‘The number one set for restructuring and insolvency matters,‘ South Square has all of its members specialising within insolvency and restructuring law. Members, such as Mark Phillips KC have appeared in significant and high-profile insolvency cases in the UK, such as Sova Capital Ltd in which Phillips KC, alongside William Willson, put an investment broker focussing on the Russian markets into administration, which raised numerous complex issues from valuing claims to dealing with client claims, as well as how Moscow-listed assets would be handled by a UK company. ‘Extremely knowledgeable and unflappable‘ junior Charlotte Cooke has appeared in a number of high-profile insolvency and restructuring cases, including three times in the Supreme Court, while Felicity Toube KC has depth in experience includes acting in major insolvency cases such as Greensill and Liberty Steel. David Allison KC has developed a strong cross-border practice, handling insolvency cases in the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and Hong Kong, whereas Clara Johnson is noted for her experience in bringing and defending claims brought by officer holders involving fraud and where urgent injunctive relief is required.
Insolvency in
London Bar
South Square
Testimonials
‘The clerks (Dylan Playfoot, Marco Malatesta and others) are highly skilled, understand the issues and direct us always to the best barrister available and are known for their understanding of urgency of a situation and quick response times- they are also and personable and always available and extremely helpful.’
‘Without a doubt my favourite clerks room. Pragmatic, commercial, reasonable, friendly, responsive, flexible. Everything that you could wish for. Dylan Playfoot and Marco Malatesta stand out but all are excellent.’
‘Clerks are fast and helpfully reactive. One can be open with them about the client’s needs and will be dealt with effectively and professionally.’
‘The clerks team is excellent. Very responsive, user-friendly and helpful. They will do everything they can to be helpful in terms of engaging counsel but also helping litigation run smoothly.
‘The clerks are fantastic. They are always on hand to help, with nothing you ask of them too much trouble. They are polite and responsive.’
‘South Square is clearly the number one set for restructuring and insolvency matters and they have some excellent barristers at all levels.”
‘By far the best set for insolvency – and very strong for general commercial skills.’
‘South Square are the go to set if you need any insolvency advice. They have such an impressive roster of people that no matter the issue they are likely to have experience.’
Work highlights
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings is known for its members having ‘great gravitas and reputation for contentious insolvency work,‘ with the set often involved in multi-jurisdictional insolvency disputes. In Lehman Brothers Holdings plc, Adrian Beltrami KC was instructed to represent the insolvent bank in ongoing waterfall disputes about the distribution of surpluses within the Lehman estate. Ewan McQuater KC was involved in NMC Healthcare Limited v Dubai Islamic Bank, the Middle East’s largest ongoing insolvency, where he led a counsel team in defending the interests of a Dubai Islamic Bank and Noor Bank in litigation concerning the collapse of the health company, alleged to be caused by fraud on the part of the company’s chairman. Looking at the juniors, Philip Hinks is noted for his work in Harrington Trading Company Ltd v Mehta, in which he acted for seven companies in liquidation and their joint liquidators in their claim that the proceeds of US$1bn of loans of gold bullion were misappropriated and laundered through a global network of companies.
Testimonials
‘The clerks at 3VB are without exception professional and accommodating. Steve Penson, Stuart Pullum and Lucy Burrows lead by example. When problems arise they are faced head on. Fee negotiations are usually fair and transparent. It is also good to see a woman in a senior position.
‘Excellent clerks – very responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘Efficient.’
‘The clerks are good. Responsive and commercial.’
‘Incredible strength in depth when it comes to counsel with financial services experience.’
‘3VB has genuine strength in depth. Their tendency to recruit former solicitors means that a number of their baby juniors have experience that others lack. Their ability to cover a wide range of commercial and financial services work makes them one of our first choice sets.’
‘Great gravitas and reputation for contentious insolvency work.’
‘Generally a strong set for insolvency work.’
