XXIV Old Buildings > London, England > Set Profile

Chambers of Elspeth Talbot Rice KC
XXIV Old Buildings
24 OLD BUILDINGS, LINCOLN'S INN
LONDON
WC2A 3UP
England

London Bar > Private client: trusts and probate Tier 1

XXIV Old Buildings is an ‘excellent set, with first-rate counsel and great strength in depth’ and the ‘first port of call’ for many clients when it comes to complex trust related matters. Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is experienced at handling many complex and high-value Chancery pieces of litigation, particularly those with an international angle. David Brownbill KC has extensive expertise in trust law and focuses mainly on private client cases. ‘Brilliant orator’ Edward Cumming ‘is the absolute best when it comes to commercial Chancery work’ and has experience of cases which reach the final level of appeals.

Leading Silks

Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 1
David Brownbill KCXXIV Old Buildings 'David is a measured, careful and meticulous leader with a deep understanding of the law and, in particular, international structures and clients.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Edward Cumming KCXXIV Old BuildingsEdward is an intellectual who can distil the crux of a dispute from even the most complicated fact pattern. He holds himself and his clients and instructing solicitors with purpose and resilience.
Ranked: Tier 2
Stephen Moverley Smith KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Stephen is technically brilliant, commercially and emotionally astute and is able to handle difficult clients with consummate ease. He also goes out of his way to collaborate with the solicitors instructing him, making himself available at short notice and generally ensuring the smooth running of a case.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Francis Tregear KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Francis is an excellent advocate and is highly persuasive in court.His written work is excellent, and his legal opinions carry real weight when a trust application requires such an opinion. He is a very good leader of a team for instructing lawyers, junior counsel and the client.'
Ranked: Tier 3

2023 Silks

Adam Cloherty KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Adam can distil complex arguments into clear summaries, which is helpful with clients and in the court, where he is refreshingly straightforward. He is excellent at getting to the heart of legal problems.’

Leading Juniors

Andrew HoldenXXIV Old Buildings 'Andrew is an absolute go-to counsel for trust matters. He has encyclopedic trust knowledge in several jurisdictions and provides his counsel and advice pragmatically and commercially. He is very responsive and a great person to have on your side.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Elizabeth WeaverXXIV Old Buildings 'She provides thorough advice in plain English.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Daniel WarentsXXIV Old Buildings ‘Daniel always goes the extra mile and a real team player. Clients love his straightforward approach and clear advice.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Bajul ShahXXIV Old Buildings ‘Bajul is calm, collected and incredibly clever. Judge's like listening to him and clients respect him as an expert.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Timothy SherwinXXIV Old Buildings ‘Timothy is superb at distilling complex trust issues in a clear and precise way. He has a superb manner with clients. He goes above and beyond to make himself available and deliver top quality advice - a star of the future.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Helen GalleyXXIV Old BuildingsHelen is very quick to deal with instructions but is also thorough.
Ranked: Tier 4
Heather MurphyXXIV Old Buildings ‘Heather is excellent at making sense of a morass of difficult material. She is really good at cutting through all the noise to identify the key issues and decisions which need to be taken.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

Set 

‘XXIV Old Buildings is a top class set, with excellent strength in depth.’

‘XXIV Old Buildings is a top quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user friendly approach.’

‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set, with first-rate counsel, great strength in depth and a user-friendly approach.’

‘XXIV Old Buildings is an impressive and hard-hitting set, well-placed to advised on all manner of commercial trust disputes.’

‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set for complex trust and commercial cases.’

Clerking

‘XXIV clerks are the most easy and straightforward clerks to deal with. They have good systems in place e.g. in agreeing the terms of a retainer.’

London Bar > Aviation Tier 2

XXIV Old Buildings is a ‘great aviation and commercial litigation set’ which frequently acts for aviation lessors, airlines and manufacturers. Steven Thompson KC is well-known for handling aviation maintenance, lease, sale and purchase agreements. Arshad Ghaffar  is a popular choice for aircraft lessors, while Bajul Shah  deals primarily with disputes relating to dry leasing, mortgages and forfeiture issues. Erin Hitchens has appeared in various interim matters in the Commercial Court and Tom Stewart Coats is instructed in regulatory matters.

