Restructuring/Insolvency
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Scotland (Bar)
Band 1
Contact number
(0131) 226 2881Chambers Review
Axiom Advocates is widely regarded as the leading stable at the Scottish Bar for restructuring and insolvency matters. It houses a number of talented advocates who are regularly called upon to represent liquidators, administrators, distressed companies and trustees, among other parties, in a wide range of insolvency applications and in director disqualification proceedings. Members are also adept at advising their clients on non-contentious insolvency matters such as strategic planning and distressed connections. The stable recently acted for the Bank of Scotland in relation to proceedings arising from a substantial corporate group restructuring. Sources praise the stable, stating: "Axiom has an excellent strength in depth from hard hitting KC's to excellent juniors - together with excellent 'senior juniors' ".
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The whole clerking team works hard but deputy clerks Steffi Amos and Veronica Darling deserve particular praise for their pro-activity and speedy replies."
"The clerks are quick to resolve queries and to assist you in engaging the right counsel for each instruction."
"The clerks are really helpful, mindful and commercially aware. They're mindful of urgency of different cases and understand some things need to happen immediately - really good at facilitating that."
"The whole clerking team works hard but deputy clerks Steffi Amos and Veronica Darling deserve particular praise for their pro-activity and speedy replies."
"The clerks are quick to resolve queries and to assist you in engaging the right counsel for each instruction."
"The clerks are really helpful, mindful and commercially aware. They're mindful of urgency of different cases and understand some things need to happen immediately - really good at facilitating that."
Notable Practitioners
Almira Delibegović-Broome KC is an experienced silk who has a robust commercial practice and is regularly instructed in complex insolvency disputes. She represents a mix of corporate stakeholders and insolvency practitioners. She also has wider experience in corporate finance, tax and commercial contracts. She has experience appearing in matters before the Supreme Court.
"Almira is one of the most impressive people I know, as well as being an advocate of the highest calibre. She is razor sharp and has the ear of the court."
David Thomson KC practises exclusively in commercial litigation, with a strong focus on restructuring and insolvency. He is very highly thought of for his technical knowledge and advocacy skills. He is also experienced in property disputes and professional negligence.
"One of the best seniors - he's very able, pragmatic and has great advocacy. He is so sought after."
"David is my go-to senior on commercial disputes. He is incredibly smart and dedicated; and a terrific trial lawyer. His judgement is excellent, meaning his advice is usually spot on."
Elisabeth Roxburgh is a highly capable junior advising on all areas of insolvency and bankruptcy, who continues to build on her sterling reputation at the Bar. She assists liquidators, individuals and corporate stakeholders with a variety of claims and applications. She receives excellent feedback for her approach to cases as well as her technical command of insolvency law. She is well versed in providing advice on contractual agreements and options for debt recovery.
"Elisabeth provides brilliant written work. She gives the right answer rather than the answer you want. She is also so well prepared for court and picks up the smallest details."
"Elisabeth is very impressive on her feet and with written pleadings. The go-to junior for insolvency disputes."
"Elisabeth Roxburgh is a go-to for difficult disputes."
Garry Borland KC has a broad practice dealing with all areas of commercial law and detailed knowledge of restructuring and insolvency. He often advises on high-value and technical insolvency cases and is also well respected for his grasp of construction, property and company disputes. He is well versed in capital reductions and disposals of companies.
"Garry is one of the best legal technicians in Scotland, best suited to corporate cases and complex legal disputes."
Paul O'Brien KC focuses his practice on commercial disputes, including significant insolvency cases. He acts on contentious recovery matters, as well as in an advisory capacity on complex corporate insolvencies. He previously worked as a solicitor before being called to the Bar.
"Paul is so good. He provides brilliant written work, always gives the right answer and spots risks and opportunities others miss."
"Paul is very responsive and gets back to you quickly. He's a really intelligent advocate, has impressive attention to detail, and displays exceptional legal ability combined with a commercial sense."
Susan Ower KC is a highly regarded advocate who handles a broad spectrum of issues relating to administrations, liquidations and sequestrations. She regularly acts on behalf of insolvency practitioners, banks and financial institutions. She has also appeared before the Supreme Court in numerous matters.
"Susan was the best senior junior for contested court hearings - fantastic and ferocious in cross-examination. She will continue to be a leading choice as a KC."
"Susan gets to the nub of a matter very quickly and is very user- friendly and very commercially minded. I am very impressed with how she's handled things."