About

Provided by South Square

South Square is the preeminent set specialising in insolvency and restructuring law. Members of Chambers have appeared in every significant and high- profile restructuring and insolvency case in the UK for many years. Several members have substantial offshore practices, appearing overseas both as counsel and as experts on UK insolvency law. 


Chambers is routinely instructed by all the major law firms who practice in the area. Members have been particularly active in the past year in cases arising from or relating to cryptocurrency, energy, sanctions, schemes of arrangement and restructuring plans. 


Chambers’ leading position in insolvency and restructuring law can be evidenced by two measures, first, that members of Chambers are frequently instructed as counsel for multiple parties in the same case; and second, we have more than double the number of barristers ranked in this area, than do our leading competitors. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Restructuring/Insolvency - London (Bar)

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

South Square is widely lauded as being "by far the best set for restructuring and insolvency work". The set houses a deep bench of experienced barristers at both senior and junior levels, and remains the top choice for the most complex and high-profile cases arising in the UK and further afield. Members are instructed in the full gamut of cases and offer significant expertise in complex restructurings, where they are praised for being "exceptionally good at contentious insolvency matters and are hard to beat in terms of the experience all of the barristers across chambers." Recent instructions for the set include acting for Cineworld in relation to its restructuring using a Part 26A restructuring plan.

Dylan Playfoot is the senior clerk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

David Allison
Star Individuals

David Allison KC is an excellent silk who acts on behalf of a range of clients on both domestic and offshore matters. He regularly advises on formal insolvency cases and frequently appears in courts in the British Virgin Islands, New York, Dubai, the Cayman Islands and Guernsey concerning high-value and high-profile disputes.

He presents complex arguments in a way that makes them seem simple.

David Allison is a persuasive advocate and is unstoppable.

He is pragmatic, commercial, at the top of the market at what he does and is excellent on his feet.

David is pleasure to deal with and great in court because he is more charming than most advocates in that he is obviously all over detail of insolvency.

Tom Smith
Star Individuals

Tom Smith KC is a popular silk with an impressive caseload including substantial domestic and international matters. He stands out for his work on schemes of arrangement, and is considered particularly noteworthy for his responsiveness and efficiency on cases. He is also experienced in the handling of offshore fund liquidations.

A leading advocate in the restructuring field and a go-to for RPs, schemes and insolvency matters.

He is at the top of his game and currently one of the best advocates out there.

Tom Smith is a real class act. He is etremely approachable and responsive and his judgement is invariably correct.

Tom is an outstanding advocate and clearly the go-to person for contentious restructurings and is always someone you want on the team.

1
Charlotte Cooke
1
Band 1

Charlotte Cooke is a respected insolvency barrister who routinely receives instructions in major disputes which often contain an offshore element. She is singled out as a junior who is well equipped to handle sophisticated cases on behalf of both private individuals and large corporations. She frequently appears before the courts at all levels, up to and including the Supreme Court, and has experience acting unled in the Court of Appeal.

She is the go-to, especially for complex work and is an excellent advocate.

She is very impressive with a superb grip on the detail and is also approachable, proactive and practical.

Charlotte is really a class operator. She has exceptional advocacy skills and is really compelling.

Charlotte is clearly very thoughtful, diligent and provides helpful and well-reasoned advice.

1
Daniel Bayfield KC
1
Band 1

Daniel Bayfield KC attracts commendations for his strong knowledge of insolvency law and skilled handling of scheme work. His wide-ranging practice also encompasses banking, company and commercial litigation.

He is very creative, commercial and a strong, tenacious advocate.

He is an excellent advocate and handles judge's questions with great skill.

He thinks tactically and strategically.

One of the best restructuring and insolvency counsel at the Bar.

He is extremely technical and if you want a good technical piece of restructuring advice, you can't get much better.

1
Felicity Toube
1
Band 1

Felicity Toube KC combines her vast experience and expertise in contentious insolvency cases, particularly those involving fraud, with an excellent courtroom presence. She frequently turns her hand to offshore disputes and is well recognised for her strength in international proceedings.

