Christopher Snell > New Square Chambers > London, England > Barrister Profile
New Square Chambers Offices
12 NEW SQUARE, LINCOLN'S INN
LONDON
WC2A 3SW
England
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Christopher Snell
Position
Chris’ practice covers the full spectrum of Commercial Chancery litigation, with a specific emphasis on financial services and banking and finance disputes, insolvency (both corporate and personal), civil fraud and commercial litigation. In addition, Chris also has a strong working knowledge of Costs, including litigation funding, having represented the successful party at both first instance and in the Court of Appeal in the landmark decision Lexlaw v Zuberi [2021] EWCA Civ 16, the first reported decision on the enforceability of Damages Based Agreements.
Chris has also been involved in significant offshore litigation arising out of the liquidation of a number of large US insurance companies following the conviction of the ultimate beneficial owner for bribery and insurance fraud. He has also given expert evidence in proceedings before the Court of First Instance in Hong Kong concerning matters of English Civil Procedure.
Chris is frequently instructed in cases where the opposition is represented by Leading Counsel. He is equally comfortable to act in such teams as either sole Counsel or as part of a larger team.
Career
Called to the Bar 2010; Jules Thorn Scholarship (Middle Temple); Certificate of Honour (Middle Temple); Jules Thorn Prize, Finals (University of Birmingham).
Chris frequently acts in substantial commercial disputes involving well known household brands and names.
Chris frequently acts for both lenders and corporates or individuals involved in financial services and/or banking and finance disputes. He has, in addition, extensive experience of claims made under the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order, including claims relating to alleged breaches of the general prohibition and claims relating to the enforceability of regulated mortgage agreements and other lending.
Additionally, Chris has significant experience of mis-selling claims; including the mis-selling of derivative products and those products which contain a derivative element, such as fixed rate loans.
Chris regularly acts in insolvency matters (both corporate and personal) and has experience in claims against directors for breach of duty, wrongful and fraudulent trading, and other antecedent transaction claims.
In addition, Chris has acted for office holders in contentious applications for administration orders; extension of administration orders; and other matters relating to the insolvency liquidation of a Company’s affairs.
Chris frequently provides advice on all aspects of costs litigation and has been involved with the litigation of substantial costs cases before both the High Court and Court of Appeal. Chris successfully represented the Claimant as sole Counsel in the landmark decision of the Court of Appeal in Lexlaw v Zuberi [2021] EWCA Civ 16, the first decision concerning the enforceability of damages based agreements (“DBAs”). The decision is frequently referred to as a “watershed moment” for DBAs, and saw the General Council of the Bar (represented by Nick Bacon KC) intervene in the Court of Appeal hearing in support of the Claimant’s position.
Chris is also frequently instructed to review and draft litigation funding agreements; DBAs and CFAs. He also has significant experience of detailed assessments and related costs litigation.
Chris has experience of litigation in a number of offshore jurisdictions, but most particularly in Bermuda, the BVI and Hong Kong. He has appeared in a number of reported decisions heard by the Supreme Court of Bermuda; and has provided expert evidence to the Court of First Instance in Hong Kong.
Education
LLB (Hons), University of Birmingham; BVC (Outstanding), College of Law.