What the Directories say
Banking & Finance
The "extremely well-clerked" 3 Verulam Buildings has a commanding presence in the banking and finance market and remains "the best port of call for general banking litigation, from small guarantee disputes to complicated international matters." Observers consider its members "a pleasure to work with," noting that the set has "the strongest stable of juniors at the Banking Bar as well as a group of extremely bright and very responsive counsel."
Head of chambers Ali Malek QC has "a lot of flair" and earns particular praise for his "big-picture strategic advice" and his "fabulous commercial approach." "A joy to instruct," he is sought out for his court and arbitration expertise on heavyweight domestic and international matters. Another admired silk at the set is Ewan McQuater QC, an "incisive" litigator who "sees the relevant points well in advance and quickly gets to grips with the commercial realities facing the client." Boasting an impressive array of expertise spanning banking, insolvency, restructuring and fraud work, he is regularly instructed on complex matters. By way of example, he is lead counsel for the Algosaibi family of Saudi Arabia in a USD10 billion banking fraud claim against multiple parties. Richard Salter QC is recognised for his "excellent preparation and attention to detail." His "application of the law to the facts is as good as it gets," according to solicitors. A banking specialist, he is said to be "outstanding on structured finance matters," and he has a strong advisory practice relating to high-value syndicated lending, bond issues and complex financial instruments.
Adrian Beltrami QC is "hard-working, effective and knowledgeable" and an excellent choice for domestic, offshore and international banking disputes. Following his impressive involvement in the Springwell litigation, he has remained busy over the past year advising on various disputed derivatives transactions. Equally well regarded is Andrew Onslow QC, "a clear-minded advocate" who is frequently called upon for his "strong intellectual analysis." He is highly regarded for his work on derivatives and syndicated loan litigation and is an expert on credit crunch disputes. Sources say: "He is smooth, charming and has a great manner." Solicitors favour Stephen Phillips QC as he is a "quick and responsive" barrister who displays "excellent attention to detail." Of late, his practice has focused on forum disputes and the obtaining of anti-suit injunctions. In one representative matter, he acted for a major Dubai bank in a claim arising from a significant multinational trade finance fraud. Andrew Sutcliffe QC is consistently singled out as a top choice because he "thinks through all the issues well in advance" and has a "great bedside manner with clients." He is currently acting for around 80 Irish investors in Commercial Court proceedings against Morgan Stanley concerning disputed derivative instruments/swap transactions.
John Jarvis QC is lauded for his "brilliant advocacy skills," with one instructing solicitor noting: "He seems to have the respect of all the judges." He has a buoyant international practice, particularly in Hong Kong, and often advises on the drafting of banking documentation, as well as disputes work. Sources say Jonathan Nash QC has a "very nice touch with clients" and "provides good big-picture advice when needed." He continues to consolidate his position as silk and has recently been acting for international banks with regard to their obligations under bonds, CDOs, credit default swaps and other exotic derivatives. His skills are much trumpeted, as are those of the "consistently excellent" Sonia Tolaney QC. A "well-deserved new silk," she has "incredible turnaround times" and is "wonderful to listen to in court."
Entering the top band this year, Jonathan Davies-Jones is a barrister that commentators believe is "really going places." "Excellent on paper" and possessed of "polished advocacy skills," he is someone whose "work product is always first rate." "A real fighter for the cause," he has an impressive body of experience and his recent matters include acting for the claimants in Perpetual Trustee v BNY Trustee & Lehman BSF, a leading case concerning CDO notes and the enforceability of ‘flip clauses' under English and New York law. "One of the top juniors at the Bar," John Odgers is "extremely bright and responsive and a safe choice for any complex piece of work." His recent workload has seen him advising on allegations of the mis-selling of interest-rate swaps and counselling as to financial services investigations. He is a great solicitor favourite as is David Quest, an intellectually rigorous barrister with an "outstanding understanding of technical structured products." Those who instruct him also highlight his ability on restitution claims.
The "really down-to-earth and easy to work with" Catherine Gibaud is "a lawyer with a sharp intellect who has an excellent knowledge of how the FSA regime operates in practice" Alongside her contentious regulatory expertise, she also advises on complex financial products and allegations of mis-selling. Matthew Hardwick moves up in the rankings this year as a reflection of the fact that he is admired for his "great depth of banking knowledge." He has acted for an impressive array of lender clients, including Barclays, RBS and Paragon Finance, and has been heavily involved in advising on payment protection insurance (PPI) claims. Michael Lazarus also earns a promotion in this year's tables. "Responsive, tactically aware and commercial," he is commended as a "calm and clear-headed barrister." Others to win market support include Richard Brent, who is a "superb" junior and a "fierce opponent." His recent work has seen him successfully representing Lehman Brothers in an appeal concerning the interpretation of the FSA's client money rules. He is recommended along with Laura John, who attracts high praise for being a "user-friendly, hard-working and commercially aware" junior. She is currently acting for a finance company in a £5.5 million damages claim against directors for breach of warranty and deceit pursuant to an invoice discounting arrangement.
