XXIV Old Buildings offers expertise in both domestic and international insolvency matters, and its members are highly regarded for their handling of cases arising in offshore jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and the Isle of Man. Areas of expertise for the team include complex administrations, liquidations and both company and individual voluntary arrangements. The set's barristers are also well versed in directors' disqualification proceedings and asset tracing and recovery matters.
Client service:
"The clerking service at XXIV Old Buildings is very good." "The clerks do a good job all around and are always keen to help out." Paul Horsfield is head of clerking.
Strengths:
Alan Steinfeld QC Alan Steinfeld QC stands out for his active practice in offshore jurisdictions, notably the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands. He also routinely advises clients in significant domestic litigation.
"He's amazingly insightful and an absolute delight to work with - a marvellous advocate."
Strengths:
Hugh Miall Hugh Miall is a well-regarded junior with a broad insolvency and restructuring practice spanning both contentious and non-contentious work. He is particularly adept at advising on cross-border matters and foreign insolvencies. He also offers expertise in asset recovery after bankruptcy or liquidation, claims involving antecedent transactions and misfeasance, IVAs and CVAs and winding-up proceedings.
"His advice is very commercial, he's practical and he distils technical legal issues into clear layman's terms."
Recent work: Instructed as sole counsel to Manolete Partners in actions to recover sums in excess of GBP7 million from directors for breaches of their fiduciary duties and payments of unlawful dividends.
Strengths:
Stephen Moverley Smith QC Stephen Moverley Smith QC attracts major international instructions owing to his deep experience in cross-border matters. He frequently appears in courts in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, as well as the Privy Council. He has a particularly robust reputation in the area of offshore work and trusts.
"He's sensible, measured and approachable."
Strengths:
Stuart Adair Stuart Adair is a popular choice for clients seeking high-quality advice on both contentious and non-contentious matters in the insolvency arena. He is frequently instructed in the most litigious disputes and has expertise in cases concerning claims of misfeasance, fraudulent trading and setting aside prior transactions.
"He's charming and a very good advocate."
Recent work: Acted for a former director and shareholder of Medway Fuels, which was in insolvent liquidation.