Rising stars

Tom Stewart CoatsXXIV Old Buildings ‘A highly effective advocate, with an exceptional depth of experience and expertise in the aviation sector.'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Steven Thompson KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Steven has a strong intellect and gives clear and robust advice. He knows the aviation field better than almost anyone else at the Bar.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Ranked: Tier 1
Heather MurphyXXIV Old Buildings 'Heather is a creative thinker and problem solver and is unflappable, even in the most difficult of situations. As an advocate, Heather is straight to the point, very persuasive and quick on her feet.'
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 3
Erin HitchensXXIV Old Buildings 'Erin is one of the most experienced aviation juniors around with a hugely-effective understated, but tough, style of advocacy.'
Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

Set

‘XXIV has long been held in great regard for its aviation practice and I have always been impressed by the quality of advocates in this area.’

‘Good availability of high quality counsel, helpful clerks.’

‘Chambers are exceptionally good. There is a certainly a strength in depth when it comes to quality Counsel with expertise in aviation.’

‘Great aviation and commercial litigation set.’

Clerking

‘Always impressed by the clerks at XXIV who are flexible and happy to help. Paul Horsfield is excellent, as is Perry Brown.’

‘Paul Horsfield is doing an excellent job as their senior clerk.’

Work highlights

    London Bar > Commercial litigation Tier 2

    XXIV Old Buildings is a ‘top-quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user-friendly approach‘. It is considered ‘a go-to for trust and fraud litigation‘ and is an undoubted leader for the full range of Offshore matters. Recent matters include Capital WW v Paysafe & Ors in which Robert Levy KC led Bajul Shahfor the claimant in its applications for Norwich Pharmacal relief concerning unpaid dividends from a gambling business. Several senior juniors regularly act unled in significant cases, including Adam Cloherty KC and Hugh Miall; the latter represented the claimant, a property consultancy company, in Burbage Realty Ltd v RJ 15 Ltd & Ors, a dispute over fees for the introduction, negotiation and development of a warehousing and logistics site next to the M1.

    Leading Silks

    Robert Levy KCXXIV Old BuildingsAn excellent advocate. Very persuasive with the court and one of the best cross-examiners. Robert makes the complex simple and an ability to present a case which is highly persuasive through a combination of intellect and character.’
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Elspeth Talbot Rice KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Elspeth is a superb all-rounder. A very strong advocate, excellent with clients and cuts through complexity to get to the core and then consider a commercial and practical approach.’
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Steven Thompson KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Steven is a truly brilliant advocate. He is always meticulously prepared and is an immaculate court room performer. Exceptional in every way.’
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Stephen Moverley Smith KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘His advocacy is clear and calm. He does not get ruffled, even in heated hearings. First class.’
    Ranked: Tier 4
    Ranked: Tier 5
    Francis Tregear KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Frances is calm and measured, independent-minded and thoughtful. As an advocate (both orally and in writing), his work is very poised and attractively presented. He has real intellectual fire-power.'
    Ranked: Tier 5
    Alan Steinfeld KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Incredibly bright, charming in court, reassuring for clients and incisive with decision making.'
    Ranked: Tier 5
    Edward Cumming KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Ed is the absolute best when it comes to commercial chancery work. He works incredibly hard, is commercial, is an outstanding advocate and is loved by clients for being aggressive and knowing their cases inside out. He is the first name that comes to mind for any high value and difficult case.'
    Ranked: Tier 6

    2023 Silks

    Adam Cloherty KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘An outstanding junior with a wealth of experience.'

