Set Profile > Chambers of Ewan McQuater QC and Adrian Beltrami QC > London, England

Chambers of Ewan McQuater QC and Adrian Beltrami QC Offices

Chambers of Ewan McQuater QC and Adrian Beltrami QC
3 Verulam Buildings
GRAY'S INN
LONDON
WC1R 5NT
England
Visit website 020 7831 8441 020 7831 8479

Profiles

Chambers of Ewan McQuater QC and Adrian Beltrami QC > The Legal 500 Rankings

Shipping

2019 Silks

Nicholas Craig QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ an excellent advocate with a great feel for the courtroom. He is strong on paper and engenders confidence. ’

Public international law

2019 Silks

Christopher Harris QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A first-rate advocate, especially in the closing submissions where he never fails to impress. ’

Leading Juniors

Tariq Baloch - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Understands what the client wants and delivers. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Paul Wee - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Brilliant, a go-to junior for investment treaty arbitrations. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Commodities

2019 Silks

Nicholas Craig QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A true heavyweight at the commercial Bar, he is not frightened to express a clear view. Strategic, innovative but hard-headed advice. ’

Aviation

2019 Silks

Nicholas Craig QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is a very effective advocate; he gets his points across clearly and interacts well with the court. ’

Leading Juniors

Cleon Catsambis - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is excellent at practically applying legal concepts and rulings to a situation. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

Banking and finance (including consumer credit) Tier 1

3 Verulam Buildings 'continues to thrive as a first-rate set,' and is a 'clear market leader in this field', according to instructing solicitors, who add that on 'all banking and finance matters they can offer genuine expertise and huge strength in depth'. The set's silks and juniors are regularly called upon to act on the market's largest and most technically challenging banking disputes. Recent examples using multiple members include PJSC Commercial Bank Privatbank v Kolomoisky & Others, in which Ali Malek QC and Matthew Parker represented Gennadiy Bogolyubov. Another highlight was PCP Capital Partners v Barclays Bank Plc, in which Ewan McQuater QC represented Barclays, while Andrew Onslow QC  advised the Serious Fraud Office in related parallel criminal proceedings.

Leading Silks

Adrian Beltrami QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is first class – incredibly clear-minded, highly responsive and a great advocate. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ali Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A first-class banking litigator. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ewan McQuater QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very strong on the technical banking stuff, and he's a fighter, which we like. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Matthew Hardwick QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Showed outstanding attention, patience and mastery of the papers. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Jonathan Nash QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is an incredible silk. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Andrew Onslow QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Clearly a leader in his field in relation to banking disputes. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Quest QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Careful, thoughtful, has a strong specialist knowledge and is an effective advocate. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Richard Salter QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A top-flight lawyer who can bring an alternative analysis to matters, which clients appreciate. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
John Jarvis QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He has a very broad range of experience, particularly in finance, fraud and insolvency matters. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Hodge Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely well regarded for banking litigation. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Michael Blair QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely experienced across a broad range of banking issues. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Jonathan Davies-Jones QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His analysis is second to none. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Catherine Gibaud QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ An excellent banking silk. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Andrew Sutcliffe QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A superb banking silk. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Richard Edwards QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Excellent at cross-examination, including of technical experts in the field of banking, especially complex derivatives. ’
Ranked: Tier 5

2018 Silks

Ian Wilson QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A great practitioner who is building a stellar practice. ’

2019 Silks

Christopher Harris QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He stepped up to the plate and helped us massively. ’
Peter De Verneuil Smith QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very punchy with his intellect and advice, he delivers a star turn. ’

Leading Juniors

William Edwards - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A formidable advocate who has the ability to make incisive points at key moments. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Farhaz Khan - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A very able junior who is confident in his written and oral work and is a pleasure to deal with. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Adam Kramer - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Brilliant on paper, he can work through the most complex case and distil it into a persuasive, easy to understand submission. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Matthew Parker - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely hardworking, and just as good on paper as he is on his feet. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Scott Ralston - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His preparation is excellent, which allows his submissions to be focused and tight. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Lazarus - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Highly responsive, personable, and unparalleled attention to detail matched by astute strategic and commercial skills. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Simpson - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very affable and a pleasure to work with. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Charlotte Eborall - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ She is always excellent. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Lisa Lacob - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Organised, clear in her written advice and pleadings and an effective advocate. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Jonathan Mark Phillips - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A leading expert on promissory notes and really nice to work with. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rajesh Pillai - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Super efficient and structured, he is also extremely hardworking and a real pleasure to work with. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Christopher Bond - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Balances thorough legal analysis with a practical approach to identifying which are the issues that really matter to the outcome of a case. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Sophie Mallinckrodt - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very efficient, she gets stuck into the papers and gives clear advice. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

Commercial litigation Tier 1

With 'excellent bench strength', 3 Verulam Buildings is a 'go-to set for commercial litigation mandates'. Over the years, the set has been building an extremely strong team at the junior end, with some well-chosen laterals, arriving either from rival sets or law firms. Notable recent examples include Jamie Riley QC and James McWiliams from Littleton Chambers. The workload of members also continues to impress, with significant roles on Tchenguiz v Grant Thornton, in which Adrian Beltrami QC successfully represented the defendant, and PCP Capital Partners v Barclays Bank Plc, where Ewan McQuater QC led the defence for the bank.

