Back to rankings

South Square

More information

The English Bar Offshore

1

Commercial disputes

With a strong record in commercial disputes, South Square is active across various offshore jurisdictions, including the BVI, Cayman Islands, and Guernsey. Barry Isaacs KC is experienced in insolvency matters, recently handling litigation concerning feeder funds linked to the Bernard Madoff scheme. David Alexander KC is well-versed in civil fraud, with recent work including shareholder removal and statutory demand disputes before the Cayman courts and ECSC Court of Appeal. Peter Burgess recently appeared in a BVI case on creditor standing in winding-up proceedings, while Robert Amey acted in Primeo v HSBC, a landmark Privy Council decision arising from the Madoff fraud. Tom Smith KC is noted for his strong track record in high-profile offshore appeals, while William Willson KC handles fiduciary duty and shareholder claims across Hong Kong, Cayman, and the BVI.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Dylan Playfoot is excellent and manages chambers to a high standard. They are very flexible and willing to give a view/feedback before deciding whether to proceed.'
'Dylan Playfoot is one of the very best clerks in the market.'

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.

David Allison KC

‘David is the kind of advocate you want leading your case when everything’s on the line. He combines razor-sharp legal insight with a calm, strategic presence in court that commands attention and respect. What really sets him apart is his ability to simplify the complex, offer commercially sound advice, and deliver advocacy that’s both persuasive and polished across any forum, whether in London or offshore.’

Barry Isaacs KC

‘Barry is an excellent advocate. His cross-examination skills of expert valuation witnesses are second to none. Barry is meticulous when it comes to preparing for hearings, offers sound strategic advice at all stages of a matter, and is a pleasure to work with.’

Mark Phillips KC

‘Mark is a great advocate – very persuasive and can read a court well. A genuine thought leader in the sector.’

Tom Smith KC

‘Clearly one of the leading minds in the insolvency space. Tom is brilliant, thoughtful, and a terrific advocate.’

David Alexander KC

‘David is unbelievably responsive, with a real eye to the end game. Fearless. He wins the trust of the court with an easygoing style, no pomposity in sight.’

Felicity Toube KC

‘Extremely hard working, personable, and unbelievably clever. She has the respect of all of the profession and the judiciary. She is the best insolvency barrister in the market.’

Richard Fisher KC

‘Richard is an excellent communicator both with clients and in court. He reads the room very well and provides clear explanations of complex legal analysis. He is very accessible and prompt in his responses. He clearly commands respect from his peers and from the judges he appears before.’

Daniel Bayfield KC

‘Daniel is a real pleasure to work with, a brilliant strategist, exceptionally responsive, and unfailingly friendly. His advocacy is perfectly focused and his written submissions invariably concise and persuasive. He is a wonderful team player and leads by example with a unrelenting work ethic.’

Glen Davis KC

Jeremy Goldring KC

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.

Adam Al-Attar KC

2026 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.

William Willson KC

‘William is a talented senior junior, he is responsive and very quick to get across the issues. He is results focused and offers pragmatic solutions for clients.’

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.

Robert Amey

‘Robert is very capable and approachable. He is willing to work with all members of a case team and has a broad understanding on insolvency matters over multiple jurisdictions.’

1

Peter Burgess

‘Peter is a star, whose advocacy abilities put him well ahead of many barristers called many years earlier.’

Toby Brown

‘Toby is tenacious in fighting his client’s corner. He has very wide legal knowledge which he supplements with superb legal research skills. He is very clear and concise in how he expresses himself.’

Marcus Haywood

Clara Johnson

‘Clara is an excellent strategic thinker. She is strong technically but a joy to have as part of a larger team. She is able to manage the multiple demands from clients, law firms, and the wider counsel team.’

Edoardo Lupi

‘Edoardo has quickly become an instruct at every opportunity name on many lists of juniors. He has been instructed on public equity valuation disputes – some of the most difficult, technical and hard-fought disputes around.’

Henry Phillips

‘Henry’s intellect is formidable, and he brings that sharpness to every aspect of his advocacy. He’s incredibly quick to grasp complex issues and has a knack for cutting straight to the heart of a case, which makes him both efficient and persuasive in court. His cross-examination is masterful, and he’s a pleasure to work with—responsive, strategic, and always thinking several steps ahead.’