what
the directories say about us:
Leading
Commercial Sets
3
Verulam Buildings has deployed large court teams in the set’s
key areas of banking and finance and commercial litigation.
The set gains a new ranking for IT law, and good individual
promotions in other areas. Clients say the set is ‘collegiate,
and cohesive’, ‘with a blend of relative informality
and serious professionalism’. COMBAR
chairman, Ali Malek
QC is a leading light, and Sonia
Tolaney advances to the top tier of juniors in banking &
finance and commercial litigation for being ‘very shrewd,
and very clever’ with ‘crisp and flawless paperwork’.
Adrian Beltrami QC,
who led two juniors in JP Morgan v Springwell took silk, as
did Juliet May QC.
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Banking
and Finance
3 Verulam Buildings has ‘phenomenal strength and depth’,
with six counsel in the ‘bank charges’ litigation.
Nicholas Hill manages a ‘set that has its feet firmly on
the ground, with a service that is highly responsive’.
The biggest name is the ‘extremely knowledgeable’
Ali Malek QC who
is a ‘very hardworking, effective advocate’. Equally
busy were Richard Salter
QC, who clients say ‘you know he will have done the
work required to deal with the unexpected in court’, and
Michael Blair QC
on financial services issues. Ewan
McQuater QC is promoted for his win in Uzinterimpex, on
advance payment guarantees. Additionally, John
Jarvis QC has an ‘incisive approach with excellent
client skills’ and
Andrew Onslow QC is ‘a very good lawyer’. Sonia
Tolaney heads ‘the strongest set of juniors in banking
litigation’ and deals with ‘complex issues incredibly
quickly and skilfully, showing some really original thinking
when needed’. We also recommend David
Quest, the promoted John
Odgers, Matthew
Parker and new entrant Catherine
Gibaud, who worked on Springwell. Special mention goes to
Jonathan Davies-Jones,
who is ‘phenomenally hardworking and thorough, he remains
good-humoured and engaging throughout the most testing of occasions’.
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At
3 Verulam Buildings
Ali Malek QC is ‘extremely knowledgeable, a good all-rounder
and a fine advocate’. Christopher
Symons QC also has extensive experience. The set’s
collective capability was also boosted by the arrival of Sophie
Nappert from Denton Wilde Sapte LLP and Sir
Peter Cresswell from the bench. Junior Christopher
Harris is joined by Matthew
Parker, who is ‘very good value, has an excellent legal
mind, procedural knowledge and drafts well’.
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'Always
good value for money’, 3 Verulam Buildings is admired for
its ‘very commercial approach, where the drafting and advocacy
is unstuffy, offering bright, innovative solutions’. The
set’s star is Ali
Malek QC, the 2008 COMBAR
chairman. Malek is ‘a fine advocate’ who ‘deals
with side issues easily, and returns to his skeleton arguments’.
‘Utterly committed, hands-on silk’ Andrew
Onslow QC’s ‘technical knowledge and advice inspire
confidence’. Ewan
McQuater QC appeared in HSBC v 5th Avenue Partners. Of the
junior Bar, Sonia
Tolaney receives top-tier promotion: ‘she cuts it,
with bells on’, is ‘brilliant academically’,
and is ‘a creative legal thinker - she makes your life
easier’. John
Odgers is ‘extremely bright, with very good drafting
skills’; Michael
Lazarus is ‘responsive, and tactically aware’.
New entrants include Jonathan
Davies-Jones, who is ‘the best junior I’ve seen
in 15 years of practice’, and David
Head, who is ‘always available’ and ‘ not
found to be wanting in any respect’. Laura
John is one to watch.
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3
Verulam Buildings arguably possesses one of the strongest
sets of juniors in civil fraud work. Equally, solicitors consider
that ‘the quality of the silks is absolutely excellent…
the set has its feet firmly on the ground with a service that
is highly responsive’. ‘Extremely knowledgeable,
fine advocate’ Ali
Malek QC is consistently recommended ‘for legally
difficult cases’. John
Jarvis QC provides incisive advice’ and is praised
‘for the quality of his opinions’, while the ‘thorough
and diligent’ Ewan
McQuater QC is lauded as ‘a good cross-examiner’.
Sonia Tolaney
is promoted up the rankings, and is considered ‘great
with clients and a highly accomplished advocate’.
