cases and have a good roster of senior juniors and junior silks who can take on smaller matters by themselves.’
‘Brick Court are stand-out – they have real strength in depth, absolute quality and they are very visible.’
‘Brick Court are one of the strongest commercial civil sets. They are a very powerful set, massive, always able to service work.’
‘Excellent set for international work. Really good working relationships from silks to juniors.’
Clerking
‘Paul Dennison is now the best clerk in the London market, and helps us and our clients wherever barristers happen to be and whenever we need them.’
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers is ‘packed with excellent barristers‘ and has ‘a deserved reputation as a Magic Circle chambers for heavyweight litigation‘. The set’s senior and junior members offer an incredibly broad range of expertise, including overlapping strengths in civil fraud and commercial arbitration. Recent noteworthy cases include Dynasty Company for Oil and Gas Trading Ltd v The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq; and Dr Ashti Hawrami, a US$1.5bn Commercial Court claim relating to change of control of two oil and gas blocks in Northern Iraq in which Hawrami was successfully represented by Graham Dunning KC, Anton Dudnikov and Catherine Jung. Several members, including Dunning, Anna Dilnot KC, Ruth den Besten KC, Ciaran Keller and Benedict Tompkins, are representing different groups of defendants in, Suppipat & Ors v Nop Narongdeg & Ors, a US$2bn claim concerning an alleged fraud by Thai businessman Nop Narongdej and several other individuals and entities over the ownership of Thailand’s largest renewable energy company.
Testimonials
Set
‘One of the market leading commercial litigation sets – packed with excellent barristers.’
‘Essex court is one of the leading sets in commercial litigation for a reason. They have true strength and depth.’
‘I am consistently impressed by Essex Court. Everyone I have worked with there is very intelligent and hard working. They are without question a go-to set when you have a difficult issue.’
‘Essex Court is excellent and the top of the tree for commercial litigation work.’
‘Essex Court is an outstanding set with a deserved reputation as a Magic Circle chambers for heavyweight litigation. They are my go-to choice for complex civil fraud claims. All the tenants are outstanding.’
Clerking
‘Ably led by Joe Ferrigno, they know what they deliver and how to pair barristers with the work on which they are instructed.’
Work highlights
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court Chambers is ‘a stellar set of chambers that can offer both very capable juniors and well-respected and highly talented silks‘. The set’s impressive credentials stretch across several core areas, from high-end banking and finance disputes, through to civil and criminal fraud. A major instruction has been NMC Health Ltd & Ors v BR Shetty & Ors, in which Bankim Thanki KC is leading Nico Leslie, among others, for the joint administrators of the Middle Eastern healthcare company, NMC Health, involving claims against the founder and certain prominent former shareholders for fraud and embezzlement. In VTB Capital plc v Republic of Mozambique & Others, David Railton KC is leading Timothy Howe KC , Adam Sher and Ian Bergson for the claimant, in a dispute involving monetary claims against Mozambiquan borrowers, guaranteed by the Mozambique state.
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court is a stellar set of chambers that can offer both very capable juniors and well-respected and highly talented silks, many of which have assisted us in our cases in the past few years.’
‘Fountain Court are undoubtedly one of the top sets in the business. Their junior barristers are top notch and the silks are refreshingly down to earth, and practical in their approach to cases.’
‘They are my go-to set. Clerking is top notch. Super responsive. Service is impeccable. They have never failed to accommodate any request. Counsel are always available. What sets this set apart from the rest is the consistency of quality of counsel. They are all (bar none) super clever, very approachable, very client friendly and advice is never wrong.’
‘Fountain Court remains one of the very top commercial sets in London.’
‘Fountain Court Chambers is a tremendous set on every level. The entire team appears invested in their client’s success and it is a joy to work with them.’
Clerking
‘The Fountain Court clerks are a pleasure to deal with. Alfie Harper is my go-to and never disappoints. Prompt, consistent and considered service, with a real appreciation for the challenges we face as solicitors and client requirements.’
