Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Restructuring/Insolvency - UK
What the Team is Known For
Serle Court is a "very well-established set" in insolvency and restructuring matters, and is well positioned to handle cases arising in offshore jurisdictions such as the Channel Islands, the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean. Members are regularly instructed in both contentious and non-contentious matters, and are well versed in corporate and personal insolvencies. The set's barristers are described as "outstandingly intelligent and able to pick things up with grace and speed". Insolvency litigation involving allegations of fraud is also a key area of strength for the set, drawing on the set's enviable reputation in civil fraud matters, and its barristers have experience appearing before both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Members have recently appeared in proceedings arising from the collapse of BHS.
Strengths
The clerking team are flexible. They are very good to their clients, reasonable and very friendly.
The clerking team are great - they're very responsive, accommodating and they provide sensible pricing.
Deputy practice manager Felicity Wall is brilliant. She bends over backwards and nothing is too much trouble. She always gets back to you quickly.
Notable practitioners
Philip Jones KC is a well-known advocate who is highly praised by market commentators for the breadth of his expertise, encompassing insolvency, fraud and financial services. He remains a particularly popular choice in complex offshore insolvency cases and counts government departments among his diverse clientele. His additional expertise in company law encompasses cases concerning directors' disqualification proceedings and winding-up petitions.
Philip Jones is excellent.
Daniel Lightman KC is widely admired for his vast experience and adept representation of all parties in bankruptcy and insolvency cases. He has experience representing litigants in disputes with insolvency office holders and is noted for his expertise advising on cases involving a novel or unusual point of law.
Daniel is unparalleled in his experience of shareholder disputes and expertise. He is an effective advocate and a great cross-examiner. He's diligent and hard-working.
He is a master at distilling complex legal arguments and facts into easily digestible and highly persuasive skeleton arguments.
Daniel is consistent, and his level of analysis is very impressive. He understands the company law side of things, and his depth of knowledge and analysis is superior.
Philip Marshall KC is an impressive silk who routinely receives instructions in offshore cases in addition to complex domestic disputes. He frequently appears as an expert witness in foreign courts concerning English law issues and in arbitrations before the LCIA and ICC. He is highly recommended for his strength in restructuring and insolvency matters, which is buttressed by wider expertise in areas such as company, civil fraud and banking.
Philip is a skilful and forceful advocate. He is ferociously bright and dependable, and is able to engage with complex insolvency and restructuring matters, including fraud-related matters.
Lance Ashworth KC is a respected silk noted for his broad knowledge of restructuring and insolvency matters. He has particular expertise in directors' disqualification cases as well as administrations of failed energy companies.
Lance is a highly creative and commercial barrister who is good to have on side. His understanding is invaluable, and he can utilise his experience as a deputy judge to analyse a case.
Lance is a pleasure to work with; he's an astute commercial thinker and persuasive advocate, and he's good with clients.
Giselle McGowan is regularly instructed in personal and corporate insolvency proceedings. Formerly employed as a barrister in HMRC's insolvency and VAT teams, she continues to be a trusted choice by government bodies in director disqualification and insolvency matters as well as advising as junior counsel on the Crown B panel.
Giselle is fantastic on her feet. She is excellent at thinking strategically as well as on the technicality of law.
Giselle is a solid and reliable junior.
Giselle is knowledgeable and very responsive.
Jennifer Meech is a talented junior with experience appearing both led and unled in a wide range of insolvency disputes. She acts for all manner of clients including banks, corporates and liquidators.
Jennifer is immensely experienced and a safe pair of hands.
Jennifer works fast and hard with a keen commercial eye to achieve the result clients want.