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3 VERULAM BUILDINGS  
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Gray's Inn
London WC1R 5NT
Tel: +44(0)20 7831 8441
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DX: LDE 331
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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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Commercial Arbitration

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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Commercial Litigation

'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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Commercial Fraud

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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Information Technology

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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Insolvency

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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Insurance & Reinsurance

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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Media & Entertainment

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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Professional Negligence

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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Banking

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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Commercial Dispute Resolution

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

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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Civil / Commercial Fraud

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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Information Technology

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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Restructuring / Insolvency

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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Insurance

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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International Arbitration

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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Media & Entertainment

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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Professional Negligence

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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