Matthew Parker is endorsed as "bright, helpful and easy to work with." He has recently advised the Central Bank of Ecuador on a USD150 million fraud claim arising out of the collapse of an Ecuadorian bank, Banco Continental. Ian Wilson has "clients raving about him" due to his "unflappable and practical" advice on banking disputes. In the past year, he has handled numerous cases related to PPI claims. Charlotte Eborall stands out as "one to watch," with one source enthusing: "She is showing all the right skills and is able to pick up sensitive commercial issues when advising financial institutions." She enters the rankings along with James MacDonald, who is commended as a "great advocate." He is also a "standout draftsman" who "can condense incredibly complicated financial products into a few well-turned phrases."
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International Arbitration
New to the rankings this year, this set is able to draw on a broad range of knowledge when advising on international arbitration matters. Its members' noted areas of expertise include banking and financial services, shipping and commodities, and energy and infrastructure.
Market observers report that Ali Malek QC is an "excellent advocate in arbitration and arbitration-related litigation." "Smart, practical and user-friendly," he is frequently instructed on investment treaty matters and is said to be "particularly well known for his work on Kazakhstan-related disputes." Ewan McQuater QC handles international arbitration work in tandem with his top-tier commercial litigation practice. By way of example, he assisted Heinz in Commercial Court proceedings in successfully resisting enforcement of a Hungarian arbitration award in England on the grounds of public policy. He also has experience of acting under the auspices of the ICC and LCIA.
The "bright and energetic" Christopher Harris is "extremely focused on international arbitration and is a top pick for state/investor work," say sources. He recently acted for a claimant bank in an LCIA arbitration against a pharmaceutical company concerning a number of complex swaps and other derivatives under the International Swaps and Derivatives Association's master agreement.
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Commercial: Chancery
Ewan McQuater QC of 3 Verulam Buildings is "in great demand" as he is a "tough advocate who fights his corner really well." The quality of his work, which focuses principally on banking and fraud cases, is variously described as "first-class," "superb" and "outstanding." A recent highlight for him was Bloomsbury International Ltd v Holyoake and Others, in which he acted for the administrators of Bloomsbury/British Seafoods in an alleged £210 million banking fraud, dubbed by media wags 'the Madoff of the fish industry.' His set also includes up-and-coming silk Adrian Beltrami QC, who has a thriving commercial and fraud practice which frequently sees him appear before the Chancery Bench. He is an "intelligent, solid advocate," who has recently acted in litigation relating to the Madoff 'Ponzi' scheme in Bermuda. New silk Sonia Tolaney QC does a great deal of excellent fraud and banking work in the Chancery courts. She has recently been instructed to act in Berezovsky v Hine & Others, one of the most high-profile cases to go before the Chancery Division in recent years. peer.
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Commercial Dispute Resolution
3 Verulam 3 Verulam Buildings moves into the top tier of the tables this year, with market sources acknowledging that the set boasts a number of "excellent advocates," who not only have a formidable reputation in the banking sphere but also "deep expertise in so many aspects of business conducted in the City." In addition to this breadth of commercial experience, interviewees assert that "one of the hallmarks of those practising at 3VB is that they are very much team players" who demonstrate "excellent client skills and responsiveness." This strong collaborative approach is also reflected in the "efficient, reliable and helpful" clerking system, headed by the "disarmingly honest and amazingly co-operative" Nick Hill.
Head of chambers Ali Malek QC is "as rounded an individual as you will find at the Bar" and a "top choice to fight a difficult commercial case." Solicitors favour him due to his "unflappable and approachable" demeanour, asserting that "when you hire him you get his undivided attention." Under Malek's leadership, a raft of excellent silks have emerged within the set, and he is widely credited with having increased the set's profile in the market generally. The "fantastically bright" Adrian Beltrami QC "really is exceptionally good." Sources note that he has quickly established himself as "one of the best junior silks at the Commercial Bar." He has acted in numerous high-profile matters in recent times, including Benedetti v Sawiris, a EUR3 billion claim relating to a shares dispute in a major Italian telecoms company. Fellow silk Ewan McQuater QC is equally well regarded and possesses the "ability to blend excellent analytical skills with a strong commercial approach." His "calm manner" and astute sense of strategy prove invaluable when it comes to complex disputes, such as Terra Firma v Citibank, where he successfully defended Citibank against a USD7 billion damages claim for alleged fraud and negligence in the acquisition of the EMI music group. Also much in favour, Andrew Onslow QC is a "clear-minded advocate" who offers clients "meticulous preparation before court and a robust approach when in it." He is particularly called on for his "strong intellectual analysis of new areas of law."
