Global Guide 2026 : UK
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Chambers
3 Verulam Buildings is well regarded for its handling of contentious commercial insolvencies, and its tenants are regularly called upon to act for insolvency practitioners in high-value, cross-border recovery actions. Members are noted for their "excellent specialist knowledge," and recent standout work includes Crescent Gas Corporation v National Iranian Oil Company and others.
Stuart Pullum is the director of clerking.
Provided by Chambers
The clerks at 3VB are experienced and know the market.
Stuart Pullum, director of clerking, is a knowledgeable and no-nonsense clerk.
3VB's clerks deal swiftly and decisively with all queries - it is an A* service.
Practice manager James Ingham is so helpful and always reliable.
Provided by Chambers
Adrian Beltrami KC acts for insolvency clients as part of his broader commercial practice, which also encompasses banking, financial services and fraud. He is known for his expertise in handling domestic work, while he is equally adept at handling multi-jurisdictional concerns.
He's very good with clients, good on his feet and generates a lot of trust and respect from courts.
Adrian handles the law very well and has impressive advocacy.
Ewan McQuater KC is a renowned barrister who is regularly instructed in big-ticket insolvency cases. His broader areas of associated expertise include commercial dispute resolution and civil fraud, among others. He is adept at handling matters with an offshore slant, regularly appearing in courts in the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Isle of Man.
Ewan is very hardworking but also clear in his thinking and strategy and is an excellent advocate.
One of his real strengths is big trials, trial strategy and the cross-examination that comes with that.
Ewan is an absolutely brilliant advocate, he is super smart, laser-focused and knowledgeable on all the technical aspects of the law.
Angharad Start is a junior who is recognised for her high-quality contribution to a number of high-profile insolvency cases. She demonstrates expertise across the board, regularly acting in cases such as shareholder disputes, wrongful trading litigation and misfeasance claims. She is called on by a diverse client base that includes large corporates, banks and government bodies.
Her accessibility stands out. She is incredibly keen to help, very user-friendly and approachable.
Matthew Hardwick KC is roundly praised by market commentators for his strength in court and his client service. He habitually appears in both contentious cases and non-contentious insolvency matters for a diverse range of clients. He is a go-to for offshore insolvencies and has noted experience handling disputes in the British Virgin Islands.
He is good on his feet and is still keen to do the written work which is excellent.
Matthew is extremely bright and very comprehensive in his written work in particular.
A brilliant legal mind with outstanding advocacy and brilliant client handling skills.
William Day is an exceptionally well-regarded junior adept at advising on a range of insolvency proceedings. He has been instructed on liquidations, administrations and bankruptcies which often involve unusual and novel issues. Recent instructions have also seen Day appear at all levels up to the Supreme Court.
William is exceptionally hard-working and efficient, with confident advocacy and a masterful grip of the legal issues.
He gets things turned around quickly and is very good on his feet.
He's good on paper and good on his feet.
He is extremely bright and very user-friendly.
He is down to earth, accessible and always responds to you straight away.
James McWilliams is a highly sought after junior, with a thriving commercial practice. He is routinely instructed in sophisticated restructuring and insolvency claims, concerning liquidated companies, bankruptcy and administration. In addition, James' work often has an international element and he has handled matters involving Germany and Israel.
An excellent junior. His drafting is very good and he is very user-friendly and commercial.
James is very clever, creative and knowledgeable.
Jamie Riley KC is especially well regarded in the area of corporate insolvency. He is equally adept at handling domestic and offshore cases, and has featured in a number of significant matters. He is regularly instructed by international investment funds and leading banks, predominantly appearing in the High Court.
He has excellent analytical ability and a legal brain, but with the ability in advocacy to really get to heart of the case and present in simple terminology.
Jamie is excellent, both technically brilliant and very commercial.
Philip Hinks is an esteemed barrister with a broad-ranging practice. He regularly handles high-value, major insolvency disputes, demonstrating particular skill in matters containing a fraud element. His insolvency practice is complemented by his broader expertise in financial services matters.
A really sharp guy who produces incisive analysis and is very pragmatic and results-oriented.
Phil is outstanding; very clever and considered.
Restructuring/Insolvency
Restructuring/Insolvency
Restructuring/Insolvency
Restructuring/Insolvency
Restructuring/Insolvency
Restructuring/Insolvency
Restructuring/Insolvency
Restructuring/Insolvency
UK Bar 2026
Practice area: Restructuring/Insolvency
Location: London (Bar)
View department profile for UK Bar 2026
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