New Square Chambers

123test barrister Prod

Adrian Pay's practice focuses on contentious chancery work, in particular, commercial chancery and property work. His commercial work includes commercial fraud (e.g. Weavering v Ernst & Young, a claim against auditors relating to the collapse of a fraudulently run hedge fund), company and insolvency matters and contractual disputes (including matters with an information technology aspect). He has particular expertise in shareholder disputes (e.g. Caldero v Beppler & Jacobson Ltd [2013] EWHC 2191 (Ch); [2014] EWCA Civ 935, a high-profile dispute relating to two prestigious hotels in Montenegro; Adrian is currently instructed on a high-value shareholder dispute concerning an investment fund in Vietnam). His property work includes, in particular, disputes arising out of property developments and deficient conveyancing: cases include Angel Solicitors v Jenkins O'Dowd & Barth [2009] 1 WLR 1220; Clark v Lucas LLP [2010] 2 All ER 955; Kind v Northumberland County Council [2013] 1 WLR 743; R (Trail Riders Fellowship) v Dorset CC [2015] UKSC 18.

Described by Chambers & Partners as ‘an exceptional barrister’, Aidan Briggs has established himself as a specialist advocate and advisor for trusts, estates and property disputes. His regular trial experience in the High Court gives him the edge in the courtroom and makes him a favourite for factually complex cases where effective cross-examination may be the difference between winning and losing. Aidan’s practice covers the full range of private client matters: contested probate and 1975 Act claims, partnership disputes and contentious trusts work (both on- and offshore) as well as proprietary estoppel, commercial landlord and tenant disputes and trusts of land. His cases often involve multiple jurisdictions and issues of domicile. Aidan is fully versed in the tax implications of private client disputes and regularly advises in relation to Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax matters, particularly as they affect farmland and farming families. Aidan is an Associate Editor of Lewin on Trusts (20th Ed.) and a contributor to Williams, Mortimer & Sunnucks on Executors, Administrators and Probate (21st Ed.). His writing has appeared in Trusts & Trustees, the Wills & Trusts Law Reports and the New Law Journal. Aidan is sought-after as an accredited mediator and as an arbitrator in his main areas of practice.

Alexander Hill-Smith

Landlord and tenant; professional negligence; commercial; consumer credit. Recent cases include Aldermore Bank v Rana 2016 1 WLR 2209. Cases of note include: Giles v Tarry (2012); Tinsley v Milligan HL; Nurdin & Peacock v DB Ramsden; Wallcite v Ferrishurst CA.

Alexander Learmonth KC

Appointed to silk in 2021, Alexander Learmonth KC has a busy practice and an enviable reputation as a leading figure at the Chancery Bar. Described as “intellectually and technically remarkable” (Legal 500), he is renowned for his “first-rate strategic acumen” (Chambers HNW), and his “great advocacy and cross-examination skills” (Legal 500). Besides being “an excellent trial lawyer, cerebral but assertive”, “a commanding advocate”, “stellar on paper and on his feet”, and “a true team player who rolls up his sleeves,” he is also noted for being “charming” and “affable” with clients at what is often a stressful time. His principal areas of practice are succession and trusts, both at home and abroad, having appeared in many major cases, at every level of court, including the first probate case ever to reach the Supreme Court, Marley v Rawlings. He is editor of leading Sweet & Maxwell textbooks: ‘Theobald on Wills‘ and ‘Williams, Mortimer & Sunnucks on Executors, Administrators and Probate‘. He has particular expertise in relation to the law of mental capacity, both domestically in the Court of Protection and in the High Court, and abroad. Alexander is also a recognised expert in the law of property, ranked by the Legal 500 for ‘Property Litigation’ and ‘Agriculture’, with several Court of Appeal decisions to his name. He also regularly handles professional negligence claims (for claimants, professionals and insurers) arising in related fields, and has experience in dealing with the trust, property and succession issues arising in the context of Family proceedings. Alexander won ‘Advocate of the Year’ at the prestigious STEP Private Client Awards 2020, having previously been named ‘Contentious Barrister of the Year by ACTAPS in 2015, and shortlisted for Chancery Junior of the Year at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2019. He then served as one of the Presiding Judges for the STEP Private Client Awards 2021 and 2022. He is a certified mediator (IMI), having completed a CMC-accredited course in 2020. He is a great believer in mediation and other forms of ADR as a tool for resolving of succession disputes and brings his expertise to bear both when acting as mediator and when representing a party to a mediation to encourage mutually acceptable solutions. Alexander is also the Deputy Chancellor for the Diocese of Derby. He also appeared as an expert commentator on ‘Inheritance Wars: Who gets the money?’ on Channel 5.

Amit’s practice spans commercial litigation/arbitration, insolvency and company work. He has particular interest and expertise in civil fraud, contempt, technology disputes and group actions. Amit’s has a domestic and international client base with a Middle Eastern focus. They value his discretion, insight and strategical approach to litigation. While Amit is regularly led, he particularly enjoys and thrives un-led at trials, for which he has developed experience beyond his call. Amit’s family background in business, including international trade and commercial property, to a large extent guides his more candid and commercial approach to clients and disputes.   Prior to coming to the Bar Amit worked at the Financial Conduct Authority, Slaughter and May LLP and undertook government policy work in Nepal. Amit has also worked as in-house counsel in both the Personal Tax Litigation and Insolvency departments of HM Revenue and Customs Solicitor’s Office.