Leading Silks

Ali Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ World class – calm, unflappable, and ready to push the envelope with legal argument and analysis. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Adrian Beltrami QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A first-rate senior silk, he has exceptional analytical skills and commands attention in court. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Ewan McQuater QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His cross-examination was exceptional and he got on top of the factual detail of the case very quickly. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
John Jarvis QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Fast, quick to cut through to the nub of a matter, and energetic. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Jonathan Nash QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Deserves his star status. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Onslow QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Exactly what the client was hoping for in a tough case with a tricky opponent. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
David Quest QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Effective and thorough. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Richard Salter QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A very safe pair of hands with clinical attention to detail. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Hodge Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Powerful legal analysis and his communication skills are excellent. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Andrew Sutcliffe QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A brilliant tactician, a great advocate and second to none as a team player. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Jonathan Davies-Jones QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Phenomenally bright and an incredibly nice man to work with. ’
Ranked: Tier 5
Richard Edwards QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A passionate, personable advocate who has extraordinary knowledge of the detail. ’
Ranked: Tier 6
Andrew Fletcher QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Strategically sound, has an impressive grasp of detail, is very responsive, and has an excellent manner with clients. ’
Ranked: Tier 6

2019 Silks

Christopher Harris QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A powerful advocate who can push points hard when he needs to. ’
Jamie Riley QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A very clever and accomplished barrister yet he is easy to deal with and always makes himself available. ’
Peter de Verneuil Smith QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ An incredible barrister. ’

Leading Juniors

Matthew Parker - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Seriously impressive, he readily earns the respect of the bench. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Lazarus - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ First class – easily silk quality and beyond. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Adam Kramer - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ One of the best juniors I have ever worked with. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Rajesh Pillai - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His ability to think strategically makes him a real asset, and he is incredibly hands-on and client friendly. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
George McPherson - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ An excellent junior with strong drafting skills, and impressive grasp of the law, and very user friendly. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Philip Hinks - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A very assured lawyer who produces quality work. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Richard Hanke - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is very capable, punches above his weight and has the ear of the court. ’
Ranked: Tier 5

Financial services regulation Tier 1

3 Verulam Buildings remains 'a go-to set for any dispute with a financial services angle', according to instructing solicitors. Recently members such as Richard Brent QC have advised on several major test cases affecting the financial services industry. Members, including Rory Phillips QC, Robert Purves, and Sophie Mallinckrodt  also acted for the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority on the Part VII transfers of Barclays Bank, Lloyds Bank, HSBC, and Santander.

Leading Silks

Michael Blair QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A hugely respected silk within the financial services community. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ali Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A real team player who makes himself available 24/7. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Hodge Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very highly rated for financial services regulation work. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Rory Philips QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Hugely experienced advising the regulators on the new ring-fencing regime. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Richard Brent QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Highly experienced across a broad range of financial services issues. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

2018 Silks

Ian Wilson QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Always has a calm and assured manner, and excellent on his feet. ’

Leading Juniors

Farhaz Khan - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Highly intelligent, very hardworking, and above all a creative thinker that always finds solutions for clients rather than problems. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Robert Purves - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very responsive and approachable, with strong knowledge of both the law and the regulatory approach. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Saima Hanif - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very energetic and enthusiastic, easy to deal with and approachable but robust when needed. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Philip Hinks - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely approachable, flexible, user-friendly, with a practical outcomes based approach. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Simpson - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely intelligent and has an amazing breadth and depth of knowledge. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Charlotte Eborall - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Commercial, practical and very user friendly. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Sophie Mallinckrodt - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A good team player. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Matthew Parker - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely good in all areas in which he was engaged. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Jonathan Mark Phillips - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very user friendly, careful, and clearly very clever. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rajesh Pillai - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He researches the law thoroughly and effortlessly and comes up with creative and pragmatic solutions. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
James Potts - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very knowledgeable on the law and excellent both on his feet and on paper. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Fraud: civil Tier 1

3 Verulam Buildings has an 'excellent blend of barristers and door tenants, and the clerks ensure that the barristers instructed are available when needed'. The set's pedigree in the fraud arena is demonstrated by the caseload of its members, which includes AHAB v Saad Investments Co Ltd, one of the largest fraud claims ever litigated, in which David Quest QC acted for the Algosaibi Brothers. Other notable mandates included Tchenguiz v Grant Thornton, where Adrian Beltrami QC represented the accountants, and Tatneft v Bogolyubov & Ors, in which Ali Malek QC and Peter De Verneuil Smith represented the defendants.

Leading Silks

Ali Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Excellent in terms of being hands on, astute in his legal advice and legal strategy. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ewan McQuater QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Brilliant at getting right to the heart of complex issues. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Adrian Beltrami QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A great silk. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
John Jarvis QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely versatile and is able to apply his experience across a wide range of different subject areas. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Hodge Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Truly one of the best. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Onslow QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ An excellent silk. His advice is always clear and concise. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
David Quest QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Sensible, user friendly, and very good with numbers. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Sutcliffe QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He's the real deal – calm, clear, unflappable, and always on top of his brief. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
David Head QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His sublime advocacy is underpinned by an incredibly strong work ethic. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

2019 Silks

Nicholas Craig QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ An excellent barrister. ’
Peter de Verneuil Smith QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very well regarded for his fraud expertise. ’

Leading Juniors

Michael Lazarus - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ First choice by some distance. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Matthew Parker - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is incredible. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Rajesh Pillai - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Performs consistently at silk level – a proven case leader who exudes gravitas on his feet and on paper. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
William Edwards - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His preparation for hearings is impeccable. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Adam Kramer - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He's a super brain but also very commercial and direct. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

IT and telecoms Tier 1

IT and telecoms (excluding regulatory) - Leading Juniors

Michael Lazarus - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is an excellent technical lawyer and an engaging advocate. ’
Ranked: Tier 1

Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations) Tier 1

Leading Silks

Hodge Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very experienced in prosecuting for the SFO. ’
Ranked: Tier 1

International arbitration: arbitrators Tier 2

Christopher Symons QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very efficient and well-organised; clear and crisp-minded. ’

Mediators Tier 2

3 Verulam Buildings' Elizabeth Birch is also a member of In Place of Strife. Birch has been mediating commercial and international disputes since 1995, and is particularly focused on maritime, commercial, insurance and reinsurance matters, and receives appointments from the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and other international panels.

