With an ‘excellent stable of civil fraud barristers’, XXIV Old Buildings offers representation on a variety of civil fraud claims, including asset tracing, misappropriation of funds, and the worldwide enforcement of awards. The set is particularly recognised for its expertise in offshore litigation. Stephen Moverley Smith KC, Steven Thompson KC and Ben Waistell acted for the defendant life insurance company in Ivanishvili v Credit Suisse Life (Bermuda), a claim by the former Prime Minister of Georgia concerning the allegedly fraudulent actions of a rogue employee. Stuart Adair is appearing in McCarthy v Marshall, where the claimant alleges that the defendant fraudulently breached fiduciary duties by misappropriating and misapplying company assets, leading to the subsequent liquidation of their meat trading and importation business Emerald Meats (London) Limited. In Public Institution for Social Security v Al Rajaan, a case involving claims of over $800m alleging bribery and money laundering by the former director general and various international banks, Francis Tregear KC represents Banque Mirabaud SA.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Brilliant clerking led by Paul Horsfield.'
  • 'Excellent clerks - James Ladbrooke and Perry Brown in particular.'
  • 'Perry Brown and Tommie Drury are excellent and responsive clerks.'
  • 'Paul Horsfield and Perry Brown are very good.'
  • 'XXIV Old Buildings is at the forefront of offshore litigation, consistently demonstrating a cutting-edge approach to complex international legal disputes.'
  • 'Fantastic Chambers - a go-to set.'
  • 'XXIV Old Buildings is a gem of a set, very much underappreciated but full of quality. The juniors are always keen and ready to roll up their sleeves and give a task their best.'
  • 'XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent stable of civil fraud barristers, who have worked on some of the most challenging and complex cases of recent years.'

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.
Elspeth Talbot Rice KC
2
Elspeth Talbot Rice KC
XXIV Old Buildings
'Her formidable determination ensures she resolutely champions the client's position. She has an uncanny ability to see round corners and anticipate what the other side will do in the course of a case.'
Steven Thompson KC
3
Steven Thompson KC
XXIV Old Buildings
'Steven is a ferocious and highly persuasive advocate who knows the law inside out. He is simply brilliant in court.'
Edward Cumming KC
4
Edward Cumming KC
XXIV Old Buildings
'An advocate who can go toe to toe with anyone and come out on top.'

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.
2
Stuart Adair
XXIV Old Buildings
'A very robust advocate with a meticulous eye.'
Hugh Miall
2
Hugh Miall
XXIV Old Buildings
'Hugh has the ability to distil clarity from extreme complexity. He is brilliantly forensic.'
Edward Knight
3
Edward Knight
XXIV Old Buildings
'Edward is an accomplished advocate who radiates confidence and competence. He is also really good with papers and very tolerant of difficult clients.'
3
Bajul Shah
XXIV Old Buildings
'A cogent advocate with a brilliant mind.'
Ben Waistell
4
Ben Waistell
XXIV Old Buildings
'A junior with a robust and sensible style.'