Serle Court

Barrister specialising in all areas of chancery and commercial practice, in particular civil fraud, company and insolvency: commercial disputes, trusts, partnership and LLP, and interim injunctive relief. In 2016, Adil was selected by Legal 500 as one of the top ten commercial barristers under eight years' call.

Barrister specialising in all areas of chancery and commercial practice, in particular civil fraud, commercial disputes, intellectual property, company and insolvency, trusts and financial services.

Alan is one of the most senior and distinguished silks at the chancery and commercial bar. He has a broad practice in commercial and chancery litigation, encompassing contentious trusts, company, insolvency and fraud. His involvement in many of the most high profile cases of recent years produced the following comments in Legal 500: ‘A brilliant analyser of cases and equally effective on paper.’ (Commercial Litigation) ‘A towering figure and a powerful advocate who grabs the court’s attention.’ (Company) ‘He provides exceptional client service and is a brilliant tactician.’ (Fraud: Civil) ‘He gives his all to his clients’ cases’ (Insolvency) ‘A towering figure at the Chancery Bar; a powerful advocate who commands the court’s attention’ (Private Client: Trusts & Probate) Recent cases include Hagen v Hagen (matrimonial), Kingate Global Fund Limited v Kingate Management Limited, a claim arising out of the Madoff fraud, tried in the commercial list in Bermuda; a very high value confidential trust dispute in Bermuda, reported as Trustee 1 v Attorney General; Re Lord Bath’s Longleat Settlement, disputes relating to the Longleat estate; Angelmist Properties v Leonard, a claim for damages against the directors of a property company for breach of duty; Lictor v Mir Steel, a claim for damages against a company which disposed of a hot strip mill following the insolvency of the company and the appointment of administrators; AB Jnr v MB, a 10 week trial in the Cayman Islands; two major cases in the Court of Protection. He is known for his thorough preparation and forceful advocacy.

Barrister with broad chancery and commercial practice; particular interest in traditional chancery work.

Barrister dealing with chancery/commercial litigation, commercial fraud, freezing and search and seize orders, insurance litigation and professional liability litigation.

Barrister with a practice which specialises in real property advice and litigation. He is the author of three textbooks in this field. The specialist areas of his practice are rights of light, party walls and restrictive covenants. He is one of the very few experts at the Bar who can deal with the complexities of the law of light and is consulted by surveyors who specialise in that area of law. He has advised on the rights of light issues affecting many sites in London and other major cities, and abroad such as in Gibraltar. His rights of light experience is married to his expertise in party wall cases. His other property specialism, restrictive covenants, consists of work where the meaning and enforceability of covenants is in issue. Most recent cases of note are: Scott v Winter [2015] (injunction to retain breach of restrictive covenant); Kirkby v Heaney [2016] Court of Appeal (possessory title claim under Land Registration Act 2002) and Re Waggott’s Application [2017] (application to discharge restrictive covenant in Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). He also has a practice in disputes concerning deceased persons’ estates, and this leads to his work in probate and family provision claims.  His experience in this field of law is demonstrated by his authorship of the only loose-leaf book on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. He also practises at Zenith Chambers in Leeds.

Andrew is a leading senior junior in real estate litigation and has been described as "an exceptional talent in the property sphere". Andrew regularly advises land-owners, developers, land-promoters and public authorities and has a particular expertise in land covenants, easements and registration matters.  Andrew has a strong commercial/chancery background and is regarded as “an amazing advocate who is approachable and easy to deal with”.  In addition to his broad property-based practice, Andrew has developed an outstanding reputation in art law and cultural property matters.  As well as acting in claims against auction houses in respect of negligent advice or misattribution, he has also advised in connection with claims about the manuscripts of Sir Malcolm Arnold, the sculptures of Henry Moore, numerous religious artefacts and various loans secured on collections of cars and wine. Andrew also regularly acts in high-value commercial litigation and is a "skilful advocate" who is "effective in digging under the surface to uncover the real issues".

Barrister specialising in mediation across a wide range of chancery and commercial disputes. Recent examples include claims under Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; breach of trust claims; shareholder dispute involving multi-million property company; landlord and tenant dispute relating to premier shopping complex; professional negligence claims against solicitors and accountants; employment dispute between public company and chief executive; breakdown in professional partnership. Experienced in multi-party and cross-cultural disputes.

Charlotte joined Serle Court in October 2016 following successful completion of her pupillage. During pupillage, Charlotte was involved in cases spanning the breadth of Chambers’ practice, including: claims in respect of Jersey, Guernsey and Cayman trusts; litigation involving a Ukrainian oligarch and the alleged misappropriation of oil monies; applications in the administrations of Lehman Brothers and BHS; and litigation in England, Jersey and Malaysia involving the directors of an AIM-listed company.

