Commercial Dispute Resolution | UK Bar

Brick Court lays claim to some of the leading practitioners in the market. Its barristers are regularly involved in the most high-value and high-profile matters. Recent highlights for members have included: The Public Institute for Social Security v Union Banque Privaire & Others, a cross-border fraud case brought by the Kuwaiti state pension fund; BTI v PwC, a high-value professional negligence claim against auditors; and Privat Bank v Kolomoisky et al., a USD2.6 billion claim alleging fraudulent diversion of funds from Ukraine's largest bank. One source comments: “Brick Court Chambers is a Rolls Royce set. Everyone there is very impressive."

Tony Burgess and Paul Dennison are the senior clerks.

Essex Court Chambers is regularly involved in some of the most high-value domestic and international commercial disputes. Recent highlights include: Google LLC & Google Ireland Limited v NAO Tsargrad Media & others, a claim for anti-enforcement injunctions in relation to Russian judicial penalties said to exceed £1.85 octillion; Public Institution for Social Security v Al Wazzan & others; and Magomedov v TPG, Transneft, among numerous other high-profile cases. The set has a deep pool of experts capable of handling commercial cases arising from many different legal areas, such as banking, civil fraud, energy and shipping, to name but a few. An interviewee notes: “Essex Court Chambers is capable of handling the most complex and sophisticated matters at the highest levels."

Joe Ferrigno is the senior clerk.

Fountain Court houses talented commercial litigators at all levels of seniority. Its barristers are regulars in the most high-value and eye-catching cases of the day, routinely appearing in the Commercial Court, Financial List and Chancery Division. Although best known for their skill in banking and finance cases, they undertake a truly broad sweep of work and have involvement in major matters across the commercial spectrum. Recent examples of significant cases handled include: Paccar Inc and Others v Road Haulage Association Limited & Another, a successful leapfrog appeal to the Supreme Count concerning the validity of the litigation funding agreement used in the high-profile trucks cartel case; ModernaTX Inc v Pfizer and BioNTech, a case arising out of the licensing of mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccinations; and

British Telecom v TalkTalk, a contractual dispute with significant implications across the telecommunications industry. Commentators state: "Fountain Court is superb at handling complex matters where sophisticated and nuanced advice is required." Another source remarks: “The team is incredibly strong, with great options at every level."

Alex Taylor is the senior clerk.

A set with profound commercial expertise that counts a number of the most well-known litigation barristers in the market within its ranks, solicitors select One Essex Court for the choicest disputes. Members have been involved in some of the most highly publicised cases of recent times, including: SKAT (the Danish Custom and Tax Administration) v Solo Capital Partners LLP and others, a high-profile fraud case; Municipio de Mariana v BHP, a group claim arising from the collapse of the Fundao Dam in Brazil with an estimated value of £36 billion; and The Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse International and Ors, a major piece of fraud and banking litigation. One commentator says: “I am really impressed by how they get to grips with complex matters quickly; they don't miss anything.” Another source remarks: “One Essex Court is a top-tier set for commercial disputes with unrivalled experience at the Commercial Bar."

Darren Burrows is the Senior Clerk.

3 Verulam Buildings' excellent reputation arises out of its involvement in headline-grabbing commercial cases. It is well regarded in the fields of banking and finance, financial services and fraud. Recent highlights include the following major cases: Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust & ORS v Barclays PLC, securities litigation brought by hundreds of institutional investors against Barclays regarding its securities trading facilities; various claimants v Mercedes-Benz Group AG and others, a group action brought by over a million claimants in England and Wales over alleged breaches of European law concerning Nitrogen Oxide emissions; and Jinxin Inc v Aser Media Ptd Limited, a case valued at approximately USD715 million concerning allegations of bribery and corruption in international sports media. One source calls it "a very fine all-round commercial set with high calibre across all ranks. Another comments: "3 Verulam Buildings is one of the best sets I've worked with for really complex commercial litigation." Stuart Pullum is the Director of Clerking.