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3
Verulam Buildings joins the ranks of the leading IT sets with
three outstanding juniors. Michael
Lazarus is singled out as ‘very intelligent and very
quick’ - IT silks say that his ‘commercial background
is very helpful’.
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3
Verulam Buildings continues to impress in insolvency. Ewan
McQuater QC is highly regarded, and considered an ‘exceptionally
safe pair of hands’, having advised in relation to the
insolvent restructuring of former Maxwell publishing empire
The Polestar Group.
John Jarvis QC is seen as ‘not only an impressive advocate,
he is meticulous in his preparation, taking a hands-on approach…
receptive to ideas and a pleasure to work with’. Matthew
Hardwick and Angharad
Start also receive considerable plaudits.
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3
Verulam Buildings’s Rory
Phillips QC is ‘knowledgeable’, and Tom
Weitzman QC ‘an inventive thinker’, with Christopher
Symons QC the respected ‘elder statesman’. Peter
Ratcliffe is a ‘formidable junior’. He acted for
Aon in disputes relating to the placement and operation of financial
institutions insurance in Standard Life v Aon, led by Tom
Weitzman QC.
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At
3 Verulam Buildings clients express ‘complete confidence’
in Andrew Sutcliffe
QC. He is defending Chris Blackwell of Island Records
(owned by Universal) against a multimillion pound claim brought
by Steve Winwood. Peter
Ratcliffe is ‘thorough, speedy and responsive’,
and represented a defendant in the Busted case. Paul
Lowenstein acted for Atari in Sawyer v Atari Interactive
Inc. Richard Edwards
is a ‘charming advocate’ who handles music industry
disputes.
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The
‘forceful’ Christopher
Symons QC is one of the leading stars at 3 Verulam Buildings.
Other stars include Ali
Malek QC, who appeared in Lopes v Howard Kennedy, and Cyril
Kinsky. The ‘phenomenally bright, accessible, and practical’
Jonathan Davies-Jones
is also highly recommended. The set was also well represented
in the lengthy Springwell litigation.
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Shipping
Nicholas
Craig mentioned.
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3
Verulam Buildings cements its position as “one of the standout
banking chambers.” Like its great rival Fountain Court,
it has lost one of its front rank members recently following
William Blair QC’s departure to the High Court Bench, but
remains little affected as a result. A set with a “diverse
mixture of personalities,” it is blessed in having an array
of talented silks and juniors. Commentators state that “in
terms of strength and depth, it is incredible.” For pure
banking matters, clients go to Ali
Malek QC because of his “stellar reputation.”
The past year has seen him appear on behalf of Abbey on the
bank charges litigation, and he has also advised on an international
banking dispute involving the EBRD. Interviewees describe him
as “smooth and engaging.” Another silk who has more
than capably handled the OFT bank charges litigation is Richard
Salter QC, “a man with strong views that he can back
up.” “One of the brightest silks, full stop,”
he has also recently tackled a number of cases concerning derivatives
and banking investment disputes. Sources applaud his “positive
outlook and precise thinking in establishing exactly what needs
to be done.” Ewan
McQuater QC is “just the person you need when something
is kicking off in a hurry.” “Alert to the issues and
terribly efficient,” he has been busy defending a major
investment bank over claims alleging entitlement to the purchase
of a distressed asset trading portfolio. Peers acknowledge that
“he is always looking for solutions rather than finding
problems.” Possessing a “good sense of what the judges
will think,” John
Jarvis QC has a strong international focus to his practice.
The past year has taken him across the globe as he has handled
a number of cheque-issuing frauds and acted in HSBC v Esquire
in Hong Kong. Stephen
Phillips QC is “extremely strong on his feet, displaying
tenacity and persuasiveness in equal measure.” Although
heavily involved in work relating to offshore jurisdictions,
he also has a very full domestic workload. Jonathan
Nash QC maintains his reputation as “a really solid
banking lawyer.” His practice has seen him involved in
a number of claims by hedge funds against defaulting sovereign
borrowers, and he has also been advising a major Italian bank
on its remedies against an investment bank. Those who instruct
Andrew Onslow QC
like the fact that he “can run with the papers quickly.”