Her advocacy inspires confidence.

She remains calm, reasoned and incredibly clear.

1
Georgina Peters
1
Band 1

Georgina Peters receives extensive praise for her restructuring and insolvency practice. She has expertise in litigation arising out of the collapse of major banks and financial services companies. She also offers expertise in schemes of arrangement concerning foreign companies.

She shows exquisite attention to detail and writes extremely clearly and persuasively.

A very strong advocate who works well on her feet.

Georgina is a thoughtful and effective advocate, putting points across in a clear and persuasive manner.

1
Hilary Stonefrost
1
Band 1

Hilary Stonefrost excels in matters involving schemes of arrangement as part of her wide-ranging practice, which encompasses both domestic and international insolvencies.

She is an extremely good choice for complex insolvency work.

She is technically excellent and hardworking.

Hilary is very effective in court.

1
Marcus Haywood
1
Band 1

Marcus Haywood is well respected in the restructuring and insolvency field, and he regularly features in high-profile cases in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. He exhibits pronounced capability in both domestic cases and sophisticated international liquidations.

He's good on his feet and takes a methodical approach.

He is approachable, technically able and has the expertise.

He is excellent, calm under pressure and pragmatic.

1
Mark Arnold KC
1
Band 1

Mark Arnold KC focuses his practice on restructuring and insolvency cases both in the UK and further afield. He places particular emphasis on clients in the financial services sector as part of his wider practice. He also has considerable experience handling restructurings in the oil and gas, telecommunications and shipping sectors.

He's exceptional for insolvency and company work and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of restructuring and company law.

He is an excellent advocate who is fluent and patient.

1
Mark Phillips
1
Band 1

Mark Phillips KC is a respected silk offering deep expertise across the full spectrum of insolvency law. He excels in areas such as schemes of arrangement and multi-jurisdictional disputes.

He thinks fast on his feet, is very assured with judges and is well-liked and connected.

An exceptional barrister with excellent advocacy skills.

In the insolvency space, there aren't many others with his calibre of expertise.

2
Clara Johnson
2
Band 2

Clara Johnson is a junior with a flourishing practice who is well acquainted with the full gamut of insolvency cases. She regularly handles instructions on behalf of office holders, directors, bankrupts and creditors, among others. Her corporate insolvency expertise encompasses cases concerning wrongful trading claims, misfeasance and breach of fiduciary duty. She is experienced in the handling of cases that involve obtaining injunctive relief, freezing orders and orders for disclosure. She is also adept at handling suspension of discharge issues in personal insolvency cases.

She is super dedicated and client-centric.

Her advocacy is persuasive, organised and her submissions are always well structured.

She thinks very strategically, is commercial and has a great breadth of knowledge.

Clara is an excellent junior, always well prepared, across the case and has an impressive command of her field.

She is really good on her feet and is well-prepared with good skeletons and good cross-examination and is commercially collaborative.

2
Henry Phillips
2
Band 2

Henry Phillips is a respected junior experienced in the handling of both domestic and cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters. He has particular expertise in advisory work concerning IVAs and CVAs, as well as cases involving complex schemes of arrangement. Recently, Phillips has advised on a number of high-profile administrations and liquidations including those of energy companies and large retailers.

Henry produces very clear advice and is user-friendly.

His work product is very logical and well thought-out.

He is a complete master of the detail and is good on his feet.

2
Lloyd Tamlyn
2
Band 2

Lloyd Tamlyn divides his practice between corporate and personal insolvency cases. He routinely takes instructions from a diverse range of clients, including both private individuals and large organisations. His work is often international, and he has been called to the Bar in several offshore jurisdictions. He has particular experience advising on financial services-related insolvencies and insurance matters.

Lloyd Tamlyn is fantastic.

2
Richard Fisher
2
Band 2

Richard Fisher KC is an accomplished silk active on behalf of an impressive client base including major banks and hedge funds. He is held in high esteem by market sources for his persuasive advocacy, and is noted for his expertise in the use of schemes of arrangement and voluntary arrangements in significant international restructurings.

