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XXIV Old Buildings

Aviation

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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XXIV Old Buildings

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Aviation - London (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

XXIV Old Buildings deploys a wealth of expertise across a broad range of aviation matters. The set's strong silks and juniors are recognised for their handling of complex product liability, negligence and insurance claims in the industry. Members here regularly handle high-value litigation both for and against major operators, airports and owners in matters pertaining to aircraft leases, repossessions and contractual disputes. Barristers at the set are particularly adept at advising airlines on compensation claims and other insolvency issues. Recent work highlights for the set include acting for airlines and claimants in disputes regarding maintenance reserves, and handling cases involving Regulation 261 and leasing claims. Commentators say the barristers are "savvy with respect to the aviation sector and its intricacies. They are hard-working and creative in delivering results." Paul Horsfield is the Head of Clerking.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Paul Horsfield is a fantastic head clerk and really focused on understanding what solicitors need from a team.

    Aviation respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are very responsive. They are always happy to help and very informative.

    Aviation respondentUK Bar

  • Senior practice manager Lyndon Tiller is particularly good. He really understands the subject area and is really good at matching up people.

    Aviation respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Bajul Shah
    Bajul Shah

    Bajul Shah

    Bajul Shah is an experienced junior whose strong market profile is built on his broad experience in the aviation sphere. He is regularly instructed to handle cases related to leasing, contractual and insolvency disputes, a number of which involve difficult points of law. An impressive client roster includes bodies from across the spectrum of the industry, including lessors, lessees and airlines.

    • Bajul is a highly experienced and well-respected advocate.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • Bajul is a superb barrister who is way ahead of almost everyone else. He has it all, as he's both a good advocate and a terrific black-letter lawyer.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • Absolutely outstanding at drafting points and someone who gets to grips with the full details of the claim with incredible speed. He's very effective and also excellent with clients.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar
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  • Max Archer
    Max Archer

    Max Archer

    Max Archer is a junior with a particular focus on acting for injured claimants. He also offers experience representing aviation manufacturers involved in aircraft accidents, and further handles aviation-related commercial disputes. The Montreal Convention 1999 is another area of particular interest.

    • Very smart and very articulate, he understands the broader concepts in the case, and he simplifies issues well. His advocacy is smooth, and he holds the court's attention.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • Instructed by both claimants and defendants, all of whom attest to his brilliance.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • Really robust, good on his feet and truly excellent. He has the beating of most he comes across.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar
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  • Erin Hitchens
    Erin Hitchens

    Erin Hitchens

    Erin Hitchens is increasingly sought out as junior counsel in difficult commercial disputes. She has notable experience in complex leasing and insurance matters and is often instructed in significant cases in the aviation sector by aircraft leasing and airline clients.

    • She shows a full understanding of the law and procedure and adopts a commercial and strategic approach to litigation which is welcomed by clients.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • A brilliant senior junior, who's very knowledgeable about aviation and is totally at home in the Commercial Court.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar
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  • Heather Murphy
    Heather Murphy

    Heather Murphy

    Heather Murphy is an esteemed junior counsel in the realm of aviation. She has a wide range of experience acting in matters involving leasing and economic distress. Murphy has experience at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court.

    • Concise, straight to point, assertive and so clear when dealing with the clients, which is really appreciated by them.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar
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  • Steven Thompson
    Steven Thompson

    Steven Thompson

    Steven Thompson KC acts in aviation cases as a significant part of his broader commercial practice, with disputed leases and maintenance contracts forming the core of his workload. He has a wealth of knowledge in relation to insolvency cases in the aviation sector and has notable expertise in handling complex technical matters.

    • Steven is terrific as he's strategically astute, very thoughtful and really creative when handling difficult issues. He has a clarity of expression that makes difficult concepts seem straightforward.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • He is immensely knowledgeable and tactically astute, as well as a pleasure to deal with.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar
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  • Edward Cumming
    Edward Cumming

    Edward Cumming

    Edward Cumming is well versed in a range of aviation matters. He regularly represents clients in contentious matters relating to the maintenance and manufacture of aircraft. His work in the field of aviation complements his accomplished practice in the broader field of commercial litigation.

    • Edward is vastly intelligent, and also open and easy to deal with. He's the perfect counsel.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • An incredibly impressive person and a highly talented man.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • He's the real deal who really does walk the walk. He's got a great charm about him, which when it comes to judges can be half the battle.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar
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  • Tom Stewart Coats
    Tom Stewart Coats

    Tom Stewart Coats

    Tom Stewart Coats handles a range of complicated disputes in the aviation industry. He is noted for his work in commercial aviation and complex regulatory disputes.

    • Tom is good on the advocacy; he's a confident junior who argues well.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar

    • Tom always goes the extra mile. He delivers thorough, thoughtful and user-friendly advice. No stone is left unturned.

      Aviation respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at XXIV Old Buildings (7)

London (Bar)

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