Offshore Tier 2

A set that is 'very impressive in terms of its coverage, and advocates with really strong advocacy skills', 3 Verulam Buildings handles a range of work, with a number of cases having links to the CIS region through the BVI. Members are also involved in litigation elsewhere in the Caribbean. Matthew Hardwick QC represented Delco Participation, a Dutch company, in an appeal against the decision of a BVI's first instance court to refuse to appoint liquidators over Green Elite in an unusual use of the loss of substratum ground for a winding-up. Ewan McQuater QC led the team representing BVI companies in the Investec Trust v Glenalla Trustees case, the latest round of the Tchenguiz saga, in this instance concerning enforcing against Robert Tchenguiz's home near the Royal Albert Hall. Hefin Rees QC joined in October 2018 from 39 Essex Chambers, further strengthening the set.

Leading Silks

Ewan McQuater QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Brilliant at getting right to the heart of complex issues then providing a roadmap through. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Matthew Hardwick QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His commercial practice includes BVI disputes with Russian elements. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Quest QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Even among commercial QCs, he stands out as a clear, precise and incisive thinker. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Hefin Rees QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His commercial practice includes Caribbean cases. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Hodge Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Instructed in the most high-profile cases. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Ali Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ His broad commercial practice includes Channel Island and Caribbean work. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

2019 Silks

Peter de Verneuil Smith QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very tactical, he grasps the issues early on. ’

Leading Juniors

Philip Hinks - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He has a track record of fraud and insolvency cases. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rajesh Pillai - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He has experience of Manx litigation. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Professional negligence Tier 2

3 Verulam Buildings 'undoubtedly has strength-in-depth' and offers 'quality counsel' for professional negligence disputes, where it is noted for its ability to handle cases in the financial services sector. It is also instructed by a number of major insurance and reinsurance groups. Richard Edwards QC acted for the claimant in Court of Appeal case CGL Group Ltd v RBS, which concerned alleged duties of care owed by banks to customers. Ali Malek QC  is instructed in Carlyle Capital Corporation Ltd (In Liquidation) & Others v Conway & Others, which involves the collapse of a $22bn fund and  professional negligence issues.

Leading Silks

Thomas Weitzman QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is very experienced. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Matthew Hardwick QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is fantastic at getting into the detail. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Ali Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is exceptional. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Onslow QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A first-rate silk. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rory Phillips QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is experienced in brokers' negligence work. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Sutcliffe QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Smart and accessible. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Richard Edwards QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Has an outstanding ability to focus on the most important issues in a case. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
David Head QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is stellar. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

2019 Silks

Nicholas Craig QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is very responsive, thoroughly charming and a team player. ’
Peter de Verneuil Smith QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is noted for professional negligence cases involving financial services. ’

Leading Juniors

Matthew Parker - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is excellent. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Adam Kramer - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Outstandingly bright. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Peter Ratcliffe - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Brilliant to work with and very experienced. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Peter Cranfield - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is experienced in professional negligence work. ’
Ranked: Tier 5
William Edwards - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is experienced in professional negligence matters. ’
Ranked: Tier 5
Sophie Mallinckrodt - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Noted for cases involving financial services professionals.’ ’
Ranked: Tier 5
Angharad Start - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ She is experienced in professional negligence cases. ’
Ranked: Tier 5
Christopher Bond - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He has the ability to balance thorough legal analysis with a practical approach to identifying which are the issues that really matter. ’
Ranked: Tier 6
Farhaz Khan - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very bright, engaged and good at finding solutions to complex legal problems. ’
Ranked: Tier 6

Insolvency Tier 3

3 Verulam Buildings has 'strength in depth at every level and offer an excellent choice of counsel'. The set has been involved in a number of high-profile cases, demonstrated by Ewan Mcquater QC's lead of Vodafone's defence in Phones 4u Limited v Vodafone Group. In another highlight, Matthew Hardwick QC acted for the claimant in Delco Participation BV v Green Elite Limited. Adrian Beltrami QC, who was appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge in 2018, acted for RBS in the pre-trial phase of Marme v RBS.

Leading Silks

Adrian Beltrami QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Tremendously clear mind; highly responsive; a great advocate. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Ewan McQuater QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is brilliant at getting right to the heart of complex issues then providing a clear answer or route map through. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Matthew Hardwick QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is adept at identifying the core issues and in coming up with creative ways of tackling them. ’
Ranked: Tier 5
John Jarvis QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Aside from his formidable intellect, he has seen it all and done it all many times before, so nothing phases him. ’
Ranked: Tier 5
Richard Salter QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Enjoyable to work with, intellectually rigorous. ’
Ranked: Tier 5

2018 Silks

Ian Wilson QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He combines intelligence with a good range of commercial legal expertise and a positive attitude. ’

2019 Silks

Jamie Riley QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is great on his feet, courteous but confident. ’

Leading Juniors

Philip Hinks - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ High-quality advice, excellent advocate, user-friendly, and collaborative where necessary. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Angharad Start - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A tour de force who commands the attention of the court. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
William Edwards - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Has particular expertise in the fraud side of insolvency. ’
Ranked: Tier 5

Insurance and reinsurance Tier 3

3 Verulam Buildings is noted for its 'star individuals' for insurance and reinsurance work. Peter Ratcliffe and Adam Kramer were instructed in professional indemnity policy dispute Brightside Group Ltd v AIG Europe Ltd and others. With several 'fantastic silks', Tom Weitzman QC, in particular, has been involved in a number of complex insurance disputes; he led Kate Holderness in The Cultural Foundation & Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company v Beazley Furlonge, which relates to claims brought by third parties against Beazley Furlonge and a number of excess insurers under the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 1930.