Jonathan Nash QC's "articulate and measured approach" allows him to remain "calm in the midst of a storm." Alongside his specialist banking expertise, he has also recently advised on distribution rights in the film industry, professional negligence cases and shareholder disputes. Stephen Phillips QC commands the respect of market sources with his "attention to detail, approachability and effective advocacy." International disputes form a substantial proportion of his workload, and he recently advised Dubai Islamic Bank on a claim arising from a significant multinational trade finance fraud. Banking and financial services expert Richard Salter QC also "provides first-rate legal analysis and performs excellently in court." Sources assert: "His application of the law to the facts is as good as it gets." Andrew Sutcliffe QC is endorsed as a "real team player" who "thinks through all issues well in advance" and has a "great bedside manner with clients." He has a particular forte in injunction work, recently advising a claimant in springboard injunction proceedings against former employees to restrain misuse of confidential information.
Commentators recognise Christopher Symons QC as a man of great experience who commands the ear of judges and opponents alike with his authoritative advocacy. He negotiates a broad commercial practice and has recognised expertise in insurance, reinsurance and professional negligence cases. The "straightforward and easy to work with" Cyril Kinsky QC can be relied on to deal with the most difficult of clients, a fact that wins him many a fan amongst instructing solicitors. His transition to silk has been effortless and he remains in high demand, as does Andrew Fletcher QC. Fletcher is said to be "approachable, responsive and great on his feet." He acts in substantial commercial disputes both at home and abroad, and recently appeared in a trial in the Cayman Islands concerning a dispute arising out of a property development on Grand Cayman. With his "brilliant advocacy skills," John Jarvis QC "has the respect of all the judges." He recently acted on behalf of the trustee in bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in the Lehman client money case. Sources say: "His laid-back style disguises a mind like a steel trap." Paul Lowenstein QC is also "a silk to have on your side: he always seems to be two steps ahead of the opposition and leaves no stone unturned." He maintains a thriving practice advising on conflicts of laws and injunction/pre-emptive remedy cases. He was joined in silk this year by Sonia Tolaney QC, who the market feels more than deserved her elevation. Her mix of formidable advocacy, easy client manner and fast turnaround times make her a true "force of nature," according to those that use her. One interviewee went so far as to say: "When the other side sees her on her feet in court, they know they've already lost the battle."
John Odgers continues his ascent in the rankings. He attracts consistent praise for being an "unfailingly polite, helpful and knowledgeable" senior junior capable of producing "written work of superb quality" and "genius strategic decisions." No less distinguished, Jonathan Davies-Jones is "first class for fraud and banking litigation." He deftly handles the most complicated of disputes, to which he brings a strong analytical mind and "a real eye for detail." By way of example, he has recently been acting for the claimants in the much commented-upon Perpetual Trustee v BNY Trustee dispute. Michael Lazarus is another luminary at the junior Bar. A "silk in all but name," he is endorsed as a "responsive, tactically aware and commercial" practitioner. His commercial disputes practice has a strong banking and finance and technology slant.
The "sharp and thoughtful" David Quest provides "wonderfully clear advice" on complicated disputes. His recent experience includes acting in the USD10 billion Algosaibi/Saad Group fraud litigation. Instructing solicitors say James MacDonald "ticks all the boxes in terms of user-friendliness; he quickly picks up the points that matter to the client and demonstrates incredible clarity in his written advice." MacDonald is recommended along with James Evans, a "great team player and a strong lateral thinker." Evans was part of the legal team advising the trustee in bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in the Lehman client money case. Matthew Parker is "a star in the making," who is possessed of "superb advocacy skills that blend aggression and persuasion to excellent effect." In Gulf International Bank v Al Ittefaq Steel Products, he has been acting for the defendants in proceedings seeking the repayment of loans totalling over USD100 million. "Fantastic and a pleasure to work with," Nicholas Craig has quickly established himself as a go-to commercial junior within the set. His recent efforts include advising the major lessor of a commercial aircraft on a dispute with its lessee. Also garnering praise is Christopher Harris, "a polished, fresh-sounding advocate who will certainly go far." Led by Ewan McQuater QC, he recently successfully acted for BNP Paribas in its claim against Wockhardt to recover sums due under various derivatives transactions.
