Wilberforce Chambers is very highly regarded for its strength in handling commercial and Chancery matters, and continues to advise on disputes in the insolvency and banking and finance arenas. Contractual litigation is another key area of instruction, as well as cases involving allegations of fraud. Alan Gourgey KC is acting in Bourlakova & Ors v Bourlakov & Ors, an ongoing case concerning the ownership of assets worth nearly £3bn and claims of breaches of fiduciary duty and fraudulent activity. John Wardell KC is 'a heavyweight at the commercial Bar, a great strategist and a brilliant advocate'. Among the juniors,Emily McKechnie 'has the gravitas of a silk' and Bobby Friedman is 'an astute litigator'.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
John has a very broad and varied commercial litigation practice. Most of his cases are heard in the High Court although he also does international arbitration work and regularly appears in offshore jurisdictions. Much of his time is taken up dealing with complex frauds. He also has a substantial professional indemnity practice. He is widely regarded as a leading silk. 'His advice has real clarity and strategic vision, and he always displays a strong tactical grip'. He is an 'outstanding advocate who is highly skilled at cross-examination. He is able to digest large volumes of information quickly and impresses clients with his commercial knowledge'. 'He has a great eye for detail, is incredibly numerate and user-friendly'. As well as applauding his strategic thinking and cross-examination skills, solicitors welcome his willingness to back his judgment. 'He gives bold advice and sticks to it. He is very calm, good on his feet, clever and has a nice touch with clients'.
Career
Qualified 1979; Silk 2002.
Memberships
Chancery Bar Association; Commercial Bar Association; Professional Negligence Bar Association.
Education
Exeter University (LLB Hons); Cambridge (MPhil).
Content supplied by Wilberforce Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Tara Shah is very responsive and helpful.'
- 'Tara Shah is extremely responsive.'
- 'Excellent clerks, especially Arin Kalayci.'
- 'Clerks are responsive and keen to assist.'
- 'A very strong set with an excellent roster of high capable counsel.'
- 'A leading set for commercial litigation.'
- 'Wilberforce is a very strong set, with real strength in depth.'