Leading Silks

Tom Weitzman QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Intelligent, tough and a great advocate. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Hodge Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is rigorous and provides sound advice. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rory Phillips QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is a very well regarded silk. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

2019 Silks

Nicholas Craig QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is a powerhouse. ’
Peter de Verneuil Smith QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A new silk that is going places. ’

Leading Juniors

Peter Ratcliffe - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is the ultimate insurance barrister; he knows the law, is superb to work with, and is unbelievably persuasive. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Adam Kramer - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is outstandingly bright. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Kate Holderness - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ She is hardworking, efficient, knowledgeable, unflappable; a junior with good judgement. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

International arbitration: counsel Tier 3

3 Verulam Buildings is praised for its 'mentality and ethos'. The set has built up an impressive roster of arbitration counsel over recent years, particularly at the more junior end. Recent highlight cases include Marfin Investment Group v Cyprus, where Ali Malek QC, Tariq Baloch and Mark Wassouf represented the claimants, and Anatolie Stati & (2) Gabriel Stati & (3) Ascom Group S.A. & (4) Terra Raf Trans Traiding Ltd v The Republic of Kazakhstan in which Malek and Christopher Harris QC represented Kazakhstan.

Leading Silks

Ali Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A fantastic advocate, very experienced, with excellent judgement. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ewan McQuater QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He got on top of the very substantial factual detail of the case very quickly. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Jonathan Nash QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely capable and user friendly. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Onslow QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ An excellent advocate. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Richard Salter QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A solid choice for arbitration. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

2019 Silks

Nicholas Craig QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Particularly effective at processing masses of information within a relatively short period and presenting arguments succinctly and persuasively. ’
Christopher Harris QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Fantastic on his feet and works incredibly hard, he really deserves to have taken silk. ’
Peter De Verneuil Smith QC  - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A very clever and very good advocate. ’

Leading Juniors

Tariq Baloch - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Excellent client handling, sound knowledge of the law, effective advocacy, and user friendly. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Jane Davies Evans - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A highly sought after counsel in international arbitration because of her most unusual and helpful dual qualifications as a chartered accountant and as a top barrister. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Matthew Parker - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A fabulous advocate and nitty-gritty street fighter, you don't want to be against him. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Rajesh Pillai - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Extremely perceptive and always meets clients expectations. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Mark Wassouf - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very responsive, commercial and client focused. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Georges Chalfoun - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Has a very hard work ethic and is an essential part of the counsel team on big ticket matters. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Consumer Tier 3

Leading Juniors

Charlotte Eborall - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A junior who is very good on her feet. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Theodor van Sante - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Efficient with his time and commercial in his approach. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Construction Tier 3

Leading Silks

Hefin Rees QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Experienced in engineering and construction disputes. ’
Ranked: Tier 5

Leading Juniors

Jane Davies Evans - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Highly regarded at the construction Bar for her unparalleled experience in dealing with quantum delay claims. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Pensions Tier 3

Leading Juniors

Farhaz Khan - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Highly flexible and punching well above his weight. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Proceeds of Crime Act and asset forfeiture Tier 3

3 Verulam Buildings has a solid track record representing the National Crime Agency in civil recovery proceedings. Andrew Sutcliffe QC and Anne Jeavons successfully acted for the agency in the case of National Crime Agency v Nuttall, involving the recovery of assets worth £6m, which were found to be the proceeds of a money laundering scheme.

Leading Silks

Andrew Sutcliffe QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very experienced in acting for the NCA in asset recovery claims. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Leading Juniors

Anne Jeavons - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Energetic, bright and methodical. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Theodor van Sante - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A junior with a powerful brain. ’
Ranked: Tier 3

Energy Tier 4

In 2018, members of 3 Verulam Buildings appeared in numerous court and arbitration cases related to oilfields and mines, as well as technical disputes and matters concerning the economic interests of parties involved in the operation of major oil and gas pipelines. The set is 'more than just its core finance and banking practice', remarks one client, while another recommends the 'efficient and forward-looking' clerking team. Andrew Onslow QC acted for the claimant in Iran Offshore & Engineering Construction Company v Dean Investment Holdings SA & Ors Acting to attempt the recovery of $87m for an offshore oil drilling rig. Heavyweight commercial silk Hodge Malek QC joined the set in 2018. He is currently involved in a multibillion-dollar arbitration concerning a long-term gas supply contract. Ali Malek QC acted for Ukrainian oligarch Gennadiy Bogolyubov in a $380m oil distribution dispute. Paul Wee is acting for The Russian Federation in enforcement proceedings concerning the $50bn arbitral awards obtained by former shareholders of Yukos under the Energy Charter Treaty.