Work highlights
4 Stone Buildings
4 Stone Buildings places insolvency and reconstruction as a central area of focus, with the set known for its involvement in high profile and high value insolvency work. Members of chambers have also represented the government on insolvency matters, including Tiran Nersessian, who was instructed by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to advise on the insolvency elements of the Horizon scandal, including the predicament of a cohort of postmasters who found themselves bankrupt. ‘Stand-out silk’ Jonathan Crow KC, was instructed in a multi-million dollar claim in Byers v Saudi National Bank which was brought by the liquidators of two insolvent companies against a bank for knowing receipt of funds paid in breach of trust. Alastair Tomson is frequently led by Richard Hill KC and John Brisby KC, having been instructed on noteworthy bankruptcy cases. Zara McGlone is noted for her work for Ofgem – she acted as sole counsel for the energy regulator in several cases concerning the insolvencies of energy suppliers.
Testimonials
‘Ryan Tunkel deserves particular mention. He builds a relationship with instructing solicitors and ensures that any queries or requirements are addressed quickly and efficiently. He is heavily relied on by Counsel, and therefore instructing solicitors, to maintain a good relationship with the Court meaning that urgent applications run smoothly.’
‘David Goddard is a legend in the London clerking fraternity. Well liked and respected by all.’
‘Both Ben Lashmar and Ryan Tunkel consistently provide excellent service. Both are very responsive and Ben, in particular, frequently goes above and beyond to assist where possible.’
‘First rate.’
‘This is our “go-to” chambers for insolvency/energy and general Chancery work. The Chambers has a high standard of Counsel and excellent clerks. If first choice Counsel is not available, they will always find Counsel available to take instructions who are equally as proficient in the relevant area.’
‘They are a class act throughout. Strong, commercially astute and expert counsel. I find that Four Stone is distinguished by how helpful and courteous its members and clerks are.’
‘A strong Chancery set, with some excellent juniors.’
‘Outstanding. Attentive, helpful and swift. Highly professional. As good as any leading set.’
Work highlights
Erskine Chambers
Erskine Chambers find their strength in contentious insolvency and corporate restructuring, with members of chambers advising on a number of substantial restructuring and insolvency procedures. The set is noteworthy in areas where insolvency meets banking and finance, including litigation arising from the insolvency of financial institutions, as well as matters crossing over with the set's company law reputation. Peter Arden KC has been instructed in connection with major insolvencies and restructurings, including the case of Re LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd which involved a dispute over the distribution of a surplus held by an element of collapsed bank Lehman Brothers, estimated between £800m and £1bn. Andrew Thompson KC is experienced in high-value litigation, while Ben Griffiths is noted for his cross-border practice, having acted for Signal Credit on its claim to challenge the $1bn restructuring of the Galapagos Group in Galapagos Bidco v Signal. Ben Shaw KC was appointed silk in March 2023.
Testimonials
‘Alex Calder has been very responsive and friendly with a reasonable approach to fee negotiation etc.’
‘Generally very good – Michael Shillingford is particularly responsive.’
‘Always available and helpful.’
‘The clerks’ room is very responsive and helpful.’
‘Very efficient and responsive.’
‘Erskine remains the go to set for all any complex company law issues and I am very confident that any barrister there will be a real leader in this area. They are also very strong indeed on insolvency matters and vie with South Square in this area.’
‘Erskine Chambers have never let me down, and always seem to have the right Counsel available.’
‘Excellent chambers with great commercial experience, especially at senior level, but also excellent juniors.’
Work highlights
Maitland Chambers
Insolvency and restructuring remains a key part of the practice for Maitland Chambers, with the set’s members engaging in disputes across a vast range of industries, from personal insolvency to through to global corporate collapses and associated asset recovery proceedings. Matthew Collings KC has appeared in numerous insolvency cases, including London Capital & Finance (LCF) where he advised on multiple issues and acting for administrators of a collapse of London Capital & Finance including successful removal of two security trustees. Michael Gibbon KC is regularly called upon to advise on the practical commercial application of insolvency law, with experience in litigating and advising on matters arising out of commercial failure, whereas Catherine Addy KC has been instructed on numerous high-profile insolvencies and related litigation alongside sitting as a Deputy Insolvency and Companies Court Judge.
