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.

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.

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.