Anne Jeavons

Anne Jeavons

Call: 2008

“She is exceptionally technical, methodical and thorough.”

- Chambers & Partners UK Bar (2022)

"An outstanding junior with an indefatigable work ethic, she is an absolute pleasure to deal with and exceptionally client-friendly."

- Chambers & Partners UK Bar (2022)

"A strong advocate with a command of the detail and the ability to convey complex matters in very simple terms. Overall, Anne is an excellent junior who solicitors really enjoy working with."

- Legal 500 UK Bar (2022)

"She is extremely bright, an excellent lawyer and a superb junior."

- Legal 500 UK Bar (2022)

"Anne is the star junior for proceeds of crime/asset forfeiture work."

- Legal 500 UK Bar (2022)

Practice Overview

Anne has a commercial practice specialising in banking and financial services, civil fraud, civil recovery, insolvency and professional negligence. Anne has been consistently listed in Chambers and Partners since 2013, when she was rated as a ‘Star of the Bar’ (Five Years’ Call and Under). She is described as “Very level-headed, smart, responsive, commercial, good technically and a pleasure to deal with.”

Anne is regularly instructed as junior counsel in complex commercial disputes, most recently representing Hertz in Ryanair D.A.C. v Hertz Europe Limited, listed as a Top 20 case of 2018 by The Lawyer.  In addition to acting as a junior, Anne also regularly appears as sole counsel  in the High Court and County Court, with particular emphasis on banking disputes, debt claims (including Consumer Credit Act agreement claims), possession hearings and 'bank charges' disputes. Anne also has particular experience of retail banking disputes, most recently, advising in respect of allegations of mis-selling of interest rate products.

Anne also undertakes a significant amount of asset recovery work, and is a member of the Serious Fraud Office’s Panel of Counsel (Proceeds of Crime).

Before coming to the Bar, Anne qualified as a solicitor at Linklaters LLP (2005-2007) and was an associate in the commercial litigation department (2007-2008), where she advised on contractual disputes, commercial fraud, pension disputes and a large Serious Fraud Office investigation, all invariably with a significant international element.

Anne is ranked in band 5 by Chambers & Partners (2020) for commercial litigation, where  she  is described as Very switched-on and great to work with”. Anne has consistently been listed in the Directories since 2013.

Anne regularly appears in the High Court and County Court in general commercial matters. Current and recent instructions include:

Romelle Swire Limited v (1) SBD International Limited (ongoing), acting for the Defendants in a multi-million GBP claim for breach of contract, and counterclaim for an account and damages. Led by Jonathan Nash QC, instructed by Withers LLP.

Azzouz v United Insurance Company & ors (2020), acting for the Defendant in a multi-million GBP claim arising out of the destruction of property in Syria. Led by Tom Weitzman QC, instructed by Eversheds Sutherland.

Zymurgorium Limited v Hammonds of Knutsford (ongoing). Instructed on behalf of the Defendant / Counterclaimant in respect of a claim for breach of a wholesale agreement for the sale of specialist gin. Sole Counsel, instructed by APP Law.

Heat Trace (UK) Ltd v Heat Trace Limited: (ongoing). Instructed on behalf of the Defendant in a claim for breach of contract, arising out of distributorship and alleged joint venture agreement for the production and supply of specialist heat tracing equipment. Sole Counsel, instructed by APP Law.

Ryanair D.A.C. v Hertz International  (2018), acting for Hertz in a multi-million EUR claim brought against it by Ryanair for alleged breach of contract, raising issues of contractual interpretation, affirmation, and estoppel, as well as a novel points of mitigation and causation. The case was ranked as a top 20 case of 2018 by The Lawyer. Led by Andrew Sutcliffe QC, instructed by Fox Williams LLP.

Goodall v (1) Santander plc (2) Strategic Investment Solutions (2017); defended Santander UK plc against a claim for alleged mis-selling of a residential mortgage. Successfully obtained strike out of the claim against D1 over a 3 day hearing before HHJ Barling J (ChD, Manchester District Registry) and obtained an Extended Civil Restraint Order against the Claimant.

RDK International LLC v Huckshott Ltd & Ors (2016); instructed as junior counsel in conjoined proceedings involving a dispute between businessmen Mr Khagram and Mr Khan, in a procedurally and factually complex commission claim. Led by Matthew Hardwick QC, instructed by Hugh Cartwright & Amin.

LAEP Investments Ltd v Emerging Markets Special Situations 3 Limited (Court of Appeal for Bermuda) (2015); instructed by Appleby (Bermuda) in response to LAEP’s application for an order suspending an order enforcing an arbitration award. (Oral advocacy undertaken by local advocates: [2015] CA (BDA) 10 Civ, 9.