One Essex Court
One Essex Court is ‘an exceptional set of chambers with a fabulous pool of talent‘ who are considered ‘the absolute cream of the crop of commercial/fraud litigators‘. Few can match the set’s deep bench of top name silks and juniors, which was deepened further by the return of Lord Wolfson KC from his stint as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice. Anna Boase KC also led Emma Jones for the defendant in The Carphone Warehouse Ltd v Telefonica UK Ltd, a breach of contract claim linked to special offer tariffs for SIM-only deals. In another key case, Allianz Global Investors GmbH & others v G4S, Laurence Rabinowitz KC and Simon Colton KC defended the security services company in shareholder claims for in excess of £100 million arising out of alleged untrue and misleading statements in, and material omissions from, G4S’s published information; namely its attempts to bill the Ministry of Justice for electronically tagging criminals who had either never been tagged or were dead.
Testimonials
Set
‘One Essex are the absolute cream of the crop of commercial/fraud litigators.’
‘OEC is an exceptional set of chambers with a fabulous pool of talent. Someone is always made available because they all work incredibly hard, not because they ever have too little to do.’
‘Elite. Exceptional. The best of the best.’
Clerking
‘Jackie Ginty is a force. She is an excellent manager of both the clerks and the barristers. She is very responsive and will do her best to assist with any issue.’
‘Darren Burrows is a very smooth operator.’
‘The clerking service at OEC is and always has been by far the best of chambers I’ve ever used. They never promise what cannot be delivered, unlike many of their counterparts. Stand-out clerks include Adam Wheeler, David Amdor and Rob Smith.’
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings is a ‘top-quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user-friendly approach‘. It is considered ‘a go-to for trust and fraud litigation‘ and is an undoubted leader for the full range of Offshore matters. Recent matters include Capital WW v Paysafe & Ors in which Robert Levy KC led Bajul Shahfor the claimant in its applications for Norwich Pharmacal relief concerning unpaid dividends from a gambling business. Several senior juniors regularly act unled in significant cases, including Adam Cloherty KC and Hugh Miall; the latter represented the claimant, a property consultancy company, in Burbage Realty Ltd v RJ 15 Ltd & Ors, a dispute over fees for the introduction, negotiation and development of a warehousing and logistics site next to the M1.
Testimonials
Set
‘Top quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user-friendly approach.’
‘Great annual training conference is a fixture in the calendar. Some pretty good fun social events too.’
‘XXIV have been one of my go-to sets for many years. The quality of many of the barristers, at an extremely competitive price point, makes them a great fit for a lot of work that I undertake.‘
‘Very good set – a go to for trust and fraud litigation.’
‘XXIV is an excellent chambers for Chancery work, always at the forefront of developing law.’
Clerking
‘Professional and easy to deal with – Perry Brown is an excellent practice manager who always seems in complete control.’
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk is ‘a very strong all round commercial set with a barrister to suit all requirements‘. Traditionally known for strengths in insurance and shipping it is also ‘great at any commercial disputes‘ backed by ‘lots of strength in depth from juniors‘. The set is a popular choice for major cross-border international litigations, and in PetroSaudi Oil Services (Venezuela) Ltd v Clyde & Co , David Allen KC and Jason Robinson represented PetroSaudi in its bid access US$325m in the law firm’s escrow account, which had been frozen due to alleged collections with the 1MDB fraud, to satisfy an arbitral award. Another highlight was the set’s role on the FCA test case litigation, FCA v Arch and others, concerning business interruption claims concerning COVID-19 lockdowns, with several members including Gavin Kealey KC and Jonathan Gaisman KC respectively leading for two selected insurers, Amlin and Hiscox.
Testimonials
Set
‘7 KBW is a very strong all round commercial set with a barrister to suit all requirements.’
‘Great set with lots of strength in depth from juniors.’
‘A quality chambers. All of the many tenants I have dealt with there over the years are exceptionally intelligent and good practitioners. There is thus real strength in depth and a place to go to for topline advice and advocacy.’
‘The chambers are great to work with, the best for any insurance related work but great at any commercial disputes.’
‘7KBW remains my go-to for any matters relating to insurance or shipping, but increasingly also for general commercial matters.’
Clerking
‘The senior clerk and deputy head clerks are all excellent. They are always available and responsive.’
