‘The number one set for restructuring and insolvency matters,‘ South Square has all of its members specialising within insolvency and restructuring law. Members, such as Mark Phillips KC have appeared in significant and high-profile insolvency cases in the UK, such as Sova Capital Ltd in which Phillips KC, alongside William Willson, put an investment broker focussing on the Russian markets into administration, which raised numerous complex issues from valuing claims to dealing with client claims, as well as how Moscow-listed assets would be handled by a UK company. ‘Extremely knowledgeable and unflappable‘ junior Charlotte Cooke has appeared in a number of high-profile insolvency and restructuring cases, including three times in the Supreme Court, while Felicity Toube KC has depth in experience includes acting in major insolvency cases such as Greensill and Liberty Steel. David Allison KC has developed a strong cross-border practice, handling insolvency cases in the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and Hong Kong, whereas Clara Johnson is noted for her experience in bringing and defending claims brought by officer holders involving fraud and where urgent injunctive relief is required.
Insolvency in
London Bar
South Square
Les références
‘The clerks (Dylan Playfoot, Marco Malatesta and others) are highly skilled, understand the issues and direct us always to the best barrister available and are known for their understanding of urgency of a situation and quick response times- they are also and personable and always available and extremely helpful.’
‘Without a doubt my favourite clerks room. Pragmatic, commercial, reasonable, friendly, responsive, flexible. Everything that you could wish for. Dylan Playfoot and Marco Malatesta stand out but all are excellent.’
‘Clerks are fast and helpfully reactive. One can be open with them about the client’s needs and will be dealt with effectively and professionally.’
Principaux dossiers
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings is known for its members having ‘great gravitas and reputation for contentious insolvency work,‘ with the set often involved in multi-jurisdictional insolvency disputes. In Lehman Brothers Holdings plc, Adrian Beltrami KC was instructed to represent the insolvent bank in ongoing waterfall disputes about the distribution of surpluses within the Lehman estate. Ewan McQuater KC was involved in NMC Healthcare Limited v Dubai Islamic Bank, the Middle East’s largest ongoing insolvency, where he led a counsel team in defending the interests of a Dubai Islamic Bank and Noor Bank in litigation concerning the collapse of the health company, alleged to be caused by fraud on the part of the company’s chairman. Looking at the juniors, Philip Hinks is noted for his work in Harrington Trading Company Ltd v Mehta, in which he acted for seven companies in liquidation and their joint liquidators in their claim that the proceeds of US$1bn of loans of gold bullion were misappropriated and laundered through a global network of companies.
Les références
‘The clerks at 3VB are without exception professional and accommodating. Steve Penson, Stuart Pullum and Lucy Burrows lead by example. When problems arise they are faced head on. Fee negotiations are usually fair and transparent. It is also good to see a woman in a senior position.
‘Excellent clerks – very responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘Efficient.’
Principaux dossiers
4 Stone Buildings
4 Stone Buildings places insolvency and reconstruction as a central area of focus, with the set known for its involvement in high profile and high value insolvency work. Members of chambers have also represented the government on insolvency matters, including Tiran Nersessian, who was instructed by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to advise on the insolvency elements of the Horizon scandal, including the predicament of a cohort of postmasters who found themselves bankrupt. ‘Stand-out silk’ Jonathan Crow KC, was instructed in a multi-million dollar claim in Byers v Saudi National Bank which was brought by the liquidators of two insolvent companies against a bank for knowing receipt of funds paid in breach of trust. Alastair Tomson is frequently led by Richard Hill KC and John Brisby KC, having been instructed on noteworthy bankruptcy cases. Zara McGlone is noted for her work for Ofgem – she acted as sole counsel for the energy regulator in several cases concerning the insolvencies of energy suppliers.
Les références
‘Ryan Tunkel deserves particular mention. He builds a relationship with instructing solicitors and ensures that any queries or requirements are addressed quickly and efficiently. He is heavily relied on by Counsel, and therefore instructing solicitors, to maintain a good relationship with the Court meaning that urgent applications run smoothly.’