He recently acted for UBS for a claim of negligence in relation
to a split capital investment trust, and acted for a bank in
a case of potential mortgage fraud. Meeting all expectations,
Adrian Beltrami QC
took silk in 2008. Praised for his “strong forensic focus,”
he appeared in JPMorgan Chase Bank v Springwell, a multimillion-pound
claim arising out of the purchase of derivatives and other debt
instruments. The market is in agreement that “whenever
you come across people for recommendations, he is always the
number-one choice.” The highlight of the past year for
Sonia Tolaney,
further to her involvement in the bank charges case, was a highly
significant piece of credit card litigation that went all the
way to the House of Lords. This matter was pivotal in determining
whether overseas use of credit cards attracted the same protection
as domestic usage. Sources remark that Tolaney is “extremely
useful in that she blends into a team so seamlessly and is always
available and willing to help.” John
Odgers has the distinction of being recognised as “one
of the nicest people to work with at the Bar.” As well
as making an appearance on the bank charges litigation, he is
also involved in the ongoing case of WestLB AG v Nomura International
plc, a matter involving claims of damages of over £450
million following post-merger debt financing. Commentators approve
of him as “an excellent details man.” David
Quest is, “quite simply a brain on legs.” His
recent workload has concerned insolvency, fund investment claims
and directors' duties issues. According to clients, “if
you want a strong junior, he is certainly a solid pick.”
Also highly sought-after, Jonathan
Davies-Jones is “good-humoured and engaging throughout
the most testing of occasions.” Another much preoccupied
of late with the Springwell litigation, he is respected for
the fact that he is “always looking to find an alternative
legal angle to help the client’s case.” Whilst others
may be more renowned advocates, Michael
Lazarus is a skilled junior who has “the brain power
to analyse affairs excellently.” “Hard-working, incisive
and impressively intelligent,” he enjoys the confidence
of many a solicitor. Matthew
Parker has a legion of supporters too, having notched up
over ten years of experience acting for retail and investment
banks. Recently he acted in the case of Central Bank of Ecuador
v Ansbacher in the Bahamas Supreme Court concerning a USD150
million claim arising out of the collapse of an Ecuadorian bank.
Richard Brent further
consolidated his reputation in the market following his successful
partnership with Ali
Malek QC in the bank charges litigation. Applauded for his
handling of this case, he is “a barrister very much coming
into his own” who displays a strong knowledge of the relevant
competition and European law aspects of a case. A new addition
to the tables this year, Catherine
Gibaud is recognised for her contributions in the Springwell
case, where she undertook a part of the advocacy. Sources praise
her performance as being one that “demonstrates extreme
commitment and a hard-working attitude.” Another new addition,
Matthew Hardwick
is “always prompt and accessible.” Someone who “always
has a good grasp of the issues and detail,” he has acted
for Barclays, RBS, Lloyds TSB and others in relation to a varied
mix of debt, negligence and financial services claims.
Laura John has been doing more domestic banking work over
the past year, undertaking a good deal of advisory work on the
bank charges litigation at a high level. She also acted for
the bank in the case of Halliday v HBOS, arguing the point as
to whether the customer was able to charge default interest
at a rate similar to that imposed by the bank. Observers acknowledge
that she is “certainly getting the experience, and is well
aware of the need for commerciality in her approach to cases.”
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Chancery:
Commercial
The “clever and determined” Ewan
McQuater QC at 3 Verulam Buildings is “incredibly thorough
- he takes all the points, works on them and picks out the good
ones.” Particularly well known for his company and banking
litigation practice, he "gives practical and straightforward
advice.” Commentators report that in court he is “a
tough and uncompromising advocate who is great at cross-examination.”
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Clients
and peers rate this “pretension-free chambers” particularly
highly for banking, reinsurance and insolvency disputes. Its
“hugely able silks and juniors” are “reliable,
proactive and highly responsive” when tackling general
commercial and chancery litigation. One of the finest here is
the “very fair, incredibly clear and extremely clever”
Ali Malek QC, who
earns plaudits for his financial services practice and has been
advising Abbey on the bank charges case brought by the OFT.
“Superb cross-examinations" are the hallmark of Ewan
McQuater QC, who is admired for being “fantastically
meticulous in his preparation - he always knows the whole case
backwards.” Fraud is a key part of his practice, and he
appeared for HSBC in a six-week trial relating to alleged banking
fraud perpetrated by the Liberal Democrats' biggest ever donor,
Michael Brown. “Cool as ice in court,” Jonathan
Nash QC “never misses a trick;” clients appreciate
his “bullet-proof defences.” He has been advising
a major Italian bank on its remedies against an investment bank,
following losses stemming from a complex derivatives structure.
