Ruth Den Besten KC KC > Essex Court Chambers > London, England > Barrister Profile
Essex Court Chambers Offices
24 LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS
LONDON
WC2A 3EG
England
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Ruth Den Besten KC KC
Position
Ruth den Besten was appointed KC in 2023 and has substantial expertise in heavy commercial and chancery litigation. She specializes in civil fraud and asset recovery and has led teams and appeared in a number of very sizeable fraud trials recently before the Commercial Court: Suppipat v Narongdej & Ors, Vale v Steinmetz and Tatneft PJSC v (1) Bogolyubov (2) Kolomoisky & Ors. Ruth also acts in and advises in relation to jurisdictional disputes (notably Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank v Bavaguthu Shetty), the obtaining and discharge or injunctive relief, complex shareholder disputes, company and insolvency matters (having appeared in the Supreme Court in Lehman Brothers – Waterfall I) and HNW divorce cases giving rise to multi-jurisdictional corporate and trust issues.
Memberships
Commercial Bar Association; Chancery Bar Association
Education
1996-1999 BA Jesus College, Oxford (History, First Class);
2000 Dip Law, City University
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Insolvency
(2023 Silks)Ranked: Tier 1London Bar > Commercial litigation
(2023 Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Ruth den Besten KC –Essex Court Chambers ‘Ruth is extremely strategic and able to direct the most complex and difficult matters. She is a go-to silk for difficult cases.’
Essex Court Chambers stands out as a ‘strong set with an excellent reputation and quality advocates’, handling a myriad of substantial commercial litigation including civil fraud, insurance, banking and finance, and shipping-related work. In NMC Healthcare v Shetty, Ruth Den Besten KC is defending the founder of NMC Healthcare amidst allegations of fraudulent activity following the Middle Eastern hospital group’s collapse into administration in 2020. Joe Smouha KC is leading Ciaran Keller in Nex Group Limited’s defence against TP ICAP, a case relating to the non-disclosure of alleged liabilities arising from the German cum-ex trading scandal. In another high-profile matter, Nathan Pillow KC and Tim Akkouh KC are representing Eurasian Natural Resources Company in claims against Dechert LLP, Neil Gerrard, and the Serious Fraud Office, pertaining to the SFO’s investigation into and the solicitors firm’s advice about alleged corruption in ENRC’s international operations. Daniel Oudkerk KC is representing hundreds of thousands of claimant vehicle owners in six separate group actions concerning diesel emissions against major motor manufacturers. Adding to the chambers’ distinguished roster, David Peters KC and James Sheehan KC were elevated to silk status in March 2024 and Paul Stanley KC was appointed Deputy High Court Judge with effect from January 2023.
London Bar > Fraud: civil
(2023 Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Ruth den Besten KC –Essex Court Chambers ‘Her advocacy is highly targeted and she is able to pick out the points that will work for her client and present them effectively.’