About

Provided by St John's Chambers

Our Company team has extensive experience acting for companies, directors and shareholders in a broad range of disputes. Several members are ranked in the top tiers of Chambers UK and The Legal 500, reflecting the team’s depth of expertise and reputation.

We are regularly instructed in shareholder disputes, including unfair prejudice petitions under section 994 Companies Act 2006, as well as disputes concerning Share Purchase Agreements, warranty claims and restrictive covenants. Our barristers frequently advise and act in cases involving directors’ duties, including breaches of statutory and fiduciary obligations, and in derivative actions.

The team has represented companies in high-value and complex claims involving bribery, secret commissions, and the misuse of confidential information and trade secrets. We also advise on insolvency issues and company administration matters such as general meetings and governance disputes.

Our barristers are recognised for pragmatic, commercially-focused advice that is clear, timely and aligned with clients’ business goals. We act for businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to FTSE-100 companies, across sectors and industries, and are instructed by leading law firms across the South West, South Wales and nationwide. With experience at every level of the courts, we are well equipped to handle urgent applications for freezing orders, search orders and injunctions.

Chambers Review

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Company - Western (Bar)

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

The barristers at St John's Chambers offer significant expertise in a variety of company law matters, including unfair prejudice petitions and shareholder disputes. The barristers also have considerable experience in breach of warranty claims, breaches of fiduciary duty cases and trade secrets disputes. The members advise a range of domestic and international clients. A recent work highlight for the set was Capital Green Recycling v Bird, a claim for damages for misrepresentation and breach of warranty.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

2
Charlie Newington-Bridges
2
Band 2

Charlie Newington-Bridges is known for his work in company and chancery litigation, with a particular skill for understanding complex financial details. He has experience appearing before both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Charlie is excellent. He is very responsive, considered and methodical in his approach. He also instils confidence in the clients and is very good in court.

2
James Pearce-Smith
2
Band 2

James Pearce-Smith has a broad practice, spanning commercial litigation, company disputes and insolvency cases. He draws on his experience as a commercial litigation solicitor as well as handling traditional chancery work. He is noted for his expertise in professional negligence cases. He is particularly adept at handling shareholder disputes and claims involving share purchase agreements.

James is absolutely superb at trial. He is fantastic on cross-examination and very calm under pressure.

2
John FH Dickinson
2
Band 2

John Dickinson is recognised for his wide-ranging practice which includes chancery work and commercial litigation, with a specialism in company disputes. He advises on breach of company registration issues, warranty claims and shareholder disputes as well as professional negligence cases.

John is very thorough and able.

Ranked Barristers at
St John's Chambers

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Band

Juniors

Western (Bar)

Company

2
Charlie Newington-Bridges
2
Band 2
2
James Pearce-Smith
2
Band 2
2
John FH Dickinson
2
Band 2