Bermuda Digital Communications Ltd v Regulatory Authority (Supreme Court of Bermuda) (2015); instructed by Appleby (Bermuda) in respect of BDC’s application for a stay pending the outcome of an appeal against a decision of the Regulatory Authority concerning the allocation of spectrum licenses. (Oral advocacy undertaken by local advocates: [2015] SC (Bda) 18 App).

Berezovsky v Abramovich & Ors and Berezovsky v Hine & Ors ([2012] EWHC 2463 (Comm)), acted for Russian businessman, Mr Anisimov, in the long-running claim brought by Mr Berezovsky to have had an interest in Russian aluminium company RusAl and the Russian metallurgical company Metalloinvest. Led by Ali Malek QC and Sonia Tolaney QC; instructed by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP. Issues arising included contract and tort claims, fiduciary duties, tracing, applicable law, privacy issues arising out of commercially sensitive information, and procedural issues following from the partial joining of four multiparty actions across two different divisions of the High Court.

Dunbar Bank PLC v Dorcas Holdings Limited. Instructed as sole counsel on in a multi-party possession claim in respect of a £3.4 million debt. Instructed by DLA on behalf of Dunbar Bank PLC (County Court).

HLCF Limited v Barclays Bank plc, (Chancery Division); instructed by DLA on behalf of Barclays Bank in a substantial breach of contract claim. Led by Andrew Sutcliffe QC (2011).

Aviva Commercial Finance Limited v Brooks Properties Ltd & Ors (2010); acted for Aviva in a multi-million pound contract claim and possession proceedings. Led by Sonia Tolaney; instructed by DLA Piper UK LLP.

Advising liquidators as to potential claims against former directors.

Appeared for the successful judgment creditor in an interpleader application for the return of seized goods (2010) (High Court, Queen’s Bench Division); instructed by DLA Piper UK LLP.

Successfully defended Wincanton plc in the trial of a breach of contract claim brought against it by a former contractor.

In addition to court work, Anne undertakes a significant amount of written work, including drafting pleadings and providing written advice on all areas of general commercial law.

Past experience as a litigation solicitor includes assisting an international company subject to a lengthy Serious Fraud Office investigation, including advising as to compliance and anti-money laundering procedures when operating in multiple jurisdictions, and advising a large consultancy firm in a multi-million pound pensions dispute.

Recent and current instructions include:

Lloyds Bank implementations of the Cranston Review (ongoing). Instructed by Lloyds Bank in respect of the implementation of the recommendations arising out of the Cranston Report. Led by Rory Phillips QC.

The Cranston Review (2019): Working with Sir Ross Cranston in reviewing Lloyds Bank plc’s Customer Review compensation scheme for customers who were impacted by the fraud at the Impaired Assets Office at HBOS Reading. Led by Sir Ross Cranston and Rory Phillips QC. Report published December 2019 Instructed by Lloyds Bank.

Malekmadani v  Royal Bank of Scotland plc (2018); successfully obtained strike out / summary judgment of a claim for consequential losses following FCA Review of the sale of an interest rate swap, and allegations of misselling of underlying swap and loan product. Instructed by DLA Piper LLP.

Wenta Ltd v National Westminster Bank plc (2017); acted for the defendants in a claim brought under s.138D of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 for alleged mis-selling of an interest rate swap. Raised specific points as to the scope of the test for a ‘private person’ under s.138D, and as set out by David Steel J in Titan Steel Wheels v The Royal Bank of Scotland [2010] EWHC 211 (Comm), as to whether charities and not-for-profit enterprises are outwith that test or not. The case also raised allegations of mezzanine advisory duties, fiduciary duties, and contractual estoppel. Led by John Odgers QC for the trial (settled 3 days prior to commencement) and as sole counsel prior thereto.  Instructed by DLA Piper LLP.

Patel v National Westminster Bank plc (ongoing); instructed a sole counsel in claims brought under s.138D of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and under common law for alleged mis-selling of interest rate products. Instructed by DLA Piper LLP.

Goodall v (1) Santander plc (2) Strategic Investment Solutions (2017); defended Santander UK plc against a claim for alleged mis-selling of a residential mortgage. Successfully obtained strike out of the claim against D1 over a 3 day hearing before HHJ Barling J (ChD, Manchester District Registry) and obtained an Extended Civil Restraint Order against the Claimant.

Celebration Properties v Lloyds Bank plc (2017); mis-selling claim concerning sale of a fixed rate loan in 2008. The case raised some interesting issues of limitation, party identity and abuse of process. The claim settled shortly before the bank’s strike out application was due to be heard. Instructed by Eversheds LLP.

Fabitrade Limitada v Barclays Plc (2015); acted for Barclays as sole counsel in obtaining strike-out at first instance, and defending the decision on appeal, of a claim against the bank in contract, tort, restitution and for breach of statutory duty in relation to monies fraudulently obtained by a third party. The Claimant subsequently obtained permission for a second-tier appeal to the Court of Appeal. The matter settled following the filing of skeleton arguments. Instructed by TLT Solicitors.

