South Square

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 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 one of the very best clerks in the market.'
'Dylan Playfoot leads a strong team of diligent and responsive clerks. Luke Clark and Marco Malatesta have quick response times and deliver whatever is needed.'
'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.'
'The clerks are excellent, especially Dylan Playfoot. They understand the client's needs and always refer the best barrister for the referral. They are helpful, responsive, and nothing is ever too much trouble for them.'
'South Square is my go-to set for Cayman Islands litigation matters. Everyone I have known or worked with over the years has been easy to work with and known to be the best in their field for this type of litigation. A number of them make an annual trip to the Caribbean and always host an extremely relevant conference, which is much appreciated. They are involved in the most complex cases in the region and their knowledge and experience is second to none.'
'South Square is the clear market leader in insolvency law. Their leading counsel are exceptional, and well supported by the next generation of juniors who are destined to carry their mantle.'

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

Adam Al-Attar KC

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.