Commercial Dispute Resolution: London

A majority of the leading commercial solicitors' firms feels that Brick Court still has an edge over nearly all of its rivals.  The set's quality and depth is such that it can provide excellent counsel in leading cases however large they may be. Consistently good advice and representation is offered at a chambers that is further noted for the fact that "you can have a sensible discussion about fees." The result of all this is that Brick Court members involve themselves in some of the most important cases around. Recent examples include Stone & Rolls v Moore Stephens, American Reliance Insurance Company v Willis, Fiona Trust and Holding Corporation v Privalov, Buncefield and the TAG litigation.  

The set is highly fortunate in having Jonathan Sumption QC in its ranks. Sumption, "simply the biggest name at the Commercial Bar," was described by one of his rivals as "a danger to traffic because he can win pretty much any cases through his flawless advocacy." He stands apart due to his "magnificent presentation in court - he presents complex notions in a logical, crisp and clear way, so much better than anyone else." One solicitor commented of his reply in the Stone & Rolls v Moore Stephens case: "It was just stunning. Even the judges seemed amazed."  Sumption is by no means the only big name here though. Mark Hapgood QC is "both a brilliant lawyer and an utterly decent man." "Brilliant on his feet, he is a succinct advocate; he is always on top of the facts and figures in a case." He obtained a very fine result in Chase v Springwell, a major case relating to the negligent mis-selling of derivatives.

Mark Howard QC is "a man who has a lot of the Sumption about him; he's that good." Although banking and finance is his true specialism he is excellent at all species of commercial litigation. He gives "clever, shrewd and realistic advice," but is, above all, "a master cross-examiner." "He's the man for a difficult case that involves a lot of advocacy as he is a devastatingly powerful cross-examiner on fact-heavy cases" such as BSkyB v EDS and Yugraneft v Roman Abramovich & Millhouse, both of which he featured in. Howard's head of chambers jointly with Jonathan Sumption is Jonathan Hirst QC. "Robust, hard-nosed and always commercially minded when in court," Hirst is known for “always sticking to his guns.” This "very tough litigator" appeared in Lion v Firebuy, and was also leading counsel for the London Development Authority in the first litigation to reach trial involving the 2012 London Olympics.

Andrew Popplewell QC is another robust performer who "comes right off the fence and tells you how it is." "Concise and persuasive in his addresses, he cuts to the essence of a case and ignores irrelevancies." These qualities were recently exhibited when he appeared in the Fiona Trust v Privalov cases. “Reassuringly sure-footed,” Charles Hollander QC “brings a fantastic cerebral approach to cases, is extremely clever and preps cases thoroughly from a very early stage.” His propensity for picking up the issues very quickly and offering sound advice contributed to his recently being instructed in the 'Son of TAG' litigation. Sir Sydney Kentridge QC may not have as busy a practice as he once did, but this is by virtue of the fact that "he is so eminent that he can pick and choose those cases that interest him." He brought his "brilliant mind and graceful presence" to bear in President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea v Logo Limited, a high-profile case arising out of an attempted coup d'état against the government of Equatorial Guinea.

George Leggatt QC's recently represented the claimant in American Reliable Insurance Co v Willis, a USD250 million fraud case. He "produces work of such incredible quality that he plainly earns the respect of the court.” “Very approachable and a man who provides intellectually sound analysis,” Neil Calver QC is another of the set's big players. He recently acted as lead counsel for AGF in Wasa and AGF v Lexington. “Known for his warm manner and tireless dedication to his cases,” Andrew Lydiard QC continues to have a flourishing practice. Major arbitrations as well more general commercial litigation form much of his caseload. Equally busy, Tom Adam QC has been involved in many significant cases of late, not least of which was Stone & Rolls v Moore Stephens. “Always able to think his way around a problem, he is an asset to any team.”