Others at the set to impress include the "cool, calm and collected" David Head, who has a fantastic reputation for his advocacy skills. "Painstaking in his preparation and utterly charming in court," he commands the respect of judges as someone who is really on top of his case. Matthew Hardwick elicits praise for his "excellent depth of banking knowledge." His expertise further extends to professional negligence, commercial fraud, insolvency and partnership disputes. Sources say Peter de Verneuil Smith is "undoubtedly one to watch." "A highly intelligent practitioner and a strong advocate," he has established a sterling commercial law practice. He recently acted as sole counsel for Shell in a two-week trial concerning a USD3 million bribery and breach of fiduciary duty claim against an oil trader. The "brilliant" Laura John is "calm and measured in her approach," as well as "diligent in her preparation." She remains a popular choice for instructing solicitors, as does Adam Kramer. Busier by the year, Kramer punches well above his call. By way of example, he was recently involved in a EUR30 million claim brought by 88 Irish investors against Morgan Stanley relating to disputed derivatives transactions. Finally at the set, Rajesh Pillai is a "sharp and exceptionally hard-working junior with excellent drafting skills." His practice has a strong international flavour, with recent work examples including litigation across London, Singapore and Bahrain.
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Financial Services
3 Verulam Buildings fields a crack team of silks and juniors for whom no financial services challenge is too complex or intimidating. The lawyers here have an excellent commercial understanding of transactions and business transfers, and are experts on regulatory compliance and all financial services-related litigation generally. The set is particularly well regarded for its work within the securities and investment markets.
Clients ring instructing solicitors specifically to compliment financial services "guru" Michael Blair QC for his "highly intelligent" advice and expert oral testimony on matters such as collective investment schemes, interest rate derivatives and Eurobond financing. He is a big name in the financial legal market, as is Ali Malek QC. Malek is head of chambers and has an impressively broad practice, which takes in banking and financial litigation, insurance matters and questions of international financing and the regulation which applies in various jurisdictions.
John Odgers is recommended for his expertise in technical, high-stakes contentious work involving derivatives and other complex financial instruments. He recently acted for a major international bank accused of mis-selling interest rate swaps to an Indian company in the LCIA. Stablemate Sophie Mallinckrodt is highly sought after for her advisory and litigious work in regulatory proceedings, particularly for and against the FSA. She takes instructions for matters concerning breach of the FSA perimeter, extended warranties, endowment mis-selling and collective investments schemes. Also in receipt of much praise, Robert Purves's reputation is "rising fast," not least in the insurance arena, where he is seen as a leading expert. He regularly advises bodies such as the FSA and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, as well as private companies on a broad range of insurance matters. Commentators fall over themselves to heap praise on Richard Brent, with exclamations of "amazing," "phenomenal" and "superb" coming thick and fast. His recent work has tended to concern advice and advocacy relating to the FSMA and FSA regulation of financial services.
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Civil Fraud
3 Verulam Buildings has a good range of highly competent barristers, from experienced silks down to young juniors. Its prowess in banking and finance feeds into the civil fraud arena, making it one of the major players in the market. The set has appeared in a number of the leading matters of the moment, and has recently handled a raft of cases for Russian oligarchs and Middle Eastern clients. Market sources describe it as "pleasingly commercial" and see it as a strong and ever-growing force in the area. It has an excellent practice manager in Nick Hill and is led by Ali Malek QC, who in his short tenure as head of chambers has instituted a new constitution and made structural changes to the clerks' room.
Ali Malek QC is one of the most noted silks in this field. "A charming and gentlemanly advocate, he is quick to pick up facts and has an impressively measured delivery." Sources note that he is particularly good on jurisdictional issues and is a master of the more technical issues in a case. He recently acted for Vasily Anisimov in the high-stakes Berezovsky litigation, and also appeared in the Parabola Investments appeal. Andrew Onslow QC enjoys rising esteem in the fraud sector due to his "reassuringly good judgement and great quality advocacy." Following on from his earlier involvement in the Berezovsky litigation, he recently acted for ELS International Solicitors in an alleged fraud and breach of trust dispute. Stephen Phillips QC's marquee work includes the multibillion-dollar Algosaibi dispute. Solicitors contend that "his appearance on a case dramatically increases the prospect of a fabulous result." "Detailed in his approach and well prepared," he offers "forceful advocacy" once in the courtroom.
