what
the directories say about us:
Leading
Commercial Sets
3
Verulam Buildings remains strong in banking and finance, and
commercial litigation in which it has risen a tier, as well
as handling quality work in related areas such as arbitration,
civil fraud, professional negligence and insolvency, media law
and IT. Three names stand out: the excellent clerking and administration
led by senior clerk, Nicholas Hill; the commercial and legal
acumen of Ali Malek
QC; and the charm, skill and ability of Sonia
Tolaney at the junior end.
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Banking
and Finance
3 Verulam Buildings matches Fountain Court Chambers in terms
of both domestic and international banking matters, with advice
ranging from syndicated loans, CDOs and letters of credit to
classic retail banking matters. Nicholas Hill is seen as ‘a
brilliant senior clerk, and a nice guy’. Two of the biggest
names here are William Blair QC, who became Chairman of the
Qatar Regulatory Tribunal, and Ali
Malek QC, whose ‘advisory work is excellent’,
giving ‘flawless and comprehensive opinions’. Solicitors
have a very high view of Malek, who had another busy year in
2006, advising a clearing bank on default charges as well as
appearing in Kensington v Republic of Congo and Oceanic Bank
and Trust v M J Select Global. Equally busy were Richard
Salter QC who combined appearances in Abu Dhabi Investment
Company v Clarkson, with public law issues in AIG Capital Partners
Inc v Kazakhstan and the highly technical HSH Nordbank v Barclays.
John Jarvis QC
‘combines an incisive approach with excellent client skills’;
Andrew Onslow QC
has consolidated his silk practice with REO v Aberdeen - acting
for UBS in a claim arising out of the split capital investment
trusts affair. Ewan
McQuater QC continues to impress with ‘confident advocacy
against the best’, and is instructed by Magic Circle firms
on cases like Haller v Deutsche Bank AG. Stephen
Phillips QC is ‘an impressive cross-examiner’;
‘financial services guru’ and former General Counsel
to the FSA Michael Blair
QC and new silk Jonathan
Nash QC are also recommended. The list of recommended juniors,
headed by the brilliant Adrian
Beltrami and Sonia
Tolaney, is extensive. Tolaney receives promotion; she is
‘excellent on her feet, and now ‘a big name’;
as well as being ‘a fluid and able communicator, she writes
well’ and has ‘an excellent client manner, she’s
personable and well known’. Her work this year has been
led by the best: Mark Hapgood QC ; Bernard Eder QC and fellow
rising star Ewan
McQuater QC. Others of note include David
Quest (’superb on documentary credits’), Michael
Lazarus, Matthew
Hardwick, the ‘very popular’ Jonathan
Davies-Jones, and ‘golden boy of banking law’
Matthew Parker.
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At
3 Verulam Buildings Ali
Malek QC is ‘a good cerebral advocate.’ Christopher
Symons QC has acted both as an advocate and arbitrator in
many domestic and international arbitrations. Junior Christopher
Harris recently acted for the Republic of Kazakhstan in
an ICSID arbitration.
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3
Verulam Buildings also rises a tier this year. It is ‘an
outstanding set’ and ‘the clerking is brilliant’.
Ali Malek QC rises
a tier thanks to his reputation as ‘a very able lawyer,
good on paper and a good cerebral advocate.’ So does Andrew
Onslow QC who focuses on problems ‘until he has come
up with an innovative solution’. Ewan
McQuater QC ‘brings gravitas’ whilst all three
were rated for their overall commercial litigation skills. John
Jarvis QC spent much of 2006 on HSBC v Esquire in Hong Kong,
while Stephen Phillips
QC ’s clients have included PricewaterhouseCoopers
and KPMG. Christopher
Symons QC is recommended for his ‘commanding and persuasive
advocacy skills.’ New entrant Jonathan
Nash QC took silk in 2006. He has ‘an articulate and
measured approach.’ Solicitor favourite Andrew
Sutcliffe QC also debuts in the table this year. He is highly
regarded for ‘his excellent advocacy, dedication and support
- a real team player’. Adrian
Beltrami is ‘as complete a senior junior as one could
wish for’, while Paul
Lowenstein ‘offers responsive and clear advice’.