Maitland Chambers
Maitland Chambers is ‘an excellent set of chambers with huge bench strength‘. Complimentary expertise in related areas such as offshore, insolvency and fraud make it a destination set for high profile commercial disputes. David Mumford KC and Thomas Munby KC are on the team representing the Qatari government in Qatar v Banque Havilland SA, a claim concerning an alleged conspiracy by the bank and the government of the United Arab Emirates, which severed diplomatic relations with Qatar between 2017 and 2021, to cause a run on the value of the riyal and Qatari sovereign debt. Munby KC, alongside Duncan McCombe, was also led by Andrew Twigger KC on behalf of the claimant in Bugsby Property v LGIM Commercial Lending, involving a damages claim against a Legal & General group company for an alleged breach of an exclusivity agreement, which concluded with a four-week trial.
Testimonials
Set
‘Maitland has particular strength in running the line between pure insolvency and commercial asset recovery. They have the tactical awareness required in guiding commercial litigation to the best outcome, backed up by deep founded knowledge in black letter insolvency law.’
‘Maitland are an excellent set of chambers with huge bench strength. I have worked with may of the barristers there over the years and have always been impressed. Never wanting and never disappointed.’
‘Maitland’s service levels are outstanding and the responsiveness and engagement from the team is superb. Highly technical barristers who are easy to deal with and work well in teams.’
‘Maitland is clearly one of the leading commercial and chancery sets, with plenty of strength in depth, and a great clerk’s room.’
‘Fantastic set full of clever barristers.’
Clerking
‘Maitland has an excellent clerks’ room which is responsive, straightforward and welcoming.’
Serle Court
Serle Court is ‘a class act‘ with ‘a number of fantastic silks and excellent junior coming up‘. The set has a top-notch reputation for high-end Chancery, offshore, and fraud claims, which translates well into broader commercial disputes. Several members, including Jonathan Adkin KC and Adil Mohamedbhai for the trustee defendants and James Weale for an intervenor, are involved in Wong v Grand View Private Trust Company & Ors, a case before the Bermuda Supreme Court in which the claimant seeks to recover billions of dollars of assets purportedly held in the purpose trusts on behalf of his late father’s estate. Philip Marshall KC and Simon Hattan are acting for one of the defendants, Kamran Amouzegar, in The Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan, a US$800m-plus fraud claim involving bribery allegations linked to banking and investments of Kuwait’s state pension fund.
Testimonials
Set
‘Serle Court is a class act.’
‘Serle Court has incredible strength in depth at all levels. I consider the Serle Court name to be a quality stamp. You invariably receive user friendly, incisive and commercial advice and advocacy from this set.’
‘Serle Court is going from strength to strength. They have a number of fantastic silks and excellent junior coming up.’
‘Serle Court are an absolutely first rate set. The quality of the barristers I have worked with there has been uniformly high and their breadth of expertise within the area is impressive. I would highly recommend them to anyone.’
‘Very strong offering in commercial dispute resolution at all levels.’
Clerking
‘Emma Quin is a pleasure to deal with. She is always extremely helpful and friendly, often going the extra mile to make sure that we are well looked after.’
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex is a ‘ go-to set for substantial commercial disputes, particularly with an international angle‘. Clients appreciate its ‘good strength in depth and a dazzling array of legal talent,‘ who bring experience of handling the largest cases. Notable instructions include Abdulhameed Dhia Jafar v The GHF Group Limited and GHF General Partner Limited, a case arising from the collapse of the Abraaj emerging markets private equity house, in which Stephen Atherton KC is leading Sarah Tresman for GHF, which sits within the Abraaj fund structure. Another major case involving several members is PJSC National Bank Trust; PJSC Otkritie Bank Financial Corporation v Boris Mints; Dmitry Mints; Alexander Mints; Igor Mints, a fraudulent conspiracy claim in relation to the restructuring of loans, with Philip Edey KC and Tresman representing Boris Mints and Duncan Matthews KC representing his son, Igor Mints.
Testimonials
Set
‘Twenty Essex is full of excellent barristers at all levels – my go-to set.’
‘Twenty Essex is my go-to set for substantial commercial disputes, particularly with an international angle. They provide excellent silks and juniors for most types of commercial dispute. Their barristers are very accessible and approachable.’