Andrew Onslow QC
“sinks his teeth into cases” and comes up with “innovative
solutions.” This “incredibly effective, concise and
impeccable” advocate has been involved in a number of major
fraud trials, including Kensington International v Republic
of Congo. Richard Salter
QC's "razor-sharp mind" is a hit with observers,
who are also impressed by his “genuine love of the law”
and the fact that “he always has the right information
at his fingertips.” In Qatar Holding v Heyman Investments,
Salter advised the claimants in chancery litigation concerning
their acquisition of a stake in the company which owns and runs
the LSE. The “thorough, egoless and helpful” Stephen
Phillips QC is considered an “unsung star” who
“really gets under the skin of a case with his research
and interpretation.” Just as “comprehensive in his
advice” is Andrew
Sutcliffe QC. “A charming operator as well as a brutal
cross-examiner,” he is “terrific with a nervous or
distressed client.” Equally reassuring, Christopher
Symons QC puts the client at ease as he “exudes confidence.”
As part of a busy practice, he acts for and against insurers,
reinsurers, brokers and intermediaries. Clients also appreciate
Andrew Fletcher QC,
a recently appointed silk with good shipping and fraud expertise.
He approaches his cases with “bags of enthusiasm,”
as does “true grafter” John
Jarvis QC. Interviewees showered praise on the “extremely
tenacious and charming” Sonia
Tolaney, who is very much in demand and considered a big
star in the banking litigation field. She has recently been
acting in the bank charges litigation for Nationwide Building
Society. The “phenomenally bright, accessible and innovative”
Jonathan Davies-Jones
acted for Springwell in professional negligence claims of more
than USD500 million brought against JPMorgan Chase. Clients
are happy to rely on the advice of the “tactically aware,
commercial and versatile” Michael
Lazarus. An advocate with an “enormous intellect,”
he has been defending a USD37 million claim regarding fraud,
breach of contract and conversion by an Uzbek state cotton corporation
against a UK bank. “Quick, clever and straightforward to
deal with,” John
Odgers is “more than capable of standing up to silks.”
His acknowledged expertise lies in banking, financial services
and civil fraud, and he acted for Abbey in the test case concerning
the legality of charges for unplanned borrowing on current accounts.
“Fearless and on the ball,” David
Quest has been acting in domestic and foreign proceedings
for the Iranian government, in a claim against an aviation company
to recover USD120 million allegedly pocketed in a fraud. Cyril
Kinsky is highly rated by interviewees. His expertise lies
in professional negligence, insurance and reinsurance litigation.
Paul Lowenstein,
meanwhile, attracts compliments for his knowledge of civil fraud
and domestic and international trade disputes. In one notable
case, he successfully defended Iran's claim to possession of
a fragment of the Palace of Persepolis. The “resilience
and conscientiousness” shown by William
Edwards win him many supporters, while James
Evans is warmly recommended for his “comprehensive
knowledge of banking and finance cases." He acted for the
claimant in Grosvenor Casinos v National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
Held in high esteem for his “brilliant paperwork and user-friendly
style,” David Head
defended Honeywell International in a £600 million claim
for an alleged breach of a collaboration agreement. He continues
to be much in demand, as is the “amiable and good-humoured”
Laura John: solicitors
appreciate that she “understands what’s required and
really speeds up the resolution of a case.” Matthew
Parker has ten years' experience of acting for retail and
investment banks across a range of disputes. “Not one to
be fazed by the bigger cases,” he represented the Central
Bank of Ecuador in a USD150 million claim arising out of the
collapse of Ecuadorian bank Banco Continenta. Peers are amazed
at the “quick progress and fantastic brain” of “bright
young thing” Adrian
Beltrami QC. “Effective and unflappable,” he acted
for JPMorgan Chase in an USD800 million dispute with Springwell
Navigation stemming from the acquisition of derivatives and
other debt instruments. Peter
de Verneuil Smith comes highly rated for being "enthusiatic
and on the ball." He has great knowledge of his subject
and "an air of utter professionalism" about him. Rajesh
Pillai “presents in an attractive and piercing manner”
and “gives clients confidence.” He recently acted
for Barclays Bank, responding to a freezing order. Adam
Kramer’s recent highlights include acting in the substantial
bank charges litigation: this “tireless and dedicated”
junior appeared for Clydesdale Bank in the case concerning current
account overdraft charges.
