Peter De Verneuil Smith KC > Chambers of Ewan McQuater KC and David Quest KC > London, England > Barrister Profile
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Peter De Verneuil Smith KC
Position
Peter is well known for his excellent advocacy and client skills. He is frequently the lead advocate in large and complex litigation (including claimant and defendant GLOs) and arbitration and was the lead counsel in the $350 million claim under s.90A(FSMA) against Tesco which settled in 2020. Between 2016 – 2017 he acted in the RBS Rights Issue litigation. His practice spans pure banking disputes (including derivative, mis-selling, duties of care owed by a bank, and unjust enrichment) and banking related litigation such as shipbuilding finance, performance bonds and guarantees. He has appeared in major fraud cases (including Group Seven Ltd v Nasir, Tatneft v Bogolyubov and NML v Chapman Freeborn) and often seeks urgent injunctive relief to support domestic and foreign proceedings. His commercial work includes company disputes (unfair prejudice, derivative actions, breach of director duty) and breach of trust claims. He is regularly involved in financial services disputes including tax scheme litigation (the GlobalCure scheme), collective investment schemes and FSMA related claims. His cases frequently involve offshore centres and he has worked in Guernsey, the Cayman Islands, BVI, and Bermuda. His arbitration practice is a mix of energy, finance and project disputes with London, Paris, SIAC and DIFC seats.
Career
Called to the Bar in 1998
Memberships
COMBAR, LCIA, fellow of CIARB, and IBA.
Education
Selwyn College Cambridge.
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Group litigation
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 2Peter De Verneuil Smith KC – 3 Verulam Buildings ‘One of the top gurus in the area, with a real understanding of how claimant institutional investors think – and how defendants think. Suave, cool, calm and collected in court.
London Bar > Commercial litigation
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 5Peter De Verneuil Smith KC – 3 Verulam Buildings ‘Peter remains good-humoured and approachable through very challenging processes. He is able to get to grips with legally and factually complicated scenarios without skipping a beat. ’
London Bar > Fraud: civil
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 4Peter De Verneuil Smith KC – 3 Verulam Buildings ‘A brilliant fraud silk, immensely engaging, and a delight to work with in every respect.’
London Bar > Professional negligence
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 4Peter De Verneuil Smith KC – 3 Verulam Buildings ‘Peter always understands the clients’ needs and the risks they face. He is a great advocate and truly is willing to make big calls.’
London Bar > Banking and finance (including consumer credit)
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 3Peter De Verneuil Smith KC – 3 Verulam Buildings ‘His straightforward and engaging manner wins the trust of the court. He is a genuine expert on section 90 and 90A FSMA claims.’