A “star in the making,” Helen Davies QC is “highly responsive, clever and a good businesslike advocate.” She recently acted with Andrew Popplewell QC in Berezovsky v Abramovich. Praised for being “a clear thinker at all times,” Catharine Otton-Goulder QC can count ExxonMobil among her clients. That company turned to her when making a claim following the Venezuelan government's expropriation without compensation of all of the company's interests in the exploitation of oil reserves in the Orinoco belt. Other silks recommended here include Richard Lord QC, whose “very concise approach" makes him "the type of barrister a solicitor can take their clients to see with confidence” and Michael Swainston QC. Swainston "uses forcefulness to his advantage in an incredibly smart way when in court.”

Brick Court had a number of its members involved in the high-profile Buncefield litigation. One of these was Simon Birt, "a pragmatic lawyer who is a pleasure to work with.” He is one of the set's brightest juniors as is Richard Slade is a “master of the courtroom” who recently assisted in obtaining a USD12 billion worldwide freezing order following the decision by Venezuela’s president to cancel a joint venture agreement with Mobil Oil. Others recommended include Alec Haydon, who "has had something of a purple patch recently." Illustrative of this, he appeared in both BSkyB v EDS and HSBC v First Avenue. Stablemate Roger Masefield, meanwhile, worked on GM v RSA, a multibillion-dollar anti-suit injunction. He is credited with having "an extremely acute mind." Finally here, Simon Salzedo is an “all-round star, whatever the subject matter.” His recent matters include Masri v Consolidated Contractors.

Essex Court Chambers "provides consistently good advice and achieves consistently good results" for a client base that is second to none. It displays strength in all areas of commercial litigation and offers “a service that manages to blend friendliness with the utmost professionalism.” Its head of chambers for 17 years now is Gordon Pollock QC. “A very bright, extremely quick and thoroughly fluent advocate,” he is a veteran of some of the biggest litigation of recent years. One of his recent cases was the Buncefield litigation, where he turned in his usual forceful performance.

Joe Smouha QC has wide experience of litigation and arbitration in many different jurisdictions. That he should be so in-demand is a result of his “remarkable people skills and unfaltering clear thinking.” He has been in some of the big cases of the year including the Trafigura matter and Centrica v Accenture. Praised for being “fast, clever, efficient and affable,” Vernon Flynn QC's practice includes advisory work and advocacy in the highest courts both at home and abroad. Solicitors favour him for all manner of commercial cases, and especially prize him for his skill in obtaining injunctions. Fellow silk Bernard Eder QC was recently seen in a USD100 million case in the Court of Appeal. He has “a very impressive, retentive memory and is good at identifying what's important in a case.” 

David Foxton QC's major matters of late include Cherney v Deripaska. "A charming and self-effacing man," he is "an advocate of formidable brilliance,” who further cemented his reputation when being instructed in Financial Services Compensation Scheme v Abbey National ­Treasury Services and NDF ­Administration. Also recommended among the silks here is “tenacious and thorough” Andrew Hochhauser QC, who has recently been involved in the construction of a commercial agency and supply agreement, interim injunctions and boardroom disputes. He enjoys the full support of the market along with the “quietly-spoken but tigerish” Richard Millett QC. Millett is popular with solicitors as he “always finds a new slant to a case in order to solve a problem.” They also applaud the “enormously experienced" Steven Berry QC. Berry "never loses sight of the battle" when appearing in some of the juiciest litigation around, such as Fiona Trust v Privalov. Also popular among solicitors, Richard Jacobs QC is an “unbelievably clever” advocate who acted in Harris v Lloyd’s, a case relating to the Lloyd’s insurance market.

Geraldine Andrews QC has a broad international practice, and has received instructions to appear in cases in locations as far-flung as the Far East and Mainland China. Like her, “very analytical” Jeffrey Gruder QC is constantly busy. He recently represented Entel, a Bolivian state-owned telephone company, in an important and ground-breaking Court of Appeal case which considered the availability of an asset-freezing injunction in the context of an ICSID arbitration. Finally among the silks, John Lockey QC has been acting in a number of major insurance and reinsurance market disputes in the past couple of years. Examples of his recent cases include Equitas v Allstate. 

