Maxim Cardew

Maxim practises in all areas of commercial chancery litigation, with a particular emphasis on property, company and insolvency, and the law of charities. Many of his cases raise issues that intersect with his other areas of expertise. He acts for both corporate and private clients, and is frequently instructed by or against government bodies and other regulators.

He regularly appears in both the High Court (both led and unled) and in the County Court. He has considerable experience of both trials and interlocutory applications and hearings.

In addition to being recommended in Chambers & Partners, Maxim is ranked by the Legal 500 as a Leading Junior in all three of his principal areas of practice (Real Estate Litigation, Insolvency, and Charities). He is described as being “incredibly diligent and precise” and able to “pick up complex instructions and analyse very significant volumes of evidence in a short space of time.” His knowledge of charity law matters is said to be “formidable”.

He is currently instructed on a number of the most prominent cases in his field, including Butler-Sloss v The Charity Commission (regarding trustees’ duties of investment), In the matter of Carillion Plc (in liquidation) (regarding the disqualification of the former directors of Carillion), and the CMA’s investigation into residential leasehold housing.

Maxim read Philosophy & Theology at Oriel College, Oxford, where he obtained the Top First in his Honour School. He also holds an MA in Philosophy (Distinction) from King’s College London. He is a keen musician and athlete.