Amy Berry is well known and well liked amongst her peers for her succession work often on behalf or involving those who have lost capacity. Amy thinks laterally, she has to as she is dyslexic, and her work is bespoken and forward thinking. Amy has had a varied life and she deploys her skills at people management, farming, property development, acting as a trustee and caring/working with the disabled to create a real niche practice with a large following. Amy is in great demand and has an unbelievable ability to manage and resolve the most complex of cases and people; she is a survivor and ensures all her clients (both professional and lay) survive too. All those years playing chess and cards make her a great strategist; she can and does out manoeuvre her peers and will guide you out of tricky situations while retaining composure and charm. Her work and practice sit largely within traditional chancery work including trusts, wills, estates, equitable remedies, court of protection, tax, property, farming, building, construction, planning, inheritance and related professional negligence. She is regularly involved in large and complex claims and mediations. But is equally happy dealing with anyone and everyone. Amy enjoys her work and gets a sense of pride in ensuring her work helps society grieve after what are usually the most harrowing of experiences. Amy has an uncanny ability to work with anyone and often her clients are those that solicitors find the most difficult to deal with. She is comfortable and at ease in any court room or mediation whether in person or remote. She has a lovely manner that glows, giving a sense of calm and confidence to her clients but strikes fear in those she is about to cross examine. She is often instructed by her opposing solicitors after they see her in court or after mediations (and wishing they had instructed her first). Above all Amy is succinct, kind, considerate and patient. She will not faulter on her integrity, honesty or candor. She can be firm when required. And always adds value to a legal team.

David Eaton Turner

David Eaton Turner specialises in company law, corporate and personal insolvency, commercial fraud, banking, commercial litigation and related professional negligence matters. He is regularly instructed in relation to shareholder disputes, and by liquidators, administrators and trustees in bankruptcy, and by banks and their customers in relation to securities, commercial fraud and asset recovery, and with regard to confidential information, partnership, sale of goods and other contractual and commercial matters. He is listed as a leading junior in the current editions of Chambers & Partners (Chancery: Commercial; Company; Restructuring/Insolvency) and Legal 500 (Company; Insolvency). He has been called to both the Bar of Gibraltar for specific cases, and to the Bar of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, in the territory of the British Virgin Islands. He has also been appointed a Recorder (Civil). He regularly represents clients at mediations, especially in relation to shareholders’ disputes. David is qualified to accept Public Access instructions and does so in appropriate matters.

David Fisher is a commercial litigator whose practice embraces fraud, partnership and shareholder disputes, and commercial litigation, including collateral insolvency issues. He is admitted in the BVI and Anguilla where he is currently involved in several complex cases in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, both High Court and Court of Appeal, with one now on its way to the Privy Council. He has extensive experience in cross-border litigation, including in the US, Japan and Korea (where he appeared for the claimant in a KCAB arbitration). Recent cases include several substantial shareholder disputes, a very substantial fraud claim for SIT A Ltd, an engineering arbitration for a Canadian engineering group where David advised on the re-structuring of the group’s UK business so as to protect the growing business from the potential fallout from the claim and acting, with US lawyers, for a Guatamalan company in an aviation insurance arbitration concerning the total loss of a helicopter.

Barrister specialising in appearing at public inquiries and applications for judicial and statutory review and advising on all aspects of such work; has particular expertise in highway and village green matters, and acts as a non-statutory inspector at public inquiries into the latter, as well as appearing on behalf of both users and landowners; teaches trusts law and taxation at Christ Church, Oxford; vice-chair Oxford Student Disciplinary Panel. Recent cases include R (Godmanchester and Drain) v Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs [2008] AC 221 (HL) (meaning of the proviso to section 31, HA 1980); R (Newhaven) v East Sussex CC [2015] UKSC 7 (an attempt to register a beach as a village green); and R (Andrews) v SS for for Environment [2015] EWCA Civ 669 (modern effect of Inclosure awards).

Chancery litigation, landlord and tenant litigation, real property litigation and related professional negligence litigation.

George Laurence KC

Specialises in real property disputes; also has special interest and expertise in the public and administrative aspects of property law, in particular concerning access to the countryside, minor highways, commons and village greens. He frequently appears at public inquiries and before both Houses of Parliament, notably when dealing with the High Speed 2 (2006, House of Lords), Channel Tunnel, Crossrail and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link hybrid bills. His cases since 2000 (many in the House of Lords, Supreme Court or Court of Appeal) include: Ex parte Sunningwell [2000] 1 AC 335; Masters v Secretary of State for the Environment [2001] GB 151 (CA); Yaxley v Gotts [2001] Ch 162 (CA); R (Beresford) v Sunderland City Council [2004] 1 AC 889; Todd v Secretary of State for the Environment [2004] 1 WLR 2471; Oxfordshire County Council v Oxford City Council [2006] 2 AC 674; R (Norfolk County Council) v Sosefra [2006] 1 WLR 1103; R (Kind) v Sosefra [2006] QB 113; Ford-Camber Ltd v Deanminster Ltd [2007] EWCA Civ 458; R (Godmanchester Town Council) v Sosefra [2008] 1 AC 221; Sava v SS Global [2008] EWCA Civ 1308; Smith v Muller [2008] EWCA Civ 1425; Winchester College v Hampshire County Council [2009] 1 WLR 138 (CA); Betterment Properties (Weymouth) Ltd v Dorset County Council [2009] 1 WLR 334 (CA); Herrick v Kidner and Somerset County Council [2010] EWHC 269 (Admin); R (Lewis) v Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Anor (No 2) [2010] 2 AC 70; Leeds Group plc v Leeds City Council [2011] Ch 363 (CA); Leeds Group plc v Leeds City Council (No 2) (CA) [2012] 1 WLR 1561 (CA); Fortune v Wiltshire County Council [2013] 1 WLR 808 (CA); Betterment Properties (Weymouth) Limited v Dorset County Council (No 2) SC(E) [2014] AC 1072; Paddico (267) Limited v Kirklees Metropolitan Council SC(E) [2014] AC 1072; R (Barkas) v N Yorkshire County Council SC(E) [2015] AC 195; R (Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd) v East Sussex County Council SC(E) [2015] 1 AC 1547; R (Andrews) v Sosefra [2015] EWCA Civ 669; Powell and anor v Sosefra [2014] EWHC 4003 (admin); R (Trail Riders Fellowship) v Dorset County Council SC(E) [2015] UKSC 18.