Paul Stanley uses his "enormous brain” on civil and commercial fraud and asset recovery cases, and has extensive experience in this field. He is a popular junior at the set as is Ricky Diwan, a man with a major international commercial arbitration practice. Diwan's recent sorties include Fiona Trust v Privalov, a claim for damages in excess of USD400 million. Nathan Pillow also played a role in this case, and is complimented on his “very high-quality addresses in court.” Another praised junior here is Stephen Houseman. He appeared to good effect in Digicel v Cable & Wireless. Recognised for being “especially excellent on freezing injunctions and disclosure orders,” Paul McGrath enjoys the full confidence of solicitors. They also favour Edmund King, a lawyer who is widely regarded as being "very much on the up." He recently acted for the bondholders of Polish mobile phone group Elektrim in a major piece of litigation. Also recommended is the “robust” James Collins, who is praised for “always spotting an angle or adding a point that others might miss.” 

Commercial litigation is the lifeblood of Fountain Court Chambers. Members of the set are regularly involved in the key matters of the day often appearing against each other. Recent cases handled include boxclever, NatWest v Rabobank, the Springwell litigation and the Tajik Aluminium dispute. Indeed, such is the set's standing that it contributed no fewer than 11 barristers to the bank charges litigation case that received so much publicity recently. "Responsive barristers and fun, flexible clerks" abound at a set that is firmly at the forefront of the commercial litigation market. 

Among the leading names at the set is the “highly knowledgeable and experienced” Anthony Boswood QC, who was counsel in the House of Lords case Charter PLC & Charter Central Finance Limited v City Index Limited & Others. He is a heavyweight performer as is Michael Brindle QC. “An impressive presence in court,” he is praised for being “able to work extremely well with solicitors: he's a definite lawyer's lawyer.” Brindle recently acted in the much-publicised Sheffield United FC v West Ham United. Bankim Thanki QC is fast achieving a reputation on a par with these two. "Hard-working and with a formidable intellect," he has been making serious waves since taking silk in 2003. A recent highlight for him was appearing for Lloyds TSB in the bank charges litigation.

Credited for ��inspiring confidence due to his cool head and superb eye for detail,” David Railton QC acted on behalf of the defendant insurers in Standard Life v Oak Dedicated. He also had a role in one of the choice disputes of this year, Stone & Rolls v Moore Stephens, where he acted for the claimant. Timothy Howe QC's matters of late include acting in Ixis v Terra Firma and the bank charges litigation, where he acted for HBOS. He is popular as he is “extremely bright and grasps complex financial issues very quickly.” Stablemate Craig Orr QC worked on Ting v Akai Holdings, a case arising from the collapse of Akai Holdings in Hong Kong. He has a long-standing client base amongst the major city firms and is known for being "meticulous and always brilliantly prepared." He is “destined to go far,” say impressed sources, as he "always picks up great points and knows just how to strike the right note in court."

Michael Crane QC is “a personable and non-stuffy barrister,” who is praised for his varied practice. Solicitors like him very much as "he has the dream combination of being very bright, very analytical and highly commercial." Also in demand, Stephen Moriarty QC is praised for his burgeoning practice. “Extraordinarily knowledgeable and clever,” he is "a compelling advocate who is a pleasure to listen to." Guy Philipps QC is renowned for being possessed of an "outstandingly quick wit." He recently put this to good use when acting for a defendant in a multimillion-dollar dispute concerning ownership of a mobile telephone company. Another to have handled a telecoms-related dispute recently was Stephen Rubin QC, who appeared in Digicel v Cable & Wireless. In this, as in the other cases he handles, he showed himself to be “highly empathetic to his client's needs.” His stablemate Brian Doctor QC led in the high-profile Tajik Aluminium Plant v Ermatov & Others, and has been described as “a man with jaw-dropping intellect.” Other silks praised here include Michael McLaren QC. Possessed of "an incredibly suave style of advocacy which is hugely effective," he recently advised on a case involving Kenyan satellite telecommunications. McLaren shares a set with the newly appointed silk Richard Handyside QC. Handyside recently acted in the major licensing dispute British Sky Broadcasting Ltd v Virgin Media Ltd, and is known for always being on top of his cases. 

