Maitland Chambers is recognised as ‘a go to chambers for civil fraud cases’, particularly claims involving offshore jurisdictions. In a recent highlight, David Mumford KC and Watson Pringle successfully appeared for the defendant in Magomedov & ors v FESCO & ors, involving a challenge to the English Court’s jurisdiction to hear a $13.8bn unlawful means conspiracy claim brought against it by a the founder of the Summa Group, who is currently imprisoned in Russia. In a separate matter, Mumford KC also continues to act for the Legal & General group of claimants in FSMA s.90 and s.90A claims against Glencore, concerning alleged failure to disclose instances of corruption and bribery in its operations in multiple jurisdictions. Arnold Ayoo joined the team in July 2025.
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Profile
Position
Watson specialises in commercial and civil fraud litigation, with a particular emphasis on cases involving asset tracing, jurisdictional issues and conflicts of laws. He also handles contractual disputes, breach of warranty claims, shareholder actions, and personal and corporate insolvency matters, particularly those involving fraud or cross border issues. He is an experienced trial advocate, including in large scale commercial disputes, and regularly obtains and resists the full range of interim remedies commonly sought in commercial fraud claims.
Career
Called to the Bar in 2005, Inner Temple; tenant at New Square Chambers 2007 – 2016, tenant at Maitland Chambers 2016.
Languages
French (fluent) German (intermediate)
Memberships
Chancery Bar Association; COMBAR; Pro Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association
Education
Edinburgh Academy; Brasenose College, Oxford University (2004 MA(Oxon) Jurisprudence); BPP Law School.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Robert Penson is very helpful and willing to find pragmatic solutions.'
- 'Danny Wilkinson is fantastic.'
- 'Faultless service from the clerks' room.'
- 'Maitland Chambers are a very reputable chambers.'
- 'An excellent all-round set. Strong across the board from juniors to seniors in fraud claims.'