A strong set with pronounced litigation experience across the commercial market that boasts widely recognised barristers capable of handling complex pieces of litigation. The lawyers here display particular acumen for cases involving banking and insurance. Recent examples include: CRF I Limited v Banco Nacional de Cuba & the Republic of Cuba, a high-profile claim brought by a commercial investor in historic Cuban debt, raising issues of state immunity; and Aon UK Limited, Aon Brasil Corretora De Resseguros Limitida and Aon plc v Howden Group Holdings Limited, a case involving the alleged "poaching" of Brazilian reinsurance units. The set also boasts a huge contingent of members offering advice on the Russian aircraft claims. One source comments: "They have tremendous depth and breadth of experience in all areas of insurance law, in particular." Another says that the set's barristers are "consistently brilliant across a broad spectrum of commercial matters." Greg Leyden is the senior clerk.

Blackstone Chambers' barristers are au fait with all manner of commercial cases, and are also particularly noted for their acumen in the fraud, financial services, sports law and competition worlds. They regularly get their teeth into the major cases of the day, such as: J.P. Morgan International Finance Ltd v Werealize.com Ltd, a substantial shareholder dispute; Illiquidx Ltd v Altana Wealth Ltd, a trial concerning alleged misuse of confidential information in relation to Venezuelan bonds; and Calor Gas v Walsall Gas Cylinders Ltd, claims brought for civil fraud in the liquefied petroleum gas industry. One source says that: "Blackstone barristers have excellent strategic minds and are able to provide creative solutions to novel legal issues." Another interviewee notes that: "Their advocates are wonderful – sensible and trustworthy."

Derek Sutton and Adam Sloane are the joint senior clerks.

Twenty Essex has excellent commercial litigation capability and barristers who are experienced in arguing matters in all of the highest courts. Barristers here have skill in a number of areas, including intellectual property, insurance, shipping, international arbitration and energy, and are particularly noted for their expertise in private international law. Recent examples of the set's work include: Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse, Privinvest & others, involving allegations of fraud, bribery, corruption and conspiracy relating to the financing of a fisheries fleet; Diag Human v Czech Republic, an international commercial court action; and the Abraaj case, the largest piece of litigation in the Cayman Islands. One source remarks: "Their ability to grasp complex issues quickly, coupled with outstanding advocacy and a keen eye for detail, makes them an invaluable asset on any case."

Arron Zitver, Christopher Theobold and Anthony Carroll are the practice directors.

4 New Square Chambers is highlighted by solicitors for "a reputation built on exceptional advocacy and an unwavering dedication to client needs." The set's barristers are well acquainted with high-value, domestic commercial cases, and also gain recognition for their involvement in high-profile cross-border litigation. Recent examples of the set's impressive work include: EuroChem v Various Banks, a sanctions dispute involving on-demand bonds; Aabar Holdings Sarl & Ors v Glencore Plc & Ors, a major securities action brought by several hundred institutional investors; and Magomedov & Others v TPG & Others, a USD14 billion conspiracy claim. Lizzy Stewart is the senior clerk and CEO.

4 Stone Buildings marshals considerable litigation expertise and has long experience of appearing in landmark disputes. Recent examples include Hulley Enterprises Ltd v The Russian Federation, in which the former owners of Yukos are seeking to enforce an over USD50 billion arbitration award against the Russian state, as well as Karam Al Sadeq v Dechert LLP and three others, a high-profile case involving allegations of human rights abuses by the global law firm Dechert. Its members also continued to appear in Autonomy Corporation v Michael Lynch, a very large-scale fraud case. A commentator notes: “This set offers specialised knowledge in niche areas and has a proven track record in complex cases, excelling in advocacy and client relations."

Ben Lashmar and Ryan Tunkel are the joint senior clerks.

Maitland Chambers is a set whose members are well versed in a wide range of areas of commercial litigation, and who are especially well known for handling company and insolvency-related disputes and cases involving allegations of civil fraud. Members are regularly involved in international cases, and are routinely selected to appear in the most complex of trials. Recent work includes: the Magomedov case, a claim for USD13.8 billion by a jailed Russian oligarch regarding the hostile takeover of a Russian logistics company; UC Rusal Plc v Crispian Investments Ltd, a mismanagement and breach of shareholders agreement dispute; and Ivanishvili & Ors v Credit Suisse Life (Bermuda) Limited, a high-profile fraud case concerning life insurance premiums. An interviewee comments that Maitland Chambers houses "some of the highest rated barristers in England and Wales."

John Wiggs is the director of clerking.