Also winning favour is Adrian Beltrami QC, a lawyer with the "laudable ability to distil key issues from complex factual material, and translate them into clear, succinct advice." His popularity led to him recently being instructed in the high-profile BTA litigation. "Robust and intelligent, yet stylish," Ewan McQuater QC was another at the set to be involved in the keenly contested Algosaibi international litigation. His busy practice has further seen him acting for the administrators of Bloomsbury/British Seafoods in an alleged £210 million banking fraud. He is popular with clients, as is Andrew Sutcliffe QC whose "user-friendly and direct manner helps put all parties in a case at ease." Recent work for him includes acting for Barclaycard in a multimillion-pound fraud dispute. Joining Sutcliffe is Sonia Tolaney QC. Her appointment to silk came as no surprise to anyone considering the fact that she has been in the top rank of the finest commercial juniors for some years now. Solicitors say that "she constitutes an ideal choice of counsel due to her communicative approach allied to her steely and unflappable manner." A regular in the choicest matters, she has had a major role in the Berezovsky litigation.
John Odgers continues to shine as a junior of choice in high-value fraud cases, as evidenced by his appearance in the widely reported Fiona Trust litigation. "Superbly bright, approachable and with considerable tactical flair," he is "capable of rising to the toughest of challenges." David Quest is praised by sources for his "impressive intelligence, thoroughness and instinctive command of the facts" when engaged in large disputes. His biggest instructions include acting on the Algosaibi dispute. Jonathan Davies-Jones is well known in the commercial and banking disputes sector. He recently acted for BACB in a circa £20 million fraud allegation regarding metal trading. Sources describe him as "an effective and well-informed counsel." Like Davies-Jones, Matthew Parker acts for some high-profile entities, including the Central Bank of Ecuador. His key traits are his "laudable attention to detail, diligent work ethic and thorough preparation," according to interviewees. David Head, meanwhile, wins acclaim for the "clear, responsive and robust service he offers both in and outside court." He acted on the SITA v Serruys dispute concerning a £90 million claim for alleged fraud and breach of warranty.
"A dedicated and hard-working junior who exhibits measured and effective advocacy skills," Laura John is an ideal choice of counsel for many. The larger cases she has handled include National Grid v McKenzie. She is at a set that includes Adam Kramer, a lawyer with "an evident talent for assimilating complex numerical evidence." He was involved with Ali Malek QC in the £19.3 million Parabola fraud appeal, and has also recently been acting on the SITA v Serruys litigation. Finally at the set, Rajesh Pillai represented EMDA Business Holdings in a damages and compensation claim arising from alleged company officer fraud. "Sharp and clear drafting skills and a manner that engenders confidence" feature heavily amongst his strengths.
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Information Technology
Widely praised for its "exceptional clerking and reasonable attitude towards fees," 3 Verulam Buildings has historically advised on a very wide range of IT and telecoms cases. Cases handled have included issues of the use of software outside the terms of licence, disputes over the delayed delivery of software, and arguments relating to the excessive cost of website design, to name but a few. Members of chambers are well versed in all areas of litigation, and are also known for their advanced drafting skills.
Sources say that Paul Lowenstein QC "is an exceptionally bright and pleasant character who can be most exacting with witnesses." His practice flourishes due to his "fine grasp of the technicalities of a case and his evident skill in the courtroom."
Michael Lazarus is "a barrister with imagination." "Clear and concise, he always goes straight to the key points, and is not one to waste time unnecessarily." His recent matters include BM v HP, a case relating to a major public sector IT project for £6 million. Clive Freedman is "a lawyer of unparalleled technical knowledge, who is a stalwart of the IT Bar." As well as handling a busy caseload, he has demonstrated his commitment to the sector by writing on IT law and being a member of the Bar Council's IT Committee.
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Offshore
Ewan McQuater QC of 3 Verulam Buildings negotiates offshore jurisdictions with ease: "He gets on with people everywhere - he's excellent to be up against." McQuater handles commercial litigation, insolvency, fraud, banking and finance. He is currently lead counsel for the Algosaibi family in a USD10 billion fraud claim against Maan al-Sanea and the Saad group. Another with an active role in this case is Stephen Phillips QC of the same set. Phillips acts for all the case's 24 Cayman defendant companies not in liquidation and has appeared in five substantive hearings, with two of these taking place in the Court of Appeal. The head of chambers at this set is Ali Malek QC. He advises on hedge fund and fraud-related matters in the Cayman Islands and elsewhere.
