Restructuring/Insolvency

4 Stone Buildings is highly regarded as a "heavyweight go-to insolvency set, particularly for complex matters." The set houses a strong bench of experienced barristers who have considerable experience appearing in high-profile disputes. The set's appearance in Byers v Saudi National Bank, heard at the Supreme Court, is a standout example. Drawing on the set's established strength in company law, members are also well regarded for their adroit handling of non-contentious restructurings and complex directors' disqualification cases, as well as prominence in the market for their "strength of knowledge of personal insolvency matters." The set is routinely instructed to act for and advise the government on an array of insolvency-related matters, and several of its junior members are on the Attorney General's A Panels.

"4 Stone Buildings always provides excellent service. First junior clerk Ben Lashmar is helpful, proactive and experienced."

"Ryan Tunkel, second junior clerk, is brilliant. He's measured but his client service is really at the forefront."

"The clerks are very responsive: invariably quick to respond to emails and keen to assist with any queries or questions."

David Goddard is the set's senior clerk.

Jonathan Crow KC
Jonathan Crow KC manages a busy caseload, splitting his time evenly between commercial and public law litigation. He frequently appears in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and ECtHR. His impressive roster of clients includes public authorities in addition to private clients. "Jonathan is one of the best advocates at the Bar." "Jonathan has done some of the biggest cases of our time; he is a legendary figure." "He is calm and assured, a polished advocate."

Tiran Nersessian
Tiran Nersessian habitually attracts instructions from both private clients and government officials owing to his strong track record in this area. His flourishing practice regularly sees him appearing as sole counsel in cases up to the Court of Appeal. His experience encompasses both corporate and personal insolvency litigation. He is particularly adept at handling cases concerning directors' disqualification and high-value contractual claims. "He is very impressive, methodical, diligent and hard-working." "He quickly gets to the heart of the matter and is an extremely practical barrister, providing advice which is proportionate to the case." "He is a very sound, capable and experienced lawyer."

Andrew de Mestre KC
Andrew de Mestre KC has considerable experience across the full gamut of restructuring and insolvency law. He regularly acts on behalf of an array of clients, including bondholders, issuers and corporate trustees, and routinely appears as sole counsel in high-profile cases. He is particularly well regarded for his expertise in litigation arising from securitisation transactions and other bond issues. "His exceptional and wide knowledge of legal concepts means that he is able to anticipate arguments that may arise and provide accurate and good strategic advice from the outset." "Andrew is very responsive, has an excellent client manner and delivers his advice with enough clarity for lay clients to be able to understand it." "He is top-drawer: very user-friendly and phenomenally bright."

George Bompas KC
George Bompas KC is a leading insolvency practitioner who is recognised for his expert handling of major, sophisticated insolvency disputes alongside his significant experience in ADR proceedings. He is regularly called upon to assist with international matters and multimillion-pound claims. He is frequently instructed in overseas cases in Hong Kong, Singapore, Trinidad, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. "He has a stellar reputation at the Bar." "George is hugely experienced and very commercial."

John Brisby KC
John Brisby KC has substantial experience advising on big-ticket litigation. He has appeared before the courts of the Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Bermuda, among others. He also sits as a deputy High Court judge. "He is such an effective cross-examiner."

Richard Hill KC
Richard Hill KC is highly sought after by an array of clients for his extensive expertise in complex insolvency disputes and for his specialist insight into various forms of ADR. His established restructuring and insolvency practice is further complemented by deep knowledge across civil fraud, commercial and company law. He is frequently instructed by bondholders and bond trustees, and is noted as an authority in contentious restructurings. "Richard is a trusted adviser with a vast breadth of knowledge in respect of insolvency matters." "He is a relentless advocate who presents cases succinctly and effectively."

Anna Markham
Anna Markham is regularly instructed in significant insolvency and company law matters. She has a strong reputation for her skill and style as an advocate, and has appeared both for and against government departments in a range of insolvency-related disputes. Her areas of expertise include public winding-up petitions and disqualification proceedings. "She is a great advocate."

Christopher Harrison
Christopher Harrison has developed a highly regarded insolvency practice which is complemented by his wider strength in chancery commercial matters. He features regularly in high-profile cross-border cases and complex shareholder disputes. He is known for his expertise in obtaining freezing injunctions and also practises as a barrister in the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands. "He is a very bright barrister, and for someone so technical, he is also very commercial and well liked by clients." "Christopher has a lot of gravitas, is very bright and has a great feeling for what is going to change a judge’s mind." "He is a very thorough and measured advocate."

Donald Lilly
Donald Lilly is an impressive performer in insolvency proceedings, particularly those regarding the estates of well-known individuals. He is experienced in working on behalf of trustees, administrators and governments, often appearing without a leader. "He is a strong advocate, both on paper and on his feet." "Donald is very approachable and is really good in front of clients."

Sharif Shivji KC
Sharif Shivji KC is highly sought after for his expertise in insolvency disputes and wider commercial capabilities. He is particularly adept at handling matters arising from the collapse of financial institutions, and his broad experience covers both domestic and offshore insolvencies. "He is very smart and switched on. We can rely on Sharif's advice to get good results." "He is incredibly bright, and his background in banking gives him the edge in cases."