‘David Goddard is a legend in the London clerking fraternity. Well liked and respected by all.’
‘Both Ben Lashmar and Ryan Tunkel consistently provide excellent service. Both are very responsive and Ben, in particular, frequently goes above and beyond to assist where possible.’
Principaux dossiers
Erskine Chambers
Erskine Chambers find their strength in contentious insolvency and corporate restructuring, with members of chambers advising on a number of substantial restructuring and insolvency procedures. The set is noteworthy in areas where insolvency meets banking and finance, including litigation arising from the insolvency of financial institutions, as well as matters crossing over with the set's company law reputation. Peter Arden KC has been instructed in connection with major insolvencies and restructurings, including the case of Re LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd which involved a dispute over the distribution of a surplus held by an element of collapsed bank Lehman Brothers, estimated between £800m and £1bn. Andrew Thompson KC is experienced in high-value litigation, while Ben Griffiths is noted for his cross-border practice, having acted for Signal Credit on its claim to challenge the $1bn restructuring of the Galapagos Group in Galapagos Bidco v Signal. Ben Shaw KC was appointed silk in March 2023.
Les références
‘Alex Calder has been very responsive and friendly with a reasonable approach to fee negotiation etc.’
‘Generally very good – Michael Shillingford is particularly responsive.’
‘Always available and helpful.’
Principaux dossiers
Maitland Chambers
Insolvency and restructuring remains a key part of the practice for Maitland Chambers, with the set’s members engaging in disputes across a vast range of industries, from personal insolvency to through to global corporate collapses and associated asset recovery proceedings. Matthew Collings KC has appeared in numerous insolvency cases, including London Capital & Finance (LCF) where he advised on multiple issues and acting for administrators of a collapse of London Capital & Finance including successful removal of two security trustees. Michael Gibbon KC is regularly called upon to advise on the practical commercial application of insolvency law, with experience in litigating and advising on matters arising out of commercial failure, whereas Catherine Addy KC has been instructed on numerous high-profile insolvencies and related litigation alongside sitting as a Deputy Insolvency and Companies Court Judge.
Les références
‘Maitland are on of our key go-to sets for insolvency and restructuring work, and are always able to offer quality members at the right level for any particular assignment.’
‘Maitland are a very strong set and ought to be considered as a very good alternative to any set for insolvency matters.’
‘The clerks are super-responsive and a pleasure to deal with.’
Principaux dossiers
Serle Court
The ‘highly capable‘ set in insolvency and restructuring law, Serle Court find themselves representing clients in cases ranging from high-profile claims linked to fraud and the offshore work, alongside energy insolvencies where Lance Ashworth KC and Matthew Morrison have represented two applicants in Croxen v Gas and Electric Markets Authority in which concerning a number of market-wide issues arising from the failure of a large number of smaller and medium-sized energy suppliers. Philip Marshall KC is a leading international insolvency silk who appears in complex commercial disputes in the UK courts while also being a Deputy High Court Judge. Daniel Lightman KC advises on insolvency issues and represents litigants in claims by and against insolvency office holders. Dan McCourt Fritz KC was appointed silk in March 2023 while Paul Johnson joined from Exchange Chambers in December 2022.
Les références
‘Nick Hockney and Charlie Payne are both excellent, always willing to help with listing and documents.’
‘Nick Hockney is outstanding.’
‘In any other set, the recently retired Steve Whitaker would be sorely missed, but with people like Nick Hockney, Dan Wheeler and Emma Quin, the clerks room is not short of highly efficient people who are also nice to know.’
