Restructuring/Insolvency
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7831 8441Chambers Review
3 Verulam Buildings is noted as having "good strength in depth and fantastic credentials in financial services". The set 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. The set is described as "an established set with superior capability on an individual and collective level". Recent standout work for members includes Harrington & Charles Trading Co and others v Jatin Mehta and others.
Steve Penson and Stuart Pullum are the senior clerks.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are a cut above; they are very good. They are professional and you are able to have an open and honest conversation about fees without a problem."
"The clerks are a cut above; they are very good. They are professional and you are able to have an open and honest conversation about fees without a problem."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"Adrian Beltrami is brilliant."
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 offshoreslant, regularly appearing in courts inthe Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Isle of Man.
"He is a real heavyweight with immense gravitas. He's brilliant, decisive and a real leader."
"Ewan is hugely experienced and a very clear thinker. He commands a great deal of respect and commits to a case."
"When Ewan is in full flow there is no better advocate."
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 basethat includeslarge corporates, banks and government bodies.
"Angharad is creative in her strategic thinking, constructive in her suggestions and really immerses herself in the case."
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.
"He is incredibly bright, thorough and commercial."
"Philip Hinks is a go-to junior. He is user-friendly, clear, concise and good at finding ways to get through situations. He is also an excellent advocate."
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.
"Jamie is very calm, unflappable and gives sound advice."
Matthew Hardwick KC is roundly praised by market commentatorsfor his strength incourt andhis 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.
"Matthew is a very good advocate who is able to handle heavy applications. He's very persuasive."
"He is at the top of his game and a pleasure to work with."
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 a very talented lawyer. He has a great commercial practice in both banking and insolvency. He's really effective and applies his mind effectively, working out implications."