‘Twenty Essex are brilliant and growing strongly with excellent barristers of a high calibre.’
‘Rightly regarded as one of the leading commercial sets with a good strength in depth and a dazzling array of legal talent.’
‘Twenty Essex is a fantastic set, one of our go-to sets given the quality of counsel and their personable nature.’
Clerking
‘Really good – helpful, responsive, and realistic and commercial when it comes to fees.’
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Part of the Offshore blue blood,’ Wilberforce Chambers is considered ‘a top commercial set with excellent silks‘ and ‘exceptional’ juniors. The set’s members have successfully blended the commercial and chancery elements of their practices to become a favoured destination for the largest disputes. Recently these have included Craig Wright, Tulip Trading Ltd and ors v Persons Unknown, Various Bitcoin Developers in which John Wardell KC, Bobby Friedman and Sri Carmichael are acting for Craig Wright, a man who has claimed to be Bitcoin's pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto, in a claim against various developers after losing access to £2-3bn worth of Bitcoin after his computer was hacked in 2020. In Vneshprombank v Bedzhamov, Alan Gourgey KC is leading three junior members, including Jack Watson, for the claimant in a £1bn plus claim against Georgy Bedzhamov, concerning the bank’s collapse and related allegations of fraud and conspiracy.
Testimonials
Set
‘Wilberforce is always one of the leading sets for commercial and chancery work.’
‘Wilberforce – part of the offshore blue blood. Responsive clerking, good value fee policies.’
‘Excellent set that always delivers. Great diversity in their offering.’
‘Wilberforce are a top commercial set with excellent silks.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers are a first rate set with a growing number of excellent barristers. It has grown from strength to strength.’
‘The quality of their barristers is exceptional, especially the juniors.’
Clerking
Work highlights
4 New Square
4 New Square is ‘a top-class outfit with top to bottom strength‘. Core areas such as professional negligence also feed into the increasingly impressive commercial practice of its members. Recent high profile cases include Vneshprombank (VPB) v Bedzhamov & Ors in which Justin Fenwick KC is leading Mark Cullen, on behalf of Georgy Bedzhamov, who alleges he is the victim of a corporate raid in fraud proceedings brought by a now-insolvent Russian bank, against a backdrop of intervention of his own Russian trustee in bankruptcy. Daniel Saoul KC is also leading the team, including Matthieu Gregoire, on behalf of the claimants in 600 Claimants v Spence, Kewley, Crump & Others, in which hundreds of individuals and companies were allegedly mis-sold holiday and student properties through the defendant’s ‘Emerging Properties’ brand.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 New Square are obviously top notch for negligence, but I am increasingly impressed by their wider commercial practice.’
‘4 New Square are renowned for civil litigation and strength in juniors.‘
‘4 New Square is highly respected and has a great reputation in the areas of fraud and commercial ligation. You are assured of quality if you instruct 4 New Square. The barrister that we deal with will always make themselves available but if for any reason they are not they will always suggest suitable substitute.’
‘4 New Square have strength and depth at every level.’
‘A top-class outfit with top to bottom strength.’
Clerking
‘They are all very good, receptive to my needs and client and business oriented.’
4 Stone Buildings
4 Stone Buildings is an ‘outstanding Chancery set‘ which is ‘highly reputable for offshore commercial matters’. Clients note that the ‘juniors, in particular, are of a consistently high calibre‘. Richard Hill KC is leading a large team, including fellow member Andrew de Mestre KC, for the claimants in Travelport and Ors v WEX Inc, concerning two joined claims arising out of WEX’s proposed acquisition of eNett and Optal. Another major mandate has been Faulkner v Vollin Investments Limited, in relation to a dispute between 70 shareholders in a projector technology company and its funder, in which Donald Lilly and, at an earlier stage, Orlando Fraser KC, represented the respondents.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Stone Buildings is a strong commercial set. We regularly instruct counsel from 4 Stone on a range of commercial disputes, including shareholder disputes and fraud. The juniors, in particular, are of a consistently high calibre.’
‘The set as a whole is highly reputable for offshore commercial matters and they have excellent depth of offering.‘
‘Great chambers. We use a number of the KCs there regularly.’