Among the juniors, Patrick Goodall is known as “a tower of strength in the courtroom,” and is predicted to become “a great silk one day.” He is “a pleasure to work with,” as is Jeffrey Chapman, a lawyer admired for the results he achieves. As one solicitor commented of Chapman, “it's a case of another trial, another win with him." "A very hard-working advocate who is excellent with clients," he performed admirably in the NatWest v Rabobank case. “Highly promising junior” Deepak Nambisan worked closely with Brian Doctor QC in Tajik Aluminium Plant v Ermatov & Others, while Paul Sinclair worked on the much-publicised TAG litigation. Clients say of Sinclair: “He doesn’t miss a trick, everything is meticulously researched.” John Taylor "performs to the highest standards in all he does." He worked on the USD12.5 million case Sonali Bank Ltd v Turan Alem Bank, impressing all around him. One interviewee said of him: "He is good as he prepares pleadings with an impressive awareness of the detail of the case, and expresses the client's position simply and robustly." “Highly intelligent and incredibly user-friendly,” Adam Zellick played a role in the multimillion-dollar Inchcape Plc v Lookers Plc. He is recommended along with Derrick Dale, who has been particularly busy of late. He was led by Bankim Thanki QC in Deutsche Bank v APBW. Finally at the set, Tamara Oppenheimer is “very responsive and easy to get on with.” She is "highly experienced, represents great value for money and knows how to deal with the demands of a modern commercial practice," say sources.

"Highly responsive barristers stamped through and through with quality" are to be found at this commercial powerhouse. Such is its track record in the commercial litigation arena that it is an obvious port of call for solicitors with bet the company litigation. Its members, all of whom are noted for their keen commercial minds, tackle the heavyweight litigation of the day. By way of example, individuals from this set have been acting in Financial Services Compensation Scheme v Abbey National ­Treasury Services and NDF ­Administration, and the Northern Rock judicial review to name but two cases.

One of the leading lawyers at the set is the “revered and hugely gifted” Laurence Rabinowitz QC. This innovative silk “manages to make clients feel like they are leaving the problem behind,” say solicitors of a man who recently exhibited all his skills while acting for RBS in the bank charges litigation. Commentators feel that one day he will have a reputation as legendary as that of Lord Grabiner QC, "an incomparable lawyer of undeniable star presence.” Grabiner has long been at the top of the profession and picks up some of the best litigation around. He recently appeared in the Buncefield litigation and also acted in Digicel v Cable & Wireless. 

Ian Glick QC recently displayed his skills in Virgin Media Communications v British Sky Broadcasting Group. When in court he "behaves with absolute charm and authority, mesmerising all around." One peer said of him: "Not only is he a commanding advocate, but he also has an intelligence one could only dream of." No fool himself, Jeffery Onions QC is praised for being "a deep thinker." He recently acted for the Post Office in a Court of Appeal case. Kenneth MacLean QC, meanwhile, was involved in Çukurova and the British Sky Broadcasting Group case mentioned above. Solicitors go to him as he offers "straightforward, practical advice with the minimum of fuss." They also seek out the "quiet but effective" John McCaughran QC. His matters of late include acting for the Tele2 group of companies in matters relating to the provision of phonecards and similar services.

“Robust team player” Stephen Auld QC acted for the defendants in a dispute over the development of oilfields in Siberia. "Extremely approachable and hugely pragmatic, he gets the job done." Similar sentiments were expressed about Rhodri Davies QC, “a genuine team player” who successfully obtained an injunction in the multimillion-dollar case Alfa v Deutsche Bank. He wins support along with Charles Graham QC, who recently acted for the appellants in a successful appeal to the House of Lords in a Scottish law dispute over the sale of goods. Like Graham, Neil Kitchener QC is admired for his broad-ranging practice. “Very smart, good on his feet and excellent in an emergency," Kitchener is "a combatative brief who squares up to the other side effectively."