Sonia Tolaney
is ‘an impressive all-rounder who has earned the respect
of clients’ is also promoted on merit. Also new this year
is John Odgers
who is ‘a pleasure to work with - concise, commercial and
very hard working’.
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Hailed
by clients as ‘outstanding, well-organised barristers’,
3 Verulam Buildings is equipped with a ‘high-value and
increasingly weighty group of silks’, notably Ali
Malek QC a ‘leader and a good cerebral advocate’
who is instructed to act for the claimants in Langbar International
v Mariusz Rybak & Ors. Richard
Salter QC is an ‘excellent intellect with unrivalled
attention to detail’. Andrew
Onslow QC is an ‘incredibly assiduous, hands-on silk
and highly effective advocate’, while Ian
Geering QC is highly respected. Stephen
Phillips QC is good on his feet’, and Ewan
McQuater QC is also recommended. The set has some of the
strongest juniors including Adrian
Beltrami, seen as ‘an outstanding senior junior’.
Jonathan Davies-Jones
‘works incredibly hard, is very thorough and an original
thinker’, while John
Odgers is ‘very practical and approachable’.
The ‘ferociously intelligent’ David
Quest rises up a tier for his work on the Langbar case.
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3
Verulam Buildings has some strong IT juniors, and Andrew
Sutcliffe QC is also active in IT and has recently been
involved in an extremely high-profile contractual matter in
the industry. Clive
Freedman is highly regarded for his technical ability,
and has recently been handling work relating to cancelled
IT projects. Michael
Lazarus is another senior junior who is much liked by
solicitors. They describe him as ‘extremely intelligent’,
‘very thorough and quick to get to grips with technical
detail’, and also rate his work on telecoms disputes.
Another junior, Paul
Lowenstein has also recently been active on telecoms disputes,
and acted for the defendants in BT v Stokes & Martin,
a case relating to the reliability of BT’s corporate
billing system.
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3
Verulam Buildings has a growing reputation in the insolvency
field, and wins some high-profile instructions despite a relatively
small team. Key figures include the ‘exceptionally bright’
and ‘user-friendly’ Ewan
McQuater QC whose background encompasses BCCI, Barings,
Arrow, Maxwell and Grupo Torras. In 2006 he acted on two of
Europe’s largest restructurings, Eurotunnel (instructed
by Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP and Polestar (instructed
by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Gregory
Mitchell QC is considered ‘stunning’, a ‘cerebral
and meticulous advocate’ with a deep and detailed understanding
of insolvency law. Recent matters include acting for the receivers
in OBG Ltd v Allan & Stevenson before the House of Lords.
Juniors we recommend include Adrian
Beltrami, Angharad
Start and Matthew
Hardwick.
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3
Verulam Buildings is described by clients as having ‘real
strength and depth’ as well as being full of ‘very
quick, pragmatic and commercial people’. The ‘very
knowledgeable, bright and user-friendly’ Rory
Phillips QC is a name of note, as is Richard
Brent for his involvement in some of the biggest cases over
the past year, including the AJC Pender and Konkola Copper Mines
disputes. David Quest
acted on behalf of Aon in a £250m claim brought by Lloyd’s,
while Peter Ratcliffe
continues to make an impact in the market. Christopher
Symons QC is said to be ‘absolutely first rate and
intellectually very strong indeed’.
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At
3 Verulam Buildings, Andrew
Sutcliffe QC is well known for his copyright and media
work, and has specialised for years in the music, theatre,
internet and video gaming industries. He is particularly active
for music clients, and recently acted for the defence a very
high-profile industry dispute over rights in the song ‘A
Whiter Shade of Pale’; Fisher v Brooker and Onward Music
Ltd. Peter Ratcliffe
was an independent film and television producer before being
called to the Bar, and has an active practice in the area.