    Leading Juniors

    Stuart AdairXXIV Old Buildings ‘Stuart is an exceptional barrister. He is a fantastic advocate - always incredibly well prepared with a manner which resonates well with Judges. He is an incredible cross examiner, combining a calm forensic approach with a hard-nosed aggression. His written work is fantastic, he is responsive and he is altogether a joy to work with.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Hugh MiallXXIV Old BuildingsExcellent technical ability, and timely practical advice. Hugh is very responsive, and excellent as part of a team.’
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Bajul ShahXXIV Old Buildings ‘Hardworking and thorough. His written work is excellent.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Elizabeth WeaverXXIV Old Buildings ‘Advises across a broad range of Chancery and commercial matters. No nonsense, but very good with clients. Court room manner is steely and determined.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Edward KnightXXIV Old Buildings ‘A pleasure to work with. He has a very calm manner even when under pressure and puts client's worries at ease.'
    Ranked: Tier 4
    Nicole LangloisXXIV Old BuildingsAn excellent courtroom advocate.'
    Ranked: Tier 4
    Oliver AssersohnXXIV Old BuildingsAmiable and smart he produces superb written work and is a considered and impressive advocate. Wonderful to have in your team.'
    Ranked: Tier 4

    Testimonials

    Set

     ‘Top quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user-friendly approach.’

     ‘Great annual training conference is a fixture in the calendar. Some pretty good fun social events too.’

     ‘XXIV have been one of my go-to sets for many years.  The quality of many of the barristers, at an extremely competitive price point, makes them a great fit for a lot of work that I undertake.‘

     ‘Very good set – a go to for trust and fraud litigation.’

     ‘XXIV is an excellent chambers for Chancery work, always at the forefront of developing law.’

     Clerking

     ‘Professional and easy to deal with – Perry Brown is an excellent practice manager who always seems in complete control.’

    London Bar > Fraud: civil Tier 2

    XXIV Old Buildings has ‘considerable depth in civil fraud work‘ and ‘ heavy hitting leading counsels and very bright and knowledgeable juniors‘. A real strength is its Chancery expertise, ‘particularly onshore and offshore trust and probate work’. Edward Cumming KC  and Timothy Sherwin are representing the former trustee in St John’s Trust Company (PVT) Limited v Watlington, a major dispute involving fraud, freezing injunctions and trust and corporate issues linked to allegations by the US Department of Justice that the multi-billion dollar trust was used to assist in the largest US tax evasion case against an individual taxpayer, the Texas billionaire Robert Brockman. Stuart Adair  is representing a former director and shareholder of Emerald Meats (London) Limited over claims of misappropriated assets emerging from the company’s liquidation, in which Alan Steinfeld KC is acting as opposing counsel.

    Leading Silks

    Robert Levy KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Robert can be relied on to fight hard and get into the nuts and bolts of a case. Hugely commercially literate whilst really understanding what it takes to win a case, he can be relied upon completely, and brings a great deal more skill to cross-examination than many of his contemporaries.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Elspeth Talbot Rice KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Her trial prep is meticulous. Her advocacy is some of the best I have seen: very well prepared, succinct and forceful.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Stephen Moverley Smith KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Stephen is one of the most creative counsel in complex disputes and should never be under estimated.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Alan Steinfeld KCXXIV Old BuildingsIncredibly bright, determined in court, commands respect and charismatic.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Steven Thompson KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Steven is real heavyweight in this area with a razor sharp eye for detail and a no nonsense approach. He has a great advocacy style and his written work is excellent.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Francis Tregear KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Very user friendly and easy to work with. Excellent practitioner.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Edward Cumming KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘The combination of a Trojan work ethic, a brilliant mind and skilled advocacy makes him lethal to opposition in court.'
    Ranked: Tier 4

    Leading Juniors

    Stuart AdairXXIV Old Buildings ‘He is very knowledgeable in this area and methodical and balanced in the presentation of his case which quickly gains the confidence of the Court.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Hugh MiallXXIV Old BuildingsHugh can deliver clear and digestible advice in respect of extremely complex and challenging matters. He is user-friendly, commercial and adept at finding creative solutions in the face of seemingly insurmountable problems.'
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Edward KnightXXIV Old Buildings ‘Pragmatic and highly capable. An excellent advocate.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Bajul ShahXXIV Old BuildingsGood and detailed analysis; careful drafting; controlled, thorough and careful presentation to judges. Easy to work with.'
    Ranked: Tier 3
    Timothy Sherwin - XXIV Old Buildings 'For someone relatively junior he provides very strong and robust advice (written and oral) and is prepared to provide an honest view without unnecessary embellishment. His advocacy is first rate.'
    Ranked: Tier 4

    Testimonials

    Set

     ‘XXIV Buildings are great at what they do, with a deep bench.’