Principaux dossiers
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers specialise in all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency litigation and advice, both domestically and internationally. Lexa Hilliard KC was instructed In the matter of Lehman Brothers Holdings PLC, a high value and multi-party trial arising out of the Lehman Brothers’ collapse concerned with the ranking of different tranches of subordinated debt, totaling several billions. Marcia Shekerdemian KC specialises in all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency, while Daniel Lewis‘ insolvency practice focusses on director and office-holder misfeasance and cross-border work, with expertise in offshore financial services insolvencies.
Les références
‘Wilberforce are very quick to react to requests for assistance and Jack Paxton makes himself available even when inconvenient.’
‘Very good Chambers to deal with. Clerks are always helpful and get back to you quickly, which is very helpful. Both George Salvage and Jessica Edson are a pleasure to deal with and make our jobs a lot easier.’
‘Fantastic, Antonia Matthew and Grace Mahoney are amazing, efficient and obliging.’
Principaux dossiers
Enterprise Chambers
‘Efficient and friendly’ Enterprise Chambers have been involved in significant cross-border cases and high profile litigation, such as Octavian Security Ltd v Ghuman which saw James Pickering KC led a team in a contested freezing injunction and then various contested bankruptcy proceedings against the former directors. Stephen Davies KC has acted in cases relating to the interface of the law and practice of insolvency in the banking and finance space, while Kavan Gunaratna has expertise in disputes concerning insolvent tenant companies, including advising creditors on the insolvencies of Debenhams. Hugo Groves is noted for his work in litigating claims involving directors and third parties in and around a variety of insolvency scenarios.
Les références
‘The service is exemplary. Morgon Green deserves particular mention on an urgent short notice matter he went above and beyond.’
‘The set as a whole has a strong insolvency team with good choice at all levels. The training programmes are very accessible and regular.’
‘The clerks are very helpful and responsive. They have worked with us in the past to help with the logistics of the case.’
Principaux dossiers
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers have grown their insolvency practice over the years, where members of the set are regularly involved in issues relating to director misfeasance, cross-border shareholder disputes with an insolvency angle and unfair prejudice petitions. Nigel Jones KC and Sarah McCann have expertise in cross-border cases, with involvement in Enterprise Insurance Co (in liquidation) to advise on the conduct of Enterprise’s UK motor claims book, and by the Gibraltar liquidator both direct and through Gibraltar solicitors to advise on multiple company matters concerning the insolvency and ongoing litigation. Lauren Godfrey is a standout name from the chambers, having acted for a wide range of clients including banks, insurers and directors.
Principaux dossiers
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers have expertise in all aspects of insolvency litigation and legal advisory work, often involving a cross-border element. Members of chambers are experienced in corporate insolvency law including administrations, liquidations and company voluntary arrangements, where members such as Christopher Boardman KC acted for investors in Infinity Developments Liverpool, a case concerning the failed £85m development of Liverpool’s tallest building, in the successful opposition of the administrators’ application to sell the lease and its associated assets to an entity suspected to have links with the developer. David Mohyuddin KC is another name active across the piece, and James Morgan KC has a strong cross-border practice, handling cases in the BVI.
Les références
‘Lee Wright is fantastic and always responsive in an urgent situation.’
‘I have nothing but praise for Callum Clark, he is professional, quick, helpful and a pleasure to work with. He always provides a suitable barrister for my requirements.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is a strong insolvency set. They have strength in depth and there is a range of counsel that we can instruct on various issues. The value of the cases that I deal with means that I tend to instruct the more junior members of Radcliffe Chambers.’
Principaux dossiers
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings deals with domestic and international insolvency and restructuring cases, with members such as Elspeth Talbot Rice KC instructed on high profile liquidations and insolvencies such as the case of Gorbunova v Berezovsky where she acted for the trustees in the bankruptcy of Boris Berezovsky’s insolvent estate agent against which estate a proprietary, and other, claims are being made by the former partner of the Russian businessman, who died in suspicious circumstances in Berkshire in 2013. Stephen Moverley Smith KC and Francis Tregear KC are noted for their cross-border practice, often being instructed by clients in the Cayman Islands.
