Hugh Sims KC
‘Hugh has a first-class legal mind. He is razor sharp on technicalities but also very good in front of the judge. Clients take comfort from his thorough approach and he is a pleasure to work with.’
Guildhall Chambers is the standout set for company and insolvency work on the Western Circuit with ‘strength in depth and a number of impressive silks, senior juniors and juniors’. In particular, clients highlight chambers as ’the leading insolvency set in the South West’. Hugh Sims KC is noted for his corporate insolvency expertise; he is representing the liquidator of Ethos Solutions Limited in the Court of Appeal, with the case involving allegations that creditors were defrauded under section 423 of the Insolvency Act by way of employment benefit trusts. Simon Passfield KC is also acting on behalf of the liquidator in that case. Richard Ashcroft’s varied company law practice covers shareholder disputes, misfeasance claims, and directors’ disqualification proceedings. Holly Doyle handles the full spectrum of personal and corporate insolvency work and has a reputation for providing ‘clear, pragmatic, and commercial advice’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are always very helpful. Steve Arnold is brilliant and Joe Stayte will always go out of his way to assist.'
- 'The clerks' room is very friendly and amenable. Joe Stayte is very personable.'
- 'Clients receive a great service from all the clerks, with particular mention going to Stephen Arnold who is helpful, approachable and proactive. Joe Stayte and Dan Cuthbertson also deserve mention for their helpful and efficient manner.'
- 'The clerks' room is increasingly joined up with younger members of staff clearly demonstrating an improved level of knowledge to ensure a much better standard of service and placement of instructions.'
- 'This is a set that punches above its weight and is more than equal to most of the leading insolvency sets in London.'
- 'A great set with strength in depth and a number of impressive silks, senior juniors and juniors.'
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
2024 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Richard Ascroft
‘Richard is extremely intelligent and very hard working. His knowledge is extensive and always very up to date. He is very tenacious in court and clear in his presentation as well as very well respected, particularly in the Bristol courts.’
Stefan Ramel
‘Stefan is very thorough, is never taken by surprise and always remains calm and composed, instilling confidence in lay clients. His cross-border expertise is well known and he remains one of the best in the market.’
John Churchill
‘John is excellent in his written work and his advocacy. He works well under pressure, is competent on his feet and when dealing with challenging situations, and is able to deal with urgent instructions in a timely and efficient matter. John is an excellent all-rounder and a go-to barrister.’
Holly Doyle
‘Holly is not only a technically impressive barrister, but has superb communication skills, in particular when it comes to advocacy.’
James Hannant
‘Jamie is measured, confident and intelligent. He is capable on paper and an accomplished advocate. He provides sound commercial advice and practical solutions where possible. He is also able to gain the confidence of clients who are in a crisis.’
James Wibberley
‘James is a highly skilled, procedural but practical barrister. He is extremely sharp and focuses on the whole matter, rather than providing narrow guidance on only one element. On his feet James is very alert, quick, focused and his cross-examination is exceptional.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
