Dispute Resolution: The Bar

Eleven Wentworth is a respected set and the former home of many New South Wales Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Land and Environment Court judges, stabling nearly 40 barristers who are regularly praised for their technical skill, fine judgement and user-friendliness. The set is frequently identified as one of Sydney's best, a number of instructing solicitors including it on lists of their top three or four sets. One interviewee states: "Eleven Wentworth is a premier set of commercial chambers in Sydney and very much a go-to for complex commercial matters." The source adds: "I have always found the counsel team to be accessible and available and the clerk has been excellent at finding us assistance in urgent situations." Its key areas of expertise, within the comprehensive range of disciplines covered, include insolvency, insurance, professional liability and tax issues. Zach Rymer is the clerk and recommended contact.

Alan Shearer is active on behalf of businesses of all sizes, and individuals, across a broad range of commercial litigation issues, attracting particular praise for his work on mandates relating to environmental, insurance and shareholder issues. "Alan is intellectually very bright and he is very hard-working. He is a go-to in class actions." "He is excellent."

Jesse Kennedy's close focus on maritime issues forms a substantial component of a practice largely concerned with international disputes, an aspect of his work which instructing solicitors operating in the shipping space find particularly helpful. "Jesse is very commercial, easy to work with and has excellent credentials in insurance. He is a pleasure to work with." "Jesse Kennedy always gives astute advice. His commercial and user-friendly approach, combined with his formidable intellect, makes him a go-to counsel."

Justin Williams SC is singled out as an excellent barrister operating in the insolvency space. In addition to this side of his work, where he is regularly instructed in connection with large, complex restructurings, he is also acclaimed for his broader commercial litigation capabilities, often applied to financial regulatory issues, including those involving insurance issues or allegations of bribery or corruption. "Justin Williams is a go-to in large complex commercial matters. He is very calm, sophisticated and great to work with." "He is excellent and highly regarded."

Michael Izzo SC attracts high praise for his work in the insolvency sphere, his technical abilities, grasp of financial complexities and expertise where schemes of arrangement are concerned being cited particularly frequently. "Michael is incredibly responsive and I use him for any matter where I need a quick turnaround and sharp, commercial advice." "Michael Izzo is a go-to for insolvency and corporations matters including schemes. He is very hard-working, bright and fantastic to work with."

Patrick Flynn SC maintains a mixed IP practice, operating in all the main areas and is particularly well placed to act on matters with strong scientific or technological components. "Patrick Flynn is excellent." "He is a real up-and-coming star. I certainly regard him very highly."

Stephen Free SC is particularly well known for his work in the public law space, he is also notably active on commercial issues in a variety of practice areas, including the environment, financial services regulation and life sciences. "He is very good and very able."

James Hutton SC is active in several areas, including the environment, financial services and insolvency. "James is not afraid of a challenge and has the smarts to identify solutions to problems, rather than just seeing the problems." "He is excellent on the law, a great advocate, very practical and great to deal with – all round excellent."