Gerard Van Tonder

Barrister with general Chancery and commercial practice comprising litigation and advisory work in the following practice areas: property, corporate and personal insolvency, partnership, company law and with a separate niche practice in the area of costs. He is an established practitioner in property litigation and is especially effective in complex cases which cross over into connected practice areas such as company law, insolvency and professional liability. He is often instructed against leading counsel and receives regular instructions from local authorities Significant reported cases include: Dwyer v The Lord Mayor and Citizens of the City of London [2014] EWCA Civ 153 (whether the judge correctly held that an easement had been abandoned in respect of a class of users); Garside and Anson v RFYC Ltd [2011] UKUT 367 (LC) (whether the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal should have taken account of financial impact on tenants when deciding whether to phase major works); Maqsood v Mahmood and Another [2012] EWCA Civ 251 (whether a judge had been entitled to strike out a claim as a request at the failure to comply with orders of the court); Pattle and Another v Secretary of State for Transport [2009] UKUT 141 (LC) (whether party entitled to loss of rental income from a redevelopment scheme when part of land taken by compulsory purchase); Hilmi & Associates Ltd v Pembridge Villas Freehold Limited [2010] EWCA Civ 314 (Concerning strict requirements under Companies 1985 (and by extension Companies Act 2006) for the execution of documents by a company); Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd v Mulchinock [1998]1 WLR 42, Ch (Cancellation of a caution); Alfred Dunbar v Homebase [2003] 1 P&CR 6 (whether a supplemental deed of a subtenant diminished the obligations of the subtenant); Williams & Another v Natural Life Health Foods Ltd & Another [1998] 1 WLR 830, (HL)(E) (personal liability of company director for negligent misstatement made by the company).

Guy is a chancery and commercial specialist who acts in complex cases which often raise difficult and/or novel points of law. His commercial work includes banking, finance, commercial contract, company and partnership and professional negligence. Guy also has expertise in more traditional chancery matters, including landlord and tenant, property and trusts. In administrative law matters, Guy has particular experience of acting for commercial clients whose business interests have been adversely affected by administrative decisions. He has extensive appellate experience at all levels up to the Supreme Court.

Hermione Williams

Hermione has a multi-faceted chancery commercial practice. Her areas of practice comprise commercial litigation, trusts and estates, company, insolvency and property law. As few cases fall neatly under one category, clients find her experience across this spectrum of areas invaluable from a practical as well as strategic perspective. Hermione’s domestic practice has been enhanced by her international experience. She has worked in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Hong Kong and Guernsey, doing cross-border litigation. In the BVI and Hong Kong, the cases she worked on typically involved shareholder disputes, claims against directors, cross-border fraud and asset-tracing claims; whereas in Guernsey the matters were trust focused. Such experience at the “coal face” and moreover working in-house as part of a team, ensures that Hermione is a well-rounded litigator who genuinely adds value. Hermione has an excellent eye for detail and has a strategic, meticulous and sensitive approach to the detail of a case. She is described as an articulate and effective advocate who is able to present her arguments cogently and think on her feet. As a natural problem solver, Hermione systematically identifies solutions for the benefit and for the protection of her client’s best interests in order to secure their objectives. Though able to work alone, she thoroughly enjoys working hard as part of a team to do this. Hermione’s six years at the commercial and chancery Bar in England, combined with her time offshore, equips her to offer clients a high level of technical expertise. This experience, in conjunction with her instinctive commercial acumen, commitment and tenacity, enables Hermione to deliver legal advice that instils confidence in and loyalty from her clients.

James’ busy commercial chancery practice spans Chambers’ practice areas and he is particularly at home with complex disputes which engage multiple overlapping areas of law. James welcomes instructions across the full range of commercial-chancery work including insolvency, trusts and estates, property, commercial litigation, civil fraud and company. James appears frequently in his own right in the High Court and County Courts. Recent reported decisions include successfully setting aside a statutory demand relying upon the penalty doctrine in Slowikowsa v Rogers [2021] EWHC 192 (Ch), defending against presentation of a winding-up petition under the Coronavirus test in Newman v Templar Corp Ltd [2020] EWHC 3740 (Ch) and led trial experience with Nigel Hood in a four-week High Court dispute with issues of civil fraud and partnership dissolution (Sidhu v Rathor [2020] EWHC 1916 (Ch)). James is also a contributor to the forthcoming Third Edition of Gough on Company Charges, has written for Trust and Trustees and contributes to Lexis Nexis’ dispute resolution panel. Before coming to the Bar, James spent ten months at Canada’s leading boutique litigation firm Lenczner Slaght as a Fox Scholar. Previously, James tutored trusts law at the London School of Economics and obtained first class honours in his LLB from University College London. James can be instructed on a direct access basis.