A thorough and persuasive advocate who is all over the detail.

He is technically very proficient and experienced in insolvency matters.

Richard is very sharp, has total command of his subject matter, shows excellent judgement and is always calm and patient under pressure.

His ability to analyse huge amounts of information and data and turn it into a very simple set of strategic points is brilliant.

Richard is very user-friendly, provides clear and well considered advice and is great to work with.

2
Ryan Perkins
2
Band 2

Ryan Perkins has a stellar reputation in the restructuring and insolvency field. He is regularly instructed in corporate insolvencies as well as commercial trials, and has been involved in several high-profile administrations and liquidations. His broader expertise encompasses banking, general commercial litigation, company law and contentious trusts matters.

He's very sharp and a good all-rounder.

He gets across the detail in no time at all and is very good on his feet.

Ryan is super bright and very clear in his advice.

2
William Willson
2
Band 2

William Willson is a well-regarded junior with a broad restructuring and insolvency practice. He is experienced in the handling of complex schemes of arrangement, CVAs and trials of liquidator claims, and frequently appears as sole counsel in proceedings before the High Court and Court of Appeal.

He's very approachable, commercial and technically brilliant.

He can tailor written and oral submissions to fit circumstances.

3
Adam Al-Attar
3
Band 3

Adam Al-Attar exhibits great strength in bank and fund insolvencies. He regularly attracts instructions in headline cases and demonstrates notable skill in contested restructurings. He also has considerable experience in cases concerning trusts law, and banking and financial services.

He is exceptionally bright and creative and produces high quality advice.

Adam has excellent analytical skills and is a phenomenal communicator.

His advocacy is superb and he holds the courtroom in his palm.

He is commercially aware and applies legal principles and arguments concisely and clearly to complex restructuring transactions.

Adam is super user-friendly and fiercely intelligent but combines that with client-friendly commercial awareness.

3
Barry Isaacs
3
Band 3

Barry Isaacs KC is highly recommended for his insight into reconstruction and insolvency law, and for his complementary expertise in the areas of company and commercial litigation, and banking and finance. His broad practice consists of both domestic and international work. He frequently advises on cases in New Zealand and New York in addition to offshore jurisdictions such as Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.

He has absolutely first class reasoning and is commercial.

He has impressive written work and a fantastic demeanour with judges - calm and measured.

3
David Alexander
3
Band 3

David Alexander KC stands out for his provision of expert counsel to clients in major litigation proceedings, both at home and further afield. He has a wealth of experience appearing in the UK courts at all levels, in addition to frequently appearing in courts in the Bahamas, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jersey and Gibraltar. He also has a substantial company, banking and finance, and contentious trusts practice.

As a cross-examiner, he is just excellent.

He is quick, polite and a truly nice guy with a lot of creativity and flair and his advocacy is top notch.

3
Joseph Curl
3
Band 3

Joseph Curl KC is a well-recognised barrister who is highlighted for his dedicated corporate and personal insolvency practice. He regularly acts on high-value cases on behalf of prominent clients. He is well regarded for his handling of several high-profile insolvency litigation matters, in both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

He has a huge capacity for work and can digest complex matters and present them in a straightforward way to either his clients or a court. He's a hugely skilled advocate.

He has great advocacy and phenomenal cross-examination with an encyclopaedic knowledge of insolvency case law.

He's a good advocate who is well liked by people and is very pragmatic.

He is superlative on his feet, totally in command of his submissions and cross-examination, and is so persuasive in front of judges.

3
Matthew Abraham
3
Band 3

Matthew Abraham is a junior barrister noted for his expert handling of complex and high-profile restructurings and bankruptcies. He has experience acting for a range of clients in proceedings relating to both corporate and personal insolvencies.

A formidable advocate.

He is super analytical, hands-on, efficient and extremely knowledgeable.

A very strong technical barrister.