Specialist in property, Chancery and commercial litigation (especially landlord and tenant, mortgages, partnership, real property) and sports law; cases include: Wilander & Novacek v International Tennis Federation (No 1) [1997] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 195 (validity of anti-doping rules and procedures), Wilander & Novacek v International Tennis Federation (No 2) [1997] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 293; Petr Korda v ITF Limited (trading as the International Tennis Federation) The Times 4 February 1999 Court of Appeal, The Independent 21 April 1999 (anti-doping rules and ability to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport); Foreman & Anor v O’Driscoll & Partners (a firm) [2000] Lloyd’s Rep PN 720 (professional negligence); R v Council for Licensed Conveyancers ex parte West [2000] EGCS 71 (judicial review of disciplinary process); Ipswich Borough Council v Duke; Ipswich Borough Council v Moore [2001] The Times 25 October (ownership of river bed/extinguishment of rights by statute/public right of navigation); HSBC Plc v McDonalds [2001] 3 EGLR 19 (rent review); Pound v Ashford Borough Council, [2004] IP & CR 2 (extent of compensation payable under Local Land Charges Act); Hawsbrook Leisure Ltd v Reece-Jones Partnership [2004] 2 EGLR 61 (Ch) (whether non-profit company limited by guarantee carrying on a business for the purposes of Landlord & Tenant Act 1954); Scottish & Newcastle v Raguz [2004] L & TR 11 (whether covenant implied by s24 one of the indemnity or guarantee and VAT issues); Scottish & Newcastle v Raguz (No 2) [2004] EWHC 1835 (test to be applied on application to strike out for want of disclosure; Leeds Rugby v Iestyn Harris of Bradford Bulls [2005] EWHC 1591 (preliminary issues on restraint of trade); Kilmartin v Safeway [2006] EGLR (application of RICS Code of Measuring Practice); Scottish & Newcastle v Raguz (No 3) [2008] 1 WLR 2494 (notices under L&TA 1987 and scope of indemnities); Greatorex v Newman [2008] EWCA Civ 1318 (inferences to be drawn when construing an easement); Geronimo (1) British Waterways Board (2) v Moore [2008] EWHC 3140 (Ch) (issues of title and adverse possession); Moore v British Waterways [2010] EWCA Civ 42 (public rights of navigation); EDF v BOH Limited [2011] EWCA Civ 19 (effect of severance of reversion on merger and s25 notices); Moore v British Waterways [2013] 3 WLR 43 (riparian rights); Phillips v Goddard [2015] 1 WLR 741 (service charge consultation); Jones v CRT [2015] EWHC 534 (human rights – correct approach to article 8 claims); Port of London Authority v Mandoza [2017] UKUT 146 (adverse possession of river bed); Leigh Ravenscroft v CRT [2017] EWHC 1874 (Ch) (Meaning of statue to determine scope of CRT jurisdiction).

Barrister specialising in European Union law and competition law, with particular expertise in state aid, taxation, public procurement, and UK and EC competition law; advisory and representation work before English and European courts and competition and regulatory bodies. Current work includes several cases on state aid, financing of public infrastructure projects, consumer protection, banking, motor insurance, employment rights, betting systems, extradition. Notable cases include: Supreme Court: Louca v A German judicial authority (2009) Court of Appeal; Wilkinson v Churchill Insurance (2010), R v White (2010). ECJ: Churchill Insurance v Wilkinson (2001); Air Transport Association of America v Sec. of State for the environment (2011). International Power v NALOO (2003) Lennox v ILCO (2003); IECC v Commission (2001); Irish Sugar v Commission (2001); Hedley Lomas (1996); Publishers Association v Commission (1996); House of Lords: White v White & MIB (2001); Court of Appeal: Cooper v Pure Fishing (2004); Light v Ty Europe (2004); RCO Support Services v Unison (2002).

Barrister specialising in Chancery litigation, in particular contentious trusts and probate, Inheritance Act claims, administration claims, removal of personal representatives, real property and proprietary estoppel. Constance also appears in the Court of Protection (property and affairs).

Chancery litigation with an emphasis on contentious trusts (international and domestic), civil fraud business disputes and professional negligence. Major cases include Wong v Grand View (Bermuda), the Crociani litigation (Jersey), Barker v Baxendale Walker and Akhmedova v Akhmedov.

Chancery, commercial and property.

As part of a broad Chancery-Commercial practice, Daniel Lightman KC often engages with challenging and novel issues of law and civil procedure, in particular concerning shareholder disputes, company law (including in matrimonial proceedings), insolvency, civil fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and professional negligence. Recent significant cases include: Re Klimvest plc [2023] 1 BCLC 388; In re BHS Group Ltd (in liquidation) [2022] Bus LR 1510; Taylor Goodchild Ltd v Taylor [2022] 2 BCLC 27; Re Prospect Place (Wimbledon) Management Co Ltd [2022] BCC 1176; King v Stiefel [2022] 1 All ER (Comm) 990; and Re Dinglis Properties Ltd [2021] 1 All ER 685.

General commercial and chancery litigation, particularly: commercial, banking, insolvency, companies, trusts, charities, contracts, professional negligence, joint ventures and partnerships. Particular specialism in financial, numerical and quantum issues. Major cases include: The RBS Rights Issue litigation; OFT v Abbey National (the bank charges litigation); Re Lehman Brothers International Europe (banking and insolvency); Constantin Medien v Ecclestone (bribery); Re Bradford & Bingley (banking); Re Bearwood College Trustees (charities); RBS v Winterthur (share sale warranties); Akkurate v Moschillo (directors duties); Credit Suisse v Ramot Plana (banking); Lemos v Coutts (trusts); Phillips v Symes (partnership/fraud); Re Continental Assurance (wrongful trading); SAAMCO (damages).

