Fountain Court Chambers offers ‘access to skilled practitioners’ who expertly manage aviation and aviation insurance disputes, including high-stakes aircraft repossession and security enforcement claims. Michael McLaren KC has broad commercial experience with a strong focus on aviation, including acting in a high-value dispute involving the destruction of an aircraft leased to Saudi Arabian Airlines during the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Bankim Thanki KC is regularly instructed on critical aviation matters, including advising war risks reinsurers on claims brought by operators of aircraft stranded in Russia. Akhil Shah KC, recognised for his proficiency in aviation finance, regulatory issues, and travel disruption, continues to represent Tokio Marine Kiln in total loss claims by aircraft lessors arising from the Russian invasion. Rosalind Phelps KC is sought after by regulatory authorities on travel-related issues and advises on matters including unpaid rent under aviation lease agreements, pre-delivery payments in aircraft purchase contracts, and claims for delayed delivery. Giles Robertson has a diverse commercial practice encompassing a range of aviation disputes, from flight delay compensation claims involving low-cost carriers to incidents involving stolen aircraft.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'An aviation and travel set of chambers with real strength across all levels. Its members are involved in the leading aviation cases.'
- 'A well-respected aviation set with quality counsel at all levels.'
- 'Always helpful; a quality set.'
- 'They are exceptionally strong in aviation insurance work. The clerks are excellent and always find the right counsel for the job.'
- 'Very gifted people.'
- 'Fountain Court ensures access to skilled practitioners for a variety of aviation-related matters.'
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Akhil Shah KC
'Commands total respect for his encyclopedic knowledge and experience of every aspect of the aviation and aerospace industries. His oral delivery is perfectly measured and firm, completely unflappable; he has the perfect response to every difficult question.'
Bankim Thanki KC
'A true supersilk, whose focused analysis and deft advocacy persuades the judge towards a seemingly inevitable conclusion.'
James Cutress KC
James is absolutely top notch. He is phenomenally bright with an amazing ability to get to grips with very complex legal points and present his advice in a clear, commercial and logical way.'
Rosalind Phelps KC
Absolutely outstanding in all respects. Apart from her phenomenal legal ability, she is extremely hard-working and thorough, really getting into the detail of a case at the outset and leaving no stone unturned.'
Alexander Milner KC
‘Alex is exceptionally bright. He has extensive experience in aviation disputes. He is extremely efficient in his advice, and has a fantastic ability to distil very complex issues down to something concise.’
John Taylor KC
'John has serious expertise in aviation. He is a clear and compelling advocate, and puts his arguments calmly, succinctly, but strongly to the court.'
2024 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