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Restructuring/Insolvency
"Very able and willing barristers" populate a set that is known for taking "a fantastically proactive approach to its work." The set, which also benefits from a user-friendly clerking team, has a strong banking expertise which contributes to the strength of its insolvency practice, especially in these post-credit crunch times. It has been strongly involved in Lehman-related litigation over the past year or so.
Ewan McQuater QC has "a subtle and persuasive advocacy style." He "excels at winning over a difficult Bench to his side and offers strategic advice that is spot-on." He recently acted for Excalibur Funding against Lehman Brothers. Adrian Beltrami QC continues to be a strong presence in the market, and has a decent corporate restructuring and insolvency practice. He has recently been active in the British Virgin Islands handling matters relating to the Madoff fraud. Sonia Tolaney QC is part of the team instructed to challenge the Icelandic government's recent legislation to appropriate assets held by Icelandic banks for international deposit holders. She is highly regarded in the market for her contentious insolvency work. Solicitors like her as she is always willing to debate a point with them and is "not hung up on her own dignity."
Peers agree that Angharad Start is "an incredibly impressive advocate who pulls no punches." She enjoys a strong practice that takes in both personal and corporate insolvency.
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Insurance
This well-run set earns market praise for the "approachability, practicality and commercial attitude" of its barristers. Traditionally known for its banking expertise, the set has developed its insurance and reinsurance muscle and now gets to grips with a range of coverage disputes for brokers and financial institutions. The group benefits from a team of "helpful, very attentive and practical" clerks, who "really pull their weight." Property damage, business interruption and professional indemnity insurance claims feature prominently in the workload of the group.
Christopher Symons QC brings tremendous gravitas to proceedings as a consequence of his illustrious track record in representing both insurers and reinsurers. The former head of chambers is much admired for his "pragmatic and sensible attitude" and has recently been acting for insurers in connection with the allegedly fraudulent activities of a law firm. Tom Weitzman QC is popular with clients for being a "user-friendly and highly responsive advocate," who enjoys a predominantly insurance-related practice. He has a niche expertise in E&O cases for brokers and has been seen acting for the brokers in a reinsurance dispute concerning losses from Hurricane Rita. The well-regarded Rory Phillips QC has been spending significant time defending the government on insurance issues stemming from the Phurnacite personal injury litigation.
Having landed the 'Insurance Junior of the Year' at the Chambers Bar Awards 2010, the "stunningly bright and charming" Peter Ratcliffe continues to go from strength to strength. He has been acting for personal injury insurers in long-running litigation stemming from the fraudulent actions of a Dunlop Haywards employer. In other high-profile matters, he has been acting for Dutch reinsurers regarding the unlawful importing of consignments of silicon from China to Germany. David Quest picks up widespread praise for being a practitioner who uses his "fantastic brainpower" to great effect when delivering advice which is "concise and to the point." His supporters in the market are legion, something which could also be said of the "practical and approachable bright spark" Adam Kramer. He brings "great attention to detail" to his practice and has a growing reputation for handling brokers' disputes. In the past year, he has settled a major commission dispute for brokers.
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Media & Entertainment
This commercial powerhouse is praised for its broad-based media practice, and represents clients from the full range of media and entertainment industries. It acts on copyrights issues, rights disputes and breaches of contract for publishers, broadcasters, film and TV production houses and record companies. Advice to licensing bodies such as the PPL also features in its workload. Clients find value in the "hard, commercial edge" and pragmatic, practical approach the barristers bring to their work.
A solicitors' favourite, Andrew Sutcliffe QC is "a man of enormous intellect who has an extremely good manner with judges." He recently acted for Bloomsbury Publishing, defending against a claim for copyright infringement relating to Harry Potter. In other matters he represented Varga against Tiger Aspect Productions in a dispute over animated Mr Bean films, and appeared for Associated Music International in an action brought by Mungo Jerry. Praised for his intelligence and strategic advice, Paul Lowenstein QC has been heavily involved in the dispute between Rebellion Holdings and 2000AD over the ownership and exploitation of the 'Judge Dredd' comic book characters. Excellent on issues of contractual interpretation, "he is a fine choice if you are faced with a messy factual dispute."
Peter Ratcliffe has a well-regarded film and music practice. He recently represented ITV against a claim brought by a chat show guest for breach of contract, and acted for a film production company in a dispute with an advertising company over the cost of a Nike global TV advert screened during the World Cup. Other cases have seen him defend Trojan, Sanctuary and Universal Records in disputes relating to a large number of ska and reggae recordings.