‘4 Stone Buildings are an outstanding Chancery set. Most (if not all) of our fee earners regularly instruct their Counsel at all levels, from the most junior members up to Silks. Without exception, their barristers are friendly, easy to work with, and supremely confident and gifted lawyers. They can be flexible and innovative with regard to fee structures and rates, and their clerks always ensure that someone is available, even on very short notice. They always recommend the right person for the job.’
‘Really strong set with an abundance of talent.’
Clerking
‘All of the clerking team provide a first-rate service. Senior Clerk David Goddard is sophistication personified. David is very supportive, reassuring and avuncular with junior members of chambers, and he leads a brilliant clerking team with Ben Lashmar (First Junior Clerk) and Ryan Tunkel (Second Junior Clerk) who have an enviably commercial approach with our lawyers. They are always available, very responsive and can offer solutions when difficult circumstances arise. And they are thoroughly decent and fun people to work with. They often make the sometimes tough litigation process easier to manage with their unflappable approach, positive attitude and unstinting sense of humour.’
Erskine Chambers
Erskine Chambers remains the ‘go-to chambers for disputes with a corporate or company law angle‘ with barristers who ‘are out of the very top draw of talent at the Chancery Bar‘. Many are also used for broader commercial disputes, and stand out for claims with an offshore angle. High-profile cases include an injunction restraining the exercise of call options relating to the founder’s shares in the cryptocurrency exchange Bitstamp, in which Andrew Thompson KC led Jack Rivett on behalf of the claimant. Edward Davies KC and Ben Griffiths both represented the claimant in IsZo v Nam Tai, in a bid to reverse the US$170m placement of shares in the NYSE-listed company registered in the BVI.
Testimonials
Set
‘Go-to chambers for disputes with a corporate/company law angle.’
‘Excellent company chambers.’
‘Still the go-to set in relation to company law matters and insolvency. A particular feature of the set is the impressive strength and depth of it barristers. Without exception all members of chambers are out of the very top draw of talent at the Chancery bar.’
‘A strong set, not just in English company law, but also BVI company law and international commercial litigation.’
‘The go-to set for company law issues.’
Clerking
‘Extremely well clerked. The return of Phil Reeves as the senior clerk ensures the set will continue to remain a tight and well run ship.’
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers is ‘quality commercial set’ that ‘has moved well beyond its shipping roots‘. The ‘forward-thinking, commercially astute, and user friendly‘ chambers has ‘embraced technology leaving others far behind‘ and has ‘a number of good options at all levels for commercial litigation‘. Notable cases include DAZN v IMG in which Paul Downes KC is leading Nicola Allsop for the defendants in a dispute regarding the rights to broadcast Italian Serie A football in Brazil, and whether their disruption due to COVID-19 amounted to a force majeure event. Simon Rainey KC also led Joseph Sullivan for the defendant in Conocophillips Company v Chrysaor E&P, which concerned the construction of a contract used for the US$2.6bn purchase of the claimant’s UK oil and gas exploration and production businesses.
Testimonials
Set
‘Quadrant has moved well beyond its shipping roots to become a quality commercial set.’
‘Forward-thinking, commercially astute, and user friendly. They have embraced technology leaving others far behind. The quad cast series is accessible, personable, and entertaining. A first-class set.’
‘Quadrant has really improved their commercial litigation offering in recent years. They now have good strength in depth and a number of good options at all levels for commercial litigation.’
‘A strong set and now renowned for commercial litigation as much as maritime work.’
‘We regularly use a variety of barristers at Quadrant – they are a strong set. We use Quadrant for the vast majority of our IT and commercial litigation matters.’