James specialises in disputes concerning trusts, wills, and estates, where he is described as “superb” (Legal 500, 2022). He also acts in general commercial matters. His practice ranges from the high-value (a claim against a £118 million estate) to the bizarre (a disputed trust made primarily to benefit a tortoise). His reported cases include: Lattimer v Karamanoli [2023] EWHC 1524 (Ch) (rectification and construction of will; £10 million estate) Chiemelu v Egemonye [2023] W.T.L.R. 17; [2023] W.T.L.R. 23; [2023] W.T.L.R. 35 (spousal 1975 Act claim) Fennessy v Turner [2022] WTLR 1295 (adult child 1975 Act claim) F v R [2022] EWCOP 49 (variation of will trust) Fullard v Kershaw [2022] EWHC 2189 (Ch) (costs of proceedings to remove executors) Eade v Hogg [2021] EWHC 1057 (Ch) (rectification of will to determine company shareholding; £6.4 million estate) Fellner v Cleall [2021] EWHC 3599 (Ch) (costs of proceedings to remove administrator) Blu-Sky Solutions Limited v Be Caring Limited [2021] EWHC 2619 (Comm) (penalty and onerous / unusual clauses in telecoms contract) O. Trading Ltd v Favorite Border LDA [2021] 10 WLUK 420 (unless orders; 1.2-million-euro loan dispute) Rochford v Rochford [2021] WTLR 951 (1975 Act claim; costs of failing to mediate) Carpmaels & Ransford LLP and Collyer Bristow LLP v Regen Lab SA [2021] EWHC 845 (Comm) (debt claim arising from patent litigation) Zauli v Lughi [2020] Lexis Citation 282 (enforcement of 2.7-million-euro Member State judgment subject to appeal under Brussels I recast) Re LMS [2020] EWCOP 52 (variation of will trust) Razaq v Baig [2019] EWHC 3490 (Ch) (right of partners to continue business of dissolved partnership) He is instructed in on- and off-shore disputes. James has first-class degrees in history from Lincoln College, Oxford and law from St John’s College, Cambridge. He received the two highest student scholarships awarded by Lincoln’s Inn.

James Davies is an experienced commercial and traditional chancery barrister with an established County Court and High Court practice. His practice encompasses commercial litigation, company and shareholder disputes, insolvency and wills and trusts disputes. Prior to coming to the Bar James qualified as a Chartered Accountant specialising in SMEs. Many of his cases feature complex financial elements or multi-generational family business disputes which draw on this expertise: “he’s brilliant on detail. He’s particularly good where there is a debate over figures or where there are issues over complex transactions” and “methodical and thorough in high-value disputes”. He has been consistently ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for commercial litigation. James acts as the editor of the Surveyors and Accountants chapters of the Encyclopaedia of Professional Partnerships by Sweet & Maxwell. He is a regular contributor to LexisNexis PSL and LexisNexis Webinars. James also has an established practice as a mediator, having successfully mediated a number of business and chancery disputes.

Jeff Hardman has a very busy modern chancery practice specialising in all areas of property, private client matters, insolvency (both corporate and personal), civil fraud, and commercial litigation. He is recommended as a leading junior in his field within Legal 500 where he is described as “a relentless litigator and generally unflappable in the courtroom, assertive in his submissions and a skilled cross-examiner” (Tier 3, Legal 500, 2023). Jeff is a seasoned trial advocate and litigator, who has a strong reputation for being a very hard working and accessible barrister, with a loyal client base many of whom continue to instruct him since pupillage. He is frequently sought out for his advice on injunctive relief, security for costs, pre-action disclosure, litigation funding, investigation options for suspected fraudulent activity, third-party costs orders, beddoe applications, and for his views on litigation strategy generally, including negotiated settlements or other out-of-court resolutions. He routinely advises clients in planning how to respond, and in responding, to crises and other significant legal problems that attract the media spotlight. Whilst he is happy to operate as a ‘traditional barrister’, receiving instructions and providing advice when required; he works best when operating as part of a committed legal team which includes the lay client, solicitor, and any retained expert. Jeff thrives in the cut and thrust of litigation and has previously been described as “A sharp and tenacious junior with real nous” (Tier 5, Legal 500 2020); “intelligent and persuasive” (Tier 4, Legal 500, 2021). Prior to the Bar, Jeff worked for a law firm in the Caribbean before joining a start-up in London developing a music streaming ‘app’ funded by Gazprom Media. For a detailed breakdown of Jeff’s recent experience across these domains, see the specialist ‘experience’ sections below.

Jessica “is fast developing a strong commercial chancery practice, with a focus on insolvency, and is certainly a name to note at the junior Bar” (Legal 500 UK 2021). Jessica is a “superb advocate” (Legal 500 UK Bar 2022) who is “excellent on her feet” (Legal 500 UK 2021). She appears as sole counsel regularly in the High Court, and was successful in the Court of Appeal in the important case of Bell v Ide. She is well accustomed to conducting cases from pre-action advice through to trial, whilst throughout maintaining a pragmatic and commercial approach. During her five-year appointment to the Attorney-General’s C Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (2017-2022), Jessica was frequently instructed by HMRC and the Official Receiver in insolvency cases, and by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in director’s disqualification proceedings. In addition to domestic work, Jessica is developing a thriving offshore practice. She has received instructions from the Channel Islands, the UAE and Gibraltar, and has an ongoing consultancy arrangement with the dispute resolution department of a leading offshore firm in Jersey (assisting with trust, company and insolvency matters) Jessica has contributed to Atkin’s Court Forms, and has also written for Lexis PSL, the Trusts and Estates Law and Tax Journal, the Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal, Insolvency Intelligence, and Estates Gazette.

