Practice

Gregory Denton-Cox specialises in commercial and chancery litigation, with particular experience in company law, insolvency, banking, trusts, civil fraud and asset recovery.  He is recommended by Chambers & Partners as a leading junior in the fields of Chancery: Commercial, Commercial Dispute Resolution, and Company law, and is described in the 2022 edition as “extremely bright, and very strategic and reliable.  He’s the consummate team player”.  He is also recommended by the Legal 500 for Company law, and Commercial Litigation, where he is described as “Quick, sharp and completely in control of the facts of the case” and by Who’s Who Legal for Banking and Finance.

Gregory was named Chancery Junior of the Year at the Chambers & Partners Bar Awards in 2017, having previously been shortlisted in 2013 and 2016.

Practice areas

Chancery: commercial

Gregory has consistently been ranked by Chambers & Partners as one of the leading juniors in commercial chancery matters.  The 2022 edition describes him as, “An extremely smart and thorough barrister” who “has a strong commercial sense, is exceptionally responsive and is someone who adapts quickly to changing client demands”. He was named Chancery Junior of the Year at the Chambers & Partners Bar Awards in 2017, having previously been shortlisted in 2013 and 2016.  He acts in company, civil fraud and asset recovery, trusts, banking and finance, and insolvency claims, as well as a range of general commercial disputes

Company law

Gregory is recommended by Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 as a leading junior in the field of company law for his considerable experience in company law litigation including shareholder disputes, derivative claims and petitions under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 (and similar proceedings in offshore jurisdictions).  The 2022 editions describe him as “excellent in every way” and “undoubtedly a star of the junior company law bar”. Recent cases include successfully acting in long-running proceedings brought by liquidators in Guernsey, and in a shareholder dispute in Jersey.  He also has particular experience in transfers of insurance business under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Commercial dispute resolution

Gregory acts in substantial commercial disputes in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division, as well as in offshore jurisdictions and arbitration proceedings, and is recommended by Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 in the field of Commercial Dispute Resolution, with the 2022 editions describing him as, “Really, really supportive and noted for his superior analysis and understanding of the case”, and saying, “He has an excellent strategic sense and is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty” .  He frequently acts and advises in relation to jurisdiction disputes and injunctive relief.

Banking & finance

Gregory has acted in a range of substantial disputes for and against banks and financial institutions.  He is recommended by Who’s Who Legal in the field of Banking and Finance.  He has particular experience in acting for noteholders or trustees in disputes in relation to the interpretation of structured finance and capital market transactions, including FSHC Group Holdings Ltd v GLAS Trust Corporation Limited [2019] EWCA Civ 1361  (Court of Appeal); BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Service Ltd v LBG Capital No 1 Plc [2016] UKSC 29 (Supreme Court);  Napier Park European Credit Opportunities Fund Limited v Harbourmaster Pro-rata CLO 2 BV [2014] EWCA Civ 984 (Court of Appeal), and US Bank Trustees Ltd v Titan Europe 2007-1 (NHP) Ltd [2014] EWHC 1189 (Ch).

Fraud – civil

Gregory has been described by Chambers and Partners as a “very impressive” junior who “has appeared in many headline-grabbing fraud cases” (2017) and as having “recognised skills in civil fraud, banking disputes and wider commercial litigation” (2022).  He acts for the victims of fraud in safeguarding, tracing and recovering funds, and for those accused of fraud.

Insolvency & restructuring

Gregory regularly acts for and against liquidators in proceedings under the insolvency legislation.  Recent cases include acting for the successful directors of Carlyle Capital Corporation in long-running proceedings brought by liquidators in Guernsey.  He was on the Attorney General’s C Panel from 2006 to 2011 and has experience in directors’ disqualification proceedings and public interest winding-up petitions. In addition to acting for and against directors, Gregory has also advised the Jersey Financial Services Commission and the Northern Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to disqualification proceedings in those jurisdictions.

Offshore litigation

Gregory is frequently in demand in offshore cases, particularly those involving company, insolvency or trust disputes.  He acted for the successful directors in proceedings brought in Guernsey by the liquidators of Carlyle Capital Corporation, and acted for the successful Plaintiffs in unfair prejudice proceedings brought in Jersey in relation to ETFS Capital Ltd.  In the JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov proceedings, Gregory acted for receivers appointed by the Court including in seeking recognition of their appointment, and enforcement of the order, in a number of offshore jurisdictions.  Chambers Global ranks Gregory as a leading junior in Dispute Resolution:  Commercial – UK and Dispute Resolution:  Commercial Chancery – UK.

