Fraud: Civil
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7691 2424Chambers Review
XXIV Old Buildings is regularly instructed in fraud-related disputes involving offshore jurisdictions such as the BVI and the Channel Islands. The set is also noted for its expertise in domestic disputes, and its members are experienced in the handling of cases involving allegations of conspiracy, misappropriation and fraudulent transactions. The team is also well versed in obtaining and opposing applications for injunctive relief, such as disclosure, freezing and search orders. Recent work for the set includes Re Emerald Meats (London) Ltd concerning alleged breach of fiduciary duty in the management of a meat trading business now in liquidation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Head of clerking Paul Horsfield is very good."
"XXIV Old Buildings has very responsive clerks. Paul Horsfield is a treat to work with, a can-do guy."
"Head of clerking Paul Horsfield is very good."
"XXIV Old Buildings has very responsive clerks. Paul Horsfield is a treat to work with, a can-do guy."
Notable Practitioners
Edward Cumming KC is a talented silk with a busy commercial practice, which includes frequent civil fraud instructions. He is well regarded for his handling of matters involving banks.
"He is one of the most hard-working and practical KCs at the Bar at the moment."
"Edward can be a tenacious advocate, but gets into the detail to strip out what the case is all about."
Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is effective at dealing with large, multimillion-pound fraud and asset-tracing claims. Her practice also encompasses general commercial dispute resolution and traditional chancery. Many of her instructions have an international aspect.
"Elspeth is sensible and strategic. Her written advice is very clear."
"She can carry a court with ease and equally is very good with clients. She's just outstanding in terms of advocacy and client handling."
"She is just extremely clever and quick on her feet. She is a no-nonsense barrister who is a good advocate and goes straight to the point. She has the respect of everyone."
Stephen Moverley Smith KC handles substantial civil fraud litigation as part of a practice that also covers trusts, finance and insolvency. He has acted in numerous international cases relating to such jurisdictions as the BVI, Russia and Gibraltar.
"Stephen has breath-taking delivery in court: no grandstanding or theatrics, just pure acid delivery."
Steven Thompson KC has run a successful commercial practice in silk since being appointed in 2015, appearing in cases arising out of fraud in a number of jurisdictions. He has dealt with various allegations including breach of fiduciary duty and dishonest assistance. He is respected for his international experience in such jurisdictions as Russia, China, the BVI and Switzerland.
"He has an amazing skill to eat papers. The amount of work and heavy law he gets through is quite incredible. His procedural and substantive law of other jurisdictions is incredible."
"He is excellent - he's sensible and knows his stuff."
James Fennemore has increasing experience in civil fraud matters. He acts as a led junior in high-value, multiparty frauds involving investments, shareholder actions and fraudulent sales. He also has experience with interlocutory and interim applications.
"James is a very good drafter and very analytical."
"James is detail-oriented, responsive and everything you'd want in a junior."
"He is very clear and concise. He has an otherworldly cleverness and eye for detail."