Others who do well at the set include Anthony de Garr Robinson QC, “a superb all-rounder, who works very hard and really gets stuck in to everything he does.” Nicholas Strauss QC takes on work covering commercial litigation, banking, professional negligence and chancery litigation, along with financial services and regulatory work. He recently won approval acting for Ferrero Group Companies in a large commercial fraud and negligent misrepresentation claim. New silk Alain Choo Choy QC is lauded as “scarily bright, hard-working and tough.” He has been joined in silk by Daniel Toledano QC, who used his “thoroughness and superb intellect” in the case of OFT v HSBC & Others. Commentators feel he will do very well as a QC, something they also feel about the other new appointee, David Wolfson QC, “a lawyer well liked by clients as he fights for them tenaciously.” Wolfson was recently in the news for acting for RAB Capital in a judicial review being brought by ­former shareholders of Northern Rock against the decision to ­nationalise the bank.

Among the notable juniors at One Essex Court, Benjamin Strong is “very rigorous with his analysis.” His previous experience as a solicitor enables him to gain a good understanding when taking instructions. The “very bright and unbelievably hard-working” James Goldsmith is deemed “a name for the future,” while Anna Boase is liked for her “approachable and easy to work with manner.”  She recently acted in Satyam Computers Services Limited v Upaid Systems Limited. “Punchy in court and hideously bright,” David Cavender was counsel for the successful claimant company in Croftcall Ltd v Morgan & Another. Simon Colton, meanwhile, represented a major Italian company seeking repayment by an investment bank. He was described to interviewees as "a man who gives everything to the cause." Also fully committed to his cases is Steven Elliott, who acted in Littlewoods Retail Limited v HMRC. He has “a fabulous, insightful legal brain, and a wonderfully concise style.” Recently seen in Macquarie International Investments Ltd v Glencore, Michael Fealy is popular among solicitors, as is Clare Reffin, who was recently is involved in a prominent LCIA arbitration. She is favoured as she is "always able to see the bigger picture.” New to the table this year, Sa'ad Hossain “noticeably stands out from the crowd” for one of his call. He is “one to watch for the future,” a claim that was also made on behalf of Sebastian Isaac. Isaac acted for the defendants in a matter concerning a USD485 million corruption and fraud claim.

One of the strongest commercial disputes outfits around, 20 Essex Street is known for its big-ticket shipping and insurance cases. It goes well beyond this, however, attracting cases from all corners of the market. Its good health is due to the fact that "it has accomplished performers throughout who are aided by very helpful clerks." The star name here is Iain Milligan QC, who is known for "his tirelessness and the extreme dedication he applies to all his cases." He has been involved in several multimillion-pound matters including West LB v Nomura, applying his trademark "incisive style." Solicitors note that "he doesn't labour points and gets straight down to the nitty-gritty." 

Other major figures here include the "just fantastic" Andrew Baker QC, and the extremely popular Christopher Hancock QC. Known for his wide expertise in commercial disputes, Hancock has a huge amount of experience before the House of Lords, Privy Council, Court of Appeal and High Court, as well as before the maritime, insurance and commodity trade tribunals. Testament to his skills, he was instructed to appear in the high-profile case of American Reliance Insurance Company v Willis. Stephen Males QC is acclaimed for his handling of a wide range of international commercial disputes, including all aspects of international trade and sale of goods, as well as shipping, insurance, banking, professional negligence and energy law. He is much in demand along with Duncan Matthews QC. Matthews handles a good deal of cross-border work and is “a stylish, smooth and unruffleable advocate.”

The "focused and client-centred" David Owen QC is "a figure right at the heart of the commercial dispute resolution world," something that could also be said of Timothy Young QC, who recently appeared in Sabah Shipyard v Government of Pakistan. Young is praised for being “terrific and having first-class judgement; as an advocate he remains stylish and penetrating throughout.” Newly appointed silk Philip Edey QC is hailed as being a "bright team worker with enormous intellect." He was elevated to the ranks of QC this year along with the user-friendly Guy Morpuss QC, who has been involved in multimillion-pound cases relating to investments made in Icelandic banks. “First-class in every aspect,” David Lewis was recently counsel in a multimillion-pound jurisdictional dispute. He is expected to go to even better things as is Thomas Raphael, who was described by one solicitor as “very much one of those people destined for greatness.”

