Ranking tables

Company | UK Bar

Western (Bar)

This section concentrates principally on barristers advising on transactional company matters. Work recognised within this broad category includes schemes of arrangement, M&A and corporate governance advice, in addition to contentious matters related to shareholder and partnership disputes. Please note that matters pertaining to insolvency are considered under Restructuring/Insolvency.

Rankings overview for Sets

1

  1. Hugh Sims KCGuildhall Chambers
2

  1. Stephen Davies KCEnterprise Chambers
1

  1. Andrew MarsdenCommercial Chambers
  2. Charlie Newington-BridgesSt John's Chambers
  3. Jeremy BamfordEnterprise Chambers
  4. Richard AscroftGuildhall Chambers
2

  1. James Wibberley Guildhall Chambers11 Years Ranked
  2. James Pearce-SmithSt John's Chambers

All Sets profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Guildhall Chambers
    1
    Guildhall Chambers
    Company
    2026 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked

    Guildhall Chambers is one of the leading sets on the Western Circuit, and its members act in a wide range of company and commercial disputes. The barristers regularly act in cases connected to shareholder disputes, breaches of directors' duties and insolvency matters. As well as company directors and shareholders, the team also advises those involved in partnerships and unincorporated associations. The set has significant experience handling unfair prejudice disputes and director disqualification proceedings. Recent work includes Re Mold Investments Ltd v Holloway & Jacques & Ors, defending Andrew Jacques in relation to misfeasance proceedings brought against him by Mold Investments. A source reports that Guildhall Chambers is "able to advise on a variety of commercial matters, with all manner of specialisms and strengths to tailor to complex situations".

    Joe Stayte is the practice manager.

2

Band 2

  1. Enterprise Chambers
    2
    Enterprise Chambers
    Company
    2026 | Band 2 | 6 Years Ranked

    Enterprise Chambers has gained a strong reputation for its ability to handle complex company law matters. Its members have in-depth expertise relating to a broad spectrum of company issues, including shareholder disputes, director disqualification proceedings and unfair prejudice petitions. The set also has a significant track record in complex corporate insolvency cases and often acts for shareholders and directors as well as liquidators and administrators. Commentators note that its barristers "fully understand the issues in question and provide thorough and practical advice".

    Justin Emmett is the practice manager in Bristol.

  2. St John's Chambers
    2
    St John's Chambers
    Company
    2026 | Band 2 | 15 Years Ranked

    The barristers at St John's Chambers offer significant expertise in a variety of company law matters, including unfair prejudice petitions and shareholder disputes. The set also has considerable experience in breach of warranty claims, breaches of fiduciary duty cases and trade secrets disputes. Its members advise a range of domestic and international clients. A recent work highlight was Re HLHP Oriental Food Ltd [2024] EWHC 497 (Ch), an unfair prejudice petition concerning a series of companies set up to operate Chinese restaurants in the UK. A source regards St John's Chambers as "a great set with approachable, dependable and knowledgeable lawyers".

    Rob Bocock is the practice manager.