Testimonials
‘Maitland are on of our key go-to sets for insolvency and restructuring work, and are always able to offer quality members at the right level for any particular assignment.’
‘Maitland are a very strong set and ought to be considered as a very good alternative to any set for insolvency matters.’
‘The clerks are super-responsive and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Clerk service is good, responsive and attentive.’
Work highlights
Serle Court
The ‘highly capable‘ set in insolvency and restructuring law, Serle Court find themselves representing clients in cases ranging from high-profile claims linked to fraud and the offshore work, alongside energy insolvencies where Lance Ashworth KC and Matthew Morrison have represented two applicants in Croxen v Gas and Electric Markets Authority in which concerning a number of market-wide issues arising from the failure of a large number of smaller and medium-sized energy suppliers. Philip Marshall KC is a leading international insolvency silk who appears in complex commercial disputes in the UK courts while also being a Deputy High Court Judge. Daniel Lightman KC advises on insolvency issues and represents litigants in claims by and against insolvency office holders. Dan McCourt Fritz KC was appointed silk in March 2023 while Paul Johnson joined from Exchange Chambers in December 2022.
Testimonials
‘Nick Hockney and Charlie Payne are both excellent, always willing to help with listing and documents.’
‘Nick Hockney is outstanding.’
‘In any other set, the recently retired Steve Whitaker would be sorely missed, but with people like Nick Hockney, Dan Wheeler and Emma Quin, the clerks room is not short of highly efficient people who are also nice to know.’
‘Excellent set.’
‘Strong set.’
‘Serle Court remains the friendliest set out there, but also a highly capable one.’
‘The clerks are very user friendly and always very polite and accommodating.’
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers specialise in all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency litigation and advice, both domestically and internationally. Lexa Hilliard KC was instructed In the matter of Lehman Brothers Holdings PLC, a high value and multi-party trial arising out of the Lehman Brothers’ collapse concerned with the ranking of different tranches of subordinated debt, totaling several billions. Marcia Shekerdemian KC specialises in all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency, while Daniel Lewis‘ insolvency practice focusses on director and office-holder misfeasance and cross-border work, with expertise in offshore financial services insolvencies.
Testimonials
‘Wilberforce are very quick to react to requests for assistance and Jack Paxton makes himself available even when inconvenient.’
‘Very good Chambers to deal with. Clerks are always helpful and get back to you quickly, which is very helpful. Both George Salvage and Jessica Edson are a pleasure to deal with and make our jobs a lot easier.’
‘Fantastic, Antonia Matthew and Grace Mahoney are amazing, efficient and obliging.’
‘Clerks are attentive, responsive and go the ‘extra’ mile, in particular Andrew Barnes.’
‘Antonia Matthew is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Andrew Barnes is fantastic leading at the front. Approachable, readily available and always finds me the right man/woman for the job and at reasonable cost. He is a regular attendee on the usual conference circuits and great at maintaining client relationships, regularly keeping in touch. Andrew is ably assisted by Antonia Matthew at the junior clerk end.’
‘Excellent set great team at all levels in each field well managed.’
‘Wilberforce chambers ranks at the top of the Premier League when it comes to insolvency. Fantastic talent at both ends of the spectrum (Silk to Junior) which makes for an enviable position amongst their competition.’
Work highlights
Enterprise Chambers
‘Efficient and friendly’ Enterprise Chambers have been involved in significant cross-border cases and high profile litigation, such as Octavian Security Ltd v Ghuman which saw James Pickering KC led a team in a contested freezing injunction and then various contested bankruptcy proceedings against the former directors. Stephen Davies KC has acted in cases relating to the interface of the law and practice of insolvency in the banking and finance space, while Kavan Gunaratna has expertise in disputes concerning insolvent tenant companies, including advising creditors on the insolvencies of Debenhams. Hugo Groves is noted for his work in litigating claims involving directors and third parties in and around a variety of insolvency scenarios.