Les références
‘The clerks are excellent, particularly James Ladbrook.’
‘Paul Horsfield, James Ladbrook and Perry Brown are a great team, regularly attending major chancery conferences. They are very responsive and their advice on who to instruct has been consistently reliable.’
‘Excellent clerks. I particularly know Paul Horsfield and James Ladbrook. They are friendly, knowledgeable and commercial. They also go out of their way to develop relationships with their barristers’ instructing solicitors, which really helps.’
Principaux dossiers
South Square
Les références
‘The clerks (Dylan Playfoot, Marco Malatesta and others) are highly skilled, understand the issues and direct us always to the best barrister available and are known for their understanding of urgency of a situation and quick response times- they are also and personable and always available and extremely helpful.’
‘Without a doubt my favourite clerks room. Pragmatic, commercial, reasonable, friendly, responsive, flexible. Everything that you could wish for. Dylan Playfoot and Marco Malatesta stand out but all are excellent.’
‘Clerks are fast and helpfully reactive. One can be open with them about the client’s needs and will be dealt with effectively and professionally.’
Principaux dossiers
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings is known for its members having ‘great gravitas and reputation for contentious insolvency work,‘ with the set often involved in multi-jurisdictional insolvency disputes. In Lehman Brothers Holdings plc, Adrian Beltrami KC was instructed to represent the insolvent bank in ongoing waterfall disputes about the distribution of surpluses within the Lehman estate. Ewan McQuater KC was involved in NMC Healthcare Limited v Dubai Islamic Bank, the Middle East’s largest ongoing insolvency, where he led a counsel team in defending the interests of a Dubai Islamic Bank and Noor Bank in litigation concerning the collapse of the health company, alleged to be caused by fraud on the part of the company’s chairman. Looking at the juniors, Philip Hinks is noted for his work in Harrington Trading Company Ltd v Mehta, in which he acted for seven companies in liquidation and their joint liquidators in their claim that the proceeds of US$1bn of loans of gold bullion were misappropriated and laundered through a global network of companies.
Les références
‘The clerks at 3VB are without exception professional and accommodating. Steve Penson, Stuart Pullum and Lucy Burrows lead by example. When problems arise they are faced head on. Fee negotiations are usually fair and transparent. It is also good to see a woman in a senior position.
‘Excellent clerks – very responsive and knowledgeable.’
‘Efficient.’
Principaux dossiers
4 Stone Buildings
4 Stone Buildings places insolvency and reconstruction as a central area of focus, with the set known for its involvement in high profile and high value insolvency work. Members of chambers have also represented the government on insolvency matters, including Tiran Nersessian, who was instructed by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to advise on the insolvency elements of the Horizon scandal, including the predicament of a cohort of postmasters who found themselves bankrupt. ‘Stand-out silk’ Jonathan Crow KC, was instructed in a multi-million dollar claim in Byers v Saudi National Bank which was brought by the liquidators of two insolvent companies against a bank for knowing receipt of funds paid in breach of trust. Alastair Tomson is frequently led by Richard Hill KC and John Brisby KC, having been instructed on noteworthy bankruptcy cases. Zara McGlone is noted for her work for Ofgem – she acted as sole counsel for the energy regulator in several cases concerning the insolvencies of energy suppliers.
Les références
‘Ryan Tunkel deserves particular mention. He builds a relationship with instructing solicitors and ensures that any queries or requirements are addressed quickly and efficiently. He is heavily relied on by Counsel, and therefore instructing solicitors, to maintain a good relationship with the Court meaning that urgent applications run smoothly.’
‘David Goddard is a legend in the London clerking fraternity. Well liked and respected by all.’
‘Both Ben Lashmar and Ryan Tunkel consistently provide excellent service. Both are very responsive and Ben, in particular, frequently goes above and beyond to assist where possible.’
