Fraud: Civil | UK Bar

3 Verulam Buildings houses a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who are praised for their expert handling of complex and high-value fraud work. The barristers are noted for being "thoroughly modern, intensely hard-working and having a keen eye for strategy". The barristers are adept at representing corporations and high net worth individuals in fraud disputes stemming from allegations of bribery, conspiracy and misappropriation. Recent work for the set includes representing Jinxin in Jinxin v Aser Media, regarding a bribery and misconduct claim.

Stuart Pullum is the Director of Clerking.

Blackstone Chambers offers a wealth of expertise in multi-jurisdictional civil fraud claims. Members are described as "outstanding advocates who are extremely bright and able to get to grips with a huge amount of complex detail quickly". Barristers have significant experience of tackling high-profile litigation arising from allegations of conspiracy, dishonesty and misappropriation, and are well versed in obtaining or opposing applications for injunction relief. Recent instructions for the set include Black Cab Drivers v Uber, in which a conspiracy and fraud claim was made against Uber.

Derek Sutton and Adam Sloane both serve as joint senior clerks.

Brick Court Chambers boasts a strong bench with "barristers at the top of their game, who are able to provide the best technical advice". The Chambers is noted for its expert handling of high-value and sophisticated fraud disputes. Members are regularly called upon to represent a wide range of clients, including high net worth individuals and multinational corporations, in matters arising from allegations of bribery, conspiracy and misrepresentation. The team has considerable experience handling multi-jurisdictional claims. Recent instructions for the set include acting for NMC PLC in a audit negligence claim.

Paul Dennison and Tony Burgess are joint senior clerks.

Essex Court Chambers is described as a "top commercial set, with excellence across the range of practice areas." It houses a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who are experienced in the handling of large fraud cases both in the UK and further afield. Areas of expertise for the team include claims arising from allegations of misrepresentation, misappropriation and conspiracy, and the set's barristers are also well versed in seeking or opposing injunctions to freeze, trace and recover assets. Members have recently acted for defendants in Crane Bank Limited v DFCU Bank Limited regarding a claim involving dishonest assistance and unlawful means of conspiracy.

Joe Ferrigno is the senior clerk.

Fountain Court Chambers are regarded for being "simply excellent, they are highly personable and hard working barristers with excellent technical ability and soft skills." Members are well regarded for their effective representation of a wide range of clients, including several banks, high net worth individuals and leading corporates, in complex cases involving allegations of bribery, conspiracy and misrepresentation. Notable instructions for the set include acting for the lead claimant in Aabar Holdings v Glencore PLC, regarding claims of misleading statements.

Alex Taylor is the senior clerk.

One Essex Court offers considerable expertise in the handling of both domestic and international fraud-related matters. The set is praised for its "very high quality of junior and senior counsel, with both standout, industry-leading silks and a very deep bench of highly intelligent, commercial juniors". Members are regularly instructed to appear in litigation and arbitrations involving allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation, conspiracy, bribery and breach of fiduciary duty. The team is also noted for its strength in asset-tracing and recovery matters spanning multiple jurisdictions. Recent instructions include acting for Deutsche Bank in the enforcement of a judgement debt and representing Boohoo in claims involving misleading statements and omissions.

Darren Burrows is the senior clerk.

The barristers at 4 New Square Chambers are routinely instructed in international, high-profile fraud disputes covering a variety of sectors including the financial, energy and insurance sectors. The set appears in many offshore litigation matters and has notable experience in asset recovery and tracing, and in claims concerning allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation, unlawful means conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duties. Sources note that "this department has a set of barristers which have a wide and in-depth understanding of the law surrounding civil fraud, and are able to develop and implement strategies to effectively achieve a client's goal". Recent instructions for the set include Vneshprombank LLC v Georgy Bedzhamov & Ors, a fraud claim brought by a Russian bank in liquidation against a Russian businessman.

Lizzy Stewart is the senior clerk.

Maitland Chambers "has a strong and well deserved reputation for dealing with intricate commercial disputes and civil fraud cases." Members are adept at representing their clients through all stages of a claim, from the obtaining and opposing of freezing orders through to asset tracing and recovery proceedings. The set is regularly called upon to handle both domestic and international matters, and offers expertise in disputes arising in jurisdictions in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The set has recently acted for a group of shareholder claimants against Glencore, regarding alleged bribery and corruption.

John Wiggs is the direction of clerking.