General commercial litigation (SPI North Ltd v Swiss Post International (UK) Ltd [2019] 1 WLR 2865; Coll v Floreat Merchant Banking Ltd (2014) 158 (24) SJLB 53; Overy v Paypal [2013] Bus LR D1; Network Rail v Conarken Group [2012] All ER (Comm) 692); commercial fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and constructive trusts (Secretary of State for Health v Servier Laboratories Ltd [2019] 3 WLR 938, [2014] 1 WLR 4383; Secretary of State for Health v Norton Healthcare Ltd [2004] Eu LR 12); corporate and personal insolvency (In re WR Refrigeration Ltd [2017] EWHC 3608 (Ch); Stone v Vallance [2008] BPIR 236; Sisu v Tucker [2006] BCC 463, [2006] 1 All ER 167); professional negligence (Cave v Robinson Jarvis & Rolf [2003] 1 AC 384; Gribbon v Lutton [2002] QB 902).

Barrister dealing with civil fraud; commercial litigation; contentious trust disputes; insurance litigation and reinsurance litigation.

General commercial and chancery practice

Barrister with broad Chancery and commercial practice; mediator.

Emma Hargreaves specialises in general commercial chancery litigation, particularly trusts disputes (international and domestic), civil fraud, company and insolvency.   She also regularly advises and appears as specialist Chancery counsel in the context of matrimonial proceedings.  Her notable cases include ND v SD [2017] EWHC 1507 (sham trusts and formalities on constitution of trusts); AF v MF [2016] EWFC 65 (treatment of offshore foundations in matrimonial proceedings and nuptial settlements); Trustee L v Attorney General [2016] Bda LR 35, 19 I.T.E.L.R. 770 (non-charitable purposes trusts, Beddoe applications and costs); Superior Composite Structures v Parrish [2015] EWHC 3688 (enforcement of foreign judgments); Re Fi Call Ltd [2014] EWHC 779 (cross unfair prejudice petitions and security for costs); and Constantin Medien v Ecclestone [2014] EWHC 387 (civil fraud). She was selected as the 2016 Private Client Rising Star at the IBC Transcontinental Trust Conference 2016 and featured in Legal Week's Stars at the Bar 2017, where she was listed as "highly recommended".

Barrister with specialist domestic and international trusts practice (advisory, drafting, litigation and expert evidence) and Chancery practice (including real property, commons, partnership and charities) appearing in court in England, Cayman, Bermuda, Bahamas, BVI and Hong Kong and advising in relation to other jurisdictions including Jersey and Guernsey. Cases include Re Y Trust No.1 [2015-2016] (Cayman): defective protector consent; Re Nina Wang Dec’d [2012-14] (Hong Kong): effect of will of wealthiest woman in Asia; Re A Trust [2012] (Bermuda): obtaining anti-suit injunction to restrain trust litigation; C v D [2012] (Bermuda): terminating offshore structure; Scarfe v. Matthews [2012] will construction/doctrine of election; BQ v DQ [2011] (Bermuda): declaring trusts void as testamentary dispositions; St. George v. Hayward [2006-10] (Bahamas): beneficial ownership and control of Freeport; Executors of HM Queen Mother and HRH Princess Margaret v Brown [2008] (CA England): resisting claim to  unseal Royal Wills; Crown Estate Commissioners v. Roberts [2008] (England) title and franchise rights pre-Norman Conquest; Roberts v. Swangrove Estates Ltd [2008] CA England) Crown’s ability to establish title by adverse possession.

All areas of commercial and chancery litigation including: civil fraud, asset tracing and related injunctive relief; commercial/contractual disputes; contentious trusts (domestic and international); company and partnership disputes; professional negligence; insolvency; intellectual property. Recent cases of note: Re Keeping Kids Company (2020) disqualification proceedings arising from the collapse of Kids Company; HMRC v IGE USA Investments [2020] EWHC 2121 (Ch) claim to rescind a tax settlement for fraud; Original Alternative v Bayley [2019] EWHC 3629 (Ch) injunction and committal application arising from a web domain hacking; Glenn v Watson [2018] EWHC 2016 (Ch) successful £’000m fraud claim and committal application; Polegoshko v Ibragimov [2014] EWHC 1535 (Ch), [2015] EWHC 1669 (Ch) fraudulent alteration of register of an LLP; Re Quiet Moments Limited; Dufoo v Tolaini [2013] EWHC 3806 (Ch), [2014] EWCA Civ 1536, breakdown of joint venture relationship/just and equitable winding up; Alhamrani v Alhamrani (2012) share purchase dispute governed by Saudi Law (BVI High Court).

