Department profile
Gatehouse Chambers

Commercial Dispute Resolution

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


Gatehouse Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Commercial Dispute Resolution - London (Bar)

Band 5

Band 5


What the Team is Known For

Gatehouse Chambers is home to talented silks and juniors who are regularly sought out for both domestic and cross-border matters, and have appeared in cases stretching as far afield as the Middle East and the Caribbean. Well known for their capabilities in dispute resolution, members at the set make regular appearances before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The barristers here continue to handle complex cases, such as Skatteforvaltningen v Solo Capital Partners, a claim bought by the Danish Tax Authority relating to alleged tax fraud, and Various claimants vs Vodafone Limited, a high-profile £160 million claim brought against Vodafone by 62 of its franchisees. A commentator reports that barristers here have "a nonpareil ability to dissect complex evidence and cut through to the heart of a case, offering clear, strategic advice and compelling advocacy even in the messiest of disputes."

Elliot Langdorf is the practice director.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The business and operational function is exceptional. CEO Amanda Illing has transformed the set into a real leader in a number of specific commercial areas, and she is a real superstar.

    Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are universally excellent. They understand the commercial drivers on cases and work with the solicitor team to ensure that the right counsel is matched to the case.

    Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Practice managers Marc Gilby and Nadia Carby are excellent, highly responsive, proactive and efficient. They handle matters quickly and effectively, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience.

    Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Senior practice manager Amy MacClean is great to deal with. She is very clear and good at discussing matters in a practical fashion. I appreciate the fact that it is very east to interact with her.

    Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are very good at being proactive on fees. They are good at sending fee notes out regularly.

    Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Nigel Jones
    Band 2Nigel Jones

    Nigel Jones

    • His skeleton argument was very skilled and clear, and his oral advocacy was very good.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Nigel is phenomenal in terms of his advocacy and client handling. One thing that sets him apart is his commercial acumen.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • He is very knowledgeable on the law and outstanding at exclusion clauses in consumer contracts. He is also very good with the judge because he really engages.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Charles Raffin
    Band 3Charles Raffin

    Charles Raffin

    • Charles has been absolutely brilliant and a pleasure to work with. His advice, knowledge and eye for detail have helped the business succeed in our claims.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Charles provided practical and valuable advice on a complex dispute. His technical knowledge is excellent, and he is able to relay that knowledge in a clear and pragmatic way.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Charles Raffin is responsive, helpful and easy to communicate with.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3David Lewis
    Band 3David Lewis

    David Lewis

    • His work rate is phenomenal.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • David is an exceptionally bright and impressive litigator. He has an excellent style and is able to win the ear of the court by the use of clear, well thought-out written and oral submissions.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • David is exceptionally impressive as an advocate. His attention to detail and highly considered approach prove extremely persuasive to the court.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • He is a very clever and user-friendly KC whom you want in your corner in a tough case.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • David is exceptional in his preparation and great in terms of his client manner. He is very commercial and down to earth.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Emily Betts
    Band 5Emily Betts

    Emily Betts

    • Emily Betts is a really commercially minded barrister who has a great rapport with clients. She is easy to work with from a solicitor's perspective.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Emily Betts is responsive, poised and great with clients.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Emily Betts is very astute commercially and very good at drafting.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 6Paul Strelitz
    Band 6Paul Strelitz

    Paul Strelitz

    • Paul Strelitz is very good and very assured.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Paul had an excellent grasp on the case's factual and legal elements and was great at explaining complex legal arguments. He provides clear and pragmatic advice and is quick-thinking on his feet.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Paul is an excellent lawyer. who is prepared to make judgement calls and tell it like it is. He gets to the heart of complex matters with ease and is practical and pragmatic at all times.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 6PJ Kirby
    Band 6PJ Kirby

    PJ Kirby

    • PJ is always very approachable and easy to communicate with.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • Extremely confident and reassuring with clients, he breaks things down into a readily understandable format. He is a great litigator who knows his stuff and is very attentive and responsive.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • He is very practical and commercial.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • PJ is incredibly collaborative and very knowledgeable. He really gives you an answer when you need one and is keenly aware of the direction you're looking to push a case.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingJames Shaw
    Up and ComingJames Shaw

    James Shaw

    • Exceptionally bright, really quick to grasp the commercial and legal nuances of the matter, and a barrister who is strong on case strategy. He is calm in court but will push his points hard.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Gatehouse Chambers (7)

London (Bar)

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