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
Profile
Position
Commercial silk specialising in civil and commercial litigation and arbitration including aviation, banking, civil fraud, conflicts of law and jurisdiction, financial services and professional negligence. Sits as an arbitrator.
Recent cases include: Investors in Barclays v Barclays PLC [2024] EWHC 2124 (Ch); JPMorgan International Finance Ltd v Werealize.com Ltd [2024] EWHC 1437 (Comm); Qatar Airways Group QCSC v Airbus SAS [2022] EWHC 285 (one of the Lawyers’s top 20 cases for 2023); Federal Republic of Nigeria v JP Morgan Chase [2022] EWHC 1447 (Comm); [2019] EWCA Civ 1641; FSHC Group Holdings v Glas Trust Corp [2020] Ch 365; Ventra Investments v Bank of Scotland [2019] EWHC 2058 (Comm).
Career
Called 1998, Lincoln’s Inn. Silk 2016.
Co-author ‘The Law of Privilege’ (OUP, 3rd edition 2018).
Languages
Fluent in French, including legal French.
Memberships
COMBAR.
Education
King Henry VIII School, Coventry; Pembroke College, Oxford University (BA Hons Law with French Law, First Class; BCL, First Class).
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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.'
- 'They are capable, consistent and dependable, evoking the feeling that there is vigorous and quality training that pupils and juniors undergo.'
- 'Fountain Court Chambers are at the top of the premier league of aviation barristers and are our first choice, particularly for complex matters.'