Gregor joined Chambers in October 2017 and is developing a busy practice across Chambers’ areas of expertise.  He regularly appears in the High Court, where he is instructed in his own right on interlocutory matters, and in the County Court.  Gregor has a particular interest in contentious trusts and probate work (including offshore), commercial litigation, company and civil fraud. Gregor has recently returned to Chambers from a seven-month secondment in the Contentious Trusts and Succession group at Withers LLP, during which he worked on a number of Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims involving dynastic and high net worth estates as well as advising offshore trustees and charities on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters.

Hugh has a broad commercial and chancery practice, with a particular emphasis on cases involving fraud or breach of fiduciary duty.  His practice extends to insolvency, company, trusts (onshore and offshore in all of these areas) and even occasionally ancillary relief in the Family Division.

Barrister specialising in chancery and commercial litigation, partnership, companies and insolvency, financial services and private client work.

Chancery and commercial litigation, arbitration, trusts (offshore and onshore), probate, civil fraud, company, partnership and LLP, probate, 1975 Act claims, and professional negligence.  Recent notable cases include: Wong v Grand View Private Trust Company, Schwartz v VGV, Chernukhin v Deripaska and Scarle v Scarle.

Jamie joined Chambers in October 2018. He is developing a practice across Chambers’ core areas of expertise, with a particular focus on domestic and international trusts, company and partnership disputes, and civil fraud. As well as proceedings in the High Court and County Court in England, recent instructions include matters in Guernsey, the BVI, the Bahamas, and Singapore. Jamie previously worked as a consultant for the international consultancy firm, Oliver Wyman.

Serle Court: commercial/chancery, in particular partnership, company, contentious trusts and probate and fraud. Also practices as an arbitrator (FCIArb) and as a mediator (CEDR accredited).

Jennifer is a commercial Chancery barrister with particular expertise in insolvency, company, property, contractual and professional negligence disputes.

Barrister specialising in general Chancery and commercial litigation including partnership, LLPs, companies, trusts, civil fraud and insolvency.

Barrister practising in all areas of commercial and chancery law; private international law; private client (contentious trusts); succession; international family law. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in the field of private international law, in which he is joint general editor of Dicey, Morris and Collins, ‘The Conflict of Laws’. He has been instructed in numerous important cases, including Granatino v Radmacher, Hutcheson v Spread Trustees, Masri v CCIC and Ors, SMF v Butterfield and OJSC Oil Co Yugraneft (In Liquidation) v Roman Abramovich. He is also well-known for his expertise in international trusts and has been instructed in key cases including Charman v Charman and Mubarak v Mubarak. He has drafted offshore legislation in a number of jurisdictions. He acted as legal advisor to the Ministry of Justice on the proposed EU Regulation on Cross-Border Succession and Wills. He is a member of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on private international law.

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Charities, domestic and international trusts, and probate; property litigation.

All areas of chancery and commercial practice, in particular civil fraud, contentious trusts (onshore and offshore), insolvency, and professional negligence.

General commercial lawyer with particular specialism in all aspects of insurance and reinsurance law and regulation. Drafting insurance and reinsurance policies, underwriting agency agreements and UK and overseas security trust arrangements. FSMA Part VII insurance business transfers. Insurance intermediaries. Legislative drafting, including transposition of EU directives. Financial services regulation. Commercial arbitrator and mediator. Expert witness on English law in foreign proceedings.

Specialist in commercial and chancery litigation and advice with extensive offshore experience (in paritcular in the Channel Islands and in Cayman).  Practice focus is domestic and internatinal commercial fraud and pre-emptive remedies, domestic and international trusts, international arbitration, company and banking.  Recent cases include: Orb ARL -v- Ruhan, Chambal Fertilizers & Chemicals -v- Trafigura & Ors, JSC BTA Bank -v- Ablyazov & Ors, Fiona Trusts -v- Privalov in the Commerical Court; Glenn -v- Watson & Ors, Aeroflot -v- Berezovsky & Ors, Labrouche -v- Frey & Ors, CCE Ltd -vp Corry & Ors in the Chancery Division.

Kathryn is a leading senior junior in offshore litigation and has variously been described as "an outstanding lawyer, “conscientious", “commercial”, “fearless”, “level-headed”, and “a top-notch advocate”. She has extensive wide-ranging chancery expertise, though focusses primarily on contentious trusts and probate litigation, and civil fraud and asset recovery. She is qualified in Jersey law and practised there for many years, so is particularly well placed to act in cases (wherever located) concerning the Channel Islands and has a direct understanding of the dynamics of offshore practice. She loves big challenges, and teamwork, and has acted in some of the largest pieces of offshore trusts litigation of the last decade.

Commercial litigation; chancery commercial litigation; commercial fraud; financial services; banking; arbitration; professional negligence; contentious trusts; regulatory and disciplinary; public inquiries; ADR; media law; sport; corporate crime; civil liberties.