     ‘XXIV has considerable depth in civil fraud work. I have encountered members of XXIV throughout my career and consider them to be a leading set for this work.’

     ‘Top quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user-friendly approach.’

     ‘XXIV are a go to set for Chancery work particularly onshore and offshore trust and probate work. A number of heavy hitting leading counsels and very bright and knowledgeable juniors.’

     ‘Great set of Chambers with a real breadth of experience.’

     Clerking

     ‘Excellent. Highly responsive and personable.’

    Work highlights

      London Bar > Insolvency Tier 2

      Strong chancery and insolvency chambersXXIV Old Buildings has a particularly notable presence offshore where Stephen Moverley Smith KC is among the most active lead counsels in standout insolvencies. Head of chambers Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is instructed in the high profile insolvent estate of Boris Berezovsky, as well as recently acting in proceedings arising from the liquidation of Stanford International Bank in Antigua.

      Leading Silks

      Alan Steinfeld KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Incredibly bright, determined in court, commands respect and charismatic.'
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Francis Tregear KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Very sharp brain, can translate complex issues and theories into easily understandable and digestible for the client. Excellent rapport with judges who respect his straightforward approach.'
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Robert Levy KCXXIV Old Buildings 'An excellent advocate, very persuasive with the court and one of the best cross-examiners. He is a delight to work with.'
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Elspeth Talbot Rice KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘She has presence and combines intellect, hard work and forcefulness.'
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Stephen Moverley Smith KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Stephen is a first-class barrister. He is able to get up to speed with really complicated matters quickly and provide clear concise advice.'
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Steven Thompson KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Steven is highly experienced in this field and with his offshore expertise is a great asset on any case involving aspects of insolvency.’
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Edward Cumming KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Charming leader and a very motivated junior silk.’
      Ranked: Tier 5
      Lyndsey de Mestre KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘She is extremely well prepared, very efficient, drafts beautifully and has a brilliant manner.‘
      Ranked: Tier 5

      Leading Juniors

      Stuart AdairXXIV Old Buildings ‘He is very knowledgeable in this area and methodical and balanced in the presentation of his case.'
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Edward KnightXXIV Old Buildings 'Pragmatic and highly capable. An excellent advocate.'
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Hugh MiallXXIV Old Buildings ‘Hugh is bright, calm and unflappable. He is exactly the kind of barrister you want on a complex case.'
      Ranked: Tier 5
      Daniel WarentsXXIV Old Buildings 'Daniel is a very confident and clever advocate, equally at home with cross examination or submissions.'
      Ranked: Tier 5

      Testimonials

      Set

      ‘Strong chancery and insolvency chambers, brilliant minds, real strength across the board.’

      ‘Top quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user friendly approach.’

      ‘XXIV Old Buildings is a highly-regarded set for members’ calibre of work and work ethic.’

      ‘XXIV Old Buildings are a very good set and one of the go-tos for this type of work.’

      ‘Good reputation for offshore work.’

      Clerking

      ‘Excellent. Highly responsive and personable.’

      London Bar > Company Tier 2

      An excellent set with well rounded experience‘, XXIV Old Buildings includes barristers with experience at the High Court in some of the market’s leading company law disputes, as well as being capable of providing teams of counsel in matters that cross several areas of the Chancery Bar. Stephen Moverley Smith KC is noted for cases with international elements and continued to be instructed on matters in the BVI and Cayman Islands, while Edward Cumming KC has provided sole counsel on several disputes arising from acquisitions. 2014 call Timothy Sherwin is fast building a notable company law practice and has a focus on disputes relating to section 994 petitions concerning companies held in trust structures.