Principaux dossiers
Erskine Chambers
Erskine Chambers find their strength in contentious insolvency and corporate restructuring, with members of chambers advising on a number of substantial restructuring and insolvency procedures. The set is noteworthy in areas where insolvency meets banking and finance, including litigation arising from the insolvency of financial institutions, as well as matters crossing over with the set's company law reputation. Peter Arden KC has been instructed in connection with major insolvencies and restructurings, including the case of Re LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd which involved a dispute over the distribution of a surplus held by an element of collapsed bank Lehman Brothers, estimated between £800m and £1bn. Andrew Thompson KC is experienced in high-value litigation, while Ben Griffiths is noted for his cross-border practice, having acted for Signal Credit on its claim to challenge the $1bn restructuring of the Galapagos Group in Galapagos Bidco v Signal. Ben Shaw KC was appointed silk in March 2023.
Les références
‘Alex Calder has been very responsive and friendly with a reasonable approach to fee negotiation etc.’
‘Generally very good – Michael Shillingford is particularly responsive.’
‘Always available and helpful.’
Principaux dossiers
Maitland Chambers
Insolvency and restructuring remains a key part of the practice for Maitland Chambers, with the set’s members engaging in disputes across a vast range of industries, from personal insolvency to through to global corporate collapses and associated asset recovery proceedings. Matthew Collings KC has appeared in numerous insolvency cases, including London Capital & Finance (LCF) where he advised on multiple issues and acting for administrators of a collapse of London Capital & Finance including successful removal of two security trustees. Michael Gibbon KC is regularly called upon to advise on the practical commercial application of insolvency law, with experience in litigating and advising on matters arising out of commercial failure, whereas Catherine Addy KC has been instructed on numerous high-profile insolvencies and related litigation alongside sitting as a Deputy Insolvency and Companies Court Judge.
Les références
‘Maitland are on of our key go-to sets for insolvency and restructuring work, and are always able to offer quality members at the right level for any particular assignment.’
‘Maitland are a very strong set and ought to be considered as a very good alternative to any set for insolvency matters.’
‘The clerks are super-responsive and a pleasure to deal with.’
Principaux dossiers
Serle Court
The ‘highly capable‘ set in insolvency and restructuring law, Serle Court find themselves representing clients in cases ranging from high-profile claims linked to fraud and the offshore work, alongside energy insolvencies where Lance Ashworth KC and Matthew Morrison have represented two applicants in Croxen v Gas and Electric Markets Authority in which concerning a number of market-wide issues arising from the failure of a large number of smaller and medium-sized energy suppliers. Philip Marshall KC is a leading international insolvency silk who appears in complex commercial disputes in the UK courts while also being a Deputy High Court Judge. Daniel Lightman KC advises on insolvency issues and represents litigants in claims by and against insolvency office holders. Dan McCourt Fritz KC was appointed silk in March 2023 while Paul Johnson joined from Exchange Chambers in December 2022.
Les références
‘Nick Hockney and Charlie Payne are both excellent, always willing to help with listing and documents.’
‘Nick Hockney is outstanding.’
‘In any other set, the recently retired Steve Whitaker would be sorely missed, but with people like Nick Hockney, Dan Wheeler and Emma Quin, the clerks room is not short of highly efficient people who are also nice to know.’
Principaux dossiers
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers specialise in all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency litigation and advice, both domestically and internationally. Lexa Hilliard KC was instructed In the matter of Lehman Brothers Holdings PLC, a high value and multi-party trial arising out of the Lehman Brothers’ collapse concerned with the ranking of different tranches of subordinated debt, totaling several billions. Marcia Shekerdemian KC specialises in all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency, while Daniel Lewis‘ insolvency practice focusses on director and office-holder misfeasance and cross-border work, with expertise in offshore financial services insolvencies.
Les références
‘Wilberforce are very quick to react to requests for assistance and Jack Paxton makes himself available even when inconvenient.’