Leading Silks

Hodge Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A respected commercial silk representing oil companies, governments and regulators. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Ali Malek QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A highly capable silk for international arbitrations in the oil sector. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

2019 Silks

Nicholas Craig QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very client friendly with an in-depth knowledge of arbitration related litigation; his written advocacy is superb. ’
Christopher Harris QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ A specialist, impressive arbitration advocate. ’

Leading Juniors

Jane Davies Evans - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ One of the swiftest rising stars in the energy sector with deep knowledge of energy projects worldwide. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Paul Wee - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Phenomenally hardworking, knows the law inside out and is extremely reliable and thorough in his legal analysis. ’
Ranked: Tier 3
Georges Chalfoun - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Truly outstanding in extremely complicated cases involving technical issues. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

Professional disciplinary and regulatory law Tier 4

Leading Juniors

Yash Bheeroo - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Adept at presenting key points to the court in a persuasive manner. ’
Ranked: Tier 4
Saima Hanif - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ Very approachable and excellent on her feet. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

Administrative and public law (including local government) Tier 4

Leading Silks

Rory Phillips QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is incisive, tactically astute, pragmatic and very experienced. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

Media and entertainment (including art and cultural property) Tier 4

Media and entertainment - Leading Silks

Andrew Sutcliffe QC - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘ He is a safe pair of hands for disputes in the music industry. ’
Ranked: Tier 4

Set overviews: England and Wales

‘One of the first choices for banking and financial market disputes’, the ‘top notch’ 3 Verulam Buildings has ‘strong bench strength’ with ‘numerous barristers who are excellent in a range of other areas’, including arbitration, fraud, and insolvency; ‘they are all reliable and provide quality advice, with some superstars there present’. The set ‘unquestionably has the heft and the strength in depth of the very best commercial sets,’ said one client, and despite its ‘top-flight status’ solicitors are pleased chambers has ‘managed to stay in the real world’ when it comes to fees, which are described as ‘realistic and commercial’. Christopher Harris, Peter De Verneuil Smith, and Nicholas Craig all took silk in 2019. After a busy 2018 for recruitment, chambers further strengthened its stable with the arrival of new commercial litigation and insolvency silk Jamie Riley QC and junior James McWilliams from Littleton Chambers. The set also celebrated the arrival of three new high-profile associate members: Brian King, formerly head of arbitration at Freshfields, Sean Hagan, former general counsel of the International Monetary Fund, and sovereign debt specialist Lee C Buchheit. But it is not just the set’s membership that has grown; chambers has also recruited talented clerk Samantha Jones from Serjeants' Inn Chambers. The set’s senior management consists of chambers director Robin Jackson and joint senior practice managers Stephen Penson (‘a pleasure to deal with’) and Stuart Pullum (‘responsive, helpful, and has a strong relationship with the court’), who together oversee ‘one of the best clerks' rooms around’. The clerks are all ‘approachable and highly responsive. They take time to get to know you and can put together the right team for you in short order’. Richard Ansell is ‘particularly impressive’; Ed Tolfts is ‘helpful, hardworking, and goes the extra mile’; Robert Croke, James Ingham, Harry Freeman, and Jack Wheeler are also rated for their ‘exemplary’ client service. Offices in: London

Chambers of Ewan McQuater QC and Adrian Beltrami QC > Firm Profile

THE CHAMBERS

3 Verulam Buildings is one of the foremost sets of barristers’ chambers specialising in commercial law, with 80 members based in London (ranked by Chambers UK in 28 practice areas) and with many highly prominent legal practitioners across the World.  Members advise and represent clients in court, arbitration and other tribunals in England, other jurisdictions worldwide and internationally. 3VB’s approachable and responsive members and practice managers understand the pressures on solicitors and clients and the importance of providing a superb quality of service, in which legal excellence is combined with a commercial attitude.

WORK UNDERTAKEN

3VB has a genuine depth of experience across the full range of commercial litigation, from banking and financial services to company law, insurance, professional negligence, insolvency, commercial fraud, IT and media and entertainment. Its members are regularly instructed by the leading law firms in the major pieces of commercial litigation of the day, and often act in teams on various sides of major disputes. In addition, Chambers has a strong reputation in domestic and international arbitration, including significant experience of investment treaty disputes and cases involving energy, natural resources and infrastructure. 3VB has substantial experience of international work, in both litigation and arbitration. Members are frequently instructed by lawyers from other jurisdictions and are accustomed to working in multi-jurisdictional teams. They have particular experience of disputes arising in the Caribbean, the Gulf States, the post-Soviet states and the Asia-Pacific region.  As well as acting as counsel, many of its members and impressive array of international associate members sit as arbitrators, under all the major arbitration rules.  3VB’s members also undertake non-contentious work, such as drafting terms and conditions in contracts for financial institutions and commercial clients, and advising clients on the effects of new law. The languages spoken in 3VB include English, Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Punjabi, Russian, Sinhala, Spanish, Swedish and Urdu.