Paul Lowenstein
has a niche video-gaming practice, while Richard
Edwards has also been increasingly active in music industry
disputes.
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3
Verulam Buildings boasts a number of highly rated barristers,
including Christopher
Symons QC - who is noteworthy for litigating confidently
for and against ‘magic circle’ City solicitors amongst
others; Rory Phillips
QC, Andrew Onslow
QC in R v H acting for solicitors in a claim for wrongfully
procuring writ of sequestration; Thomas
Weitzman QC and Cyril
Kinsky who remains a preferred junior for a number of leaders
and clients alike. John
Odgers is rated for ‘always (being) on top of the issues
and always ready with a sensible solution to complex problems’,
while Adrian Beltrami
receives accolades for being ‘very good with paper work’.
Jonathan Davies- Jones
has dealt with truly heavyweight litigation in HIH Insurance
v JLT and JP Morgan Chase Bank & Others v Springwell Navigation.
Matthew Parker also
comes across as having a solid practice alongside Matthew
Hardwick who has a breadth of relevant experience which
is typical of a strong junior practice - ranging from the multi-party
Stax Claimants financial negligence litigation to successfully
defending a claim following the destruction of an entire crop
of Cox’s Orange Pippins in Butler & Butler v Norman
Collett Limited.
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Agriculture
Peter
Cranfield at 3 Verulam Buildings has significant expertise
in agriculture matters and disputes within a broader commercial
practice, with a particular focus on the EU aspects.
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Shipping
Nicholas
Craig carries on fine work acting on CSAV - an arbitration
claim regarding stowage under a time charterparty; and P&O
Nedlloyd BV in the Court of Appeal as part of a long-running
dispute.
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Private Client:
Trusts and Probate
Outside Lincoln’s Inn Adrian
Beltrami at 3 Verulam Buildings has a broad commercial practice,
but is adept at handling complex trusts matters. Instructing
solicitors consider him ‘hardworking, effective and knowledgeable
about the offshore world’.
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Viewed
as “the outstanding banking litigation set,” 3 Verulam
Buildings was unanimously praised for housing barristers of
“undoubted brilliance.” A good proportion of them
display “affability and good humour,” making them
attractive choices for “long-term, high-value litigation
as they work so well as part of a team.“ As one instructing
solicitor put it: “There is an underlying lack of stuffiness
in the set at both barristerial and clerking levels, making
for a pleasant working experience.” In addition, the clerks
further offer “quick response times, professionalism and
user-friendliness.” Of the barristers, Ali
Malek QC proves one of the biggest draws. Much admired by
solicitors for his “superb people skills, cerebral advocacy
and great analytical ability,” he is a barrister “always
ready to put up a good fight” wherever his practice may
take him. His tenacity is shared by Ewan
McQuater QC, a popular performer due to his “strong,
technical approach and sensible, commercial advice,” and
Richard Salter QC,
who brings great “gravitas to all his dealings.” Salter
offers an “excellent intellect and unrivalled attention
to detail,” proving particularly attractive due to his
“brilliant time management.” His "polite and
gentle approach” adds further lustre to his unimpeachable
reputation. William Blair QC is regarded as being excellent
in financial services cases. “A good man to go to when
you need to see the bigger picture,” he “truly makes
the client feel that he’s putting their interests first.”
Like Blair, Stephen
Phillips QC possesses a remarkable knowledge of the industry.
Peers enthused that he is “phenomenally intelligent and
a great cross-examiner,” further explaining that “his
brains and court ability make him a fabulous addition to any
team.” Combining “an incisive approach” with
“excellent client skills,” John
Jarvis QC is an excellent litigator, while the “extremely
impressive” Jonathan
Nash QC is a “formidable advocate” who is “receptive
to discussion at all times.” Finally among the silks, Andrew
Sutcliffe QC has the “ability to put people at ease
and instill confidence in clients,” while Andrew
Onslow QC is known as an "extremely easy barrister
to deal with." Commentators favour his "sound common
sense and huge intellect," both of which are regularly
deployed on private international law issues. The many positive
results achieved by him speak for themselves. Adrian
Beltrami is a “titan among juniors,” whose “first-rate
standard of work” makes him “someone to be scared
of when you’re against him.” He recently acted for
JPMorgan in an USD800 million claim against Springwell arising
out of the purchase of derivatives and other debt instruments.
