1Fountain Court Chambers
Described as ‘top of the premier league of aviation barristers,’ Fountain Court Chambers’ members represent major airlines, lessors and manufacturers in disputes concerning leasing, purchase and redeliveries. Hull damage and loss claims, in addition to fatal incidents also fall within the set’s remit, with barristers representing various parties in accidents involving both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Akhil Shah KC was instructed by Qatar Airways in its dispute with Airbus over A350 surface degradation, with Rosalind Phelps KC representing the manufacturer; Qatar Airways alleged that paint peeling from these aircraft, exposing the lightning mesh beneath, constituted a safety hazard and grounded several of the type, while Airbus contended that this was merely a cosmetic issue; the matter was settled in February 2023. Head of chambers Bankim Thanki KC is frequently sought out by lessors engaged in litigation around aircraft condition, maintenance obligations and rent payments, while Michael McLaren KC is acting on several disputes concerning business jets. James Cutress KC has expertise in cross-border aviation matters, with notable strength in advising on leasing issues. Giles Robertson is noted for his expertise in financing issues in the aviation sector, including advising on cases where fraud is alleged.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very efficient - Sian Huckett is first class.'
- 'Alex Taylor is always an absolute pleasure to deal with. Sian Huckett is one of the hardest working clerks I know. Fraser Linning is very responsive.'
- 'Very good overall, with Katie Szewczyk and Sian Huckett standing out in particular. They are both very helpful and responsive, realistic on timing issues, and sensible in relation to fee arrangements.'
- 'Great service from the clerks' room, especially Sian Huckett.'
- 'The clerking service is outstanding. There is a clear understanding by the clerks of the different facets of the aviation market. The clerks are extremely responsive to client needs.'
- 'Outstanding clerking service. The clerks understand the market and are very responsive to the needs of clients.'
- 'Quick and responsive, commercially-minded, flexible in terms of budget and always ready to make good recommendations for new barristers.'
- 'Outstanding clerking team. The clerks understand the aviation market and its different facets. They provide a highly sophisticated, responsive service to their clients.'
- 'Fountain Court Chambers has been top of the premier league of aviation barristers for many years and still is. They are our first choice, particularly for complex matters.'
- 'Brilliant set of chambers - great silks, senior juniors and baby juniors. We use a lot of their silks and juniors - I think they are the premier set for aviation litigation.'
- 'Fountain Court is one of my go-to sets. The quality is unparalleled across a huge range of disciplines.'
- 'Fountain are one of the two main chambers in commercial aviation. They have a good depth of members and are strong on the banking side.'
- 'Depth of experience with aviation work is first class. Counsel are market leaders in the field and always a safe pair of hands.'
- 'The premier set of chambers for aviation litigation, deep bench strength all the way from silks to baby juniors.'
- 'One of the best chambers for aviation.'
- 'Fountain Court has an excellent reputation and a particular strength in aviation, which is well-earned. Aviation disputes often have all parties involved rushing to their doors. Counsel are responsive and clerks are very helpful with finding availability.'
Silks
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
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1Hall of fameFountain Court Chambers
‘Outstanding in all respects, a true aviation specialist with vast knowledge and experience across the full spectrum of the industry. A very convincing advocate who gets his points across in an impressive way that is helpful to both his clients and judges.’
2Hall of fameFountain Court Chambers
‘James is a highly responsive and engaged KC. His knowledge and interest in the aviation sector pervades all that he does. An immense intellect able to get on top of mountains of detail and digest it down to cogent and persuasive submissions which impress both clients and judges.’
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2Hall of fameFountain Court Chambers
‘John is hugely dedicated to his craft. He carefully analyses the issues and advocates with great effect and tenacity in court. His written advice is clear and he distils complex issues. He works collaboratively with solicitors. A superb tactician.’
2022 Silks
Fountain Court Chambers
‘Exceptionally bright and talented as a junior and that has more than continued since he deservedly took silk. He is incredibly efficient in his advice, and has the ability to distil complex issues down to something which is concise and spot on.’
Fountain Court Chambers
‘Alex is extremely responsive and provides very clear commercial advice. Clients respond very well to him and so do the judges. He is a politely forceful advocate and a very effective one at that.’
2024 Silks
Fountain Court Chambers
‘Very responsive and commercial. Presents his thoughts with clarity. Works well with his instructing solicitor and doesn’t impose or dominate.’
Juniors
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
3Fountain Court Chambers
'David always offers excellent contributions that complete the picture. His organisational skills and attention to detail are absolutely first-rate, and he is extremely user-friendly and responsive. His questioning is calm and methodical. Overall, a fantastic all-rounder.'
4Fountain Court Chambers
‘A superstar – she is a first class operator, super bright, super responsive, clients love her, good strategic thinker, great on her feet and on paper – she has a very bright future at the Bar. A silk in the making.’
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
3Fountain Court Chambers
'David always offers excellent contributions that complete the picture. His organisational skills and attention to detail are absolutely first-rate, and he is extremely user-friendly and responsive. His questioning is calm and methodical. Overall, a fantastic all-rounder.'
4Fountain Court Chambers
‘A superstar – she is a first class operator, super bright, super responsive, clients love her, good strategic thinker, great on her feet and on paper – she has a very bright future at the Bar. A silk in the making.’