      Leading Silks

      Stephen Moverley Smith KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Stephen has been doing BVI work for over two decades. He knows the law and procedure inside out.'
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Francis Tregear KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Great and clear advocate. Very commercial. Extraordinary mind and very focused.'
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Alan Steinfeld KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Simply one of the best.'
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Elspeth Talbot Rice KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Very strong advocate, excellent with clients and cuts through complexity to get to the core.'
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Michael Black KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Clever and well prepared.'
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Lyndsey de Mestre KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Extremely well prepared, very efficient, drafts beautifully and has a brilliant manner.'
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Edward Cumming KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘An absolute star performer.’
      Ranked: Tier 4

      Leading Juniors

      Stuart AdairXXIV Old Buildings 'He is very knowledgeable in this area and methodical in the presentation of his case which quickly gains the confidence of the court.'
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Hugh Miall - XXIV Old Buildings 'Excellent technical ability, and timely pragmatic advice.'
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Elizabeth WeaverXXIV Old Buildings 'Advises across a broad range of Chancery and commercial matters. No nonsense but very good with clients.'
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Ranked: Tier 5
      Daniel Warents - XXIV Old Buildings 'Daniel is a very confident and clever advocate, equally at home with cross examination or submissions.'
      Ranked: Tier 5

      Testimonials

      Set

      ‘A go-to set for company and insolvency work.’

      ‘XXIV Old Buildings are an excellent set with well rounded experience.’

      ‘Very strong.’

      Clerking

      ‘Excellent clerks.’

      ‘The clerks, particularly James Ladbrook, are a real pleasure to deal with.’

      ‘Paul Horsfield is doing a great job as senior clerk.’

      London Bar > Banking and finance (including consumer credit) Tier 3

      XXIV Old Buildings is ‘a strong set for banking‘, offering ‘brilliant minds and real strength across the board‘. The set’s members have particularly good expertise in offshore, fraud and insolvency related banking disputes. A major ongoing case is Ivanishvili v Credit Suisse Life (Bermuda) before the Bermuda Commercial Court, in which Stephen Moverley Smith KC and Sarah Bayliss  are acting for the defendant life insurance company, a subsidiary of Credit Suisse, in a claim linked to an alleged investment fraud brought by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former president of Georgia. Edward Cumming KC is representing the claimants in Elite Property Holdings v Barclays Bank Plc regarding an alleged unlawful means conspiracy between Barclays and a leading accountancy firm to place the claimants into administration. Members such as Alexander Pelling  and Francis Tregear KC have good expertise in Middle Eastern related banking disputes.

      Leading Silks

      Edward Cumming KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Ed is a superstar already notwithstanding his relatively young age. Incredibly in demand. Is superb at banking but can turn his mind to a range of fields as the best silks can.'
      Ranked: Tier 5
      Stephen Moverley Smith KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Stephen is a first-class barrister. He is able to get up to speed with really complicated matters quickly and provide clear concise advice. His oral advocacy is also impressive.'
      Ranked: Tier 5
      Francis Tregear KCXXIV Old Buildings ‘Very sharp brain, can translate complex issues and theories into easily understandable and digestible for the client. Excellent rapport with judges who respect his straightforward approach.'
      Ranked: Tier 5

      Leading Juniors

      Oliver AssersohnXXIV Old Buildings ‘Technically brilliant, very hard working and a delight to work with.’
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Sarah BaylissXXIV Old BuildingsA strong detail-orientated junior.'
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Ranked: Tier 4
      Marcus StaffXXIV Old Buildings ‘He is extremely thorough and detailed. He leaves no stone unturned. Especially good on matters connected with Switzerland and Swiss law. A really top senior junior who solicitors look forward to working with again soon.’
      Ranked: Tier 4

      Testimonials

      Set

       ‘They are a strong set for banking.’

       ‘Strong chancery and insolvency chambers, with brilliant minds and real strength across the board.’

       Clerking

       ‘Paul Horsfield is doing a great job as senior clerk.’

       ‘Extremely helpful, go above and beyond to provide excellent service.’