Clerking
‘I have had excellent experiences with the clerking team at Quadrant Chambers. I could not praise Daniel Westerman enough. He always has a warm greeting and does everything in his power to help assist me with my query and either find options for barristers or assist with any issues that might arise during the court of the litigation – whether with availability, the Court or liaising with the other side. It is reassuring to know there is someone I can turn to for assistance in these circumstances who I know will get back to me quickly and keep me updated on progress. A star.‘
South Square
South Square has a ‘stellar reputation especially for insolvency-related litigation‘, but its ‘its areas of expertise have broadened very considerably over the last 10 or more years to cover most areas of high value commercial litigation‘. Notable disputes include Credit Suisse v Softbank, relating to claims made by Credit Suisse arising out of the collapse of Greensill, the supply chain finance business, in which Tom Smith KC is leading Adam Al-Attar for Softbank, the technology investment firm led by Masayoshi Son. Several members are involved in a challenge to the restructuring of the Virgin Active gym group, with Georgina Peters representing the landlords, with Smith and David Allison KC acting as opposing counsel.
Testimonials
Set
‘South Square is a very strong set. Historically, it was very much focused on Insolvency and restructuring but its areas of expertise have broadened very considerably over the last 10 or more years to cover most areas of high value commercial litigation, certainly (but not only) in the financial services sector.’
‘South Square is a leading chambers in several areas. The quality of the barristers there is first-rate.’
‘Stellar reputation, especially for insolvency-related litigation.’
‘South Square continue to be the go-to set for insolvency matters.’
‘Excellent.’
Clerking
‘Aside from the ability of many of its tenants, the single most important factor in South Square being my go to chambers is the strength of the clerking there. I have over the years, developed a very strong relationship with the team and always find them responsive and understanding of the pressures placed on solicitors by the lay client (for example in relation to fees). They are all very good, but Jim Costa and Dylan Playfoot require special commendation, closely followed by Marco Malatesta and Mike Killick.’
Work highlights
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court is ‘an excellent set to work with across a range of areas’ and ‘punches well above its weight in terms of quality and breadth of experience‘. Nigel Tozzi KC remains a leading figure in the market and represented Kestrel Coal in Quartz Assets LLC (and others) v KestrelCoal Midco Pty, a US$172m dispute concerning the acquisition financing of ming assets from Rio Tinto. Nicholas Vineall KC is also leading the Maduro team in in Central Bank of Venezuela: Maduro Board v Guaido Board, concerning who controls gold bullion at the Bank of England belonging to the Central Bank of Venezuela. At the junior end, Matthew Thorne regularly acts as sole counsel on prominent claims. The set was also boosted by the arrival of the up-and-coming Laurence Page from Gatehouse Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Pump Court, whilst smaller than its major competitors, punches well above its weight in terms of quality and breadth of experience. They have a stable of advocates who can turn their minds to any major, complex dispute.’
‘Pump Court are an impressive set with barristers of the highest calibre.’
‘4 Pump Court – very good set. Strength in depth.’
‘An excellent set to work with across a range of areas.’
‘Good commercial set.’
Clerking
‘The clerks, most recently Richard Sumarno, are helpful and user friendly.’
Littleton Chambers
Littleton Chambers is ‘an excellent set with high-quality counsel‘. Traditionally strong in employment and commercial disputes involving individuals, the set is an increasingly favoured choice for international commercial litigation and civil fraud. Members regularly work together on high value cross-border matters, and in Abdulrahman Al-Subaihi and Jamal Al-Muzein v Mishal Al-Sanea, Rupert D’Cruz KC and Alexander Halban are acting for the claimant in a dispute over the US$20m payment of legal fees, involving allegations of undue influence and breach of fiduciary and corporate capacity under Saudi law. Senior juniors such as Marc Delehanty and Nicholas Goodfellow respectively have significant roles for the defendants in major multi-party trials Privatbank v Kolomoisky, Bogolyubov, Teamtrend Ltd & others, and Jinxin Inc. v Media Partners and Silva, LLC and others.
Testimonials
Set
‘Littleton Chambers is an excellent set with high quality counsel, I instruct quite a few of them, they are also very responsive and willing to go over and above to find appropriate counsel or to assist with anything.’
‘My go-to set for general commercial litigation, especially for cases with an employment related element.’
‘A strong commercial litigation set.’
‘Littleton Chambers are the rising stars of chambers covering employment, commercial disputes including civil fraud and sport.’
‘Littleton are very strong in commercial litigation work and this has improved over the past few years.’
Clerking
‘The clerks room is brilliant, I’ve always had excellent service. Scott Hersey in particular always goes the extra mile to provide responsive, quick and helpful service. ‘