Offshore (Bar)

South Square offers great capability across a range of areas, with particular strength in offshore insolvency matters as well as trusts, fraud and general commercial disputes. Members are frequently instructed across the range of both traditional and emerging offshore jurisdictions. A commentator comments that "South Square is seen as a leader for offshore matters, and is called upon for many of the complex cases which arise." Barristers at the set are acting in some of the highest-profile matters this year including the Abraaj Group liquidation matter, the Luckin Coffee restructuring, and the proposed restructuring of Evergrande. One instructing solicitor comments: "The set has a great depth and breadth of expertise, particularly in respect of cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters."

"Dylan Playfoot, senior clerk, is constantly juggling requests, but is always available and willing to help. He's very attentive and the clerking team is top-notch."

"The best clerking team in the business."

"South Square is not at the top of the tree by accident. This game is a team sport and the clerks definitely do a lot of heavy lifting. Will Mackinlay, the chambers director, is friendly, professional, very polished, and sensible. Dylan Playfoot is a great man, and very highly regarded in the jurisdictions."

David Allison KC
David Allison KC is a seasoned litigator with considerable strength in company and insolvency law, who often handles high-value claims with multi-jurisdictional implications. His thriving offshore practice has seen him handle cases in Dubai, Guernsey, the Cayman Islands, the BVI and Hong Kong. He frequently appears in liquidation and restructuring cases, and is instructed on behalf of international corporations as well as private individuals. "David's great strength is being able to break down complex, challenging areas of the law into digestible advice and strategy that can be implemented in cases, allowing us to develop a strategy around those issues." "David is truly one of the best leading counsel we have instructed. He is fantastic on his feet, easy to deal with in person and very commercial. Judges trust him and he never puts a foot wrong in court." "David is absolutely brilliant. His key strength is his rapport with judges. They just love him and hang on his every word."

Tom Smith KC
Tom Smith KC is a commercial litigation expert with experience of investment funds disputes and liquidation matters involving a number of offshore jurisdictions. He regularly appears in the Middle East, BVI and the Cayman Islands. "Tom is one of the best in the business and a pleasure to work with." "Tom's knowledge of the matter at hand is not limited to the hearing at hand, but across the whole case, allowing him to provide commercial ideas and suggestions which someone with a lesser knowledge may not be able to do." "Tom is my go-to silk at the London Bar. He is simply exceptional."

Adam Al-Attar
Adam Al-Attar is very well regarded for his handling of insolvency and contested restructuring matters. He is frequently instructed by clients in the Middle East, the Cayman Islands and Asia. "Adam has an authoritative, calm and unruffled manner. He can jump into the most complex and knotty insolvency cases." "Adam is brilliant. You expect to see him on all of the large global restructuring/ insolvencies. He's great on his feet." "Adam is conscious of client care, really very easy to deal with, and a very smart guy with a lot of confidence in the restructuring space."

Barry Isaacs KC
Barry Isaacs KC has been instructed in cases in a range of offshore jurisdictions, including the Cayman Islands. He is experienced in banking litigation, as well as insolvency cases and corporate disputes. "Barry is fantastic when it comes to things involving complex valuations and financial things, I don't think you can find anyone better. He never gets flustered; an absolute dream to work with."

David Alexander KC
David Alexander KC is an impressive silk with a broad offshore practice who handles company, restructuring, trusts and general commercial work. He has been involved in major insolvency and shareholder litigation. His practice takes him to the Caribbean, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar. He regularly acts on behalf of liquidators and other financial institutions. "David's a client favourite and a team player." "David has a phenomenal presence in court. He boils things down to very simple points and positions, and he makes very forceful arguments in a way that you can't help but agree with." "David has a very, very good bedside manner. He's very approachable for clients and legal team alike."

Felicity Toube KC
Felicity Toube KC is frequently instructed by highly regarded offshore firms to advise and represent them in complex insolvency matters. She is particularly active in the Cayman Islands. "Felicity is one of the smartest people I have come across, and she has this ability to focus that intelligence in bringing the best results for her clients." "She has a fantastic knack for selecting the best points." "Felicity is responsive and good to work with. She inspires confidence and has gravitas, which is appreciated by clients." "Clients love Felicity. She's at the top of her game in the field of insolvency, particularly where it intersects with arbitration. She is at the forefront of developing this area of law."

Marcus Haywood
Marcus Haywood offers extensive skill in cross-border commercial litigation and is particularly adept at insolvency and restructuring. He has been called to the Bar of the Cayman Islands and also regularly handles disputes in Gibraltar and the BVI. "Marcus is an extremely bright lawyer, with a sense of calm. He is very commercial and understanding of client needs. He is an absolute pleasure to work with." "I have been tremendously impressed with Marcus. He's brilliant at providing great support on difficult matters."

Richard Fisher KC
Richard Fisher KC boasts an impressive commercial disputes and insolvency practice in the offshore arena. He advises clients on complex issues, including novel digital asset-related disputes and proceeds of crime recovery proceedings. He has experience leading in significantly high-profile global disputes. He is called to the Bar in the BVI and frequently appears before courts in the Cayman Islands. His expertise extends to the Channel Islands. "Richard is a top-drawer barrister - he's fantastic." "Richard is our go-to for complex insolvency matters, he is just brilliant and incredibly knowledgeable and charming in court." "Richard has been my go-to silk for complex matters. He is super intelligent, but also down to earth and great to work with as part of a team. He is an excellent advocate and great on tactics."