      London Bar > Partnership Tier 3

      XXIV Old Buildings‘ general Chancery prowess leads it to have a solid standing in partnership law, fielding ‘lots of seasoned practitioners‘. Both Elspeth Talbot Rice KC and Alan Steinfeld KC are seasoned counsel in various types of disputes involving partnerships, a recent highlight seeing them both leading Hugh Miall at different stages acting for 50 separate former partner claimants against Medivet.

      Leading Silks

      Alan Steinfeld KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Simply one of the best.'
      Ranked: Tier 1
      Elspeth Talbot Rice KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Elspeth a superb allrounder. Very strong advocate, excellent with clients and cuts through complexity to get to the core and then consider a commercial and practical approach.'
      Ranked: Tier 2

      Leading Juniors

      Helen GalleyXXIV Old Buildings 'Commercial and sensible counsel. Specialist in difficult and technical areas and great bedside manner. Fearless in court and calm and persuasive manner.'
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Hugh MiallXXIV Old Buildings 'He is a pretty complete package: very strong on the law; an excellent live advocate and very strong on paper.'
      Ranked: Tier 3

      Testimonials

      Set

      ‘Excellent leading set with strength in many areas.’

      ‘XXIV is very strong on partnership – lots of seasoned practitioners.’

      ‘Strong Chancery chambers and therefore expert in partnership matters.’

      Clerking

      ‘Excellent,’

      ‘Very good – easy going and commercial.’

      ‘Easy to deal with – commercial and charming.’

      Dispute resolution > Mediators Tier 4

      Lyndsey de Mestre KC - XXIV Old Buildings  XXIV Old BuildingsLyndsey de Mestre KC's 'USP is her empathy and her ability to communicate that empathy to the client. She is incredibly diplomatic, as well as hugely knowledgeable - a key combination of skills for a mediator'. De Mestre has broad company and insolvency law experience, and is a specialist in directors’ duties and disqualification.Michael King – XXIV Old Buildings  Michael King at XXIV Old Buildings ‘has impressive soft skills, combined with a clear focus on how the mediation should advance and the ability to challenge parties' stances in a constructive way'. King frequently mediates high-value trust, probate, estate and inheritance claims.

      London Bar > Art and cultural property

      Rising stars

      James FennemoreXXIV Old BuildingsJames is very much one to watch in this area. He is hugely clever, hugely personable and brilliant at presenting a case in a way that a judge can easily grasp and be persuaded by.
      Ranked: Tier 0

      London Bar > International arbitration: arbitrators

      London Bar > International arbitration: counsel

      Leading Silks

      Michael Black KCXXIV Old Buildings 'An excellent arbitral advocate with great experience both as a member of Tribunals and appearing for one of the parties.
      Ranked: Tier 2

      Leading Juniors

      Arshad GhaffarXXIV Old Buildings 'Arshad gets straight to the point, understands the interplay between the law and the commercial reality of the situation.'
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Tom Stewart Coats – XXIV Old Buildings ‘Tom is a truly excellent barrister who has been doing a good volume of arbitration work, and has established his name in this field. He can manage very large cases very well.’
      Ranked: Tier 3

      London Bar > Charities

      Leading Silks

      Edward Cumming KCXXIV Old BuildingsA fabulous advocate and analyst. A leader at the Chancery Bar.’  
      Ranked: Tier 3
      Ranked: Tier 3

      London Bar > Professional negligence

      London Bar > Financial services regulation

      Leading Juniors

      Oliver AssersohnXXIV Old Buildings ‘Oliver is very pleasant to work with and extremely personable. He is bright and committed; and understands how the FCA thinks. He is a robust advocate when needed.'
      Ranked: Tier 2

      London Bar > Property litigation

      Leading Juniors

      Helen GalleyXXIV Old Buildings ‘Helen adopts a very pragmatic and commercial approach, cutting through the issues to recommend a way forward.
      Ranked: Tier 5