‘Very good Chambers to deal with. Clerks are always helpful and get back to you quickly, which is very helpful. Both George Salvage and Jessica Edson are a pleasure to deal with and make our jobs a lot easier.’
‘Fantastic, Antonia Matthew and Grace Mahoney are amazing, efficient and obliging.’
Principaux dossiers
Enterprise Chambers
‘Efficient and friendly’ Enterprise Chambers have been involved in significant cross-border cases and high profile litigation, such as Octavian Security Ltd v Ghuman which saw James Pickering KC led a team in a contested freezing injunction and then various contested bankruptcy proceedings against the former directors. Stephen Davies KC has acted in cases relating to the interface of the law and practice of insolvency in the banking and finance space, while Kavan Gunaratna has expertise in disputes concerning insolvent tenant companies, including advising creditors on the insolvencies of Debenhams. Hugo Groves is noted for his work in litigating claims involving directors and third parties in and around a variety of insolvency scenarios.
Les références
‘The service is exemplary. Morgon Green deserves particular mention on an urgent short notice matter he went above and beyond.’
‘The set as a whole has a strong insolvency team with good choice at all levels. The training programmes are very accessible and regular.’
‘The clerks are very helpful and responsive. They have worked with us in the past to help with the logistics of the case.’
Principaux dossiers
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers have grown their insolvency practice over the years, where members of the set are regularly involved in issues relating to director misfeasance, cross-border shareholder disputes with an insolvency angle and unfair prejudice petitions. Nigel Jones KC and Sarah McCann have expertise in cross-border cases, with involvement in Enterprise Insurance Co (in liquidation) to advise on the conduct of Enterprise’s UK motor claims book, and by the Gibraltar liquidator both direct and through Gibraltar solicitors to advise on multiple company matters concerning the insolvency and ongoing litigation. Lauren Godfrey is a standout name from the chambers, having acted for a wide range of clients including banks, insurers and directors.
Principaux dossiers
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers have expertise in all aspects of insolvency litigation and legal advisory work, often involving a cross-border element. Members of chambers are experienced in corporate insolvency law including administrations, liquidations and company voluntary arrangements, where members such as Christopher Boardman KC acted for investors in Infinity Developments Liverpool, a case concerning the failed £85m development of Liverpool’s tallest building, in the successful opposition of the administrators’ application to sell the lease and its associated assets to an entity suspected to have links with the developer. David Mohyuddin KC is another name active across the piece, and James Morgan KC has a strong cross-border practice, handling cases in the BVI.
Les références
‘Lee Wright is fantastic and always responsive in an urgent situation.’
‘I have nothing but praise for Callum Clark, he is professional, quick, helpful and a pleasure to work with. He always provides a suitable barrister for my requirements.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is a strong insolvency set. They have strength in depth and there is a range of counsel that we can instruct on various issues. The value of the cases that I deal with means that I tend to instruct the more junior members of Radcliffe Chambers.’
Principaux dossiers
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings deals with domestic and international insolvency and restructuring cases, with members such as Elspeth Talbot Rice KC instructed on high profile liquidations and insolvencies such as the case of Gorbunova v Berezovsky where she acted for the trustees in the bankruptcy of Boris Berezovsky’s insolvent estate agent against which estate a proprietary, and other, claims are being made by the former partner of the Russian businessman, who died in suspicious circumstances in Berkshire in 2013. Stephen Moverley Smith KC and Francis Tregear KC are noted for their cross-border practice, often being instructed by clients in the Cayman Islands.
Les références
‘The clerks are excellent, particularly James Ladbrook.’
‘Paul Horsfield, James Ladbrook and Perry Brown are a great team, regularly attending major chancery conferences. They are very responsive and their advice on who to instruct has been consistently reliable.’
‘Excellent clerks. I particularly know Paul Horsfield and James Ladbrook. They are friendly, knowledgeable and commercial. They also go out of their way to develop relationships with their barristers’ instructing solicitors, which really helps.’