Townson v FCE Bank plc (2015); acted for FCE Bank as sole counsel in successfully defending at trial a claim brought under s.56(1)(b) and 56(2) of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Involving issues of statutory construction, and disputes of fact. Instructed by TLT Solicitors.

Instructed as part of a team to consider complaints under the FOS complaints scheme regarding the alleged mis-selling of interest rate products. Instructed by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and HSBC in-house legal (2014).

Appointed as specialist advisor (junior counsel, lead by Rory Phillips QC and David Quest QC) to the Parliamentary Committee on Banking Standards, in which role she assisted the Committee’s review of the 2008 collapse of HBOS, and LIBOR.

Advising and representing a bank in a dispute concerning allegations of unauthorised transactions.

Instructed as junior counsel during the early stages of a large finance dispute concerning the role of an investment bank providing prime brokerage services for the trading of complex derivatives.

Appeared on a series of successful strike-out applications of negligence claims brought against a major bank: issues including the nature and extent of the bank’s money laundering obligations, duties concerning the handling of cheques, and duties owed to customers (2010-2011) (instructed by DLA Piper UK LLP).

Representing HSBC in a successful costs application by banks following the decisions in Carey v HSBC plc and Teasdale v HSBC Bank & ors; issues including the availability of a mandatory injunction for a breach of sections 77/78 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (2011).

Regular appearances in consumer credit claims, business guarantee claims, bank charges hearings, possession hearings and interim and final hearings in the County Court.

Anne undertook a secondment to HSBC in 2010, during which she worked with the litigation team, undertaking drafting and advisory work as well as continuing to appear on behalf of HSBC at court hearings.

Anne also has experience from her time at Linklaters’ Moscow office of drafting and advising on complex structured financing arrangements with international syndicates of banks.

Anne is regularly instructed in asset recovery claims brought under Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.  Described as “Energetic, bright and methodical’ and ‘a natural advocate’, she is ranked by both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for her Asset Recovery work. Current and recent instructions include:

Crown Prosecution Service v Aquila Advisory Limited (ongoing); instructed as junior counsel on behalf of the CPS for the Supreme Court appeal in respect of Aquila’s civil claim to monies that represent the proceeds of crime and are the of a Confiscation Order. Issues arising include the breadth of the exception to attribution of knowledge set out in FHR European Ventures LLP v. Cedar Capital Partners LLC [2014] UKSC 45 and Bilta (UK) Ltd v. Nazir [2015] UKSC 23, and the consistency of application of those principles with the regime established by the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

National Crime Agency v Nuttall & Ors (ongoing); instructed as junior counsel on behalf of the NCA, in civil recovery proceedings concerning assets contended to be derived from the proceeds of an international money-laundering operation. Led by Andrew Sutcliffe QC.

National Crime Agency v Hussain [2020] EWHC 432 (Admin); obtained the first UWO based solely upon the ‘serious crime’ limb under POCA, and the first UWO to result in a successful recovery by the NCA. Instructed by the NCA. Following media intervention, the hearing was adjourned to consider the privacy status of UWO hearings. Led by Andrew Sutcliffe QC in respect of the privacy hearing.

National Crime Agency v Diamond Bank plc (ongoing); instructed as junior counsel on behalf of the NCA, in an application for a property freezing order, and civil recovery proceedings. Led by Andrew Sutcliffe QC.

Serious Fraud Office v Julio Faerman (2020); instructed as junior counsel in a multi-million GBP civil recovery action arising out of the Petrobras corruption scandal. Claim successfully settled in 2020. Led by Andrew Sutcliffe QC, instructed by the Serious Fraud Office.

Perry v National Crime Agency (2015); instructed as junior counsel on behalf of the NCA in relation to third party disclosure issues and application during complex compensation proceedings under POCA s.283. Led by Andrew Onslow QC, instructed by Burgess Salmon LLP.

Member of the Serious Fraud Office’s Panel of Counsel (B Panel)

Advising the NCA in relation to a number of other ongoing civil recovery investigations and other matters.

Advising liquidators (Isle of Man) as to potential claims against former directors following the collapse of a multi-million pound property investment business, across a large group of companies in multiple jurisdictions. Instructed by DQ Advocates Limited (Isle of Man) (2015).

Before coming to the Bar, Anne qualified as a solicitor at Linklaters LLP (2005-2007) and was an associate in the commercial litigation department (2007-2008) where she advised on contractual disputes, commercial fraud, pension disputes and a large Serious Fraud Office investigation, all invariably with a significant international element. During her training, Anne also practised in the Corporate and Finance departments, covering a wide range of work including company group restructuring, Main Market and AIM company listings, and syndicated and structured financing arrangements. Anne also spent six months in Linklaters’ Moscow office, and undertook a secondment to a major client.

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Winner: UK Bar Awards 2023
The Lawyer Awards 2022: Chambers of the Year