Whilst most people would readily associate 3 Verulam Buildings first and foremost with banking cases, there is no doubt that its commercial litigation prowess extends well beyond this. It is viewed as a set that has succeeded in recent years in branching out beyond its core specialisms. Thus, its "efficient and very impressive lawyers" are now likely to be seen in commercial cases of every kidney. Within its ranks lies the “unflappable and highly approachable” Ali Malek QC, who is noted for the "ease with which he explains difficult concepts to clients." His practice encompasses all areas of the commercial sphere, and has been involved in some heavyweight matters such as NatWest v Rabobank and Cherney v Deripaska. 

Adrian Beltrami QC was regarded by many as the best commercial junior at the Bar before taking silk. His excellent performance in the Springwell litigation only served to reinforce his credentials. A “solid, bright fellow, he can be trusted with anything.” The extremely busy Ewan McQuater QC is known for being "one of the hardest workers around. He recently represented a US oil exploration company in arbitration over oil and gas concessions in Equatorial Guinea. Similarly industrious, Jonathan Nash QC is a "smart and alert” barrister who is heavily involved in international commercial arbitration. He wins market support as does Andrew Onslow QC, who is known for his “clear mind and meticulous research." Onslow has impressed of late with two major victories in the Court of Appeal. 

The “unbelievably bright” Richard Salter QC recently acted for the claimants in a case regarding the acquisition of a substantial stake in the company that owns the LSE. He is praised for his "superb written work and advocacy." The "very useful and very sensible” Paul Lowenstein QC, meanwhile, acted for the claimant in Bluecrest Capital Management v Brett Platt. He attracts attention along with the “modest and sometimes underrated" Stephen Phillips QC. His recent work has included advising a number of banks on their exposure to 'Hurstanger' liabilities, and advising several banking syndicates following the collapse of Kaupthing Bank. The case of UBS Wealth Management v Vestra, meanwhile, saw Andrew Sutcliffe QC displaying his talents. “A charming operator,” he is “always responsive and comprehensive in his advice.” Seen in Equitas v Guy Carpenter, Christopher Symons QC “has a cool head and a great deal of experience. Judges trust him and he has a good sense of the court,” according to commentators. The “relaxed but incisive and on-the-ball” Andrew Fletcher QC was seen in a USD500 million case involving Caspian Energy, while his stablemate John Jarvis QC was involved in a major arbitration involving an investment in a Chinese biopharma company. Jarvis is much appreciated by clients as he “believes in his case wholeheartedly.”

Sonia Tolaney has had another very good year following her appearances in such matters as boxclever and the credit card litigation. "Excellent on her feet and a proper fighter in court," she recently represented British Gas in a widely publicised dispute with Accenture. Tolaney's reputation is matched by that of the “measured, commercially minded” Jonathan Davies-Jones, who recently acted for a claimant defending a substantial multimillion-pound counterclaim for damages, arising from the termination of a distribution agreement. He is much sought after by solicitors as is the “capable and responsive” Laura John. John spent some time seconded to a US firm, and "has an excellent understanding of what solicitors want and the demands put upon them." Matthew Parker has an extensive commercial practice that saw him appearing in Central Bank of Ecuador v Conticorp. He is favoured as he “radiates confidence” when in court. His academically gifted colleague Adam Kramer has an “impressive turnaround time and impeccable drafting skills.” He has been joined in the tables this year by Christopher Harris, who commentators report is “clever, articulate and easy to work with.” James MacDonald also debuts in the tables this year. He recently acted in a USD200 million LCIA arbitration relating to commodity derivatives.

“The responsive, tactically aware and highly commercial” Michael Lazarus has found himself busy with cases such as Renault Formula 1 Ltd v PVAXX. He is rated along with John Odgers, who is applauded for his excellent skills in regulatory and finance service disputes. His many qualities include the fact that “he can make the complex appear straightforward.” 