Praise flowed freely for Sonia
Tolaney. “Clients love her not just because she stands
up for them, but also because outside court she is tremendous
company and not one to stand on ceremony.” Peers share
this regard for her, applauding the fact that she is “independent-minded
and incisive, but always constructive in seeking a resolution
to a case.” The “very sound” John
Odgers has had an active year. He recently advised the Republic
of Croatia in a dispute over the assets and liabilities of a
state-owned bank of the former Yugoslavia. A man of many positive
qualities, he is “someone to turn to in cases involving
allegations of bankers’ negligence.” Solicitors enjoy
working with him because “he is bright, practical and approachable.
He also has good turnaround time on work and is a team player.”
David Quest picked
up recommendations for his “unsurpassed knowledge of documentary
credit law - he incisively identifies the important issues time
after time.” His “sheer ferocious intelligence”
shines through in all he does and ensures that he secures high-stakes
work: by way of example, he defended Goldman Sachs in a EUR100
million claim by IFE Fund. Jonathan
Davies-Jones is “accessible, works incredibly hard
and is an original thinker,” while “battling gun”
Michael Lazarus
is a great banking all-rounder who is especially hot on issues
of payment by mistake and cases with elements of fraud. This
“highly intelligent man completely absorbs cases and gives
clear advice on complex matters.” Peers consider Matthew
Parker to possess a “hardness that gives him an edge.”
One who “really thinks carefully and diligently about cases,”
his “bullishness means he is only too happy to get before
a judge and tell it like it is.” Richard
Brent is a “rising star with a great brain,” whose
previous experience as a solicitor is felt to give him extra
perspective. He continues to specialise in banking cases.
Laura John impresses with her “diligence and congeniality.”
She is “rightfully starting to get noticed,” and is
expected to do great things in the future.
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Chancery: Commercial
Moving up the rankings this year is Ewan
McQuater QC of 3 Verulam Buildings, whose “great sense
of humour and effectiveness as an advocate” make him a
firm favourite among peers. His broad practice encompasses matters
relating to fraud and insolvency as well as commercial chancery.
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“Very
reasonable fees and superb clerking” are just two of many
incentives to instruct barristers from 3 Verulam Buildings on
commercial disputes. Traditionally a thoroughbred banking set,
it has expanded its horizons to include insurance, insolvency,
media and multi-jurisdictional claims. Interviewees endorse
members as “helpful, responsive and practical in outlook.”
“Real star” Ali
Malek QC is exceptionally talented in banking-related proceedings.
A “sensible and effective negotiator,” he is the kind
of advocate “who catches everyone else on the back foot.”
In recent times, he has appeared in the Commercial Court in
a much-publicised case relating to the debt of the Republic
of Congo. Ewan McQuater
QC is highly rated by solicitors as a “street fighter”
in court who is “never unprepared.” His work includes
defending Deutsche Bank against an entitlement to purchase claim
and representing Gallaher in ongoing Commercial Court proceedings
in connection with tobacco smuggling into the EU. Jonathan
Nash QC excels in financial disputes and has expertise in
a broad range of areas. He has devoted much of his time to advising
Swedish telecoms heavyweight TeliaSonera on litigation arising
from its acquisition of a site lease in the UK. Solicitors turn
to Andrew Onslow
QC for his doggedness: “He will worry away at a problem
until he comes up with a truly innovative solution.” His
caseload includes acting for Kensington in the enforcement of
the USD140 million judgment against the Republic of Congo. Richard
Salter QC gives interviewees the impression of being “genuinely
fascinated by the law. He can opine on anything.” In practice,
he is “one of those rare beasts who is just as good on
his feet as he is at verifying every footnote of an argument.”