RECRUITMENT

3VB offers up to four pupillages a year (through the Pupillage Gateway and for Gateway-exempt transferring lawyers) and also considers applications as lateral hires from barristers with established, excellent practices.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Senior Practice Manager Stephen Penson 020 7831 8441
Senior Practice Manager Stuart Pullum 020 7831 8441
Chambers Director Robin Jackson 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers McQUATER QC, Ewan (1985) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BELTRAMI QC, Adrian (1989) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MALEK QC, Ali (1980) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers JARVIS QC, John (1970) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SYMONS QC, Christopher (1972) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SALTER QC, Richard (1975) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BLAIR QC, Michael (Hon Causa) (1965) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MITCHELL QC, Gregory (1979) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MALEK QC, HODGE (1983) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SUTCLIFFE QC, Andrew (1983) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers ONSLOW QC, Andrew (1982) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PHILLIPS QC, Rory (1984) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers WEITZMAN QC, Tom (1984) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers FLETCHER QC, Andrew (1980) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers NASH QC, Jonathan (1986) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers ODGERS QC, John (1990) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers REES QC, Hefin (1992) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers QUEST QC, David (1993) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DAVIES-JONES QC, Jonathan (1994) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HARDWICK QC, Matthew (1994) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers GIBAUD QC, Catherine (1996) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers McKENDRICK QC, Ewan (Hon Causa) (1998) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers EDWARDS QC, Richard (1993) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HEAD QC, David (1995) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BRENT QC, Richard (1995) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers WILSON QC, Ian (1995) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers CRANFIELD, Peter (1982) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers LAZARUS, Michael (1987) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers START, Angharad (1988) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PHILLIPS, Jonathan Mark (1991) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PARKER, Matthew (1997) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers RATCLIFFE, Peter (1998) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DE VERNEUIL-SMITH, Peter (1998) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers CRAIG, Nicholas (1998) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MALLINCKRODT, Sophie (1999) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BALOCH, Tariq (2001) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DAVIES EVANS, Jane (2001) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers EDWARDS, William (2002) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HARRIS, Christopher (2002) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PILLAI, Rajesh (2002) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HANIF, Saima (2002) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers McPHERSON, George (2003) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SIMPSON, David (2003) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers LACOB, Lisa (2004) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers EBORALL, Charlotte (2004) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KRAMER, Adam (2004) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KHAN, Farhaz (2005) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HANKE, Richard (2006) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PURVES, Robert (2007) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KNIGHT, Alexia (2007) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BOND, Christopher (2008) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HINKS, Philip (2008) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers JEAVONS, Anne (2008) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HOLDERNESS, Kate(2008) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DE VECCHI, Tom (2009) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers VAN SANTE, Theodor (2009) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BURDIN, Christopher (2010) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers ONABANJO, Teniola (2010) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers C K WEE, Paul (2010) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SCHMELZER, Miriam (2010) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HIGGINS, Ian (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BHEEROO, Yash (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers POTTS, James (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers CATSAMBIS, Cleon (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers RALSTON, Scott (2012) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PAVLOVICH, Antony (2012) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers WASSOUF, Mark (2014) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BIRD, Nathaniel (2012) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers TULIP, Sarah (2012) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DUTTON, Pia (2013) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SHEPPARD, Emmanuel (2013) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers CHALFOUN, Georges (2014) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers GLOVER, Hannah (2013) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KNIGHT, Hannah (2014) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MILES, Cameron (2015) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers ZAMAN, Rebecca (2015) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KENNELLY, Dominic (2016) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DAY, William (2016) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers FERRO, Ryan (2017) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DZWIG, Sophia (2017) 020 7831 8441