The experienced commercial barristers at Serle Court are routinely instructed in high-profile fraud cases on both a domestic and international scale. Members offer significant expertise in claims involving allegations of bribery, as well as the tracing, freezing and recovery of assets across a wide range of jurisdictions. Several of the set's instructions involve offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the BVI, while the team is also regularly instructed in disputes arising in Russia and the Middle East. Sources note that "Serle Court is highly capable of handling complex and sophisticated matters, with barristers who are known for providing clear, pragmatic advice and delivering persuasive advocacy in high-stakes disputes." Recent instructions for the set include acting for defendants in İşbilen v Turk and Others, regarding a multimillion dollar international fraud claim involving investment vehicles and companies in jurisdictions including BVI, Cayman, Dubai and the USA.

Nicholas Hockney and Daniel Wheeler are joint practice directors.

Twenty Essex and its members are routinely instructed in both domestic and international fraud matters arising across the banking, energy and commodities sectors. The set's members are experienced in the handling of sophisticated disputes involving allegations of bribery, conspiracy and dishonesty, and appear for their clients both in complex litigation and in arbitral proceedings. An area of particular strength for the team is cyberfraud claims, including those concerning issues surrounding cryptocurrency and other technologies. Sources note that "their counsel are fiercely intelligent yet approachable and are not afraid to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in". Recent instructions for the set include acting for the claimant in Halimeda International Ltd v Maple Ridge Ltd, in an LCIA international arbitral claim.

Arron Zitver, Christopher Theobald and Anthony Carroll are the set's practice directors.

Wilberforce Chambers boats a strong bench of experienced barristers who are regularly instructed in high-value and multi-jurisdictional civil fraud disputes. The team is noted for its expert handling of cases involving offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and the BVI, as well as matters arising in Asia and Europe. Members offer expertise in claims stemming from allegations of misrepresentation, conspiracy and breach of duty. Cases involving complex jurisdictional issues and contempt proceedings are also key areas of strength for the set. The set has recently been instructed on Bourlakova & Ors v Bourlakov & Ors, acting for the defendant in a matter concerning the ownership of assets. Sources note that barristers from Wilberforce Chambers "combine intellectual rigor with commercial awareness and a client-focused approach."

Nicholas Luckman is practice director.

Drawing on the set's established expertise in banking, insolvency and commercial disputes, the barristers at 4 Stone Buildings also offer expertise in complex and high-value civil fraud disputes. The team is regularly instructed to act for liquidators, shareholders, creditors and directors, among other parties. Members are experienced in the handling of both domestic and international cases, and are well regarded for their expertise in matters involving cross-border insolvencies and worldwide asset tracing and recovery claims. Tenants have recently been instructed in cases including Byers v. Saudi National Bank, which is a Supreme Court appeal involving a multimillion dollar claim brought by the liquidators of two insolvent companies against a bank for knowing receipt of funds paid in breach of trust.

Sources note that "the barristers at 4 Stone Buildings display an in depth knowledge and experience in all aspects of civil fraud."

Ben Lashmar and Ryan Tunkel are joint senior clerks.

7 King's Bench Walk houses a strong team of senior and junior barristers experienced in the handling of complex and high-value civil fraud claims. The set is regarded as a strong choice for cross-jurisdictional matters, and is regularly instructed in cases arising in the energy and shipping sectors. Fraud claims involving difficult elements of insurance law are also a key strength for the team. Members are well versed in both obtaining and resisting freezing injunctions, and also routinely advise their clients on asset recovery. Sources note that "7KBW members are always supportive in achieving the best outcome for clients." The set has recently acted in VTB Bank v JSC Antipinsky Refinery and Sberbank of Russia, appearing for a Russian bank in claims alleging breach of contract, deceit and conspiracy.

Greg Leyden is the senior clerk.

Having gained a reputation for being a "pre-eminent insolvency set," members of South Square also attract praise for their civil fraud work and their "ability to handle complex multiparty litigation, of a high value, in a sophisticated, technical but also straightforward and calm manner." Members are regularly instructed on a full range of civil fraud claims involving fraudulent misrepresentation, asset recovery and breach of fiduciary duty. The set is also often involved in matters that have an offshore element, and members frequently appear before offshore courts. Recent instructions for the set include acting for Softbank in Credit Suisse v Softbank – Greensill, in relation to claims made by Credit Suisse arising out of the collapse of Greensill.

Dylan Playfoot is the senior clerk.

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 Voltaire Capital Holdings Ltd v Watson and others, where the claimant alleges that it was induced to invest in an FX trading business by misrepresentations by the defendants, who conspired to defraud the claimant. Sources comment that "counsel at XXIV Old Buildings are incredibly personable."

Paul Horsfield is the senior clerk.