Jian Jun (JJ) Liew

JJ’s commercial chancery practice spans the full breadth of Chambers’ practice area. He is well versed in cutting through dense facts and engaging with complex principles of law. JJ keeps up to date and regularly comments on recent significant decisions in his practice areas on LexisPSL and on the New Square Chambers website. This also includes publications in legal journals, such as: “In Defence of Ingram v Little: Understanding Collateral Offer and Acceptance” (2017) 6(1) OUULJ 34. “Parker v Financial Conduct Authority – A Missed Opportunity?” (2021) 35.3 TLI 185. “Mistake, misprediction, and risk-taking in tax-avoidance” (2022) 28(4) T&T 285, co-authored with Aidan Briggs. JJ has a firm grasp of financial services regulatory work, having been seconded to the Retail Investments team of the Financial Conduct Authority’s General Counsel’s Division. JJ is currently seconded to the China Practice team of McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP.

John has a busy and varied practice predominantly in Property & Real Estate and Commercial Dispute Resolution. Very much in demand, John is developing a considerable following of clients both regionally and nationally. He deals with complex and high value litigation in the High Court and County Courts. John acts on behalf of companies, private individuals and government departments, having been appointed to the Attorney General’s Regional Panel of Counsel in 2020. John read law at the University of Leicester and graduated with a First Class Honours degree. He was awarded a Harmsworth Scholarship and completed a common law pupillage in London. He is also direct access qualified and is happy to accept instructions from businesses and individuals looking for advice and representation. Away from the Bar, John is a keen (if not accomplished) sportsman and musician, an active member of his local Round Table and an avid Leicester City fan.

Jonathan Lopian

A commercial chancery barrister, called in 1994, with an advisory and litigation practice primarily focused on company, insolvency and commercial law and with previous high-level professional experience in the field of corporate finance within the investment banking and international business sectors. Specialising in all aspects of company and insolvency law. His commercial practice covers all types of contractual disputes, commercial fraud and claims relating to the law of agency, guarantees, banking, partnership, professional negligence, breaches of trust and fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment and asset-tracing. Jonathan appears regularly in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal and is instructed both on short-term matters such as urgent applications for interim injunctive relief and on long-running cases from their inception through to final determination at trial. Recent cases include: McTear & Williams v Engelhard & Others [2016] EWCA Civ 487; Hamilton v (1) Brown (2) C&MB Holdings Ltd [2016] EWHC 191 (Ch), [2016] BPIR 531; DMQA Investments Limited (In Liquidation); McKenzie v Marshall (2016); (Ch) JCAM Commercial Real Estate Property XV Limited v Davis Haulage Limited [2016] EWHC 772 (Ch); Godefroy v Company Health Limited & Others [2015] EWHC 3978; Re Calibre Solicitors Limited (In Administration) [2015] BPIR 435.

is a commercial chancery barrister with a focus on commercial litigation, civil fraud, company and insolvency law. He also has recognised expertise in property and trust work, which often compliment and overlap his commercial practice. He has been recommended by the Legal 500 for a number of years across several practice areas, where has been described as “approachable”, “frank and sensible with the facts”, “efficient and professional”, and “thorough and prompt”, and noted for settling “meticulous, accurate” statements of case, and providing “clear, meaningful advice”. Justin works with solicitors, in-house teams and teams of counsel. He appears as counsel at final and interim hearings (including freezing orders and injunctions) in the Senior Courts, County Court and specialist Tribunals. He also represents clients at ADR. Justin contributes to Lexis PSL, law reports, and delivers seminars and training. He chairs Chambers’ Company, Insolvency and Commercial Practice Group.

Wills, trust and estates, property

National and international trusts and estates, commercial advice and litigation and Court of Protection work. Administration of digital information held by trustees and other fiduciaries, including digital information owned, created and used by deceased persons and persons who lack capacity in relation to their property and affairs.

Practice is primarily trusts-based and includes related tax work; advises on and litigates in areas of family, charitable, pension, commercial and employee trusts, this includes the duties of trustees and their breach, conflicts of interest and self-dealing, variation of trusts, and attacks by creditors and others on trusts and trustees; advisory work includes drafting of trust documentation and effect of UK taxation on both UK and overseas trusts; a substantial part of his practice concerns offshore trusts, estates and companies in the Channel Islands, BVI, Cayman Islands, Bahamas and Hong Kong; called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Court in the BVI and Anguilla; acted for over four years in the long-running Alhamrani litigation in Jersey; was an editor of the 17th and 18th editions of Lewin on Trusts and is senior editor of the forthcoming 19th edition; won the award for Chancery Junior of the Year at the Chambers Bar Awards in 2011.