Lawyer Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Tariq Baloch photo Tariq Baloch Specialises in international arbitration (international investment treaty claims and internationl commercial arbitration),… View Profile
Adrian Beltrami QC photo Adrian Beltrami QC Barrister specialising in commercial law, banking law, insolvency, sale of goods, commercial… View Profile
Elizabeth Birch photo Elizabeth Birch Commercial barrister since 1980, has sat as arbitrator since 1992 and as… View Profile
Nathaniel Bird photo Nathaniel Bird Barrister specialising in commercial and financial work, including banking, financial services, insurance,… View Profile
Michael Blair QC photo Michael Blair QC Queen’s Counsel in independent practice, specialising in financial services. View Profile
Christopher Bond photo Christopher Bond General commercial litigation, including banking, financial services, insurance, civil fraud, professional negligence,… View Profile
Richard Brent QC photo Richard Brent QC Barrister specialising in general commercial work, including banking law, insurance and reinsurance… View Profile
Christopher Burdin photo Christopher Burdin Barrister specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration, including banking and finance, civil… View Profile
Cleon Catsambis photo Cleon Catsambis Cleon has a strong and well-regarded commercial practice that encompasses commercial litigation… View Profile
Nicholas Craig QC photo Nicholas Craig QC Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, in particular arbitration, civil fraud, banking, shipping,… View Profile
Peter Cranfield photo Peter Cranfield Barrister specialising in professional indemnity (including claims against accountants, architects, brokers, financial… View Profile
Jane Davies Evans photo Jane Davies Evans Jane is a renowned commercial barrister, specialising in energy and engineering/construction disputes,… View Profile
Jonathan Davies-Jones QC photo Jonathan Davies-Jones QC Barrister specialising in general commercial work including banking, fraud, insurance and reinsurance,… View Profile
Tom De Vecchi photo Tom De Vecchi General commercial practice, including banking, financial services, insolvency, civil fraud, insurance and… View Profile
Peter De Verneuil Smith QC photo Peter De Verneuil Smith QC Peter is a newly appointed silk (2019) with specialisms in banking, financial… View Profile
Pia Dutton photo Pia Dutton Pia is building a general commercial practice in line with Chambers’ profile.… View Profile
Charlotte Eborall photo Charlotte Eborall Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, including banking and finance (including consumer credit),… View Profile
William Edwards photo William Edwards Barrister specialising in general commercial work (including sale of goods/supply of services… View Profile
Richard Edwards QC photo Richard Edwards QC Barrister specialising in commercial work, including banking, financial services, art and cultural… View Profile
Andrew Fletcher QC photo Andrew Fletcher QC Barrister with particular experience in share purchase agreements (especially misrepresentation and breach… View Profile
Clive Freedman photo Clive Freedman Barrister specialising in commercial work generally, in particular IT law, banking, building… View Profile
Catherine Gibaud QC photo Catherine Gibaud QC Barrister specialising in commercial law, in particular banking and finance, insolvency and… View Profile
Hannah Glover photo Hannah Glover Hannah specialises in commercial disputes, with a particular emphasis on banking and… View Profile
Saima Hanif photo Saima Hanif Barrister. Saima has an expertise in banking and financial services, with a… View Profile
Richard Hanke photo Richard Hanke General commercial work, including banking and financial services, civil fraud and insolvency. View Profile
Matthew Hardwick QC photo Matthew Hardwick QC Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, banking, insolvency, insurance, professional negligence and employment. View Profile
Christopher Harris QC photo Christopher Harris QC Barrister specialising in banking, financial services, general commercial litigation and international commercial… View Profile
David Head QC photo David Head QC David Head is an experienced advocate with a wide-ranging commercial practice, including… View Profile
Ian Higgins photo Ian Higgins Ian is a former solicitor with a general commercial practice, with particular… View Profile
Philip Hinks photo Philip Hinks View Profile
Kate Holderness photo Kate Holderness Experience across the breadth of general commercial law, including in the specialist… View Profile
John Jarvis QC photo John Jarvis QC Commercial work, specialising in banking law both domestic and international, including drafting… View Profile
Anne Jeavons photo Anne Jeavons General commercial practice, including banking, insurance, civil fraud, professional negligence, financial services,… View Profile
Dominic Kennelly photo Dominic Kennelly Dominic is a former solicitor with substantial experience of commercial disputes, particularly… View Profile
Farhaz Khan photo Farhaz Khan Farhaz is recognised as one of the leading senior juniors at the… View Profile
Alexia Knight photo Alexia Knight General commercial work and litigation in line with 3VB’s practice, including banking… View Profile
Adam Kramer photo Adam Kramer Barrister specialising in commercial disputes, especially banking and finance, commercial fraud, energy,… View Profile
Lisa Lacob photo Lisa Lacob Barrister specialising in general commercial work, including banking and financial services, insurance,… View Profile
Michael Lazarus photo Michael Lazarus Michael’s practice includes most areas of domestic and international commercial and business… View Profile
Ali Malek QC photo Ali Malek QC Barrister specialising in commercial law, including banking and financial disputes, insurance and… View Profile
Hodge Malek QC photo Hodge Malek QC Barrister with an impressive academic and practical background with a successful and… View Profile
Sophie Mallinckrodt photo Sophie Mallinckrodt Barrister with general commercial practice, including banking, insurance, financial services, insolvency, company… View Profile
Ewan Mckendrick QC photo Ewan Mckendrick QC Barrister specialising in advisory work on general commercial matters, particularly contract law,… View Profile
George Mcpherson photo George Mcpherson Barrister with general commercial practice, including insurance and reinsurance, insolvency, commercial fraud,… View Profile
Ewan Mcquater QC photo Ewan Mcquater QC Barrister specialising in commercial work in particular international and domestic banking and… View Profile
Gregory Mitchell QC photo Gregory Mitchell QC Specialises in commercial litigation, arbitration and advisory work. He has been instructed… View Profile
Jonathan Nash QC photo Jonathan Nash QC Banking law and insolvency, financial services, professional negligence (solicitors, barristers and accountants),… View Profile
John Odgers QC photo John Odgers QC Commercial litigator specialising in banking, financial services, professional negligence, fraud, company sale… View Profile
Teniola Onabanjo photo Teniola Onabanjo Barrister specialising in general commercial work, including banking, financial services, contractual disputes,… View Profile
Matthew Parker photo Matthew Parker Matthew is one of the leading juniors at the commercial Bar.  He… View Profile
Anthony Pavlovich photo Anthony Pavlovich Barrister experienced in banking (guarantees, mortgages, bonds, derivatives, sale-and-purchase agreements); financial services… View Profile
Jonathan Phillips photo Jonathan Phillips Commercial litigation, particularly banking, finance, security and insolvency; practice includes domestic and… View Profile
Rory Phillips QC photo Rory Phillips QC Wide-ranging public and commercial law practice. View Profile
Rajesh Pillai photo Rajesh Pillai Barrister specialising in banking, commercial fraud, company, insurance and reinsurance, entertainment, insolvency… View Profile
James Potts photo James Potts View Profile
Dr Robert Purves photo Dr Robert Purves Robert acts for financial services firms, individuals and regulatory bodies seeking advice… View Profile
David Quest QC photo David Quest QC Barrister specialising in commercial law: banking; international trade and finance; insurance and… View Profile
Scott Ralston photo Scott Ralston Barrister specialising in commercial and banking law. View Profile
Peter Ratcliffe photo Peter Ratcliffe Barrister specialising in commercial litigation and advisory work, with particular emphasis on… View Profile
Hefin Rees QC photo Hefin Rees QC Hefin Rees QC has extensive experience of international disputes in the commercial,… View Profile
Richard Salter QC photo Richard Salter QC Barrister specialising in business and financial law, with particular emphasis on domestic… View Profile
Miriam Schmelzer photo Miriam Schmelzer Miriam is developing a broad commercial practice in line with Chambers’ profile.… View Profile
David Simpson photo David Simpson Barrister undertaking general commercial work with particular emphasis to date on financial… View Profile
Angharad Start photo Angharad Start Barrister specialising in company law, corporate and personal insolvency, professional indemnity work,… View Profile
Andrew Sutcliffe QC photo Andrew Sutcliffe QC Principal areas of practice are commercial and business law (including banking, financial… View Profile
Christopher Symons QC photo Christopher Symons QC Barrister specialising in commercial litigation/arbitration particularly all aspects of insurance, reinsurance, professional… View Profile
Theodor Van Sante photo Theodor Van Sante Specialising in regulatory and financial services work, Theodor has extensive experience acting… View Profile
Mark Wassouf photo Mark Wassouf Mark Wassouf has a broad commercial and public international law practice. He… View Profile
Paul Wee photo Paul Wee Paul is a barrister practicing from 3 Verulam Buildings in London, specialising… View Profile
Thomas Weitzman QC photo Thomas Weitzman QC Barrister with a general commercial practice, specialising in insurance, insurance-related and reinsurance… View Profile
Ian Wilson QC photo Ian Wilson QC Barrister specialising in commercial litigation, including banking and finance, commercial fraud, professional… View Profile

Languages

English (fluent)
Arabic
French
German
Greek
Italian
Punjabi
Russian
Sinhala
Spanish
Swedish
Urdu

Chambers of Ewan McQuater QC and Adrian Beltrami QC > Firm Profile

THE CHAMBERS

3 Verulam Buildings is one of the foremost sets of barristers’ chambers specialising in commercial law, with 82 members based in London (ranked by Chambers UK in 26 practice areas) and with many highly prominent legal practitioners across the World.  Members advise and represent clients in court, arbitration and other tribunals in England, other jurisdictions worldwide and internationally. 3VB’s approachable and responsive members and practice managers understand the pressures on solicitors and clients and the importance of providing a superb quality of service, in which legal excellence is combined with a commercial attitude.