John Jarvis QC
and his “special touch of quiet assurance” impress
both peers and solicitors. Delving deeper, sources attribute
the trust he inspires in financial services clients to a “genuine
understanding of the industry.” Much of 2006 was taken
up with a major banking dispute in Hong Kong, which culminated
in huge success. A barrister who “knows what he’s
talking about and is good in court,”
Stephen Phillips QC assists clients with a panoply of banking,
fraud and general commercial issues. Andrew
Sutcliffe QC may be “absolutely charming,” but
he is “more than capable of putting the boot in when necessary.”
“Courteous and commercially sound,” he puts clients
at their ease from the outset of a case. Head of chambers Christopher
Symons QC is best known for his insurance expertise, but
“formidable cross-examination ability” ensures that
he is frequently in demand for proceedings rooted in a variety
of sectors. He was a prominent figure in the Equitable Life
litigation. Fresh from his promotion to silk in 2006, Andrew
Fletcher QC has wasted no time in confirming his standing
as an expert on commercial disputes with a nautical twist. Along
with Richard Salter
QC, he is involved in Abu Dhabi Investment Company v Clarkson
& Others, a matter that pivots on claims of fraud, misrepresentation
and negligence. Adrian
Beltrami is “as complete a junior as one could wish
for,” reveals an instructing solicitor. Others admire the
way he “really gets his head down” in major disputes
and “always comes up with the goods.” In a caseload
studded with high-profile instructions, his defence of JPMorgan
Chase against an USD800 million claim arising from the purchase
of debt instruments stands out. Market-acknowledged star Sonia
Tolaney is “personable and effective.” She is
invariably involved in the Commercial Court’s most important
proceedings, ranging from a show-stopping turn in Equitable
Life to playing a key role in the boxclever litigation. Jonathan
Davies-Jones is “superb. He doesn’t leave a stone
unturned and has a brilliant memory for facts, law and procedure.”
His practice runs the gamut of banking, fraud, insurance/reinsurance
and professional negligence disputes. “Responsive, tactically
aware and extremely commercial,” Michael
Lazarus dissects opposing arguments with “forensic
exactitude.” At present, he and Ewan
McQuater QC are defending a UK bank facing a USD37 million
claim for breach of contract. “If you have a case that
seems unmanageable in size and scope,” Cyril
Kinsky will master it - “that’s his skill.”
He boasts expertise in a range of areas and is particularly
knowledgeable in the context of large-scale negligence trials.
Paul Lowenstein
is “a natural advocate who oozes charm from every pore.
He never misses the mark when gauging the mood of the court.”
In the wide terrain of commercial litigation, he has made his
mark in electronic gaming and entertainment disputes. A long-standing
and respected presence in the market, John
Odgers is “enjoyable to work with and really knows
his stuff.” His practice crosses the globe, with work including
the representation of the Republic of Croatia in a dispute between
the successor states to the former Yugoslavia relating to the
assets and liabilities of a state-owned bank. Solicitors sing
the praises of David
Quest, applauding him for being “good on detail and
pragmatic in outlook.” His success on behalf of Goldman
Sachs in a EUR100 million claim stemming from the acquisition
of a UK automotive parts company suggests that he is “well
on his way to achieving great things.”
William Edwards’ strength is his “technical prowess”
in complex banking, insurance/reinsurance, fraud and professional
negligence matters. Demonstrating “faultless case knowledge,”
James Evans integrates
well as part of a team. His visibility has been greatly boosted
by his involvement in Donegal International v Republic of Zambia.
The “reliably efficient” David
Head is also acting on behalf of the Republic of Zambia
in an action against the former president and ex-ministers of
Zambia alleging fraudulent misappropriation of government funds
and money laundering. Sources award “special mention”
to Matthew Parker for
his client-friendliness and capability in multi-layered proceedings.
