4 New Square Chambers remains at the forefront of the professional negligence market. The set continues to be involved with Grenfell Tower litigation, with David Turner KC, Clare Dixon KC, Isabel Barter and Conor Ewing acting for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in claims against contractors, architects and others. Ben Hubble KC, Justin Fenwick KC and Ben Smiley are involved in Abraaj v KPMG, a claim against the auditors of the high-profile Dubai-based emerging markets private equity house which collapsed in 2018. Hubble KC is also acting for the defendants in Afan Valley Ltd & Ors v Lupton Fawcett & Metis, alongside Michael Bowmer, Daniel Saoul KC and Pippa Manby; the case concerns a number of property investment schemes which entered into liquidation. Patrick Lawrence KC and Helen Evans KC are instructed on behalf of the defendant in Discovery Land v Axis, a case which raised questions on the extent of the coverage of solicitors’ insurers on the grounds of dishonesty on the parts of the insured solicitor. Scott Allen was instructed in Bratt v Jones, another case which went to the Court of Appeal concerning the test for valuers’ negligence.
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Profile
Position
Ben is a specialist in professional liability, regulatory and disciplinary and commercial work. Much of his work involves claims or enforcement proceedings against accountants, actuaries, auditors, directors, finance professionals and lawyers following on from corporate collapse and breakdowns of corporate governance. In addition, Ben concentrates on general commercial litigation, arbitrations, banking, insurance (particularly coverage disputes) and claims arising from the pensions industry. He is appointed as a Senior Decision Maker for the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.
Career
Qualified 1992, Middle Temple; Silk 2009; Bencher of Middle Temple 2018.
Memberships
Former chairman of the Professional Negligence Bar Association; Commercial Bar Association; Chancery Bar Association.
Education
Wellington College, Berks; Oxford (1990 BA Hons 2(1)); City University (1991 Conversion Course).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Dennis Peck and Andy Call are model clerks in the old style, which is greatly appreciated by solicitors.'
- 'Dennis Peck, Lizzy Stewart and Andrew Call are all very impressive.'
- 'Dennis Peck is a star.'
- 'Their clerks are extremely helpful and are very contactable for any urgent work. The barristers recommended are always well suited to the case and work is always delivered on time.'
- 'Consistently excellent, and some strong juniors emerging through the ranks.'
- 'The clerks are responsive to queries and upfront on costs. They are always willing to talk through fee estimates and try to accommodate the client's requirements.'
- '4 New Square is an excellent set and a true leader in its field.'
- '4 New Square is easily the premier Professional Indemnity set. Great reputation and strength across the field of barristers.'