Brick Court Chambers is home to numerous reputable silks who regularly conduct a wide range offshore commercial disputes. Vernon Flynn KC is a notable commercial silk at the set who is representing the Government of Pakistan in BVI litigation concerning the enforcement of an ICSID award in favour of Tethyan Copper Company. Mark Howard KC has substantial experience in handling cases in offshore jurisdictions, especially the BVI, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands - he is representing CL Financial Limited in a case concerning allegations that the sale of shares from his client to Proman Holding (Bermuda) Limited was done without authority, and also at a major undervalue (Proman Holding (Bermuda) Limited v CL Financial Limited). Stephen Midwinter KC frequently represents clients in the BVI Commercial Court, while Simon Salzedo KC is especially skilled in Cayman Island appraisal litigation and representing dissenting shareholders. Among its juniors, Edward Ho and Ben Woolgar are particularly active.
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Profile
Position
Stephen Midwinter KC advises on and appears in a broad range of commercial disputes, in litigation and arbitration. He has appeared in commercial cases in the Supreme Court, the House of Lords, the Privy Council, the Court of Appeal, the Commercial Court, the Chancery Division and the European Court of Human Rights. He has been recommended as a leading silk by the directories in eight fields: commercial dispute resolution, insurance and reinsurance, banking, international arbitration, energy and natural resources, civil fraud, offshore and professional negligence.
A significant proportion of Stephen's work takes place in arbitration and he has appeared in and advised on arbitrations under the ICC, LCIA, ARIAS, UNCITRAL, ICSID and Stockholm Chamber of Commerce rules, as well as ad hoc arbitrations pursuant to the Arbitration Act 1996 and under the Bermuda Form. Recent instructions include a $150million dispute in the oil sector and a US$25 million LCIA arbitration concerning offshore drilling rigs. Stephen is also experienced in proceedings dealing with the enforcement of arbitral awards in the domestic courts.
Stephen also sits as an arbitrator in arbitrations for the LCIA and ICC.
Stephen is a member of the bar of the British Virgin Islands where he regularly appears in the Commercial Court and Court of Appeal. Recent instructions include jurisdiction disputes, freezing order applications, international fraud claims and insolvency disputes.
Career
Qualified 2002, Middle Temple.
Languages
French (good), Italian (conversational), German (basic).
Education
Verulam School, St Albans; Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge (2000 BA; 2001 LLM; 2004 MA).
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Testimonials
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- 'The clerks are professional, hardworking, readily available and above all friendly and easy to get on with. They are always willing to work with you to accomplish what the client needs.'
- 'The set offers a formidable line up of heavy hitting Barristers, at all levels. Huge strength of depth, readily available and always able to accommodate even the busiest timetable.'
- 'Brick Court remains one of the leading commercial sets. Probably the first choice for big-ticket competition follow-on actions.'
- 'The strength in depth in Brick Court Chambers is exceptional (and indeed unequalled at the London Bar).'
- 'Brick Court is undoubtedly one of the leading commercial set in the UK. I have worked with multiple barristers there who demonstrate relentless capability at every level.'