Laura John, meanwhile,
attracts plaudits for her “intuitive understanding of what
solicitors want” in commercial actions. “Wise beyond
his years,” Rajesh
Pillai is in increasingly great demand by lawyers impressed
with his calm and confident demeanour in high-pressure situations.
Jonathan Nash QC is leading him in an action brought by
a major investment fund alleging misrepresentation and negligence.
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Considering
3 Verulam Buildings is pre-eminent in banking matters, it comes
as no surprise that it has a flourishing financial services
practice too. Clients praise these barristers for their “thoroughly
detailed knowledge and experience” of the area. Sources
credit Michael Blair
QC as having “unprecedented knowledge in the field.”
This is partly because he is former counsel to the FSA, but
also because “he has a tremendous brain and the capacity
to store huge amounts of information.” He regularly appears
before the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal and the FSA’s
Regulatory Decision Committee. Possessed of a general commercial
background, William
Blair QC demonstrates his commitment to the area through
his role on the FSA’s Financial Services Markets Tribunal.
“Level headed and knowledgeable,” he was praised by
instructing solicitors for employing a manner which “makes
clients comfortable, even in a difficult position.”Ali
Malek QC is “well versed in the laws of regulation”
explain sources. Financial services matters form a component
of his wider commercial practice, and he acts both for and against
regulators, the FSA included. Amongst his recent caseload, he
has been advising on a judicial review application concerning
the powers of the FSA to transmit information to the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission. According to commentators,
John Odgers is
“clear, concise and can identify what is relevant and what
is not.” He is regularly sought out for his advisory work,
and counsels clients on a wide range of regulatory matters.
In the last year, he has advised on whether particular investment
schemes require FSA authorisation, and whether trading in the
swaps market is contrary to FSA rules. An “eloquent and
determined advocate,” Odgers was instructed on behalf of
Mr Manchanda, where he made a successful challenge before the
Financial Services and Markets Tribunal to the FSA’s decision
to refuse Mr Manchanda regulatory approval.
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This
specialist set numbers 57 members and constitutes an “impressive
selection of silks and juniors who are effectively clerked.”
Although barristers are best known here for their banking
and finance expertise, the set continues to be a regular destination
for City solicitors and others seeking advice on complex fraud
matters. Just one of the “excellent” silks on offer
here is Ali Malek
QC, who impresses on account of his “brevity and
succinctness” in cases. A top pick for complex fraud
matters, particularly those with a banking angle, he is “a
cerebral advocate who is always smooth and urbane in the courtroom.”
He recently appeared in the Commercial Court in AMP v Walanpatrias,
a case concerning jurisdictional issues relating to allegations
of fraud against a charitable foundation. Hailed as an “impressive”
young silk, Ewan
McQuater QC is "an outstanding performer with a strong
presence and a superb manner.” In the past 18 months,
he has been leading a team of five counsel in Kensington International
v Republic of Congo/Ikechukwu in further attempts to enforce
a multimillion-dollar judgment. John
Jarvis QC is appreciated for delivering “crisp and
sharp” legal advice, particularly in respect to international
fraud cases. Another top name, Stephen
Phillips QC often acts in frauds that have resulted in
insolvency. His “limitless knowledge” of both areas
makes him a perfect choice for such matters and he has recently
been acting for KPMG liquidators bringing claims against former
directors for misappropriating company’s assets via a
BVI company and an Andorran bank account. Andrew
Sutcliffe QC is an “extremely sensible and able man
to have on board in a hostile scenario; he knows how to take
the rough with the smooth.” 3 Verulam Buildings has a
number of first-rate juniors and Adrian
Beltrami stands high amongst them. Commentators describe
him as having a “phenomenal brain that is so absorbed
by a case that he can see exactly where it is going.”
He gleaned further praise for being both a good draftsman
and excellent on his feet, with peers adding he is “always
a pleasure to work with.” In the last twelve months,
he acted for claimants in a number of fraud claims/freezing
orders. Sonia
Tolaney continues to rise and rise in the estimation of
the market. She gains popularity points for her “insightful
and shrewd judgement,” her “wonderful” manner
with clients and for "always being level-headed.”