Testimonials
‘The service is exemplary. Morgon Green deserves particular mention on an urgent short notice matter he went above and beyond.’
‘The set as a whole has a strong insolvency team with good choice at all levels. The training programmes are very accessible and regular.’
‘The clerks are very helpful and responsive. They have worked with us in the past to help with the logistics of the case.’
‘Enterprise Chambers are an excellent chambers and indeed a go to chambers for all areas of insolvency in particular, and company law in general.’
‘Efficient and friendly.’
‘Enterprise have a large number of juniors who are well versed in insolvency law. They are able to supply a selection of juniors often at short notice.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers have grown their insolvency practice over the years, where members of the set are regularly involved in issues relating to director misfeasance, cross-border shareholder disputes with an insolvency angle and unfair prejudice petitions. Nigel Jones KC and Sarah McCann have expertise in cross-border cases, with involvement in Enterprise Insurance Co (in liquidation) to advise on the conduct of Enterprise’s UK motor claims book, and by the Gibraltar liquidator both direct and through Gibraltar solicitors to advise on multiple company matters concerning the insolvency and ongoing litigation. Lauren Godfrey is a standout name from the chambers, having acted for a wide range of clients including banks, insurers and directors.
Work highlights
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers have expertise in all aspects of insolvency litigation and legal advisory work, often involving a cross-border element. Members of chambers are experienced in corporate insolvency law including administrations, liquidations and company voluntary arrangements, where members such as Christopher Boardman KC acted for investors in Infinity Developments Liverpool, a case concerning the failed £85m development of Liverpool’s tallest building, in the successful opposition of the administrators’ application to sell the lease and its associated assets to an entity suspected to have links with the developer. David Mohyuddin KC is another name active across the piece, and James Morgan KC has a strong cross-border practice, handling cases in the BVI.
Testimonials
‘Lee Wright is fantastic and always responsive in an urgent situation.’
‘I have nothing but praise for Callum Clark, he is professional, quick, helpful and a pleasure to work with. He always provides a suitable barrister for my requirements.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is a strong insolvency set. They have strength in depth and there is a range of counsel that we can instruct on various issues. The value of the cases that I deal with means that I tend to instruct the more junior members of Radcliffe Chambers.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is the only insolvency chambers I use. Excellent.’
‘The set is generally great in terms of availability and knowledge – it is rare that there is not someone who is available (often on short notice) who is willing and able to assist.’
‘The clerks are user friendly and efficient. I tend to deal with Lee Wright who is always very responsive and good at ensuring each case is handled efficiently.’
‘The clerks are great, super responsive and quick. They are a real asset to the chambers.’
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings deals with domestic and international insolvency and restructuring cases, with members such as Elspeth Talbot Rice KC instructed on high profile liquidations and insolvencies such as the case of Gorbunova v Berezovsky where she acted for the trustees in the bankruptcy of Boris Berezovsky’s insolvent estate agent against which estate a proprietary, and other, claims are being made by the former partner of the Russian businessman, who died in suspicious circumstances in Berkshire in 2013. Stephen Moverley Smith KC and Francis Tregear KC are noted for their cross-border practice, often being instructed by clients in the Cayman Islands.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are excellent, particularly James Ladbrook.’
‘Paul Horsfield, James Ladbrook and Perry Brown are a great team, regularly attending major chancery conferences. They are very responsive and their advice on who to instruct has been consistently reliable.’
‘Excellent clerks. I particularly know Paul Horsfield and James Ladbrook. They are friendly, knowledgeable and commercial. They also go out of their way to develop relationships with their barristers’ instructing solicitors, which really helps.’
‘XXIV have superb strength in depth for insolvency work with a number of notable practitioners and a wide selection of juniors. That makes it easy to find someone to deal with short-notice work.’
