‘Whether the issue concerns cost budgeting, security for costs, complex funding arrangements, or non-party costs orders', 4 New Square Chambers is 'the go-to set for anything within the costs and litigation funding sphere.’ Leading the costs teams in respect of six of fifteen different vehicle manufacturers, Nicholas Bacon KC is acting one of the largest group actions currently in the commercial court, the £6bn Dieselgate claim. Benjamin Williams KC is advising Apple concerning a major opt-out class action with complex funding issues now on appeal in the Court of Appeal. Robert Marven KC appeared in Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP v Kenig, a Court of Appeal case of importance to estate practitioners as the decision examined the rights of non-clients to assess a solicitor’s bill under the Solicitors Act 1974 section 71(3). Roger Mallalieu KC and Shail Patel KC are instructed to defend Igor Kolomoisky from a £10m costs claim.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Shail has a broad commercial disputes practice with particular emphasis on financial services, insurance, professional liability work and costs. He is ranked in the leading directories in his areas of interest. Shail prides himself on being able to quickly identify the heart of a dispute and provide practical and commercial advice leading to its resolution. Recent reported cases in which Shail has appeared include Orb and ors v Fiddler and Anciano [2016] EWHC 361 (Comm), E.Surv Limited v Goldsmith Williams [2015] EWCA Civ 1147, Mathiesen v Clintons [2013] EWHC 3056.
Position
A commercial litigation barrister with experience in financial services, insurance, professional indemnity and costs. Shail also acts in construction and property damage cases.
Career
Qualified 2006; Inner Temple.
Education
Harvard Law School, LLM (2004-05). Merton College, Oxford (BA); ranked 2nd in year (2001-2004). Merchant Taylors School Northwood.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are lovely, always friendly and eager to help. Alex Dolby, Dennis Peck, Nick Angliss and Christopher Ebdon all stand out.'
- 'The clerks’ room at 4 New Square provide exceptional service. They are responsive, pragmatic, and commercially aware. James Barrass stands out in particular; he is solutions-focused, knowledgeable about both the barristers' capabilities and the practical realities faced by solicitors, and adept at navigating availability issues with minimal fuss. The clerks' room has always been approachable and efficient, which makes instructing counsel a smooth and well-supported process from start to finish.'
- 'Very good, James Barrass is very dependable.'
- 'The clerking team are consistently excellent. They are responsive, efficient, and always helpful in coordinating work to meet tight deadlines and managing the demands of busy caseloads. Their support ensures a smooth and professional experience throughout.'
- '4 New Square are undoubtedly one of, if not the leading, set for costs matters. Fantastic strength-in-depth at all levels.'
- '4 New Square Chambers is, without question, the leading set in costs litigation. The breadth and depth of expertise across all levels of seniority is unmatched. It is rare to encounter a significant appellate level costs case that does not feature at least one member of chambers. The team’s technical strength is complemented by its commercial insight, making it the go-to set for anything within the costs and litigation funding sphere. The strong pipeline of talent also ensures a consistent and reliable standard of advocacy and advice at both silk and junior levels.'
- '4 New Square Chambers are the number one costs set in the country with in depth expertise for every aspect of costs and litigation funding and at both silk and junior level.'
- '4 New Square have an incredibly strong set of costs silks all of whom have excellent analytical and advocacy skills.'