Department profile
Enterprise Chambers

Chancery: Commercial

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


Enterprise Chambers

Rankings

About

Provided by Enterprise Chambers

Enterprise Chambers is widely regarded for its expertise in Chancery: Commercial matters, representing a broad spectrum of clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, SMEs, and individuals. Our barristers have a wealth of experience in handling complex disputes across the full spectrum of commercial litigation and advisory work, providing high-quality representation in the High Court (and above).

Our team’s strong litigation skills are complemented by significant experience in arbitration, giving clients a comprehensive approach to dispute resolution. We regularly handle cases involving intricate contractual disputes, civil fraud, and banking matters. Our members are also skilled in areas such as guarantees, securities, and loans, providing clients with clear and strategic guidance in these complex areas.

We have particular strength in financial services regulation, insurance and reinsurance disputes, and matters concerning the sale and carriage of goods. Our expertise extends to private international law, reflecting our ability to navigate cross-border complexities.

At Enterprise Chambers, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service tailored to the specific needs of our clients, consistently achieving successful outcomes in high-stakes commercial disputes.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chancery: Commercial - London (Bar)

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Enterprise Chambers is an impressive set noted for its expertise in high-value commercial litigation as well as complex insolvency, company and property matters. A source reports the chambers "really got to grips with the facts and the law, and formed a clear view on the legal position and appropriate way to proceed". The team is particularly well regarded for its handling of shareholder disputes, and its members are regularly instructed in both domestic and international matters. Recent cases handled by the set include Hotel Portfolio II UK Ltd v SMA, a matter arising out of a commercial fraud valued at £220 million deriving from the sale of 37 Thistle Group hotels. Members also appeared in Royal London v Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, a rent arrears claim relating to the withholding of rent for a cinema during the COVID-19 pandemic, and GLAS (London Branch) v European TopSoho S.À.R.L. and others, a case concerning the non-performance of bonds worth £250 million. Michael Ireland is the senior clerk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks provide regular catch-ups on fees, work and timing. They are reasonable, proactive and good at liaising with the court.

    Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are really approachable They are flexible and do concessions on costs if needed.

    Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are extremely helpful; they will move heaven and earth to have your work covered.

    Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are always incredibly responsive.

    Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • Clerking has long been a strength at Enterprise; the clerks are responsive, unstuffy, commercial and sensible.

    Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Edward Francis
    Band 3Edward Francis

    Edward Francis

    • Ed's work is meticulous and clear, and his advocacy is second to none.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • In terms of turnaround, Ed is a machine. Accurate and thorough, he will pick up obscure points we may have missed. He is excellent on his feet and builds a really good rapport with the judge.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Ed is a real brainbox and always a good choice to go to if you have obscure or esoteric matters.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Edward is very sensible, very good at legal analysis and someone who gets out and fights his corner in court. He's persuasive, strong and a barrister who takes good points.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Kavan Gunaratna
    Band 3Kavan Gunaratna

    Kavan Gunaratna

    • Kavan Gunaratna is meticulous in his preparation, and his attention to detail is second to none.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Kavan is an absolutely fantastic, very hard worker who thinks things through well. He's a strong advocate.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Kavan is very intellectual and an artful creator of arguments who makes his case well. He's also user-friendly and inspires great trust in both instructing solicitors and clients alike.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4James Davies
    Band 4James Davies

    James Davies

    • James Davies is an absolute rising star. His written work rarely needs any correction; it's spot on analytically. He's an advocate you can really trust, and he fights hard for you.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4James Pickering
    Band 4James Pickering

    James Pickering

    • James is a commanding and calming presence. Direct and robust in his advice, he's a man who gets clients to sit up and take notice.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • James is very charming and very good on his feet. He's good and decisive, and he's very helpful in working as part of a team. His written work is very good as well.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • James is hugely experienced and a very smooth operator in court. There's no nonsense with him.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Mairi Innes
    Band 4Mairi Innes

    Mairi Innes

    • Mairi is very thorough with her research and advice, pleasant to work alongside and easy to get on with. Her advocacy is impressive, and she's both thorough and likeable.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Mairi is a really great junior who's very conscientious and hard-working. She's dealt with some difficult cases that could have overwhelmed a lot of people, but she coped with them well.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Mairi Innes is fiercely bright and excellent with clients. She works non-stop and collaborates well with the team.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Mairi is a brilliant junior. She's fierce, robust and sharp in her drafting, but she's also incredibly approachable. She's not afraid to get stuck in.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Simon Johnson
    Band 4Simon Johnson

    Simon Johnson

    • Simon is an excellent advocate, who's a pragmatic and trusted adviser. He's very, very good. His attention to detail is second to none and he has an incredible work ethic.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Simon is a barrister with a deep intellect who works tirelessly and knows the paperwork in depth. He's strong across the board.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Simon doesn't miss a trick. He listens to everyone in the team, which is something you don't always get with senior barristers. Then, when it comes to pleadings, he's so compelling.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Simon is highly intelligent, quick to pick up the core points (including those missed by others) and a man with huge amounts of energy. He has an appetite to get involved in the detail of the matter.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
    • Simon is a very clever and technical lawyer as well as a fantastic team player. He is really good on his feet.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar
  • New SilksNiall McCulloch
    New SilksNiall McCulloch

    Niall McCulloch

    • Niall was brilliant at dealing with pressure and staying ahead of the issues as they developed. He is a clear thinker who really makes life easier for those that instruct him.

      Chancery: Commercial respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Enterprise Chambers (7)

London (Bar)

Members

Provided by Enterprise Chambers

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