‘I am a big fan of XXIV Old Buildings. Chambers as a whole has enormous strength and experiences. Chambers has always been able to service the needs of my clients exceptionally well and I am very grateful to them.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set. I have particularly worked with them in the contentious trusts area and always received excellent assistance. They are excellent at all levels.’
‘The set consists of a sufficient number of barristers who specialize in various areas of law, thus ensuring that clients can find suitable counsel for their specific needs. A reputable set with a commitment to excellence.’
‘Consistently good service from all clerks with whom we communicate.’
Work highlights
South Square
Testimonials
‘The clerks (Dylan Playfoot, Marco Malatesta and others) are highly skilled, understand the issues and direct us always to the best barrister available and are known for their understanding of urgency of a situation and quick response times- they are also and personable and always available and extremely helpful.’
‘Without a doubt my favourite clerks room. Pragmatic, commercial, reasonable, friendly, responsive, flexible. Everything that you could wish for. Dylan Playfoot and Marco Malatesta stand out but all are excellent.’
‘Clerks are fast and helpfully reactive. One can be open with them about the client’s needs and will be dealt with effectively and professionally.’
‘The clerks team is excellent. Very responsive, user-friendly and helpful. They will do everything they can to be helpful in terms of engaging counsel but also helping litigation run smoothly.
‘The clerks are fantastic. They are always on hand to help, with nothing you ask of them too much trouble. They are polite and responsive.’
‘South Square is clearly the number one set for restructuring and insolvency matters and they have some excellent barristers at all levels.”
‘By far the best set for insolvency – and very strong for general commercial skills.’
‘South Square are the go to set if you need any insolvency advice. They have such an impressive roster of people that no matter the issue they are likely to have experience.’
Work highlights
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings is known for its members having ‘great gravitas and reputation for contentious insolvency work,‘ with the set often involved in multi-jurisdictional insolvency disputes. In Lehman Brothers Holdings plc, Adrian Beltrami KC was instructed to represent the insolvent bank in ongoing waterfall disputes about the distribution of surpluses within the Lehman estate. Ewan McQuater KC was involved in NMC Healthcare Limited v Dubai Islamic Bank, the Middle East’s largest ongoing insolvency, where he led a counsel team in defending the interests of a Dubai Islamic Bank and Noor Bank in litigation concerning the collapse of the health company, alleged to be caused by fraud on the part of the company’s chairman. Looking at the juniors, Philip Hinks is noted for his work in Harrington Trading Company Ltd v Mehta, in which he acted for seven companies in liquidation and their joint liquidators in their claim that the proceeds of US$1bn of loans of gold bullion were misappropriated and laundered through a global network of companies.
Testimonials
‘The clerks at 3VB are without exception professional and accommodating. Steve Penson, Stuart Pullum and Lucy Burrows lead by example. When problems arise they are faced head on. Fee negotiations are usually fair and transparent. It is also good to see a woman in a senior position.
‘Excellent clerks – very responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘Efficient.’
‘The clerks are good. Responsive and commercial.’
‘Incredible strength in depth when it comes to counsel with financial services experience.’
‘3VB has genuine strength in depth. Their tendency to recruit former solicitors means that a number of their baby juniors have experience that others lack. Their ability to cover a wide range of commercial and financial services work makes them one of our first choice sets.’
‘Great gravitas and reputation for contentious insolvency work.’
‘Generally a strong set for insolvency work.’
Work highlights
4 Stone Buildings
4 Stone Buildings places insolvency and reconstruction as a central area of focus, with the set known for its involvement in high profile and high value insolvency work. Members of chambers have also represented the government on insolvency matters, including Tiran Nersessian, who was instructed by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to advise on the insolvency elements of the Horizon scandal, including the predicament of a cohort of postmasters who found themselves bankrupt. ‘Stand-out silk’ Jonathan Crow KC, was instructed in a multi-million dollar claim in Byers v Saudi National Bank which was brought by the liquidators of two insolvent companies against a bank for knowing receipt of funds paid in breach of trust. Alastair Tomson is frequently led by Richard Hill KC and John Brisby KC, having been instructed on noteworthy bankruptcy cases. Zara McGlone is noted for her work for Ofgem – she acted as sole counsel for the energy regulator in several cases concerning the insolvencies of energy suppliers.