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Financial
services is a key area for a set whose excellent banking practice
is its main drawcard. It offers a number of leading silks and
juniors such as Ali
Malek QC, who spent much of last year imbroiled in the Langbar
trial, a case that involved the operation of an AIM-listed company.
This case centred on the largest fraud perpetrated on the AIM
market and threw up several financial services issues. “Ever
ready for the fight,” Malek also won unqualified praise
for his work advising and appearing on behalf of Abbey in the
bank charges test case brought by the OFT. One of the many stars
of the Bar found here, Michael
Blair QC is “still up there as the ultimate financial
services authority,” agree sources. He regularly appears
before the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal and the FSA’s
Regulatory Decision Committee, where he employs his “comprehensive
grasp of the law and clear logical approach to cases.”
John Odgers had
a role in the bank charges case too, acting for one of the defendant
banks. He displays a “real appetite” for work, and
has an “industrious nature” that puts him firmly in
favour with solicitors and clients alike. On the advisory side,
he has advised clients in relation to such matters as collective
investment schemes, the enforceability of commission-sharing
arrangements, the law relating to financial promotions and market
conduct generally
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Although
more properly equated in the popular consciousness with banking
and finance work, this set parlays its skills in that area
into major civil fraud cases. A popular destination for those
solicitors handling the most complex matters around, this
establishment offers top-drawer advice across the board. The
barristers and clerks here are described as “leading
the way in client care,” and have a number of very impressive
names within their ranks.
Ali Malek QC is widely respected for his “no-nonsense
approach.” In complex fraud cases, he “can be relied
upon to keep on top of the detail,” a particularly useful
trait in this area, agree sources. Once in court he has “an
excellent feel for the prevailing mood" and an “ability
to read the judges” that proves invaluable in many of
the marathon pieces of litigation he undertakes. Examples
of these include the shipping fraud case of Fiona Trust and
the Langbar suit, an action relating to the largest alleged
fraud perpetrated on the AIM market. The “incredibly
bright” Ewan
McQuater QC is a great favourite of many a City solicitors'
firm. They seek him out for his “expertise, experience
and understanding” of fraud, as well as his commercial
nous. He recently appeared for HSBC in a six-week trial relating
to alleged banking fraud concerning the Liberal Democrats'
biggest ever donor, Michael Brown. John
Jarvis QC maintains an active practice in this area and
has recently acted in Basany Investments, a case that started
as a major shipping finance fraud in England but is now being
litigated in Bahrain. He is a “polished advocate”
who, despite his many years in practice, retains “bagfuls
of enthusiasm” and is “great to work with, always
rolling up his sleeves and mucking in.” Sources describe
Stephen Phillips
QC as a “lethal cross-examiner and a brilliant tactician.”
On the basis of these strengths, he is enjoying a burgeoning
reputation and recently appeared in Caring Together Limited
v Bauso, acting for PwC liquidators in Chancery Division proceedings
relating to fraudulent misappropriation by a company director.
Adrian Beltrami
QC has made a smooth transition to silk after a highly
successful career as a junior. His work of late has been dominated
by the six-month Springwell case, where he has once again
proved “a bright spark who is effective both at drafting
and on his feet.” Andrew
Sutcliffe QC is seen as a silk whose "practice is
going forward rapidly." A lawyer who enjoys the full
confidence of those who instruct him, he combines fraud work
with a strong media and IT practice, whilst also proving an
adept performer in commercial litigation generally. One of
a number of leading juniors from this set, John
Odgers is the recipient of a wealth of praise for his
“deep understanding and ability to articulate complex
concepts to clients.” Fraud continues to be a specialist
area of expertise for him, combining this as he does with
a strong banking and financial services practice. He also
acted on the Fiona Trust case, and has been instructed on
behalf of a member of Prince Jefri Bolkiah’s family on
ancillary freezing orders obtained by the Brunei Investment
Agency. An incredibly popular and sought-after junior, Sonia
Tolaney is known for having a “tremendous intellect.”