Members of Quadrant Chambers maintain busy commercial dispute practices and regularly receive an abundance of both domestic and international instructions. Recent matters include: Orlen Trading Switzerland GmBH v Hannon International Middle East DMCC, a series of high-value disputes concerning the non-performance of an oil supply contract; Google v Tsargrad Media & others, a widely reported case regarding the enforcability of Russian judicial penalties amounting to many billions times global GDP; and Union Properties v Al Hammadi, Khouri and others, a claim regarding unlawful means conspiracy involving novel points of jurisdictional law in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. The set's barristers are highlighted for their insight on complex matters. A commentator praises the set as having "a real depth of quality barristers who share this ability to get to the heart of a matter and provide clear-cut commercial advice."

Simon Slattery is the senior clerk.

A regular presence in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division, Serle Court is a set noted for its work on extremely high-value commercial disputes, particularly those involving civil fraud. Individuals at the set regularly guide clients through the most stressful and complex cases in the market, many of which are international in scope. Recent cases include: Município de Mariana v BHP Group, a major group action on behalf of victims of the Fundão Dam disaster; Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan, a high-value fraud claim; and Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse AG & Others, a USD3 billion claim arising out of the 'Tuna bonds' scandal. Its members also continue to play a role in the Diesel Emissions group litigation. A source commented that the set's "incredibly intelligent and impressive team is able to unpick and understand complex issues."

Nicholas Hockney and Daniel Wheeler are the practice directors.

Wilberforce Chambers has at its disposal a strong bench of commercial barristers, with particularly impressive capability at silk level. Its members are capable of handling a wide spectrum of commercial matters, including cases arising out of company law, insolvency and civil fraud. The set's barristers are well known for their ability to represent clients in international disputes and regularly appear in a range of jurisdictions, such as Hong Kong, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Recently, its members have appeared in Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan and others, a high-value fraud claim; Steenbok & Anr v Formal Holdings and others, a case arising from a major South African public sector accounting fraud scandal; Invest Bank v El-Husseini, a claim seeking relief under Section 423 of the Insolvency Act; and Bourlakova & Others v Bourlakov & Others, a USD3 billion family dispute concerning alleged fraud. Its members also continue to act on Tulip LLP v Bitcoin Association, a very high-profile case from the crypto sector. One interviewee commented: "If a matter is extremely complicated, then Wilberforce is the first choice."

Nicholas Luckman is the practice director.

4 Pump Court exhibits marked capability in the commercial litigation market and has expertise spanning a wide range of disciplines, such as construction, energy, insurance and shipping. Its barristers adroitly tackle international mandates, steering clients through cases across the globe, including in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Members have been involved in a number of high-profile mandates recently, including numerous claims against insurers made by lessors and owners of aircraft stranded in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine; Palmali, Mansimov and others v Socar and others, a series of disputes involving allegations of terrorist funding, theft and embezzlement; and Tata Consulting Services v DBS, a major public procurement case. A source praises the team's "exceptional advocacy." Another reports "they are my go-to set for any commercial dispute, whether at KC or junior level." Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are the senior clerks.

Littleton Chambers has a highly creditable domestic and international commercial dispute resolution practice. Its barristers are recognised for their involvement in widely publicised cases, including those from different jurisdictions. Recent examples of the complex work handled by the barristers at Littleton Chambers include: Department of Health v PPEMedPro, a widely reported case related to the supply of surgical gowns during the pandemic; Jinxin Inc v Aser Media PTE Limited and others, a claim based on alleged fraudulent misrepresentations during the sale of a stake in an international sports media business; and Athena Capital Fund v Secretariat of the Holy See, an action seeking declaratory relief in respect of a high-value property transaction in Chelsea’s Sloane Avenue. With an impressive record across the market, its barristers are often called upon to represent clients before the highest courts. One source comments: “Littleton Chambers has an excellent spread of quality and expertise that is unmatched by other commercial chambers."

Jason Drakeford is the senior clerk.

South Square operates a thriving commercial dispute practice, and houses a strong bench of leading silks and juniors. Its practitioners are active in sophisticated litigation, with recent cases handled by the team including high-profile disputes relating to the collapse of Greensill Capital; the Port Fund litigation, a USD100 million private equity dispute involving Kuwaiti authorities; and the Adler case, the first restructuring plan to reach the Court of Appeal. The set is the clear market leader for commercial cases arising out of insolvency, and is noted for being "quickly able to get to grips with any degree of complexity. In fact, the barristers add more value the more complex the matter is."

Dylan Playfoot is the senior clerk.