Testimonials
‘Ryan Tunkel deserves particular mention. He builds a relationship with instructing solicitors and ensures that any queries or requirements are addressed quickly and efficiently. He is heavily relied on by Counsel, and therefore instructing solicitors, to maintain a good relationship with the Court meaning that urgent applications run smoothly.’
‘David Goddard is a legend in the London clerking fraternity. Well liked and respected by all.’
‘Both Ben Lashmar and Ryan Tunkel consistently provide excellent service. Both are very responsive and Ben, in particular, frequently goes above and beyond to assist where possible.’
‘First rate.’
‘This is our “go-to” chambers for insolvency/energy and general Chancery work. The Chambers has a high standard of Counsel and excellent clerks. If first choice Counsel is not available, they will always find Counsel available to take instructions who are equally as proficient in the relevant area.’
‘They are a class act throughout. Strong, commercially astute and expert counsel. I find that Four Stone is distinguished by how helpful and courteous its members and clerks are.’
‘A strong Chancery set, with some excellent juniors.’
‘Outstanding. Attentive, helpful and swift. Highly professional. As good as any leading set.’
Work highlights
Erskine Chambers
Erskine Chambers find their strength in contentious insolvency and corporate restructuring, with members of chambers advising on a number of substantial restructuring and insolvency procedures. The set is noteworthy in areas where insolvency meets banking and finance, including litigation arising from the insolvency of financial institutions, as well as matters crossing over with the set's company law reputation. Peter Arden KC has been instructed in connection with major insolvencies and restructurings, including the case of Re LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd which involved a dispute over the distribution of a surplus held by an element of collapsed bank Lehman Brothers, estimated between £800m and £1bn. Andrew Thompson KC is experienced in high-value litigation, while Ben Griffiths is noted for his cross-border practice, having acted for Signal Credit on its claim to challenge the $1bn restructuring of the Galapagos Group in Galapagos Bidco v Signal. Ben Shaw KC was appointed silk in March 2023.
Testimonials
‘Alex Calder has been very responsive and friendly with a reasonable approach to fee negotiation etc.’
‘Generally very good – Michael Shillingford is particularly responsive.’
‘Always available and helpful.’
‘The clerks’ room is very responsive and helpful.’
‘Very efficient and responsive.’
‘Erskine remains the go to set for all any complex company law issues and I am very confident that any barrister there will be a real leader in this area. They are also very strong indeed on insolvency matters and vie with South Square in this area.’
‘Erskine Chambers have never let me down, and always seem to have the right Counsel available.’
‘Excellent chambers with great commercial experience, especially at senior level, but also excellent juniors.’
Work highlights
Maitland Chambers
Insolvency and restructuring remains a key part of the practice for Maitland Chambers, with the set’s members engaging in disputes across a vast range of industries, from personal insolvency to through to global corporate collapses and associated asset recovery proceedings. Matthew Collings KC has appeared in numerous insolvency cases, including London Capital & Finance (LCF) where he advised on multiple issues and acting for administrators of a collapse of London Capital & Finance including successful removal of two security trustees. Michael Gibbon KC is regularly called upon to advise on the practical commercial application of insolvency law, with experience in litigating and advising on matters arising out of commercial failure, whereas Catherine Addy KC has been instructed on numerous high-profile insolvencies and related litigation alongside sitting as a Deputy Insolvency and Companies Court Judge.
Testimonials
‘Maitland are on of our key go-to sets for insolvency and restructuring work, and are always able to offer quality members at the right level for any particular assignment.’
‘Maitland are a very strong set and ought to be considered as a very good alternative to any set for insolvency matters.’
‘The clerks are super-responsive and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Clerk service is good, responsive and attentive.’