      The English Bar Offshore > The English Bar Offshore Tier 1

      XXIV Old Buildings are well regarded for this ‘historical strength in overseas work,‘ with a number of leading silks among its ranks who engage with various major offshore disputes in a wide variety of regions such as the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands. Members of chambers engage in a selection of different areas, such as corporate and commercial matters, trust related work and financial based cases. Alan Steinfeld KC is regarded as a ‘true star of the Bar‘ and is a popular advocate, with cases such as Perry v Lopag Trust Reg and Ors whereby he acted for the opposing counsel in a significant case on the law of equitable mistake in the Cayman Islands. Stephen Moverley Smith KC 's recent highlights include Al Thani v Al Thani, an attempt to enforce a Qatari judgment, validiating an oral will, in the BVI despite the BVI not permitting oral wills. Sarah Bayliss  is noted for her strong presence in appearance in high value cases in Gibraltar, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and the BVI including complex offshore trust and investment structures, fraud, banking and insolvency.

      Testimonials

      Set

      ‘Simply the best.’

      ‘I have the highest regard for XXIV Chambers.’

      ‘They have a historical strength in overseas work.’

      ‘Good chambers. Strength in depth.’ 

      ‘Good chambers for offshore work.’

      Clerking

      ‘Terrific clerks room with strength and depth and a can do attitude.  Nothing is too much trouble.’

      Middle East: The English Bar > Commercial Tier 2

      XXIV Old Buildings is well regarded for its expertise advising on matters throughout the Middle East region, with a particularly strong presence in Dubai. Steven Thompson KC acted for the defendants in Credit Europe Bank v New Medical Centre, which concerns a bank debt claim before the DIFC Courts against the backdrop of a major alleged fraud in the UAE. Before the same forum, he has also acted for the claimants in StormHarbour v Noor Bank, a dispute concerning the agreement of the sale and purchase of aircraft financing bonds, which saw a rare case of a bank seeking rectification of a written contract it signed. Other standout names include Elizabeth Weaver, Arshad Ghaffar and Edward Knight. Key changes in the set include Michael Black KC being appointed as judge in the DIFC Court of Appeal.

      Leading silks

      Steven Thompson KCXXIV Old Buildings 'Steven is an excellent advocate. He is very detailed-oriented, and is happy to roll up his sleeves and get stuck into the case. He is also a pleasure to work with.'
      Ranked: Tier 1

      Leading juniors

      Ranked: Tier 1
      Ranked: Tier 2
      Edward KnightXXIV Old Buildings 'Edward is very good both in written submissions and oral advocacy; he is thorough and persuasive.'
      Ranked: Tier 2

      Testimonials

      ‘The clerks at all levels are excellent.’

      ‘Helpful and accommodating clerks that responsive.’

      ‘XXIV Old Buildings is a go-to set of chambers. Excellent for all commercial litigation and arbitration.’

      Middle East: The English Bar > Construction

      Based in London with an annexe in Geneva, the members of XXIV Old Buildings provide advocacy and specialist legal advice in a wide range of commercial litigation and chancery matters concerning domestic and international disputes for individuals, companies, corporations, charities, regulators and institutions.

      Members frequently act as counsel in litigations and arbitrations for commercial matters and are particularly strong in disputes concerning banking and finance, company, insolvency, civil fraud and asset tracing/recovery. There is a strong aviation disputes practice within the set relating to complex product liability, leasing, negligence and insurance claims. Our expertise in commercial contracts extends to complementary practice areas such as cultural heritage/art law and property disputes.

      Within the traditional chancery sphere our specialist members provide expertise in trusts, probate and court of protection as well as commercial chancery business disputes, drawing on our established strengths in these areas.

      The depth and breadth of the whole set at XXIV Old Buildings means we are uniquely placed in our ability to provide teams of counsel for advisory and advocacy services within both the chancery and commercial courts for complex, cross-border, and multifaceted disputes.

      Members not only act as advocates before arbitral and judicial tribunals throughout the world, but are also regularly appointed as arbitrators, adjudicators and mediators.