XXIV Old Buildings possesses significant talent in the commercial litigation sphere at both silk and junior level, and has barristers who are praised by interviewees for their “exceptionally high quality of advice and advocacy”. It is regularly involved in key cases across the sector. By way of example, recent matters handled by the tenants include Public Institution for Social Security v Al Rajaan and others, a £1.2 billion fraud claim. The set has also continued its involvement in Ivanishvili v Credit Suisse, a claim by a Georgian billionaire against a subsidiary of a Swiss bank arising out of allegedly fraudulent acts. Barristers here are not only experienced in handling disputes in the UK, but also frequently act in cases overseas, and have noteworthy experience in jurisdictions in the Middle East and the Caribbean, among many others.

Paul Horsfield is the head of clerking.

The barristers at 2 Temple Gardens are routinely retained by clients seeking representation in commercial disputes involving companies in the UK and overseas, and have a particular flair for litigation involving contract disputes. Members of "the super-responsive and friendly team" act across a broad range of industry sectors including financial services, insurance and reinsurance, construction, healthcare, sport and leisure, and energy. Recent work includes the USD14 billion claim concerning alleged unlawful means conspiracies and bribery brought by Ziyavudin Magomedov, as well as the highly publicised Russian Aircraft litigation.

Erskine Chambers stands out for its considerable strength in litigation, and has an experienced silk bench capable of handling multi-jurisdictional disputes. Its barristers have a strong track record in the market, and have had continued involvement in Re Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited, a high-value shareholder dispute arising from a USD5.5 billion restructuring, as well as Athene Holdings Ltd v Imran Siddiqui and others, a widely reported trade secrets case. A source reports Erskine Chambers to be the "go-to set for complex and cutting-edge corporate law advice."

Michael Shillingford and Alex Calder are the joint senior clerks.

Gatehouse Chambers is home to talented silks and juniors who are regularly sought out for both domestic and cross-border matters, and have appeared in cases stretching as far afield as the Middle East and the Caribbean. Well known for their capabilities in dispute resolution, members at the set make regular appearances before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The barristers here continue to handle complex cases, such as Skatteforvaltningen v Solo Capital Partners, a claim bought by the Danish Tax Authority relating to alleged tax fraud, and Various claimants vs Vodafone Limited, a high-profile £160 million claim brought against Vodafone by 62 of its franchisees. A commentator reports that barristers here have "a nonpareil ability to dissect complex evidence and cut through to the heart of a case, offering clear, strategic advice and compelling advocacy even in the messiest of disputes."

Elliot Langdorf is the practice director.

Henderson Chambers is noted for its historic and ongoing group action expertise and is said to be "adaptive and innovative" in its approach. Members also demonstrate expertise in commercial disputes arising from economic torts and product defects. Examples of recent cases include acting for 50% shareholders of leading F1 engineering business Cosworth Group in unfair prejudice proceedings, and Your Lawyers v Therium, a Court of Appeal case concerning the scope of economic torts.

Jason Housden is the chambers director.

Although more immediately recognisable for its market-leading competition law offering, Monckton Chambers has made a concerted effort to enter the mainstream CDR market and enjoyed some success in this regard. Through the nurturing of existing talent and lateral hires, it has built up a compact team that receives instructions from a cluster of major firms including the likes of Clifford Chance, Arnold & Porter and Addleshaw Goddard. Its members handle cases in a number of areas including banking, company, energy, insolvency and shipping and have achieved international penetration, handling matters relating to the BVI, Saudi Arabia and Russia and the CIS states, as well as the Channel Islands. Commentators say that the barristers here show "smart, out of the box thinking and have an understanding of the client's budgetary concerns." Recent cases include LA Micro Group Ltd v LA Micro Group Inc, a Supreme Court case dealing with a dispute concerning ownership of an associated UK business involved in the computer industry.

David Hockney and John Keegan are the joint senior clerks.

Radcliffe Chambers houses barristers experienced across a broad variety of commercial disputes. One commentator calls them "bright, smart and effective." The set demonstrates particular expertise across company, pensions and insolvency disputes, with its members regularly featuring in the High Court and the Chancery Division. Recent cases include Lee Ch v Kin Ming Je and Sin Ting Rong, a billion-dollar fraud case, and Last Bus (Dublin) Limited v Dawsongroup Bus And Coach Limited and Evobus Limited, a widely reported dispute concerning the constraints on exclusion clauses in high-value commercial contracts.

John Clark is the head of clerking.