Hugh Sims KC
Guildhall ChambersGuildhall Chambers is ‘a good set of chambers that provides a full range of services at varying levels’. Simon Passfield KC, appointed silk in 2024, acted as a liquidator in fraudulent trading and misfeasance claims against directors and is regarded as ’a confident, measured and thorough advocate who goes above and beyond for his clients’. Stefan Ramel represented a landlord creditor before the High Court in Re Fitness First Club Ltd, challenging the proposed restructuring plan under part 26A of the Companies Act 2006, while Hugh Sims KC specialises in corporate insolvency cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Guildhall Chambers has a fantastic clerking team which provides an excellent service, in particular Joe Stayte.'
- 'Joe Stayte is always at the end of a phone and can drop everything to help on urgent matters.'
- 'Guildhall Chambers has a great service across the board. Friendly, approachable and eager to help. Stephen Arnold and Joe Stayte deserve particular mention.'
- 'Joe Stayte is the go-to contact. He is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.'
- 'Stephen Arnold has a good manner with clients and offers the expected level of service. Joe Stayte is very enthusiastic.'
- 'Guildhall Chambers has an excellent and well-deserved reputation for insolvency and general chancery work.'
- 'Guildhall Chambers produces useful and thorough technical guidance on various aspects of insolvency law.'
- 'Guildhall Chambers is well known as one of the powerhouses for counsel in the South West. It has an excellent array of highly experienced barristers from the junior to KC level.'
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.
2024 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.
Simon Passfield KC
Guildhall Chambers ‘Simon is top-class and has a firm grasp of all issues, and his court advocacy skills are second-to-none. His client-handling skills are excellent, combining being knowledgeable, sympathetic and robust.’
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.
1
Stefan Ramel
Guildhall Chambers ‘Stefan is extremely bright and articulate but is exceptional at thinking on his feet. He ensures that everyone understands the situation and process and is clear on guidance and next steps.’
2
Richard Ascroft
Guildhall Chambers ‘Richard is an excellent advocate and very good on his feet. He is very good with clients and provides clear advice focused on the client's aims. He is bright, attentive and confident.’
2
Holly Doyle
Guildhall Chambers2
James Hannant
Guildhall Chambers ‘James is very thorough in the papers and leaves no stone unturned.’
2
James Wibberley
Guildhall Chambers ‘James is a highly able and professional barrister with strong advocacy skills and abilities to examine witnesses.’
2
John Churchill
Guildhall Chambers ‘John is pragmatic and commercial when the circumstances dictate, which is an absolute must in insolvency matters. His advocacy is seamless; he is bold, tenacious and a formidable opponent in court.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
Govinder Chambay
Guildhall Chambers 'Govinder pays excellent attention to detail, and his technical legal skills are superb. He is great on his feet, really excelling in cross-examination.'