3
Rory Brown
3
Band 3

Rory Brown is a noted junior who is well versed in a wide range of insolvency disputes. He comes highly recommended for his handling of insolvencies arising from large-scale frauds and multi-jurisdictional matters.

He has an incredibly calming presence in times of high stress and is reassuring, confident and a really powerful advocate.

3
Stephen Robins
3
Band 3

Stephen Robins KC is a well-regarded barrister who regularly appears before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in high-profile cases. His broad client base includes winding-up boards, administrators, and Chapter 11 and foreign trustees. His broad expertise also encompasses banking and finance, civil fraud and commercial dispute resolution.

He displays excellent drafting, robust oral advocacy and gives sound advice with a rapid turnaround.

He is incredibly versatile and an expert in insolvency, finance and fraud litigation. He is responsive, commercial and a great tactician.

He is superbly commercial and user-friendly as well as being a great lawyer.

He is not only a brilliant technical lawyer but is the definition of user-friendly, commercial, sensible and pragmatic.

He is razor-sharp and gets straight to the nub of the issue.

4
Andrew Shaw
4
Band 4

Andrew Shaw has a highly regarded restructuring and insolvency practice, and is particularly noted for his cross-jurisdictional expertise. He regularly acts for clients in personal insolvencies and administrations, and frequently sought to appear for administrators and trustees.

He quickly grasps the issues and provides responsive authoritative advice and is a wonderful team player.

He's incredibly commercial and user-friendly.

He is very robust on his feet and academically very good.

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

4
Edoardo Lupi
4
Band 4

Edoardo Lupi is a highly regarded junior with an impressive restructuring and insolvency practice. He is known for his work in domestic and cross-border proceedings.

Edoardo is excellent to work with, he is very calm, hardworking and clearly incredibly intelligent.

He wraps his head around complexities very quickly and produces clear and digestible opinions.

He is a blue-sky thinker who demonstrates superior sensitivity to client needs. He is always reliable and an excellent advocate.

Edoardo is incredibly knowledgeable and articulate whilst also being user-friendly and responsive to his clients' needs. He is always fully available, accommodating and solution-oriented.

4
Glen Davis KC
4
Band 4

Glen Davis KC attracts instructions from a diverse range of clients and offers specialist insight into commercial issues involving an insolvency aspect, particularly in the financial services sector. His diverse client base includes regulators, creditors and liquidators. He is routinely called upon to assist with fund collapses and international shipping insolvencies. He is also an accredited mediator, sitting on the INSOL panel of specialist insolvency mediators.

A gentleman who is clever, approachable and pragmatic in the way he deals with matters.

He is very user-friendly as well as being incredibly intelligent.

4
Hannah Thornley
4
Band 4

Hannah Thornley is a litigation expert who receives instructions from a broad range of clients, among whom she is able to count the Secretary of State. She has experience acting in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council.

4
Jeremy Goldring KC
4
Band 4

Jeremy Goldring KC has substantive experience in commercial litigation, restructuring and insolvency, and company law. He has a sterling reputation for his adroit handling of offshore matters, and is frequently called to the Bar in the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands. He regularly appears before UK courts at all levels, with experience in the Supreme Court and Commercial Court.

Jeremy is enormously experienced and has a really good conversational style of advocacy. He has a very good eye for the bigger picture and keeping a clear overview of things.

4
Oliver Hyams
4
Band 4

Oliver Hyams is a commercial barrister with noted expertise in fraud and insolvency. Hyams is frequently instructed by insurers, lenders and officeholders in relation to breach of duty and wrongful trading.

He's able to provide detailed analysis and undertake extensive research into complex topics.

A star of the future.

4
Robert Amey
4
Band 4

Robert Amey impresses for his practice encompassing personal and corporate insolvency proceedings. He is often instructed in matters relating to household names and cross-jurisdictional issues.

He is technically excellent with a thorough grasp of complex issues, which is a strong asset in high-pressured and rapidly evolving matters.

He's very practical and quick in his thinking.

He's really in the detail, incredibly pragmatic and very approachable.

Robert is very clever, diligent and all over the detail.