WORK UNDERTAKEN

3VB has a genuine depth of experience across the full range of commercial litigation, from banking and financial services to company law, insurance, professional negligence, insolvency, commercial fraud, IT and media and entertainment. Its members are regularly instructed by the leading law firms in the major pieces of commercial litigation of the day, and often act in teams on various sides of major disputes. In addition, Chambers has a strong reputation in domestic and international arbitration, including significant experience of investment treaty disputes and cases involving energy, natural resources and infrastructure. 3VB has substantial experience of international work, in both litigation and arbitration. Members are frequently instructed by lawyers from other jurisdictions and are accustomed to working in multi-jurisdictional teams. They have particular experience of disputes arising in the Caribbean, the Gulf States, the post-Soviet states and the Asia-Pacific region.  As well as acting as counsel, many of its members and impressive array of international associate members sit as arbitrators, under all the major arbitration rules.  3VB’s members also undertake non-contentious work, such as drafting terms and conditions in contracts for financial institutions and commercial clients, and advising clients on the effects of new law. The languages spoken in 3VB include English, Arabic, Creole, French, German, Greek, Italian, Punjabi, Russian, Sinhala, Spanish, Swedish and Urdu.

RECRUITMENT

3VB offers up to four pupillages a year (through the Pupillage Gateway and for Gateway-exempt transferring lawyers) and also considers applications as lateral hires from barristers with established, excellent practices.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Chambers Director Robin Jackson 020 7831 8441
Senior Practice Manager Stephen Penson 020 7831 8441
Senior Practice Manager Stuart Pullum 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers McQUATER QC, Ewan (1985) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BELTRAMI QC, Adrian (1989) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MALEK QC, Ali (1980) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers JARVIS QC, John (1970) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SYMONS QC, Christopher (1972) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SALTER QC, Richard (1975) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BLAIR QC, Michael (Hon Causa) (1965) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MITCHELL QC, Gregory (1979) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MALEK QC, HODGE (1983) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SUTCLIFFE QC, Andrew (1983) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers ONSLOW QC, Andrew (1982) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PHILLIPS QC, Rory (1984) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers WEITZMAN QC, Tom (1984) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers FLETCHER QC, Andrew (1980) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers NASH QC, Jonathan (1986) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers REES QC, Hefin (1992) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers QUEST QC, David (1993) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DAVIES-JONES QC, Jonathan (1994) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HARDWICK QC, Matthew (1994) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers McKENDRICK QC, Ewan (Hon Causa) (1998) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers EDWARDS QC, Richard (1993) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HEAD QC, David (1995) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers WILSON QC, Ian (1995) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers RILEY QC, Jamie (1995) (QC-2019) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DE VERNEUIL SMITH QC, Peter (1998) (QC-2019) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers CRAIG QC, Nicholas (1998) (QC-2019) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HARRIS QC, Christopher (2002) (QC-2019) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers CRANFIELD, Peter (1982) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers LAZARUS, Michael (1987) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers START, Angharad (1988) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PHILLIPS, Jonathan Mark (1991) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PARKER, Matthew (1997) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers RATCLIFFE, Peter (1998) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MALLINCKRODT, Sophie (1999) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BALOCH, Tariq (2001) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DAVIES EVANS, Jane (2001) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers EDWARDS, William (2002) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PILLAI, Rajesh (2002) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HANIF, Saima (2002) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers McPHERSON, George (2003) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SIMPSON, David (2003) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers LACOB, Lisa (2004) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers EBORALL, Charlotte (2004) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KRAMER, Adam (2004) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KHAN, Farhaz (2005) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HANKE, Richard (2006) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PURVES, Robert (2007) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KNIGHT, Alexia (2007) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BOND, Christopher (2008) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HINKS, Philip (2008) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers JEAVONS, Anne (2008) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HOLDERNESS, Kate (2008) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DE VECCHI, Tom (2009) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers VAN SANTE, Theodor (2009) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BURDIN, Christopher (2010) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers ONABANJO, Teniola (2010) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers C K WEE, Paul (2010) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SCHMELZER, Miriam (2010) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers HIGGINS, Ian (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BHEEROO, Yash (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers POTTS, James (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers CATSAMBIS, Cleon (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers McWILLIAMS, James (2011) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers RALSTON, Scott (2012) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers PAVLOVICH, Antony (2012) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers WASSOUF, Mark (2014) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers BIRD, Nathaniel (2012) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers TULIP, Sarah (2012) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DUTTON, Pia (2013) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers SHEPPARD, Emmanuel (2013) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers CHALFOUN, Georges (2014) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers GLOVER, Hannah (2013) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KNIGHT, Hannah (2014) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers MILES, Cameron (2015) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers ZAMAN, Rebecca (2015) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers KENNELLY, Dominic (2016) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DAY, William (2016) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers FERRO, Ryan (2017) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DZWIG, Sophia (2017) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers DASKALOVA, Ivana (2018) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers JACKSON, Ravi (2017) 020 7831 8441
Member of Chambers STEINMETZ, Victor (2014) 020 7831 8441

Languages

English (fluent)
Arabic
French
German
Greek
Italian
Punjabi
Russian
Sinhala
Spanish
Swedish
Urdu