Solicitors and barristers alike hail her as being a “terrific
team player” and someone with a “gift for always
lifting one’s spirits.” One source commented further:
“She is an excellent advocate with talents well above
the level of her call year.” Tolaney has been involved
in a number of fraud matters of late, including a claim made
by the Millennium Dome against its former consultants and
the case of JPMorgan v Pollux, the sister action to the Springwell
litigation which was heard in the Commercial Court recently.
Another “junior of impressive quality,” David
Quest won favour when acting for the Iranian government
in a claim against an aviation company and its director to
recover USD120 million misappropriated by a fraud. He is well
liked, as is Jonathan
Davies-Jones, an “excellent all-rounder whose powers
of deduction prove incredibly useful in fraud cases.”
Matthew Parker
has recently been acting for the Central Bank of Ecuador in
a USD150 million claim arising out of the collapse of an Ecuadorian
bank, Banco Continental. “Confident and gutsy,”
he impresses market sources in much the way that David
Head does. “Impressive on all fronts,” he put
his skills to the test acting for the Attorney General of
Zambia in Republic of Zambia v Meer Care & Desai &
Others.
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The
set advises on and acts in cases concerning hardware and software
supply agreements, and counsels on Internet issues such as
e-commerce and domain name rights. Clive
Freedman has particular expertise in disputes concerning
software supply. He recently mediated in a dispute concerning
the alleged copying of computer software in the development
of a computer program. Michael
Lazarus is a “skilled wordsmith,” praised by
clients and peers alike for his hard work on tricky cases.
He is “excellent at getting into the details of complex
IT disputes,” and recently advised a digital TV service
provider on its rights under a network of service agreements
relating to digital TV services.
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Traditionally
strong on the banking side, this chambers is fast carving
out a reputation as a leading set for insolvency matters.
According to sources, ”the barristers have a deep understanding
of insolvency law and are particularly effective in cases
with banking or professional negligence aspects.” The
“approachable and extremely user-friendly” counsel
here include Ewan
McQuater QC. “Hard-working and straight-talking,”
he is recommended for his wide range of expertise and “ability
to give you a clear view without dressing things up.”
Of late, he has been busy advising in relation to the restructuring
of Polestar. Adrian
Beltrami QC took silk in the latest round of appointments,
to nobody’s great surprise. His practice straddles domestic
and international fraud, banking and insolvency work. Clients
“love him,” as he’s “a friendly type who
really gives you the impression that he has considered every
conceivable aspect of a case.” In a glittering career,
he has been involved in the BCCI, Grupo Torras, and Thyssen
litigations. Of the juniors, Angharad
Start is widely regarded as “a real fighter who's
always in the front row pushing her client’s case forward.”
“A forceful and robust advocate,” she has been busy
with offshore work, and was recently involved in matters arising
from the collapse of Rock Financial Services in Gibraltar.
Sonia Tolaney
is a banking and insolvency junior who is praised for her
“great good sense and excellent service.” “Incredibly
hard-working, she is a good team player who is available at
all times of the night.” Her recent cases include acting
for Telewest regarding a challenge to the scheme of arrangement
in McCall v Telewest.
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This
“compact yet powerful” set is home to some of the
best-known silks for insurance and reinsurance disputes. Christopher
Symons QC is the set’s most familiar face in this regard.
“Controlled and precise," he provides "razor-sharp
analysis and clear and straightforward solutions.” He was
recently instructed by CMS Cameron McKenna to act for the reinsurers
in a major reinsurance arbitration in Bermuda. Tom
Weitzman QC “combines a hearty manner with an extremely
keen eye for technical detail.” He recently acted for the
captive insurer of a major multinational company in relation
to £500 million reinsurance recoveries in the London and
Bermudian markets arising out of US product liability litigation.
Fellow silk Rory
Phillips QC is lauded by his contemporaries as a “good,
solid chap.” An ex-philosopher, he has a “reputation
for finding surprising yet profitable lines of inquiry.”
He has been busy advising insurers on Hurricane Katrina claims,
and reinsurers in relation to arbitrations on excess of loss
reinsurance contracts. Ensuring a fine future for the set, 3
Verulam Buildings' juniors garner equal backing from the market.
David Quest is known
as a “formidable opponent who should not be underestimated
under any circumstances,” while Peter
Ratcliffe also wins respect from barristers, solicitors
and clients for his efforts in the insurance field. He recently
acted for Aon in disputes relating to the placement and operation
of financial institutions insurance worth £75 million.
