Andrew Sutcliffe QC

Call 1983; QC 2001; MA (Oxon)
Email: asutcliffe@3vb.com

Andrew Sutcliffe specialises in commercial disputes and is an experienced court and arbitration advocate. His practice covers most aspects of business and finance law, with particular emphasis on banking and financial services, media and entertainment, commercial fraud, information technology, insolvency and professional liability.

What the Directories Say

Recommended for Banking and Finance, Commercial Litigation, Civil Fraud and Media and Entertainment in Chambers & Partners and for Commercial Litigation, Civil Fraud and Media and Entertainment in the Legal 500.

Andrew 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".

Andrew 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. He is highly regarded for "his excellent advocacy, dedication and support - a real team player". His distinctive style separates him from the pack, and he is considered "ruthlessly effective in battle" by sources who have seen him in action.

Andrew 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 in a very high profile industry dispute over rights in the song 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'. Sources commend him as a "charming and clever" advocate who "is undoubtedly a specialist in this area". He has acted in many music industry bust-ups, including major cases involving the Spice Girls, Spandau Ballet and Elton John and is 'very effective in court - he's good at reading a judge'. Described by one solicitor as "very bright, very sensible, very commercial in his approach, really easy to work with, fantastic with clients. He has a sensitivity which many other counsel lack and is first rate at cross-examination".

Andrew has the "ability to put people at ease and instill confidence in clients" ... He came particularly highly recommended by clients. They feel that his "easy to approach character" is a major plus. Regularly featuring on mainstream banking cases.

Andrew was lauded by one solicitor as "a superb professional. Both the firm and our clients were impressed with his engagement with the industry issues involved and his pragmatic advice". Further possessed of great mediation skills, another stated: "We were all amazed by him. Having been miles apart in the morning, we had settled on a deal by the afternoon".

Publications

Editor, Entertainment section of Bullen & Leake & Jacob's Precedents of Pleadings.

Professional Memberships

COMBAR
Chancery Bar Association
Professional Negligence Bar Association

Appointments

Recorder (1999)
Deputy High Court Judge (2004)
Attorney, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (British Virgin Islands)(2007)

Languages

French (working knowledge)