Department profile
Guildhall Chambers

Commercial Dispute Resolution

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Western (Bar)


Guildhall Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Commercial Dispute Resolution - Western (Bar)

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Guildhall Chambers is a standout set on the Western Circuit whose barristers possess an extensive body of commercial expertise. Its members receive regular mandates to handle complex commercial litigation, with a strong leaning towards financial services work, professional negligence and fraud-related matters. The set's barristers routinely act in a broad array of contractual disputes, as well as shareholder and insolvency litigation. Members recently acted in Philipp v Barclays Bank PLC, a dispute concerning an authorised push payment fraud, including a recent appeal in the Supreme Court. Instructing solicitors praise the set's "good breadth of talent, all of whom seem able to grasp an enormous amount of detail and retain the bigger picture".

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Hugh Sims
    Band 1Hugh Sims

    Hugh Sims

    Hugh Sims KC is a formidable barrister who handles all manner of contentious commercial issues, from contractual disputes to high-profile fraud claims. He is instructed across a broad range of sectors, including technology, sports and financial services. He is also noted for his expertise in professional negligence, company and insolvency matters.

    • Hugh is an exceptionally skilled barrister who consistently delivers high-quality work, both in hearings and in all aspects of work outside the courtroom.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1James Wibberley
    Band 1James Wibberley

    James Wibberley

    James Wibberley's practice includes disputes arising from professional negligence and breach of contract. He specialises in the financial services sector. He is also adept at handling contractual disputes concerning fraud and misrepresentation, and offers expertise in joint venture disputes.

    • Phenomenally intelligent and a brilliant strategist.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
    • He rolls up his sleeves and gets involved in cases. He will get the judge's ear.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Jay Jagasia
    Band 1Jay Jagasia

    Jay Jagasia

    Jay Jagasia advises on a broad range of commercial disputes, including those arising from breach of duty, mis-selling of financial products and supply chain issues. He is also regularly instructed to act in business venture disputes. He is frequently called upon to act both for and against large financial institutions.

    • He is an exceptionally skilled barrister who consistently delivers high-quality work on high-value, complex claims.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1John Churchill
    Band 1John Churchill

    John Churchill

    John Churchill is sought after for his expertise in areas including insolvency, property litigation and contractual disputes.

    • John is technically outstanding and consistently performs exceptionally well, both in hearings and in all aspects of work outside the courtroom.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1John Virgo
    Band 1John Virgo

    John Virgo

    John Virgo focuses on financial product mis-selling, including pensions, investments and interest rate swaps, as well as related regulatory work. He is also frequently instructed in commercial contract disputes and is sought after for his knowledge of litigation in the banking sector.

  • Band 1Richard Ascroft
    Band 1Richard Ascroft

    Richard Ascroft

    Richard Ascroft's practice encompasses breaches of agreement, restrictive covenants and insolvency law. He is particularly adept at handling claims that involve breaches of warranty, interference with goods and professional negligence.

    • Richard is hard-working, very good in court and has great technical knowledge of law and procedure.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Stefan Ramel
    Band 1Stefan Ramel

    Stefan Ramel

    Stefan Ramel is an active barrister whose practice covers directors' disputes, professional negligence claims and insolvency. He is also experienced in handling shareholder disputes, breaches of contract and sale of goods claims. He is frequently instructed in disputes involving applications for urgent injunctions. He regularly acts on behalf of major banks and other lending institutions.

    • Unflappable and great at cross-examination, Stefan also has a very good way of helping clients see a wider picture.

      Commercial Dispute Resolution respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Guildhall Chambers (7)

Western (Bar)

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