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Popular with instructing solicitors, Ali
Malek QC of 3 Verulam Buildings is “charismatic and
effective with tribunals,” while also “highly user-friendly
and great with clients.”
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Although
not a name one might traditionally associate with media work,
3 Verulam Buildings is certainly a set that contains its fair
share of experts in the field, as well as “a growing body
of good, media-savvy juniors.” Lawyers and clients warm
to the “subtle, prompt and plain-speaking” Andrew
Sutcliffe QC, who has specialised in media for more than
20 years. He has recently been representing a claimant in a
copyright and contract music publishing dispute involving a
big-name artist. Clients praised the “dedicated and commercial
approach” of Peter
Ratcliffe, a lawyer whose “ability to be tough when
he needs to be is well suited to the music industry.” He
has had involvement in the aftermath of many high-profile music
bust-ups, and recently acted for one of the defendants in litigation
between members of Busted. He also appeared for the claimant
in a breach of record agreement case against New York rap artist
Pete Rock. The “brilliant and accessible” Paul
Lowenstein joins the rankings this year. Respected for being
both a “persuasive and incisive advocate,” he is “a
pleasant opponent” who has handled many video game royalty
accounting cases.
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Seen
as one of the more up-and-coming sets for professional negligence,
3 Verulam Buildings has barristers who tackle a full range
of cases. The set is praised for its “phenomenal strength
in depth, top-rate clerks and trustworthy barristers,”
and solicitors commend it as it “has its feet firmly
on the ground and is well attuned to the demands of clients
caught up in litigation.” Andrew
Onslow QC is “an extremely persuasive advocate, with
the ability to charm the court to the extent that he can put
forward a difficult proposition and make it sound entirely
reasonable.” Professional negligence is a key area of
his practice, and he recently defended UBS against a claim
for breach of contract and negligence regarding a split capital
investment trust. Christopher
Symons QC is an “understated advocate with an authoritative
yet unstuffy manner” who is seen as a “real specialist
in brokers’ negligence claims.” His recent significant
briefs include one brought by investors in films against their
financial and legal advisers. Displaying a similar strength
in brokers’ negligence claims, Tom
Weitzman QC “goes out of his way to prepare a watertight
case.” As well as involvement in the film finance insurance
litigation, he has also acted for major insurers, brokers
and Lloyd’s syndicates. In recent times Rory
Phillips QC's caseload has been dominated by the Rosemary
Nelson inquiry in Belfast; however, market observers note
that when available he is a good bet for cases involving insurance,
reinsurance and brokers, mainly on the defence side. “Leading
counsel queue up to use” Jonathan
Davies-Jones. “Phenomenally intelligent and hard-working,
he engages with clients and lawyers alike,” and is popular
as he “takes an innovative approach and always finds
another angle to look into.” He acted for Springwell
in a six-month banking professional negligence trial, where
Springwell brought claims of over USD500 million against JPMorgan
Chase regarding its sale of fixed-income Russian and Indonesian
investments in the 1990s. Matthew
Parker joins the tables on the back of heavyweight praise
from solicitors: “Approachable, intelligent and highly
promising, he is one of the very best juniors to work with,”
according to those who instruct him. He has of late been involved
in two significant solicitors’ negligence cases.
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Shipping
Nicholas
Craig of 3 Verulam Buildings handles both shipping and commodities
work, and conducts a significant amount of trade work. His recent
shipping cases have included acting for the Marine Coastguard
Agency on a number of disputes arising from the escape of oil
from ships. On the commodities side, he has acted for an investment
bank on disputes arising from sugar futures contracts
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Telecommunications
A
commercial practice noted for its expertise in telecoms disputes,
3 Verulam Buildings is “clerked in a notably user-friendly
and efficient manner.” Its many distinguished tenants
include Michael
Lazarus, a “wordsmith beyond compare” who handles
a number of cases in the area and gains credit for his “strategic
insight and exceptional grasp of the complex details of technical
disputes.” His recent workload includes advising on network
service agreements for large digital TV service providers.
Paul Lowenstein
has strong experience in the media and communications environment.
He acted for the claimant in Inclarity Plc v O2, a case that
involved actions to recover substantial telecoms revenue withheld
by a network operator as money generated by alleged artificial
inflation of traffic. Lowenstein is considered a signifcant
asset to the set, offering “persuasive advocacy”
and “a knack for simple yet precise explanations of perplexing
issues.”
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