Commercial litigation, insolvency, company/chancery, professional negligence. Recent cases include: Loveridge v. Loveridge [2020] EWCA Civ 1104 – interim relief in unfair prejudice petitions and partnership disputes; Taylor v. Rhino Overseas Inc [2020] EWCA Civ 353 and [2019] EWHC 1951 (Ch) – agency, undisclosed principal, unlawful means conspiracy; Re The Hut Group [2020] EWHC 5 (Ch) – striking out unfair prejudice petition; Zedra Trust Co (Jersey) Ltd. v. Hut Group Ltd [2019] EWHC 2191 (Comm) – expert determination in share purchase agreement; Blackstar Advisors v. Cheyne Capital International [2019] EWCA Civ 2210  – investment introductory agreement; O’Brien v. TTT Moneycorp [2019] EWHC 1491 (Comm) – SPA, conditions precedent; Grove Park Properties v. Royal Bank of Scotland [2018] EWHC 3521 (Comm) – pleading of fraud arising out of bank’s conduct in earlier litigation; Instant Access Properties v. Rosser [2018] EWHC 756 (Ch) – insolvency, breach of fiduciary duty, shadow directors, fraudulent trading, ratification; BFS Group v. Foley [2017] EWHC 2799 (QB) – bribery, secret profits, fraud; Bank Alkhair v Al Refai [2018] EWHC 616 (Comm) - Bahrain judgments, enforcement, set-off, fraud; Palm Beach Offshore - Cayman insolvency, good faith, redemption shares; Emmott v Michael Wilson & Partners Ltd [2015] EWCA Civ 1028 - civil contempt, dissipation of assets, director's liability.

Marc represents corporate entities and individuals in civil fraud and asset recovery litigation, as part of his broader commercial dispute resolution practice. He is particularly experienced in high-value commercial litigation which has an international or cross-border element, typically involving jurisdiction challenges and presenting issues of foreign law.  Examples of the heavyweight disputes in which Marc has been instructed include Privatbank v Kolomoisky and BTA Bank v Khrapunov.  His cases often involve high-net-worth individuals or concern issues arising from gambling or cryptocurrency. Marc also has extensive experience, both as sole and junior counsel, of applications for interim relief (especially when urgent), including for asset freezing injunctions and Norwich Pharmacal information disclosure orders.   As a Mathematics graduate, Marc is highly numerate and confident in tackling very technical and complex evidence.

Mark joined Chambers in October 2018 following the successful completion of his pupillage.  His pupil supervisors were Dan McCourt Fritz, Constance McDonnell, Matthew Morrison, and Gareth Tilley.  During pupillage he gained experience working on a wide range of cases across the full spectrum of Chambers’ practice.

Commercial chancery litigation, with a particular emphasis on civil fraud, company and partnership, insolvency, and trust litigation. Instructed as sole counsel on matters before the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal. Regularly instructed as junior counsel in large-scale commercial and chancery litigation both onshore and offshore, with significant experience of assisting advocates in appearances before the Royal Courts of Jersey and Guernsey. Cases include: Re AMT Coffee Limited, IAP v Rosser; Carlyle Capital Corporation; Isis Investments Limited v Kaupthing Bank; BTA Bank v Ablyazov & Ors; Re Alhamrani.

All aspects of intellectual property law and practice, and technical commercial disputes, in particular registered IPRs and the related unregistered rights: namely trade marks and passing-off; copyright, designs and moral rights; and patents and confidential information. Well over 100 reported cases since 2000, of which over two thirds were appeals or judicial reviews. Been instructed by the UK IPO and Government, and also advised and acted for CIPA, CITMA and AIPPI UK in, inter alia, the Court of Justice and the Supreme Court. Been instructed in numerous appeals from the EUIPO to the General Court and the Court of Justice, and Article 267 references (over 50 in total). Appeared before the Opposition Division, and the Legal and Technical Boards of Appeal in the EPO.

Barrister specialising in commercial fraud, international trust and general commercial Chancery litigation. Particular specialisations include freezing injunctions, tracing claims and constructive trusts; notable cases include Wang litigation (Bermuda); Blickle litigation (Bermuda and BVI); Alhamrani v Alhamrani (Jersey); Jahre litigation (in England and the Cayman Islands); Facia Footwear v Hinchliffe; Thyssen litigation (in Bermuda); VRL v Goyal (Isle of Man); Lasala and Zeidman v Poyiadjis (Isle of Man); Formula One Holdings Limited v Ecclestone; Weisfisch litigation (England and Bahamas); BITEL v KFG (Isle of Man).

Ollie Jones is a barrister at Serle Court. He has a busy commercial chancery practice, with a particular emphasis on commercial and civil fraud litigation and contentious trust and probate disputes.

Barrister specialising in commercial and Chancery litigation and advice (including acting for Canada in the litigation relating to the collapse of the International Tin Council, in civil litigation relating to the collapse of the Maxwell trading empire, cases relating to large-scale commercial landlord and tenant matters including rent reviews, repairing covenants and joint venture arrangements) and acting for a group of Lloyd’s Names in the ‘threshold fraud’ case, Jaffrey v Lloyd’s [2000], commercial and business agreements (advice and drafting), commercial fraud (litigation relating to asset-tracing in the UK or cross-border), commercial property law and agricultural property law (litigation relating to all aspects of these areas), company law, credit and banking, securities and capital markets, entertainment law, insolvency (including directors’ disqualification) and receivership, partnership law including professional partnerships, sports law (including commercial transactions and broadcasting matters), professional negligence (including solicitors, accountants, pension-fund managers, actuaries, banks, merchant banks, surveyors), trusts, probate and charities, computer law.

