Steven Thompson KC
'Steven is excellent.'
XXIV Old Buildings has been praised as a ‘go-to’ and ’reliable and accessible’ set for aviation disputes. A key part of his practice, Edward Cumming KC advises on aircraft lease obligations, maintenance reserves, and aviation regulatory issues, including recent work for Saudi Arabian Airlines. Aviation disputes are also central to Steven Thompson KC‘s practice – he is currently advising VietJet on the leasing of an Airbus plane under a Japanese operating lease with call option (JOLCO) structure. Bajul Shah continues to be in demand on high-profile matters, including representing reinsurers in claims brought by aircraft lessors with exposure to Russian airlines, and is appearing as counsel to the claimants in a claim brought against manufacturer Leonardo arising from the Leicester City FC helicopter crash. Erin Hitchens’ recent work includes acting for Equatorial Congo Airlines in a claim challenging the validity of a fleet transfer while the airline was in insolvency proceedings. The set expanded in 2024 with the arrival of Max Archer from 12 King’s Bench Walk, who brings deep experience in travel disputes involving the interpretation of EC Regulation 261 and large aviation loss events. Tom Stewart Coats advises on issues relating to maintenance reserves, deposits, and rent under aircraft lease agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Responsive and knowledgeable about their members' individual strengths.'
- 'A niche aviation set; XXIV Old Buildings is a small but class act.'
- 'One of the best aviation-focused chambers, especially for juniors.'
- 'One of the go-to sets for aviation disputes, with a good strength in numbers at a range of levels.'
- 'Aviation specialists who are easy to work with.'
- 'Commercially minded, extremely responsive, and sensitive to client demands.'
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.
Edward Cumming KC
'Commercially minded, extremely responsive, and sensitive to client needs.'
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.
Bajul Shah
Bajul is the complete barrister. An extensive knowledge of the aviation industry and technical aspects of all cases. His advocacy is first-rate. He is fearless and never reluctant to tell others where they are going wrong.'
Max Archer
‘Max is simply phenomenal. He has a vast knowledge and experience well beyond his years of call. He is approachable, an absolute delight to work with, and a fiercely persuasive advocate.’
Erin Hitchens
'Erin is one of the best aviation juniors out there. The quiet assassin.'
Heather Murphy
'Heather is a joy to work with: fantastically collaborative, a brilliant advocate and extremely knowledgeable.'
Tom Stewart Coats
Tom is a formidable advocate - he delivers time and time again.'
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.