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.
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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.
‘Peter is an absolute guru in the field of company voluntary agreements and the emerging area of restructuring plans. He analyses proposed plans and arrangements from the ground up, starting from base principles. No-one understands this area of law as profoundly as Peter does.’
‘He provides cute forensic analysis of the legal side, formidable understanding of the nuances of the case. A calm and authoritative advocacy which judges can’t help but be swayed by.’
4‘Raquel is hugely experienced and knowledgeable. She is an excellent advocate and very impressive in a hearing. Despite her experience and seniority she is extremely approachable and inspires confidence in solicitors and lay clients.'
2023 Silks
‘Ben is a very welcome addition to the senior insolvency Bar. His analysis and advice is thorough and clear, and he has an amazing grasp of the details. Ben is also strong advocate and highly effective cross-examiner.’
‘Ben is a very welcome addition to the senior insolvency Bar. His analysis and advice is thorough and clear, and he has an amazing grasp of the details. Ben is also strong advocate and highly effective cross-examiner.'
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.
‘Conor is very impressive for someone of his relatively junior call and he has a keen sense for what will and will not interest the court.’
‘Philip is off the scale good. Pre-eminently clever and blessed with wisdom and practical nous way beyond his years, he is a future star of the Bar. He is also extremely hard working and very easy to get on with.’
‘Brilliant mind and tenacious advocacy. Very user friendly and is clear with his advice and strategy from an early stage in the proceedings.’
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.
‘Conor is very impressive for someone of his relatively junior call and he has a keen sense for what will and will not interest the court.’
‘Philip is off the scale good. Pre-eminently clever and blessed with wisdom and practical nous way beyond his years, he is a future star of the Bar. He is also extremely hard working and very easy to get on with.’
‘Brilliant mind and tenacious advocacy. Very user friendly and is clear with his advice and strategy from an early stage in the proceedings.’