Barrister and a leading practitioner in Chancery and commercial litigation, including individual and corporate insolvency (including administration, voluntary arrangements and receivership); banking (principally recoveries, guarantees and securities); commercial landlord and tenant law; company law (particularly shareholder disputes); professional negligence; commercial agents; partnership (with particular emphasis on professional partnerships); contract and commercial disputes and general business litigation. Significant reported cases include: Ghura v Dalal [2015] EWHC 605; Redstone v B Legal [2014] EWHC 3398; Sugar v CJS Investments [2014] EWCA Civ 1239; Roberts v Egan [2014] EWHC 1849; Proactive v Wayne and Colleen Rooney [2010] EWHC 1807, [2011] EWCA Civ 1444; Ebbvele v Hosking [2013] UKPC 1 [Privy Council]; Gladman Commercial v Fisher [2013] EWCA Civ 1466; Access Bank v Akingbola [2012] EWHC 11234 and 2184; Yafai v Muthana [2012] EWCA Civ 289; Morley v Reder Engineering [2011] EWHC 2798; DRL v Wincanton [2011] EWCA Civ 839; Mumtaz Properties Ltd [2011] EWCA Civ 610; Ebbvale Ltd (Court of Appeal in Bahamas); Tristar v Lim (Commercial Court BVI) [2009]; Sino Union v Rich Victory (Court Court BVI) [2009]; Sheffield United v West Ham United [2009]; Alan Curbishley v West Ham United [2009]; Whittle Movers v Hollywood Express [2009] EWCA 1189; Lexi Holdings v Luqman [2008] EWHC 1639; OFT v Miller [2009] EWCA 34; Stanley J Holmes Ltd [2006] EWCA Civ 1568; Broughton v Bower [2006] EWCA Civ 632; North British Housing Association v Masood [2005] 1 WLR 3133; Lavelle v Lavelle, The Times 9 March 2004; Bolton MBC v Torkington [2004] Ch 66; BHT v NatWest Finance [2004] 1 BCLC 568; Uno PLC and World of Leather [2004] EWHC 933; Customs & Excise v Anglo-Overseas [2004] EWHC 2198; Michael Gerson (Leasing) Ltd v Wilkinson [2000] 3 WLR 1645, Re Sutton, The Times, November 3 1997; CIS v Argyle Stores (Holdings) Ltd [1997] 3 All ER 297; Re Sankey Furniture Ltd [1995] 2 BCLC 594; Esso Petroleum v Fumegrange [1994] 2 EGLR 9; Covance v PETA (interim injunctions relating to publishing video footage of animal treatment laboratories); Trafford MBC v Total Fitness [2002] 4 EG 169 (validity of notice); North East Lincolnshire Council v Millennium Park, The Times 10; Arrow Nominees v Blackledge [2003] EWHC 1516 (third-party costs orders); Lord Alliance v Kermanshachi [2003] EWHC 1939. Paul has major clients in the areas of sports and entertainment, multinationals, banks and professional partnerships. This member also practises from Kings Chambers, 36 Young Street, Manchester.

Chancery and commercial, with a particular focus on company, joint venture and other business disputes, civil fraud, domestic and offshore trusts, professional negligence and financial services. Recent significant cases include Kea v Ivory Castle [2019] EWHC 309 (Ch), [2020] EWHC 472 (Ch) (freezing and proprietary injunctions); Glenn v Watson [2019] 4 WLR 145 (CA), [2018] EWHC 2016 (Ch) (fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and bribery); Rawlinson & Hunter Trustees SA v ITG Ltd [2015] EWHC 1664 (Ch) (abuse of process); R v N (investment negligence claim against a Jersey trustee); Novatrust Ltd v Kea Investments Ltd [2014] EWHC 4061 (Ch) (foreign company derivative claims); Kea Investments Ltd v Spartan Capital Ltd (effect of jurisdiction clauses on winding up petitions); Sukhoruchkin v Van Bekestein [2014] EWCA Civ 399 (reflective loss and freezing injunctions); Morgan v Kevin Neil Associates Ltd (alleged mis-selling of investment scheme); Apex Global Management Ltd v Fi Call Ltd [2014] BCC 286 (relief against third parties in unfair prejudice petitions).

Barrister specialising in Chancery and commercial litigation, companies and insolvency, financial services, property and all aspects of judicial review, EC law and professional negligence relating to the foregoing.

Silk

Barrister specialising in commercial disputes (including commercial arbitrations (ICC, LCIA etc), share and asset sale agreements, loans and security, commercial fraud, cross-border contracts, and financial services); company law (especially shareholders’ disputes, directors’ duties, directors’ disqualification, and corporate insolvency/rescue); contentious trusts; property disputes; professional negligence work (including solicitors, barristers, and accountants) in these and related fields.

