XXIV Old Buildings is sought after by clients to handle work originating from Gibraltar, Bermuda, BVI, the Cayman Islands, and the Crown Dependencies. Stephen Moverley Smith KC is a key silk at the set and has appeared before the Supreme Court of the Bahamas, the Bermuda Court of Appeal, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and the Privy Council, and has recently been acting alongside Francis Tregear KC for the trust beneficiaries in a case concerning the division of a trust into several, and the related opposition application. Tregear KC is called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean, as is Elspeth Talbot Rice KC, who continues to act for the appellants in the Wong v Grand View case, which concerns the validity and transfer of five purpose trusts, as well as the related use of powers of addition and exclusion. Among the set’s strong bench of juniors, Nicole Langlois is dual qualified to act in England and Jersey, and Bajul Shah is notable for his trust disputes work; he represented the defendant in Pilatus (PTC) Limited v RBC Trutsees (Guernsey) Limited, which concerns a breach of trust claim following the resignation of the trustee. Andrew Holden is another key junior at the set.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Elspeth Talbot Rice KC has strength and depth right across the spectrum of commercial chancery matters. “An exceptional barrister with a stellar reputation” her expertise and experience straddles complex international trust, succession and probate disputes, and business-based litigation and arbitration including fraud, company, partnership, insolvency and contractual disputes.
Elspeth has an extremely loyal client base, she wins the confidence of her clients with her clear, practical and straight forward analysis of issues and their solutions; “Her formidable determination ensures she resolutely champions the client’s position.” She is highly sought after for her incisive legal analysis, the depth of her experience, her ability to present complicated law and facts in a simple and clear way, the energy and zest she brings to the cases with which she deals, her strong court presence and her superb advocacy. Clients praise her as “‘A top barrister, who is extremely analytical, and both straightforward and strategic in her advocacy”, as having “a great court presence, which comes from self-confidence, experience, and thorough preparation” and comment “She’s just outstanding in terms of advocacy and client handling.”
Many of her cases have overseas and international elements. She has been called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean and has appeared in the British Virgin Islands on a number of occasions. She has also been licensed to appear, and has appeared a number of times, as an advocate in the Courts of the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Additionally, she has advised on many matters relating to the jurisdictions of Guernsey, Jersey, the USA, the Bahamas, other islands of the Caribbean, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Career
Call 1990 | Silk 2008
Memberships
- ACTAPS
- Chancery Bar Association member (committee member 1994-1996, Hon Sec, 2008-2012)
- Denning Society of Lincoln’s Inn (committee member since foundation)
- Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
Education
- BA (Hons) Durham University
- Wigglesworth Scholar of Lincoln’s Inn
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'This is one of the best clerking teams. Always willing to accommodate and go the extra mile. James Ladbrook is the pick of the bunch - charming, helpful and willing.'
- 'The clerks room are always professional and responsive. Paul Horsfield and Perry Brown stand out.'
- 'Paul Horsfield, James Ladbrook and Perry Brown are a formidable team and ensure that every instruction is dealt with efficiently and seamlessly.'
- 'Undoubtedly one of the top London sets for offshore disputes work.'
- 'XXVI are out go-to set. All of the barristers are top of their game.'