The doggedly determined David Quest represented a Cayman Islands banking subsidiary in a claim concerning the alleged mismanagement of a large mutual fund. He enjoys market support as does Cyril Kinsky, who is deemed "a real pleasure to work with.” Kinsky's latest cases include Outokumpu v Rose & Wilson. Also at the set is Rajesh Pillai, “a lawyer with a uniquely engaging style,” who has found himself extremely busy with such cases as Dagless Ltd v Argos Ltd. He shares a set with the “enthusiastic, positively minded” Peter de Verneuil Smith. Also present is James Evans, who is “extremely bright, and able to spot new angles that others miss.” He was appointed as the sole arbitrator in an ICC dispute over a significant investment in a Dubai company. Finally, with cases like Automotive Latch Systems Limited v Honeywell International Inc under his belt, David Head is a well-established practitioner who is praised for being “likeable and a pleasure to work with.”

Known for the high standard of barristers it houses and the collection of high-profile cases it has takes on in recent times, this set has an ever-growing commercial practice. Leading the team, Jonathan Gaisman QC is “a barrister other barristers fear to be against.” It's been a bumper year for Gaisman, what with his leading role in the Buncefield litigation, and his representation of the former shareholders of Northern Rock in their high-profile litigation against the government. In both these matters his "phenomenal intelligence" shone through. Christopher Butcher QC is another silk here who attracts nothing but good comments. Like Gaisman, he is "a man of piercing intellect who lets nothing get past him." His recent cases include a case concerning Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The other recommended silk here is Gavin Kealey QC, who recently represented successful shareholders in share sale disputes before the Privy Council. He is acknowledged as being “able to put on the most compelling performances in court.” Of the outstanding juniors at 7KBW, James Brocklebank is “great at marshalling the facts,” a talent which has seen him “really coming into his own - he's a definite star of the future.” Also recommended, Rebecca Sabben-Clare is “someone who is really able to hold one's attention.” She recently acted for William Hill in a case that went to the Court of Appeal. 

Blackstone Chambers tends to handle more mainstream commercial work and is known as a set that is "mustard on anything with a public law or regulatory element to it." It is "a very accommodating set that breeds and recruits fun, proactive, human barristers." Heading the acclaimed team is the "fiercely aggressive” Barbara Dohmann QC. She is “a first-class litigator who always gives of her best as she is such a perfectionist. Very thorough and highly professional, she is a dominant advocate when in court.” Also respected here is the “extremely careful and detail-driven” Thomas Beazley QC, who recently acted for RUSAL, one of the world's biggest aluminium companies. He attracts much praise as does Charles Flint QC, "a lawyer with an unflappable demeanour and admirable attention to detail." Flint is "a lawyer of great sophistication" who crops up in important cases such as Hammonds v Danilunas. Ian Mill QC is another highly esteemed silk at the set. Known for his “extraordinary flair at cross-examining,” he is "very persuasive before a variety of tribunals." Media law is his main stock in trade, but he does have a substantial general commercial practice as evidenced by his recent appearance in Chinachem Charitable Foundation v Tony Chan. Robert Howe QC's recent cases include acting for an investment property broker in a £5 million claim. He is well regarded due to the fact that he is “unfalteringly calm and assured.” Pushpinder Saini QC's practice, meanwhile, centres around cases with a financial services, IP and banking angle. Solicitors report that he is “very smart and very responsive.” They also laud Robert Anderson QC not only for his skill but also for the fact that he "has no airs and graces." One interviewee commented of him: "It is so refreshing to work with as he makes the process humorous and that bit more bearable.” He is recommended along with James Eadie QC. Eadie is a lawyer prized for the fact that he “remains succinct and clear at all times.” Busy of late, he acted for Boris Berezovsky in litigation against Roman Abramovich. 

Of the juniors Thomas de la Mare displays “a considerable grasp of the issues when handling complex factual disputes.” His diverse practice has seen him acting in such cases as the vitamins cartel litigation and Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. v Amino & Alba. Andrew Hunter gives the benefit of his “extraordinary creativity and strong analytical skills” to clients including Vodafone, Shell, Universal, Microsoft and the FSA. He is recommended along with Tom Weisselberg, “an incredibly smart man, who provides total reassurance that the case will be handled properly and efficiently.” Weisselberg's practice is international in its scope, as illustrated by his appearance in TadAZ v Ermatov, a case heard in the British Virgin Islands. Also involved in disputes with an international flavour, Andrew George represented the Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky in the USD5 billion claim against Roman Abramovich, concerning the privatisation of the Russian oil and gas and aluminium industries. Two other highly recommended juniors are the “thorough and incredibly smart” Mark Vinall and the “impressively strong-willed” Robert Weekes.