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Professional Negligence
3 Verulam Buildings draws on its considerable expertise in general commercial and banking law to effectively handle complex and sophisticated professional negligence disputes. The set has a number of talented barristers for whom professional negligence forms a substantial part of their practice. When combined with their wider expertise, the barristers remain a natural choice for high-end financial disputes. The team benefits from its consistently first-class clerking, which is always "very good and efficient."
Christopher Symons QC is a highly respected silk with a huge depth of experience across the range of professional negligence. Impressed clients praise his "ability to always pick the right advocacy style" and especially recommend his "very good judgement where tribunals are concerned." Andrew Onslow QC is a "real class act" and another top-rated silk. He provides "measured, careful advice" to his clients, and is also an "excellent cross-examiner." The "terrific" Tom Weitzman QC is a "user-friendly" silk with a "logical, clear and concise" approach. His advice is always the "model of clarity." Clients find Cyril Kinsky QC "a pleasure to work with" since he is "proactive" and "turns a draft around quickly." He is also an "excellent analytical litigator," who gets good results on high-value disputes. Clients benefit from Paul Lowenstein QC's "tremendous amount of experience" of running high-end professional negligence trials. He is recommended along with the "very able" Rory Phillips QC, who is "great fun to work with" and has a wide-ranging professional negligence practice.
Matthew Parker is "incisive, hard-working and a great team player." He is trusted by clients to run sizeable trials, as is Jonathan Davies-Jones, who pays "enormous attention to detail" and is "very quick at digesting a vast amount of information," say those that use him. David Head is also recommended; clients have "faith and confidence" in him since he is "painstaking in his preparation" and "really commands the courtroom."
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Shipping
Nicholas Craig of 3 Verulam Buildings comes from a pure shipping pedigree, having previously been with Quadrant Chambers. "Efficient and thorough," he was recently instructed on behalf of insurers/shipowners in the Cala Palma case. g.
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Telecommunications
This set offers expert counsel in telecommunications, particularly when it comes to heavyweight contract litigation, disputes over access agreements and complex commercial litigation within the TMT arena.
The "excellent" Paul Lowenstein QC is "quite young for someone so accomplished," according to sources. He takes on large commercial disputes in the industry, and is adept at anything with a contract or commercial tort aspect to it. He recently represented Cable & Wireless in a major claim for operation and maintenance fees in respect of a point-to-point fibre cable use agreement.
The "assured and sturdy" Michael Lazarus is one of the "top picks" for clients looking for a "redoubtable advocate" to tackle heavyweight commercial and contract litigation. He is frequently instructed in cases concerning cable and undersea cable contracts, and also handles a good deal of regulatory work for telcos operating abroad.
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3 Verulam Buildings is ‘undoubtedly the leading banking and finance set'. Ali Malek QC is ‘a true world-class specialist in letters of credit cases'. Richard Salter QC is ‘a master of the detail, every fact is at his finger tips and his cross-examination is first-rate'. Adrian Beltrami QC is ‘extremely approachable, and excellent at seeing the wood for the trees'. Ewan McQuater QC is noted for his ‘excellent client-handling skills, robust legal analysis and outstanding advocacy'. Clients commend the ‘exceptionally bright' Jonathan Nash QC's ‘uncompromising cross-examination'. Nicholas Elliott QC is valued for his ‘clear, concise, definitive and commercial advice'. The ‘supremely clever' Stephen Phillips QC is ‘excellent in court and a delight to deal with'. Sonia Tolaney QC is ‘very bright, tenacious and formidable on her feet'. Richard Brent has ‘exceptional analytical skills'. Jonathan Davies-Jones is simply ‘the best junior at the banking bar'. Catherine Gibaud is ‘absolutely first class for finance litigation'. The ‘super' Matthew Hardwick is especially recommended for Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) claims, where he has been defending numerous brokers and lenders. The ‘technically excellent' John Odgers is ‘very responsive and a pleasure to work with'. The ‘very bright' Matthew Parker is ‘excellent in cross examination'.
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International Arbitration
The ‘quality of the work is excellent' at 3 Verulam Buildings, which is ‘the best-clerked set in London' and especially well known for its expertise in banking and finance matters. The ‘formidable' Ali Malek QC is ‘a superb operator', whose ‘oral advocacy is absolutely first class'. The ‘extremely clever and able' Jonathan Nash QC has a ‘charming, understated manner'. ‘Few counsel are quicker on their feet' than Ewan McQuater QC, who ‘has a good analytical mind and a very substantial presence as an advocate'. Nicholas Craig has ‘an encyclopaedic knowledge of arbitration rules and procedures'. Matthew Parker is recommended for his ‘good analytical approach'..