General chancery, with a strong emphasis on litigation (both onshore and offshore) in the fields of trusts, estates, probate, 1975 Act claims, tax and related professional negligence. Recent notable cases include Khan v Gany (BVI, trustee's duty to account); Van der Merwe v Goldman (England, setting aside trust on basis of mistake); Loring v Woodland Trust (England, will construction); Fielden v Christie Miller (England, proprietary estoppel); Schroder Trust v Schroder AG (Cayman, excessive execution, mistake and interaction of Cayman and Jersey 'firewall' legislation); Taros v Barratt (England, anti-suit injunctions); JF v Hexagon (Cayman, beneficial ownership of shares).

Queen’s Counsel specialising in commercial and financial disputes, with a strong focus on real property and its development, management and finance, as well as fraud, banking, shareholder disputes and professional liability.  His practice in England is primarily in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division of the High Court and the Court of Appeal.  He has acted in many of the leading cases in the Courts of the Dubai International Finance Centre and has a strong interest in litigation and arbitration in the Middle East or in England involving parties from the region.  He is familiar with the laws of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Arab civil law jurisdictions. 

Barrister specialising in Chancery and commercial litigation, in particular company and insolvency (including directors' disqualification), probate, property, charities, tax and trusts (offshore and domestic) litigation, fraud and injunctive relief, financial services and judicial review. Cases include: Union Castle Mail Steamship Co Ltd v Revenue & Customs Commissioners [2016] UKFTT 526 (TC), Stagecoach Group Plc (2) Stagecoach Holdings Ltd v Revenue & Customs Commissioners [2016] UKFTT 120 (TC), Central Bank of Ecuador & Ors v Conticorp SA [2015] UKPC 11, Apollon Metaxides v Swart & Ors, Silver Point Condominium Apartments v Swart [2015] UKPC 32, Bimini Blue Coalition Ltd v Prime Minister of the Bahamas & Ors [2014] UKPC 23, Pitt v Holt [2013] UKSC 26 and [2011] EWCA Civ 197, Ardagh Group v Pillar Property [2013] EWCA and [2012] EWHC 3649, Oceania v Willard Clarke [2013] UKPC 3, Reid v HMRC [2012] UKUP 338, Re Mercury Tax Group (In Administration) [2010] EWCA 1379, Re Stakefield [2010] EWHC 2518 and 3175, R v Save Guana Cay [2009] UKPC 44, Klincke v HMRC [2009] UKFTT 156, Harding v HMRC [2008] EWCA 1164, Smith v HMRC [2008] WTLR 147, Re City Trucks Ltd [2008] BCC 76, Re TXU, Sisu v Tucker [2006] 1 All ER 167.

Commercial chancery litigation, including in particular commercial fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, trusts litigation, banking and finance, professional negligence and contractual disputes. Also significant experience in regulatory and disciplinary proceedings, especially those related to the financial services industry. Cases include: Terry and others v Watchstone, RBS Rights Issue Litigation, Kingate Funds v KML and others (Supreme Court of Bermuda), Alhamrani v Alhamrani (BVI Commercial Court, Court of Appeal + Privy Council), Alhamrani v Alhamrani (Jersey Royal Court - breach of trust and fiduciary duty), ACKO v Van Bom (fraud) RBS v Winterthur (breach of warranty, fraudulent misrepresentation), Hoben International v Horton and others (breach of fiduciary duty, breach of confidence), Charter v City Index (knowing receipt), FSA v Legal & General (FSMA Tribunal), Philips v Symes (partnership/fraud), FSA v CSFB International (regulatory proceedings).

Sophie Holcombe has a commercial chancery practice, with a particular focus on contentious domestic and offshore trusts and civil fraud. Sophie’s work is often multi-jurisdictional, involving issues of private international law. Currently, Sophie is instructed as junior counsel on a mass data breach claim against British Airways (Various Claimants v British Airways) and acts on behalf of a Georgian billionaire in a dispute against Credit Suisse for losses over mismanagement of an investment portfolio said to be worth over USD 1 billion, proceedings are ongoing in Singapore and Bermuda (Ivanishvili v Credit Suisse). Sophie has also acted in Muncipio de Mariana v BHP Group Plc, the largest piece of group litigation before the English Courts arising from the Fundão Dam collapse in Brazil, in Gudavadze v Anisimov, a claim for over $1.5bn relating to the Russian mining company Metalloinvest, and in the BTA v Ablyazov enforcement proceedings.

Stephanie joined chambers in October 2018 following the successful completion of her pupillage. Her pupil supervisors were Dakis Hagen QC, Constance McDonnell, Dan McCourt Fritz and Ruth den Besten. During pupillage Stephanie worked on cases in each of Chambers’ areas of practice. Prior to joining Serle Court, Stephanie was a barrister in New Zealand for three years. She appeared regularly in the New Zealand High Court and Court of Appeal, including as junior counsel in several fraud trials and unled on interlocutory matters. She also completed an LLM at the University of Cambridge, where she received the BRD Clarke Prize for coming first in her year and prizes for coming first in each of her four subjects.

