Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Dispute Resolution: Commercial - UK
What the Team is Known For
South Square operates a thriving commercial dispute practice, and houses a strong bench of leading silks and juniors. Its practitioners are active in sophisticated litigation, with recent cases handled by the team including Primeo Fund v HSBC, a high-value dispute concerning fraud and negligence, and Emtel Ltd v Cellplus Mobile Telecommunications Ltd, an appeal in the Privy Council concerning alleged unlawful cross-subsidies. The set is the clear market leader for commercial cases arising out of insolvency, and is noted for being home to some “exceptional individuals”.
Dylan Playfoot is the senior clerk.
Strengths
South Square has a super-strong clerking team led by Dylan Playfoot, who works hard to build relationships. They are brilliant at business development and very modern in their approach.
The set is noted for its swift turnaround of papers and for having clerks who are responsive and accessible.
The clerking team is a very well-oiled machine.
Notable practitioners
Felicity is excellent and great on her feet.
Felicity is amazing. She is brilliant with clients and really commercial.
David is so consistent and always delivers. His advocacy is brilliant.
David is a seriously heavyweight performer, who has excellent courtroom presence.
He is very good and gets to the point.
Judges listen to him.
He gives clear advice and is very aware of what is and isn't going to pass.
He is experienced and very much sought after.
Richard is great. His advice is spot-on and he exudes reassurance.
Richard is extremely articulate. He is composed and very persuasive as an advocate.
He is incredibly responsive and very collaborative, and has a good rapport with both judges and instructing solicitors.
Adam is incredible in disputes arising out of restructuring. He is a highly able litigator.
Adam is really good on the black letter law and gives clear advice. On top of this, he is also a robust advocate.
He is a real star of the Contentious Bar.