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Commercial Litigation
3 Verulam Buildings is ‘a quality set which scores on all points' and has ‘strength from top to bottom'. Head of chambers Ali Malek QC is ‘a first-class lawyer' who is ‘intellectually able, extremely conscientious, commercially savvy and experienced'. ‘Few counsel are quicker on their feet' than Ewan McQuater QC, who has ‘a great ability to get up to speed in a very short space of time'. Paul Lowenstein QC is ‘an exceptional lawyer' and ‘a fearless advocate, robust in his advice and very savvy in his dealings with both instructing solicitors and opponents'. Jonathan Davies-Jones is ‘one of the brightest commercial juniors at the Bar and also one of the most pleasant to instruct'. Michael Lazarus is ‘at the very top of his game', and recently acted in Merchant International v Naftogaz. Felicity Maher ‘has an excellent technical understanding of restitutionary claims and proprietary remedies'.
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Civil Fraud
3 Verulam Buildings is ‘a market-leading set for finance work and fraud'. The ‘very bright, responsive and creative' Ali Malek QC is acting for Russian oligarch Vasily Anisimov in the Berezovsky v Patarkatsishvili case, and Ewan McQuater QC is continuing to act for the Algosaibi family in a $10bn bank fraud claim. Stephen Phillips QC ‘is very user friendly, works well in a team and has very good judgement'. Adrian Beltrami QC is also recommended. Among the juniors, David Quest ‘has a gift for making complicated issues simple', the up-and-coming Adam Kramer ‘displays a gravitas way beyond his years of call', John Odgers is ‘a skilled tactician and draftsman, particularly of complex pleadings', and Matthew Parker ‘is a superb barrister'. Michael Lazarus is ‘great on paper and charming to deal with', and David Head and Peter de Verneuil Smith are also recommended.
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Commodities
Nicholas Craig is recommended.'
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The ‘clear-thinking and tactically astute' Paul Lowenstein QC of 3 Verulam Buildings acted for Cable & Wireless in a claim relating to a point-to-point fibre cable use agreement. Michael Lazarus ‘impresses at every level and grasps technical issues quickly', and Clive Freedman is ‘proactive and very accessible'.
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Insolvency
3 Verulam Buildings is an ‘excellent commercial set providing access to very high-quality and able counsel', and its clerking is widely admired. ‘Superb' leading silk Ewan McQuater QC is renowned for his ‘clear, no-nonsense advice' and high technical ability, and appeared in Excalibur Funding Plc v Lehman Brothers International (Europe) Ltd. Gregory Mitchell QC is very active and has extensive experience of sport-related matters, recently appearing in HMRC v Football Association Premier League Ltd. Sonia Tolaney QC is ‘clever, charming and committed'. Recommended juniors include the ‘excellent and gifted' Angharad Start; the ‘sharp and pragmatic' Sophie Mallinckrodt; ‘invaluable asset' Matthew Hardwick, whose advice is ‘clear, well researched and to the point'; and the ‘very sharp, responsive and efficient' William Edwards.
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Insurance and Reinsurance
‘Quality set' 3 Verulam Buildings houses ‘many good QCs and juniors'. Tom Weitzman QC ‘is intellectually strong and reads the mood of the court well'. Jonathan Davies-Jones is ‘counsel of the highest quality', and is ‘very clear in his legal analysis and its strategic implications'. ‘One of the brightest junior barristers of his generation', Adam Kramer is being led by Tom Weitzman QC for the brokers in Gard Marine & Energy Ltd v Lloyd's Syndicate 780. ‘Major player' Christopher Symons QC is also highly rated.
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Media & Entertainment
The ‘responsive and willing-to-assist' 3 Verulam Buildings is ‘very well clerked, offering breadth in expertise'. The ‘top-flight' Andrew Sutcliffe QC delivers ‘very clear presentation in court', and Peter Ratcliffe ‘pays considerable attention to detail and is good at relating to the client's perspective'. William Edwards is ‘an up-and-coming force in chambers'.
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3 Verulam Buildings has ‘a good range of barristers and they are all very capable'. Leading silks include Andrew Sutcliffe QC, who is ‘really willing to get behind his clients'; the ‘excellent' Andrew Onslow QC; Christopher Symons QC, who is ‘first rate' and is advising in an action brought by shipowners against a major City firm alleging negligent advice. Recommended juniors include the ‘brilliant' Sophie Mallinckrodt; Matthew Parker, who has ‘first-class intellect'; and Jonathan Davies-Jones, who is ‘hardworking and really gets stuck in'.
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Shipping
... approachable and accurate' Nicholas Craig at 3 Verulam Buildings;.
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