She has recently been instructed to act for Standard Bank
in relation to a claim for USD10 million, arising out of a
sale contract and performance guarantee. Leading senior junior
John Odgers is “bright, practical and approachable.”
Clients appreciate his involvement in their cases as he “has
a good turnaround, is clear on advice and supports the case
100%.” He was instructed on behalf of a potential defendant
to a substantial fraud arising out of international shipping
transactions. Hailed by one source as being “ferociously
intelligent,” David
Quest engenders further praise for “not wasting time
fighting little or bad points.” His “gentle and
persuasive” style makes him popular with clients and
peers alike, who feel he makes it “easy to achieve common
ground with him in the frame." He is acting for the claimant
company in proceedings to recover its losses and the very
large profits made by the defendants in Langbar International
v Mariusz Rybak and others. One of the most liked attributes
of the “outstanding” Jonathan
Davies-Jones is his industrious nature: “He works
incredibly hard and gives us steadfast dedication,” claim
clients. He gains further plaudits for being an original thinker
and bringing a “no-nonsense” approach to the table.
Since 2004, he has been acting for the claimant bank on a
USD17 million claim arising out of a letter of credit fraud.
A judgment for USD17 million was awarded in 2005 and he has
been assisting with associated proceedings by the bank in
Singapore and with a post-judgment Norwich Pharmacol proceeding
in 2006. New entrant Matthew
Parker is rated highly by solicitors who identify his
“thoughtful and hardworking demeanour“ as a welcome
attribute. He has been acting for the defendant oil company
in Pell Frischmann v Bow Valley in the Royal Court of Jersey.
The proceedings arise out of a joint venture for the development
of an oil field in the Persian Gulf. The claimant alleges
fraud, conspiracy, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of
confidence.
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This
set, although more commonly known for its banking expertise,
is certainly a player in the IT market. Taking a broad approach,
it acts in all manner of cases from systems and web site disputes
to cases relating to the use and provision of software. Many
of Clive Freedman’s
cases hinge on cancelled IT projects. His is “a name
that is a guarantee of quality - brains, courage and indefatigability
all combine to make a great barrister.” He has appeared
as an arbitrator in many software licensing disputes and also
maintains a vibrant practice of his own having recently appeared
in a dispute regarding mobile telephone network equipment.
Similarly talented, Michael
Lazarus is “highly commercially minded” and
“a deep thinker.” He recently advised an IT service
provider on a £10 million claim under an outsourcing
contract.
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Ewan
McQuater QC of 3 Verulam Buildings is recommended as “a
supreme courtroom bruiser in the nicest possible way,”
and his “persistent and relentless” style marks
him out from his peers. He has been involved in the Eurotunnel
and Polestar restructurings. Also at 3 Verulam, Angharad
Start is ranked for being “a real insolvency specialist
who's enormously talented.” According to peers, she has
“an extremely effective courtroom style which means she
is unafraid to take on the judges."
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With
a small but solid stable of silks active in insurance and a
growing insurance specialism amongst its juniors, this commercial
set maintains a strong presence in leading disputes. Clients
consider the set “excellent in terms of service and expertise,
and much better value than some other commercial sets.”
Undoubtedly the set’s best-known name in insurance, Christopher
Symons QC scored a notable victory recently in Travelers
v Sun Life. “One of the doyens of the field,” his
insurance experience is backed up by an “unflamboyant but
firm style.” Tom
Weitzman QC’s “innovative and creative thinking”
and “dogged persistence" "enable him to win the
attention and confidence of judges;” he was particularly
noted by observers for his “terrific performance”
against Julian Flaux QC in HIH v JLT. His “calming, smooth
manner” is equally well suited to reinsurance arbitrations.
"Solid but never boring,” Rory
Phillips QC wins the respect of peers for his “deep
understanding of the ways of the insurance market” and
“inventive ideas.” The “reliable and thorough”
Juliet May was noted by solicitors for her “growing base
of specialist insurance knowledge” and “great instinct
for teamwork.” “Talented all-rounder” David
Quest’s work for Aon in the Lloyd’s Central Fund
arbitration is indicative of his growing insurance practice.