Work highlights
Serle Court
The ‘highly capable‘ set in insolvency and restructuring law, Serle Court find themselves representing clients in cases ranging from high-profile claims linked to fraud and the offshore work, alongside energy insolvencies where Lance Ashworth KC and Matthew Morrison have represented two applicants in Croxen v Gas and Electric Markets Authority in which concerning a number of market-wide issues arising from the failure of a large number of smaller and medium-sized energy suppliers. Philip Marshall KC is a leading international insolvency silk who appears in complex commercial disputes in the UK courts while also being a Deputy High Court Judge. Daniel Lightman KC advises on insolvency issues and represents litigants in claims by and against insolvency office holders. Dan McCourt Fritz KC was appointed silk in March 2023 while Paul Johnson joined from Exchange Chambers in December 2022.
Testimonials
‘Nick Hockney and Charlie Payne are both excellent, always willing to help with listing and documents.’
‘Nick Hockney is outstanding.’
‘In any other set, the recently retired Steve Whitaker would be sorely missed, but with people like Nick Hockney, Dan Wheeler and Emma Quin, the clerks room is not short of highly efficient people who are also nice to know.’
‘Excellent set.’
‘Strong set.’
‘Serle Court remains the friendliest set out there, but also a highly capable one.’
‘The clerks are very user friendly and always very polite and accommodating.’
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers specialise in all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency litigation and advice, both domestically and internationally. Lexa Hilliard KC was instructed In the matter of Lehman Brothers Holdings PLC, a high value and multi-party trial arising out of the Lehman Brothers’ collapse concerned with the ranking of different tranches of subordinated debt, totaling several billions. Marcia Shekerdemian KC specialises in all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency, while Daniel Lewis‘ insolvency practice focusses on director and office-holder misfeasance and cross-border work, with expertise in offshore financial services insolvencies.
Testimonials
‘Wilberforce are very quick to react to requests for assistance and Jack Paxton makes himself available even when inconvenient.’
‘Very good Chambers to deal with. Clerks are always helpful and get back to you quickly, which is very helpful. Both George Salvage and Jessica Edson are a pleasure to deal with and make our jobs a lot easier.’
‘Fantastic, Antonia Matthew and Grace Mahoney are amazing, efficient and obliging.’
‘Clerks are attentive, responsive and go the ‘extra’ mile, in particular Andrew Barnes.’
‘Antonia Matthew is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Andrew Barnes is fantastic leading at the front. Approachable, readily available and always finds me the right man/woman for the job and at reasonable cost. He is a regular attendee on the usual conference circuits and great at maintaining client relationships, regularly keeping in touch. Andrew is ably assisted by Antonia Matthew at the junior clerk end.’
‘Excellent set great team at all levels in each field well managed.’
‘Wilberforce chambers ranks at the top of the Premier League when it comes to insolvency. Fantastic talent at both ends of the spectrum (Silk to Junior) which makes for an enviable position amongst their competition.’
Work highlights
Enterprise Chambers
‘Efficient and friendly’ Enterprise Chambers have been involved in significant cross-border cases and high profile litigation, such as Octavian Security Ltd v Ghuman which saw James Pickering KC led a team in a contested freezing injunction and then various contested bankruptcy proceedings against the former directors. Stephen Davies KC has acted in cases relating to the interface of the law and practice of insolvency in the banking and finance space, while Kavan Gunaratna has expertise in disputes concerning insolvent tenant companies, including advising creditors on the insolvencies of Debenhams. Hugo Groves is noted for his work in litigating claims involving directors and third parties in and around a variety of insolvency scenarios.
Testimonials
‘The service is exemplary. Morgon Green deserves particular mention on an urgent short notice matter he went above and beyond.’
‘The set as a whole has a strong insolvency team with good choice at all levels. The training programmes are very accessible and regular.’
‘The clerks are very helpful and responsive. They have worked with us in the past to help with the logistics of the case.’