5
Jon Colclough
5
Band 5

Jon Colclough's practice is heavily focused on restructuring and insolvency claims. He regularly appears in complex matters which involve transactions, bankruptcy and Part 26A restructuring plans.

He is an excellent and outstanding technical lawyer who is brilliant on his advice and is a great advocate.

Jon is a junior who punches well above his weight in the insolvency and restructuring space. He has his eye on the commercials and what really matters and his written work is absolutely superb.

Jon continues to shine as an exceptional, pragmatic and smart counsel choice.

5
Kira King
5
Band 5

Kira King attracts praise for her specialised insolvency practice. As a former solicitor, Kira's practice benefits substantially from her prior experience and she is well-equipped to deal with the full range of restructuring and insolvency matters. She has experience appearing before all levels of court and is also called to the Bar in the British Virgin Islands.

Kira King provides really great advice and is great on her feet.

Madeleine Jones
5
Madeleine Jones
5
Band 5

Madeleine Jones is a well-regarded junior, with a busy restructuring and insolvency practice. She is frequently instructed on a variety of matters which include Part 26A plans and receivership orders. She also has experience acting unled.

She stands out in the set for her technical skills and her written and verbal advice is very concise and helpful.

Madeleine has a sharp legal mind and is highly effective in both written and oral advocacy.

She never disappoints with her clear and concise advice and representation.

She is pragmatic and realistic in her advice and strategy.

She is extremely bright and the quality of her paperwork is amazing.

U
Daniel Judd
U
Up and Coming

Daniel Judd is a highly sought after up-and-coming junior, with a fast growing restructuring and insolvency practice. He has appeared as sole counsel in complex claims and as part of larger teams, aiding in the restructuring of notable businesses.

Daniel is an excellent advocate and a clear, concise communicator. He has a genuine regard for his lay client and goes to great lengths to deliver on their requirements.

He turns things around very quickly, has strong drafting and is very clear in his advice.

He has high quality written work and great well prepared advocacy. He has a passion for the law and that shows in his work product and bedside manner.

U
Lottie Pyper
U
Up and Coming

Lottie Pyper is an up-and-coming junior noted for her strong cross-jurisdictional expertise. She has experience of insolvency and restructuring matters in the High Court and County Courts. She is praised for her judgement beyond her years.

She has very good attention to detail and is good at insolvency-related principals, in particular her research skills are very good and she writes well.

U
Paul Fradley
U
Up and Coming

Paul Fradley is an up and coming junior, with a promising restructuring and insolvency practice. He acts in sophisticated claims, representing notable clients in matters involving winding-up petitions and injunctions. He has experience appearing before all levels of the English courts and is called to the Bar in the British Virgin Islands.

Paul is commercially aware and pragmatic, which are important qualities in complex litigation. This means that, although he knows the law inside out, his advice is nonetheless tempered with realism.

He is incredibly proactive, very analytical and demonstrates skills above his call.

A superstar of the future.

Ranked Barristers at
South Square

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Restructuring/Insolvency

David Allison KC
Star Individuals
Tom Smith KC
Star Individuals
1
Daniel Bayfield KC
1
Band 1
1
Felicity Toube KC
1
Band 1
1
Mark Arnold KC
1
Band 1
1
Mark Phillips KC
1
Band 1
2
Richard Fisher KC
2
Band 2
3
Adam Al-Attar KC
3
Band 3
3
Barry Isaacs KC
3
Band 3
3
David Alexander KC
3
Band 3
3
Joseph Curl KC
3
Band 3
3
Stephen Robins KC
3
Band 3
4
Glen Davis KC
4
Band 4
4
Jeremy Goldring KC
4
Band 4

Juniors

London (Bar)

Restructuring/Insolvency

1
Charlotte Cooke
1
Band 1
1
Georgina Peters
1
Band 1
1
Hilary Stonefrost
1
Band 1
1
Marcus Haywood
1
Band 1
2
Clara Johnson
2
Band 2
2
Henry Phillips
2
Band 2
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