Stephanie was called to the Bar in 2014. Stephanie specialises in Intellectual Property, Media and Art law and is developing a chancery and commercial practice. A significant proportion of her practice involves an international element and she has experience acting in cases with disputed jurisdiction. Despite her recent call she is currently instructed in some of the largest and most high profile Intellectual Property cases currently before the UK courts. She has appeared before the CJEU (General Court), Court of Appeal, High Court and IPEC as well as in registry proceedings before the UK IPO and EUIPO. She enjoys working as part of a team and is also experienced and confident acting as sole counsel. She is regularly instructed to appear as sole counsel in applications and smaller matters in the High Court and IPEC, and is also instructed as sole counsel in the Court of Appeal. Recently Stephanie represented the successful respondent as sole counsel in the Court of Appeal in Glencairn IP Holdings Ltd v Product Specialities Inc (t/a Final Touch) [2020] EWCA Civ 609 which sets new precedent in relation to solicitors’ conflicts when acting in multiple cases brought by the same Claimant.

Suzanne Rab specialises in competition law, EU law and regulation combining cartels, commercial practices, IP exploitation, merger control, public procurement, subsidy control/State aid. Suzanne’s practice has a particular focus on the interface between competition law and economic regulation. She advises governments, regulators and businesses across regulated sectors including the communications, energy, financial services, healthcare/pharmaceuticals, TMT and water sectors. Suzanne advises on the development and application of regulation according to international best practices. Suzanne has wide experience of information rights law, professional services regulation and education law.

Commercial chancery barrister regularly instructed in a wide range of business disputes, including company, commercial, intellectual property, insolvency, off-shore and civil fraud litigation.  Interesting cases include: Re AMT Coffee Ltd [2019] EWHC 46 (Ch) (unfair prejudice; excess remuneration; minority discount) Pelikan v EUIPO T-112/17 (trade mark re NBA team logo for the New Orleans Pelicans)(General Court) Re Galasys plc [2016] JRC 188 (Jersey company law dispute; shareholder reserve power) Moroccanoil Israel Ltd v Aldi Stores [2014] EWHC 1686 (IPEC) (passing off; trade dress) Sukhoruchkin v Van Bekestein [2014] EWCA Civ 399 (reflective loss; freezing injunctions) Prince Abdulaziz v Apex Global Management Ltd [2014] UKSC 64 (relief from sanctions)

Practises across the broad range of the commercial-chancery spectrum, but with particular emphasis on litigation concerning issues in respect of commercial agreements and company, insolvency and international trusts matters, often involving allegations of fraud. Tim has extensive experience of claims concerning breaches of duty, in particular in respect of directors or trustees, and of shareholder disputes. Prior to commencing practice in England, Tim was called to the bar in the Cayman Islands and practised as an attorney-at-law. He continues to undertake work in respect of a number of offshore jurisdictions, including Jersey, Guernsey, the British Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands.

Barrister specialising in commercial and chancery litigation, with particular expertise in the fields of property, company law, insolvency and partnerships.

Barrister specialising in domestic and international trust, probate and administration of estate disputes, charities and associated professional negligence. Junior counsel to the Treasury in Charity Matters. Recent cases include: Children’s Investment Fund Foundation v Attorney General [2017] EWHC 1379 (Ch) – as to court approval of $360 million grant and role of members of charitable companies; A v D [2017] EWCOP 8 (Charles J) – as to relationship between compromise in the Chancery Division and Court of Protection’s jurisdiction; JSC Aeroflot v Berezovskaya [2014] EWCA Civ 431 – as to administration of estates, receivers and confidentiality; Pitt v Holt [2013] UKSC 26 – in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court as to setting aside voluntary transactions; Independent Schools Council v Charity Commission [2011] UKUT 421 – as to how much provision for the poor has to be made by independent schools.

Specialist areas of practice concern Arab laws, comparative commercial law, arbitration. Important cases include: Dubai Bank Ltd v Galadari (High Court), (Expert); Westacre Investments v Jogoimport (High Court), (Expert); State of Kuwait v Getty Oil (New York), (Counsel for Kuwait); Aminoil v State of Kuwait, (arbitration), (Counsel for Aminoil); Westland Helicopters v Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, (arbitration), (Counsel for Westland); Kuwait Oil Tanker Cov Albadr & Ors (expert); NECC v Lucent (US New Jersey) (Expert Saudi law); APEX v FI Call & Ors [2013] (Saudi law); Standard Bank PLC v EFAL and Ors [2014] (Kuwaiti law); Kuwait Finance House v David John Teece [2014/2015] (Bahraini law); plus arbitrations as chairman and arbitrator.

Zahler has a broad commercial chancery practice, with particular emphasis on company law, insolvency and trusts.

Zoe O’Sullivan QC is a robust and experienced advocate who thrives on the challenges of oral advocacy and cross-examination.   She is described in Chambers UK as “very easy to work with and very hands-on”, “very technically able” and “formidably bright”. Zoe’s commercial/Chancery practice spans a broad range including IT and outsourcing disputes, shareholder disputes/joint ventures, directors’ duties, banking and finance, commercial fraud, commodities and shipbuilding.  She acts principally for large multinationals and high net worth individuals and is highly experienced in jurisdiction issues and key interim applications including freezing orders, anti-suit injunctions and applications under section 44 of the Arbitration Act 1996.  Zoe is equally comfortable acting in court proceedings and in arbitration, and sits regularly as an arbitrator under the LCIA and ICC rules.