      Cross-border contentious and advisory work represents a defining aspect of XXIV Old Buildings’ practice and the set has an unrivalled reputation for offshore matters. Barristers are full members of, or have been called, ad hoc, to, various offshore and foreign jurisdictions such as; the Bars of Jersey, the BVI, Bermuda, St Vincent, the Cayman Islands, Dubai (DIFC), and other leading international financial centres such as the ADGM Abu Dhabi, and the courts in DIFC and AIFC in a judicial capacity. XXIV Old Buildings’ international presence is enhanced and supported by its highly effective office in Geneva.

      Many members of XXIV Old Buildings have appeared in some of the most important cases in the UK and abroad in recent years, including in the Court of Appeal, Privy Council and Supreme Court.

      We pride ourselves on our capacity for working hard with solicitors and lawyers to find effective and efficient strategic solutions to create the best possible outcomes for our clients. Clients value the practice management team’s adaptability, commercial awareness and user-friendly approach.

      DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
      Practice Management Clerksclerks@xxiv.co.uk+44 (0) 20 7691 2424
      Practice Management Paul Horsfield, Head of Clerkingpaul.horsfield@xxiv.co.uk+44 (0)20 7419 6201
      Practice Management James Ladbrook, Senior Practice Managerjames.ladbrook@xxiv.co.uk+44 (0)20 7419 6204
      Practice Management Perry Brown, Senior Practice Managerperry.brown@xxiv.co.uk+44 (0)20 7419 6206
      Members of Chambers TALBOT RICE KC, Elspeth (1990)
      Members of Chambers STEINFELD KC, Alan (1968)
      Members of Chambers BLACK KC, Michael (1978)
      Members of Chambers MOVERLEY SMITH KC, Stephen (1985)
      Members of Chambers TREGEAR KC, Francis (1980)
      Members of Chambers BROWNBILL KC, David (1989)
      Members of Chambers THOMPSON KC, Steven (1996)
      Members of Chambers DE MESTRE KC, Lyndsey (1999)
      Members of Chambers CUMMING KC, Edward (2006)
      Members of Chambers CLOHERTY KC, Adam (2005)
      Members of Chambers KING, Michael (1971)
      Members of Chambers WEAVER, Elizabeth (1982)
      Members of Chambers GALLEY, Helen (1987)
      Members of Chambers MEAKIN, Ian (1991)
      Members of Chambers GHAFFAR, Arshad (1991)
      Members of Chambers STAFF, Marcus (1994)
      Members of Chambers ADAIR, Stuart (1995)
      Members of Chambers PELLING, Alexander (1995)
      Members of Chambers SHAH, Bajul (1996)
      Members of Chambers HUGHES, Jessica (1997)
      Members of Chambers LANGLOIS, Nicole (2008)
      Members of Chambers KNIGHT, Edward (1999)
      Members of Chambers BAYLISS, Sarah (2002)
      Members of Chambers ASSERSOHN, Oliver (2003)
      Member of Chambers REED, Steven (2005)
      Members of Chambers HITCHENS, Erin (2006)
      Members of Chambers HOLDEN, Andrew (2007)
      Members of Chambers CURRY, Owen (2009)
      Members of Chambers WARENTS, Daniel (2009)
      Members of Chambers MIALL, Hugh (2009)
      Members of Chambers MURPHY, Heather (2009)
      Members of Chambers KING, Kira (2011)
      Members of Chambers SHERWIN, Timothy (2014)
      Members of Chambers STEWART COATS, Tom (2014)
      Members of Chambers GERASIMENKO, Alina (2015)
      Members of Chambers WAISTELL, Ben (2015)
      Members of Chambers FENNEMORE, James (2017)
      Member of Chambers HARTSTON, Catherine (2018)
      Member of Chambers PEPLOW, Alex (2019)
      Member of Chambers LAVELLE, Jessica (2019)
      Member of Chambers STRACHAN, Charles (2019)
      Member of Chambers CHAMBERS, Bethanie (2019)
      Member of Chambers SAMUELS, Harry (2020)
      Member of Chambers CARVER, Rachel (2021)
      Member of Chambers KANE, James (2021)
      Members of Chambers VIRGO KC, Professor Graham*
      Members of Chambers CONAGLEN, Professor Matthew*
      Members of Chambers * Door tenant
      Practice Management & Chambers Administration : 13