Midland Circuit
St Philips Chambers ‘is a well-regarded set known for its expertise in company and insolvency’ work with some ’standout individuals’ in these fields. Robert Mundy KC’s wide-ranging practice includes high-profile company and insolvency cases; in Syspal Capital Ltd v Truman he represented the claimant, with the trial considering the terms on which a majority shareholder was entitled to purchase the minority shareholder’s shares. He took silk in March 2025. Ali Tabari is praised by clients as ‘completely unflappable’ and noted for his ’clear and practical advice’. Natalie Kearney has a strong track record in both company and insolvency work; she appeared in Lime & Black BPS Limited (In Liquidation) v Gill, in which a claim was brought by a company in liquidation involving allegations of de facto directorship, misfeasance, breach of fiduciary duty, and knowing receipt related to VAT fraud.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Profile
Work Department
Business & Property Law
Position
Natalie appears regularly as sole counsel in the County Court and High Court, in interim applications and trials on the small claims, fast and multi tracks. She is repeatedly instructed by clients in advisory work and to settle proceedings in all aspects of commercial law and she welcomes involvement at an early stage of proceedings in providing advice and drafting letters before claim or statements of case.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Natalie was regularly instructed in both telephone and video hearings, including conducting a fast-track trial involving several witnesses via video-conferencing software.
Natalie has also been instructed as junior counsel in a large-scale commercial fraud, an unfair prejudice petition and proprietary injunctions in insolvency proceedings.
Career
Natalie Kearney joined Chambers in 2019 after successful completion of her pupillage. Before joining St Philips Chambers, Natalie spent 2 years at a large national law firm, which has provided her with invaluable experience of how to provide pragmatic and commercial advice to both solicitors and lay clients.
Memberships
The Midland Chancery and Commercial Bar Association
Chancery Bar Association
Education
International Business Law LLM (Distinction) – University of Leeds
Bar Professional Training Course (Very Competent) – Nottingham Law School
Law and German LLB (First Class Hons) – Cardiff University
Diploma in the Foundations of German Law – University of Passau, Germany
Content supplied by St Philips Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Justin Luckman is approachable and able to find solutions and options to suit a range of clients. He is assisted by a good team.'
- 'Jake Smithers has really stepped up and is helpful and responsible.'
- 'The clerks at St Philip's are responsive and friendly. They have a good understanding of the skillset of their barristers and provide useful and sensible suggestions when necessary.'
- 'Jake Smithers is extremely quick to respond and assist. He and Tom Kelly are friendly and provide regular updates on enquiries where applicable.'
- 'St Philips is an excellent set in the Midlands for insolvency matters.'
- 'St Philips is a go-to set for insolvency work. If your preferred barrister is unavailable, you can be confident the clerks will suggest someone just as suitable.'
- 'St Philips is a well-regarded set known for its expertise in company and insolvency. The chambers consistently demonstrate a high standard of advocacy, legal analysis, and client service.'
- 'A generally good set with some standout individuals.'