Mark is a Chancery barrister with a reputation as a litigator in commercial litigation featuring trusts, contentious trust and estate cases, civil fraud, shareholder disputes, company, insolvency and regulatory matters. He is often instructed to obtain or resist freezing injunctions and other urgent interim remedies. His practice has a substantial offshore and international element. Mark has particular experience of litigation in the Bahamas, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, Singapore and Switzerland and is praised by clients for his quick grasp of complex cases, and for the quality of his advocacy, advice, and client skills. Publications: Protectors of Trusts (OUP 2013), 1st edition of new international practitioners work. Author of current series of practice notes on shareholder remedies for Lexis PSL.

Michael Booth KC

Michael is an experienced barrister with a recognised expertise in advocacy. Michael's speciality is conducting trials in commercial and chancery matters where allegations of fraud, complex questions of credibility and large amounts of money are involved. "A real streetfighter whose cross-examination is outstanding." (Chambers UK Bar). Michael is particularly strong in handling heavily contested litigation. He has been described as being "an absolutely first-rate commercial litigator" who is "a ferocious advocate and who has the ability to get to the root of the problem quickly" (Legal 500).

Millie has developed a commercial chancery practice spanning the breadth of chambers’ practice areas, including trusts and estates, property, commercial litigation, company and insolvency. Millie is regularly instructed as sole counsel both in the High Court and County Court and has been praised by solicitors as a deft advocate. Millie has a first-class degree in law from University College London.

Nicholas Le Poidevin KC

Barrister specialising in litigation: trusts, wills and estates, all forms of property, associated professional negligence, conflict of laws and offshore work. Appearances and advice in England, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Caribbean. Recent cases include Marley v Rawlings [2015] AC 129, [2015] AC 157 (SC); Crociani v Crociani [2014] UKPC 40 (PC).

Instructed in some of the largest civil fraud claims in recent years, including representing the claimant JSC BTA Bank in its 45 day Commercial Court fraud trial: JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov & Others [2013] EWHC 510. During the last year, Nigel has also represented the principal defendant in a £100m cross-border fraud/conspiracy claim, a defendant in a conspiracy claim for £26m, a claimant in a £10m deceit and conspiracy claim involving bogus financial instruments and another claimant in an identity fraud involving approximately £15 million. Nigel’s work often involves making or defending urgent applications for interim relief in order to identify and protect/recover assets and to identify and pursue wrongdoers. Although his practice primarily involves handIing civil fraud cases he also has a busy commercial and chancery practice encompassing broader commercial and chancery litigation matters, including commercial arbitrations, contractual disputes, unfair prejudice and other shareholder actions, actions against directors or trustees for breach of duty, claims involving guarantees and indemnities, professional negligence claims and insolvency matters. Recent reported cases include: JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov & Others [2013] EWHC 510, KAR Oil Refining Ltd v Frion Ltd & Others [2011] EWHC 1813; CMCS Common Market Commercial Services v Taylor [2011] PNLR 17, [2011] Costs L.O. 259; Shah v Shah [2010] EWHC 313, & [2011]1 P.&C.R. DG19 (Court of Appeal);4ENG v Harper & Others (No.2) [2010] 1 BCLC 176; 4ENG v Harper & Others [2009] Ch 91; Portsmouth City Football Club Limited v HMRC [2010] EWHC 75 (Ch), [2011] STC 683; Independent Trustee Services Limited v GP Noble Trustees Limited [2009] EWHC 161.

Paul Wilmshurst

Paul Wilmshurst is ranked by the Legal 500 as a leading junior in Property Litigation and Agriculture and by Chambers and Partners as a leading individual in Agriculture and Rural Affairs. His practice embraces all aspects of land law. Paul deals with the full range of property litigation between individuals and businesses. For example: easements, boundary disputes, commercial landlord and tenant, agricultural tenancies, disputes over ownership, proprietary estoppel, trusts of land, unjust enrichment, manorial rights, profits à prendre, covenants and nuisance. He is an experienced trial advocate. Recent cases include appearing in a 5-day trial in High Court (Chancery Division): Stanning v Baldwin [2019] EWHC 1350 (Ch); [2019] 5 WLUK 544. Secondly, Paul is particularly active and well-known for acting in cases which concern public rights over land or which have administrative law aspects. For example, town/village greens, commons, public rights of way, public open space, foreshore rights, and environmental cases. Paul is the author of the Village Green and Commons chapters of the Encyclopaedia of Forms & Precedents. He is a very experienced public inquiry advocate and has appeared in notable court proceedings.

Raj is a chancery practitioner with a focus on real property, probate and public rights over land which include: Town & Village Greens, Rights over Commons, Highways and Wayleaves including stationing Telecommunications apparatus. Directory acknowledgements include: "Sensible, straightforward and smart. He knows his law." Chambers UK 2018 "Raj is a sound, sound chancery lawyer and a good performer." Chambers UK Bar, 2018 "He is extremely approachable, very user-friendly, and nothing is too much trouble for him. He always fights your corner." Chambers UK, 2017

On successful completion of a third six pupillage, Robert became a tenant of New Square Chambers in May 2023. He completed his 12-month pupillage at Essex Court Chambers. Robert accepts instructions across all areas of commercial, insolvency, company and civil fraud work. From 2021-2022, Robert worked as the Judicial Assistant to Lord Hamblen and Lord Leggatt at the Supreme Court. While at the Court, Robert assisted on several significant cases, including: Guest v Guest [2022] UKSC 27 (proprietary estoppel). Gol Linhas Aereas SA v MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners (Cayman) and others [2022] UKPC 21 (refusal to recognise and enforce an arbitral award under article V of the New York Convention). Royal Bank of Scotland International v JP SPC 4 and another [2022] UKPC 18 (whether a bank’s Quincecare duty could be extended to a duty of care owed in tort to the beneficiary of an account known by the bank to be a trust account). Before starting pupillage, Robert taught Contract, Administrative and Roman law at the University of Oxford and was a teaching fellow in contract law at UCL. At the same time, he completed a DPhil with a thesis exploring possible legal methods for regulating stored human genetic material. Robert has a BA in Law (First), BCL (Distinction), and MPhil from the University of Oxford. He also holds an LLM from Harvard Law School. At Oxford, Robert won numerous mooting competitions, including the Shearman & Sterling and Maitland Chambers Intercollegiate Moots, and volunteered with Lawyers Without Borders in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also won The Times 2TG Moot in 2019.