Maitland Chambers may be the leading commercial chancery set in the country but you are just as likely to see its members in the commercial courts as the Chancery Division. The set may not do as much straight commercial as some but it does involve itself in some major cases and certainly has talented barristers in abundance. Its individuals are known for being “warm, non-stuffy and multi-skilled,” and for providing "a consistently high level of service." Recognised as “innovative and great with clients,” Matthew Collings QC has "a masterly court manner." He recently acted on a USD34 million claim by a New York lending bank against the directors of a large fruit importer, and advised in the Northern Rock judicial review. Highly praised and widely recognised, John McGhee QC was seen in Progress Property Co v Tradegro UK. Interviewees commented of him: "He works all the bases beautifully and is a man with a very keen commercial sense." Anthony Trace QC is known for his “forthright attitude" and for "fighting tooth and nail for his client.” Always busy, he acted in one of the first cases in the Commercial Court arising out of the credit crunch, Sintonia SA v Sinatra Sarl. Other recommended silks here include Dominic Chambers QC, who is well liked for his “positive thinking and human touch.” Solicitors beat a path to his door as he provides “timely and very clear advice.” Respected juniors at the set include David Mumford, "an expert at pulling rabbits out of the hat in court." He goes down well with judges because “he eschews superfluous information and lets the points of a case speak for themselves." He is rated along with Edmund Cullen, who is regarded for his “infectious sense of humour," and the fact that he is “a great strategist who is always thinking several steps ahead.”

Serle Court is “a modern, versatile and welcoming set that prides itself on making life as easy for both solicitor and client as it can." Although essentially a chancery set, it does boast a collection of individuals who can go toe to toe with the best that the more traditional commercial sets have to offer. Examples include Philip Marshall QC, "a spirited, tenacious performer who is very good on his feet and widely experienced in civil fraud litigation.” Similarly expert, Alan Boyle QC is a real star name at the set with "bundles of experience and the know-how to get the best results possible." He often crops up in the great matters of the day as illustrated by his appearance in Yugraneft v Abramovich. Boyle is the head of a chambers that also includes Victor Joffe QC. Joffe is popular with clients as he "has an excellent bedside manner" and “only takes a moment to analyse a point.” He is recommended along with Nicholas Lavender QC, "a laconic performer, utterly at ease with himself, who is never ruffled by the other side." Other silks include Elizabeth Jones QC, who demonstrated her "disciplined, straight to the point style” in Alhamrani v Alhamrani, and Philip Jones QC. Heavily involved in the USD500 million claim by Sovcomflot, Russia’s largest shipping company, he is widely praised for his "ability to deal with and reassure difficult clients.”

The standout juniors here include Daniel Lightman, of whom one source said: “He fought more courageously and assiduously than anyone I've ever seen.” David Blayney is also one who recently acted for RBS in the bank charges litigation. Also recommended is John Machell, the veteran of such cases as  Cherney v Neuman, who is seen as “positive and constructive in all he does.”

A regular presence on the commercial dispute resolution scene, this chancery set offers barristers who are "no strangers to big-ticket cases." Leading the way, Ian Croxford QC is “a big personality who is bright and a genuine team player." He is regularly against silks from all the major commercial sets and secures enviable cases such as Attorney General of Zambia v Meer Care & Desai & Others, and Hammonds v Danilunas. Terence Mowschenson QC gets his fair share of decent cases too and is an expert on banking, finance and company law. He appeared in Barclays Bank v Manx Electricity Authority. “Dogged and determined to put forward the best possible case,” John Wardell QC appeared in Langbar International v Rybak, where he displayed his trademark "good judgement and strategic awareness." He is recommended along with international cross-border specialist Lawrence Cohen QC.