Restructuring/Insolvency

Wilberforce Chambers is noted for its impressive work tackling both corporate and personal insolvency matters. Members are frequently called upon to undertake cases arising both in the UK and further afield, and offer significant expertise in the handling of complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. Market commentators note that "the barristers at Wilberforce are highly intelligent and extremely capable" and "have good experience on a range of insolvency matters," with particular areas of strength for the set spanning administrations, CVAs, restructurings and schemes of arrangement. The team is also regularly instructed in cases involving complex pensions and property elements, owing to the set's established strengths in these areas. An enviable client list includes creditors, debtors and insolvency office holders. Recent cases of note include defending a former director against wrongful trading and misfeasance claims worth over £160 million in relation to the collapse of BHS.

Practice director Nicholas Luckman "is very good at what he does, listens to the solicitor, is responsive and cares about the relationship."

"They are always communicative in clear, efficient terms and have a ready and commercial approach to an instructing solicitor's needs."

"The clerks' room is brilliant. They are really responsive and friendly."

Lexa Hilliard KC
Lexa Hilliard KC is an esteemed practitioner offering an impressive breadth of experience and expertise across all areas of insolvency law. She regularly takes instruction at both the domestic and international levels and has been instructed in relation to several offshore disputes in the Caribbean, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Her respected practice focuses predominantly on advisory work. "She's very good - approachable and personable as well as being an exceptional barrister." "She has a brilliant legal mind relating to cross-border insolvency, and her written analysis is impressive." "Lexa is brilliant: clear, concise and reads the court well."

Marcia Shekerdemian KC
Marcia Shekerdemian KC is regularly approached by clients seeking advice on corporate and personal insolvency cases. She has carved out a niche in the area of fraud and asset recovery work, and regularly acts in cross-border cases. She represents a variety of clients including directors, debtors, office holders and lenders. "She is a fantastic KC who leads from the front and seamlessly handles defensive and offensive litigation." "Marcia is our first choice in all contentious matters - a first-rate litigator and always first-rate on tactics and the court system." "Marcia is very easy to work with and an expert on insolvency matters."

Thomas Robinson
Thomas Robinson is well known for his adept representation of clients including the Pensions Regulator and continues to be a popular choice for international insolvency matters. He has experience appearing before the Supreme Court. "He invests himself in all aspects of a case and is on top of all of the points from the get-go." "Tom is incredibly bright, always calm and eloquent, has a great team ethic and is an absolute fighter." "He is absolutely superb."

Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis is highly popular in the market for his advocacy style and personable manner. He undertakes wide-ranging insolvency work, with a particular emphasis on claims arising from participation in tax avoidance schemes. He is also well regarded for his handling of professional negligence claims both for and against insolvency office holders. He is noted for his expertise in international insolvency matters. "He is very responsive, his drafting is excellent, and he is very commercial and very knowledgeable on this area of law." "He is an assured advocate, and his advice and knowledge of the insolvency courts fills you with confidence."

Bobby Friedman
Bobby Friedman has a broad commercial chancery practice which encompasses civil fraud, company and insolvency disputes. He is regularly instructed in both domestic and offshore matters, and is called in the British Virgin Islands. "He had a really easy, charming way about his submissions that kept the focus on the main issue." "Bobby works exceptionally well with solicitors and their teams at all levels. All in all, he is a great package of talent and he ticks so many boxes that you would always want him on your side." "He has an ability to cut through a case and focus on which stone to pick up and which stone to leave."

Clare Stanley KC
Clare Stanley KC is noted for her broad expertise covering trusts, company, fraud and insolvency. Stanley is often instructed on high-value, offshore insolvency matters across the Cayman Islands, Jersey and Guernsey, with a particular focus on proceedings involving complex offshore structures and asset tracing. "She's very responsive and gets to the point very quickly." "She's excellent in court and is always very well prepared."

James Bailey KC
James Bailey KC is a well-regarded silk who has a strong practice encompassing commercial chancery, company and insolvency law. He frequently plays a key role in major, high-profile cases. He is frequently involved in cases concerning misfeasance and wrongful trading claims, and has considerable expertise in handling contentious recovery work. "He is absolutely outstanding, his advocacy in particular and the way he deals with issues on his feet - he reads the room of the court very well." "He's fantastic; his submissions are very analytical."

Rachael Earle
Rachael Earle garners recognition for her individual and corporate insolvency practice, often bringing and defending claims against insolvency practitioners. She regularly defends office holders from claims of misfeasance or in relation to remuneration challenges. "Rachael is tenacious, driven and a great advocate." "She is an excellent advocate and a go-to on all insolvency matters." "She is knowledgeable and determined to go above and beyond for her clients."

Sri Carmichael
Sri Carmichael is regularly instructed in both corporate and personal insolvency matters. She fields considerable expertise in contentious insolvencies and has experience handling complex cases involving claims brought against directors. "She's very, very good on her feet and has excellent client-handling skills." "She is a great team player, always helpful and knowledgeable in her field of insolvency." "Sri is a fantastic junior who continues to perform to a very high standard in all areas of her practice."