Robin Hollington KC

Barrister specialising in company law, shareholders’ disputes, insolvency, and general Chancery litigation; has appeared or advised in numerous cases governed by laws of Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and Gibraltar; major recent reported cases: Re Dragon Capital Group Limited, 2nd June 2016, Jules Sher QC sitting as deputy judge of BVI Commercial Court (summary judgment application on issue of quasi-partnership in unfair prejudice proceedings); TOC Investments v. Beppler & Jacobson [2016] EWHC 20 (Ch) (construction of funding agreement in relation to provisional liquidation); Blindley Heath Investments v Bass [2015] EWCA Civ 1023 (estoppel by convention and enforcement of pre-emption provisions), [2016] EWCA Civ 548 (costs – Bullock order); Caldero Trading Limited v Beppler & Jacobson Limited: [2014] EWCA Civ 935 (CA), affirming [2013] EWHC 2191 (Ch), [2014] EWCA Civ 984, [2014] EWHC 1142 (Ch), [2012] EWHC 1609 (Ch), [2012] EWHC 1761 (Ch) (shareholders’ dispute trial and other hearings), Re Ambow Educational Holding Limited (Grand Court Cayman Islands, 7th June 2013) (appointment of provisional liquidators over NY-listed company), In the Matter of Mister Dee International plc (Shah v Shah) [2010] EWHC 313 (Ch) (unfair prejudice trial), [2011] EWHC 1902 (Ch) (share valuation); re Cream Holdings Limited [2012] 1 BCLC 365 (CA) (enforcement of pre-emption provisions in articles of association); re AJW Offshore (2) Ltd, Cayman Islands, 2011 (winding up on just and equitable basis – loss of substratum); re Pioneerton and Steel, BVI, 2010-2011 (removal of liquidators for apparent bias and procedural irregularity); re Wyser-Pratte Jones J, Cayman Islands, 2010 (Winding up on a just and equitable basis – loss of substratum); Carlisle United Supporters Trust v Story [2010] EWCA Civ 463 (derivative claim; costs); re Neath Rugby Ltd [2008] BCC (trial before Lewison J), (2008] BCC 125 (Court of Appeal), [2007] BCC 671 (HHJ Havelock-Allan); Oxford Legal Group v Sibbasbridge [2008] 2 BCLC 381 (Court of Appeal), [2007] EWHC 1265 (Ch); Millar v Battlebridge [2008] All ER (D) 290; Carlisle Supporters Trust v Story (2008] EWHC 1783 (Ch), [2005] EWHC 3464 (ch); Re Capital Cabs Ltd [2006] BCC 276 (Court of Appeal), [2005] EWCA Civ 1356 (trial) Infiniteland v Artisan [2006] 1 BCLC 632 (Court of Appeal), [2004] EWHC 955 (Ch) (trial); Trumann Investment v Societe Generale (2004] EWHC 1769 (Ch); Bank of America, (2) Deutsche Bank, (3) Paine Webber v Medfinco [2003] EWHC 1798 (Ch); Re A Company (Court of Appeal in Gibraltar) – September 2003; CVC/Opportunity Equity Partners v Demarco [2002] 2 BCLC 108 (Privy Council); O’Neill v Phillips [1999] 1WLR 1092 (House of Lords); Jones v Jones [2003] BCC 226 (Court of Appeal; Harrison v Harrison Properties Ltd [2002] 1 BCLC 162 (Court of Appeal); Re BCCI (Hong Kong) Ltd (Hong Kong High Court, December 2002); Moore Large v Hermes Credit [2003] EWHC 26 (Comm Ct); Re Barings pie [2002] 1 BCLC 401; Mitchell & Holloway v UK Government, December 2002 (European Court of Human Rights) [1997] 1 BCLC 673; [1998] 2 BCLC 369 (Court of Appeal).

Ross appears regularly in both the Chancery Division and the Administrative Court. She has considerable experience of public inquiries, judicial reviews and statutory appeals. Her practice is now primarily focused on real property disputes, many concerned with claims to public rights. Ross has contributed numerous articles to The Rights of Way Law Review and is an associate editor of The Law of Freedom of Information, published by Oxford University Press.

Sarah is a specialist Wills, Trusts, and Estates barrister. Sarah’s expertise extends to Property and Commercial Litigation, as well as Family Law matters involving aspects of Chancery and Commercial Law, such as trusts, inheritance, and companies. Prior to coming to the Bar Sarah read for a Ph.D. and tutored. Having subsequently qualified and worked as an investment analyst in asset management and private banking in the City, she gained sound understanding of financial matters and dealing with high net-worth individuals. In her previous capacity as in-house counsel to a commercial bank, Sarah advised on financial services regulation; the incorporation of offshore funds and companies; commercial landlord and tenant; and contract. Sarah contributes to the Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents.