‘Enterprise Chambers are an excellent chambers and indeed a go to chambers for all areas of insolvency in particular, and company law in general.’
‘Efficient and friendly.’
‘Enterprise have a large number of juniors who are well versed in insolvency law. They are able to supply a selection of juniors often at short notice.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers have grown their insolvency practice over the years, where members of the set are regularly involved in issues relating to director misfeasance, cross-border shareholder disputes with an insolvency angle and unfair prejudice petitions. Nigel Jones KC and Sarah McCann have expertise in cross-border cases, with involvement in Enterprise Insurance Co (in liquidation) to advise on the conduct of Enterprise’s UK motor claims book, and by the Gibraltar liquidator both direct and through Gibraltar solicitors to advise on multiple company matters concerning the insolvency and ongoing litigation. Lauren Godfrey is a standout name from the chambers, having acted for a wide range of clients including banks, insurers and directors.
Work highlights
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers have expertise in all aspects of insolvency litigation and legal advisory work, often involving a cross-border element. Members of chambers are experienced in corporate insolvency law including administrations, liquidations and company voluntary arrangements, where members such as Christopher Boardman KC acted for investors in Infinity Developments Liverpool, a case concerning the failed £85m development of Liverpool’s tallest building, in the successful opposition of the administrators’ application to sell the lease and its associated assets to an entity suspected to have links with the developer. David Mohyuddin KC is another name active across the piece, and James Morgan KC has a strong cross-border practice, handling cases in the BVI.
Testimonials
‘Lee Wright is fantastic and always responsive in an urgent situation.’
‘I have nothing but praise for Callum Clark, he is professional, quick, helpful and a pleasure to work with. He always provides a suitable barrister for my requirements.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is a strong insolvency set. They have strength in depth and there is a range of counsel that we can instruct on various issues. The value of the cases that I deal with means that I tend to instruct the more junior members of Radcliffe Chambers.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is the only insolvency chambers I use. Excellent.’
‘The set is generally great in terms of availability and knowledge – it is rare that there is not someone who is available (often on short notice) who is willing and able to assist.’
‘The clerks are user friendly and efficient. I tend to deal with Lee Wright who is always very responsive and good at ensuring each case is handled efficiently.’
‘The clerks are great, super responsive and quick. They are a real asset to the chambers.’
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings deals with domestic and international insolvency and restructuring cases, with members such as Elspeth Talbot Rice KC instructed on high profile liquidations and insolvencies such as the case of Gorbunova v Berezovsky where she acted for the trustees in the bankruptcy of Boris Berezovsky’s insolvent estate agent against which estate a proprietary, and other, claims are being made by the former partner of the Russian businessman, who died in suspicious circumstances in Berkshire in 2013. Stephen Moverley Smith KC and Francis Tregear KC are noted for their cross-border practice, often being instructed by clients in the Cayman Islands.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are excellent, particularly James Ladbrook.’
‘Paul Horsfield, James Ladbrook and Perry Brown are a great team, regularly attending major chancery conferences. They are very responsive and their advice on who to instruct has been consistently reliable.’
‘Excellent clerks. I particularly know Paul Horsfield and James Ladbrook. They are friendly, knowledgeable and commercial. They also go out of their way to develop relationships with their barristers’ instructing solicitors, which really helps.’
‘XXIV have superb strength in depth for insolvency work with a number of notable practitioners and a wide selection of juniors. That makes it easy to find someone to deal with short-notice work.’
‘I am a big fan of XXIV Old Buildings. Chambers as a whole has enormous strength and experiences. Chambers has always been able to service the needs of my clients exceptionally well and I am very grateful to them.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set. I have particularly worked with them in the contentious trusts area and always received excellent assistance. They are excellent at all levels.’
‘The set consists of a sufficient number of barristers who specialize in various areas of law, thus ensuring that clients can find suitable counsel for their specific needs. A reputable set with a commitment to excellence.’
‘Consistently good service from all clerks with whom we communicate.’