Department profile
South Square

Fraud: Civil

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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South Square

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Fraud: Civil - London (Bar)

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Having gained a reputation for being a "pre-eminent insolvency set," members of South Square also attract praise for their civil fraud work and their "ability to handle complex multiparty litigation, of a high value, in a sophisticated, technical but also straightforward and calm manner." Members are regularly instructed on a full range of civil fraud claims involving fraudulent misrepresentation, asset recovery and breach of fiduciary duty. The set is also often involved in matters that have an offshore element, and members frequently appear before offshore courts. Recent instructions for the set include acting for Softbank in Credit Suisse v Softbank – Greensill, in relation to claims made by Credit Suisse arising out of the collapse of Greensill.

Dylan Playfoot is the senior clerk.

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Strengths

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  • South Square has an incredibly good set of clerks who are very experienced.

    Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are very good as they take time to know the solicitors and are very responsive.

    Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

  • Clerks Marco Malatesta and Dylan Playfoot offer a fantastic service.

    Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

  • It is an incredibly strong set of clerks.

    Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Tom Smith
    Tom Smith

    Tom Smith

    Tom Smith KC of South Square is a distinguished commercial silk with a focus on civil fraud as well as matters linked to financial services and insolvency. He has dealt with various allegations including conspiracy, dishonesty, misrepresentation and breach of duty.

    • Tom Smith KC is so smooth and persuasive, whilst being technically knowledgeable.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar
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  • Tony Beswetherick
    Tony Beswetherick

    Tony Beswetherick

    Tony Beswetherick KC manages a wide-ranging commercial caseload covering various areas including civil fraud, banking and finance, insolvency and company law. Many of his cases have an international aspect. He offers notable experience in cases of alleged conspiracy and fraudulent misrepresentation.

    • He is analytical, and his advocacy is second to none.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • He has a phenomenally sharp mind.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • He is meticulous in his preparation and has a calm, measured approach to his advocacy.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar
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  • Stephen Robins
    Stephen Robins

    Stephen Robins

    Stephen Robins KC of South Square is capable of handling major fraud-related litigation across multiple jurisdictions. His cases concern various allegations including conspiracy and the falsification of financial statements.

    • He is simply excellent at distilling down complex information into simple wording for all to understand, and he has made a real name for himself as a superb advocate.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • His response to questions under pressure is calm, informative and knowledgeable.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar
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  • Andrew Shaw
    Andrew Shaw

    Andrew Shaw

    Andrew Shaw has a solid practice in civil fraud, with experience in a range of litigation including applying for interim relief. He has acted in cases with offshore elements and often acts as sole counsel.

    • His written work is excellent and concise.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • He is incredibly commercial and user-friendly.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • He is incredibly calm, very thoughtful and reads a courtroom very well.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • Andrew Shaw is very robust on his feet and is academically very good.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar
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  • Robert Amey
    Robert Amey

    Robert Amey

    Robert Amey of South Square has notable experience acting unled in civil fraud cases, accepting instructions on behalf of corporate clients in multimillion-pound claims. He acts in a range of fraud contexts, including misappropriation of funds, Ponzi schemes and transactional frauds.

    • He is very good on his feet and has great advocacy.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • Robert is an absolute rock. He is fiercely bright but calm and considered, and he is very practical and quick in his thinking.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar
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  • Rory Brown
    Rory Brown

    Rory Brown

    Rory Brown of South Square has particular expertise in investment frauds, in which he represents clients both as sole counsel and with a leader. He has experience in cases with an international element and frequently acts in multi-jurisdictional matters.

    • His advocacy is very good, and he gets his points across.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • He enjoys the art of advocacy and legal persuasion.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • He is erudite, very articulate, discerning, and calm and humble.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar

    • Rory Brown's ability to immediately grasp the fine details and broader strategy is exceptional.

      Fraud: Civil respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at South Square (6)

London (Bar)

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