Simon is an experienced litigator with an international practice. As well as being called to the Bar in England and Wales, he has been called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the territory of the British Virgin Islands. He has significant experience of dealing with international issues and heavyweight cases. He has attended court in The Bahamas, the Isle of Man and the British Virgin Islands, has appeared before the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean, has appeared in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in England, and has appeared twice in the Privy Council. He regularly deals with cases involving millions, and sometimes billions, of pounds. Simon appeared (unled) in the multi-billion pound Equitable Life litigation (one of the most contentious cases of the decade), has advised in proceedings in Antigua & Barbuda, and has acted in a stream of major high value disputes, including the huge BTA Bank litigation in the BVI and London (one of the largest cases of the year according to The Lawyer) and a number of high value and hotly contested disputes in Jersey. The value which he brings to clients is widely recognised: he is “a mighty intellect and brings piercing analysis and meticulous attention to detail to his work” (Legal 500), he “enjoys a stellar practice” (Chambers Global), “his mastery of complex factual background is hugely impressive” (Legal 500) and he is “a major boost to any legal team” (Chambers UK Bar).

Stephen Schaw Miller

Barrister practising in chancery and commercial law, property litigation, insolvency, company law, contentious trusts and probate, and auctions.

Stuart David Armstrong

Stuart is a property specialist with more than 20 years’ experience. His practice encompasses landlord and tenant issues (relating to both residential and commercial properties) including forfeiture of leases, variation of leases, renewal of business tenancies, dilapidations and leasehold enfranchisement. Stuart also deals with a range of other real property matters including boundary disputes, adverse possession, freehold covenants and disputes as to beneficial ownership/trusts. Clients range from private individuals to large companies. Stuart regularly gives seminars in his practice areas and appears in a range of courts and tribunals, including the Court of Appeal, High Court and county court as well as the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and the Upper Tribunal. Stuart is a trained mediator and has also acted as an expert in the construction of legal documents. He accepts Public Access work. Stuart's GDPR privacy policy is available upon request.

Thomas is an extremely experienced specialist in commercial law, company law and insolvency law, with a wealth of court-room experience. Areas of particular expertise are: shareholder disputes, including unfair prejudice petitions and claims over beneficial ownership of shares; claims against company directors for breach of duty, contract and confidence; commercial disputes, and fraud. He has conducted High Court trials and/or arbitrations in all these areas. His cases often involve a number of areas of law. He appears regularly in the High Court, mainly in the Chancery Division and Commercial Court, and in the Court of Appeal. Recent cases have included: a long-running LCIA arbitration concerning the interpretation and enforcement of a commercial contract with a significant intellectual property content; a Chancery Division claim by a divorcee against her former husband for secret commission; a Commercial Court trial concerning bribes, governed by Sharia law (Al Qahtani); appearances in the JSC STA Bank v Ablyazov fraud litigation; an appeal to the Court of Appeal concerning inadequate judicial reasoning; and an appeal to the Court of Appeal challenging the conduct of the administrators of the holographic company Musion Systems. Other High Court trials and/or appeals to the Court of Appeal, of interest, have included: a dispute over the break-up of a London river-boat syndicate (Thames Cruises); a dispute over ownership of a vintage car collection (Neave); a dispute between rival porcelain manufacturers over confidential information and intellectual property; a commercial dispute over a film screenplay based on the life of Grace Jones (Artlamb v Goude); a claim on a guarantee which resulted in a non-party costs order against the claimant’s director, a practising solicitor who had suppressed documents (Goodwood Recoveries v Breen); several disputes over beneficial ownership of company shares; a director’s disqualification trial; and a commercial dispute over aircraft repairs in East Africa (Transafrik v Venus).

“Intellectually outstanding” and “strategically perceptive”, William Hopkin is a first-choice for complex litigation and technical advice. Whilst being a “great orator”, “able to disarm the most aggressive opponents”, he remains a “personable barrister who can relate to clients”. (Quotes from The Legal 500, UK Bar) William’s breadth of knowledge and experience, across high-level commercial Chancery practice, enables him to be “exceptionally skilled at identifying the crux of an issue, finding a sensible and pragmatic resolution to cases”. He is commended for the clarity and focus that he brings to difficult matters, with solicitors describing him as “extremely able at assimilating complex information quickly” and “very astute”. William has acted in a range of notable matters that combine the overlapping areas of his practice: company, commercial, property, trusts and charity – the last being a particular area of specialty. Recent examples of his work include: successfully appearing in the leading authority on fiduciary relations and bribes in commercial transactions (Wood & Pengelly v Commercial First et al [2021] EWCA Civ 471); being appointed to conduct an independent investigation for a national charity; and tackling company issues in respect of one of the UK’s largest estates dedicated to charity. William acts for a spectrum of organisations including universities, banks, public bodies and charities, as well as for private individuals and companies. Over the last 20 years, he has served on the board of a number of organisations, operating in the UK and internationally, with this experience giving him a very practical edge. “He is exceptionally talented at offering pragmatic and cost-effective advice” and it has been noted that “his advice is first rate, commercially minded, and pragmatic”. William is, also, an accredited mediator, and a member of the Society of Mediators. In 2022 he mediated a range of matters such as rights of way, unlawful eviction, noise, nuisance, boundaries and privacy. William was elected to the Executive Committee of the Charity Law Association in July 2023. *Quotes are from the Legal 500 UK Bar