“Bloody bright,” he boasts “excellent insurance
knowledge,” and peers admit that he “is popping up
a lot on significant matters.” Having attracted attention
for work on major cases for Aon, Peter
Ratcliffe has expanded his insurance specialism recently.
He represented Stronghold in a retrocession dispute with Bulgarian
reinsurer Bulstrad and supported Symons in Sun Life. “Knowledgeable
beyond his call,” he’s “creative and clever without
being diverted into technical cul-de-sacs.”
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Ali Malek QC of
3 Verulam Buildings is “clear, concise and able to adapt
to the arbitration style very well". “A team player
and an exceptionally safe pair of hands,” he comes recommended
for his ICSID work and anything with a banking flavour.
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At
3 Verulam Buildings, “able and bright” Andrew
Sutcliffe QC gained wider recognition in the wake of the
Whiter Shade of Pale joint-ownership case. Sources commend him
as a “charming and clever” advocate, who “continues
to command instructions and is undoubtedly a specialist in the
area.” At the same set, “genial but contemplative”
Peter Ratcliffe
prospers having gained valuable experience in his former incarnation
as an independent film and television producer. He now receives
regular instruction on high-profile cases, and acted for Sanctuary
in a dispute over the ownership of Morrissey’s publishing
catalogue. He receives praise for “exuding a level of confidence
you don’t expect from a junior,” and for “getting
the job done with no hint of the ivory towers approach.”
Instructing solicitors also like him for his “cerebral
but user-friendly” approach. He is "excellent on detail,
thorough and hard-working".
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Whilst
thought of as the leading set for banking-related professional
negligence, this set’s barristers, however, work across
the full range of indemnity cases. Christopher
Symons QC is considered both “remarkably skilled
and client-friendly.” His cases cover the commercial
spectrum but professional negligence makes up a core part
of his work. Numbered among his briefs this year was one matter
in which he defended the solicitors in a major case brought
by Tesco against a magic circle firm’s Prague office.
Tom Weitzman QC
was singled out by interviewees for “the combination
of energy and sheer mental processing power he brings to his
work.” Weitzman is “able to effortlessly combine
meticulous preparation with excellent advocacy.” His
key matters include BP plc v Aon Limited, a USD100 million
case concerning the nature and extent of a sub-broker’s
duties. Andrew Onslow
QC has considerable experience of both acting against
and defending professionals, particularly solicitors and barristers.
Over the past year his cases have included representing solicitors
in a claim for wrongfully procuring a writ of sequestration.
Rory Phillips QC
has recognised expertise in insurance and reinsurance professional
negligence cases. Recently, he represented a group of brokers
in a major insurance dispute with Lloyd’s. Leading junior
Jonathan Davies-Jones
is singled out for his ”attention to detail and impressive
knowledge of the field.” Much of his time this year has
been taken up with a large banking professional negligence
case.
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Shipping
The
“efficient and thorough” Nicholas
Craig at 3 Verulam Buildings carries out a fair degree of
trade work, including oil and gas cases, and also advises on
the financial aspects of such matters. His noted casework includes
assistance to P&O Nedlloyd on its long-running dispute with
the owners of a radioactive cargo, twice at the Court of Appeal.
He is also acting for the charterers in the Aconcagua case.
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Telecommunications
Both
Paul Lowenstein
and Michael Lazarus
handle telecoms-related matters within the context of busy
general commercial practices. Lowenstein tends to act against
the big telecoms operators and is something of an expert on
interconnect agreements and artificial inflation of traffic
claims. In recent times, he has increasingly been handling
cases challenging telecoms billing, attacking the same with
his customary “brio and will to win.” Stablemate
Michael Lazarus
has appeared in such matters as MCI WorldCom v Primus Telecommunications
and is someone who is “fully conversant with his subject
and alive to any changes within the law.”
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