Additional info

Cases of interest
  • FSHC Group Holdings Ltd v GLAS Trust Corporation Limited [2019] EWCA Civ 1361; Chancery Division; Court of Appeal (led by Stephen Houseman QC, Mark Howard QC and Roger Masefield QC), claim for rectification in which the Court of Appeal reconsidered the test for rectification for mutual mistake.
  • BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Service Ltd v LBG Capital No 1 Plc [2016] UKSC 29;  Chancery Division, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court (led by Mark Howard QC and Robert Miles QC), contractual disputes concerning the ability of Lloyds Banking Group to redeem Enhanced Capital Notes issued in 2009.
  • Napier Park European Credit Opportunities Fund Limited v Harbourmaster Pro-rata CLO 2 BV [2014] EWCA Civ 984; Court of Appeal (led by Robert Miles QC), acting for the successful noteholders in a dispute concerning the construction of structured finance documentation.
  • US Bank Trustees Ltd v Titan Europe 2007-1 (NHP) Ltd [2014] EWHC 1189 (Ch); Chancery Division (led by Richard Hill QC), acting for the successful noteholders in a dispute concerning the construction of structured finance documentation.
  • Benedetti v Sawiris & others [2014] AC 938, [2013] UKSC 50; Chancery Division, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court (led by Laurence Rabinowitz QC and Richard Hill QC), a claim to a substantial shareholding in the vehicle used for the acquisition of an Italian telecommunications company.  The claim raised questions of contractual construction, constructive trust and unjust enrichment, with the unjust enrichment issues going to the Supreme Court.  The Supreme Court’s judgment is an important analysis of the principles underlying unjust enrichment and claims for a quantum meruit, which had long been the subject of much academic debate.
  •  Re Coroin Ltd, McKillen v Misland & others [2014] BCC 14, [2013] EWCA Civ 781; Chancery Division and Court of Appeal  (led by Lord Goldsmith QC, Philip Marshall QC and Richard Hill QC), a shareholder dispute in relation to the ownership of Claridge’s, the Connaught and The Berkeley hotels.
  • Molko v Hewitt (led by Ian Mill QC), a shareholder dispute between the founder members of the band Placebo, and a former member, which settled before trial.
  •  LB Re Financing No. 3 Limited v Excalibur Funding No.1 Plc [2011] EWHC 2111 Chancery Division (led by Robert Miles QC), acting for the trustee in a dispute concerning the correct interpretation of a securitisation trust deed, and whether an event of default had occurred.
  •  Cecil v Bayat [2011] 1 WLR 3086, [2011] EWCA Civ 135; Commercial Court and Court of Appeal (led by Robert Miles QC and Richard Hill), a jurisdiction challenge and application to set aside orders extending time for service of the Claim Form and for service by alternative means.
  • Alexiou v Campbell [2007] UKPC 11; Privy Council (led by Robert Hildyard QC), construction of consent order compromising shareholder dispute.
  • Bracken Partners Ltd v Gutteridge [2004] 1 BCLC 377, [2003] EWCA Civ 1875;  Court of Appeal, beneficial ownership and tracing.
  • Gregory has also appeared for the applicants in a number of insurance business transfer schemes under Part VII of FSMA, including Re First Alternative Insurance Company Ltd [2007] EWHC 694 (Ch); Re Eagle Star Insurance Co Ltd [2006] EWHC 1850 (Ch); [2007] 1 B.C.L.C. 21; Re Pearl Assurance [2006] EWHC 2291 (Ch), [2007] Bus L.R. D10; Re Allied Dunbar Assurance plc [2005] EWHC 28 (Ch); [2005] 2 B.C.L.C. 220.
What the directories and judges say

“An extremely smart and thorough barrister. He has a strong commercial sense, is exceptionally responsive and is someone who adapts quickly to changing client demands.” (Chambers & Partners, 2022, Chancery: Commercial)

“Really, really supportive and noted for his superior analysis and understanding of the case.” (Chambers & Partners, 2022, Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“His judgement is of someone far more senior, and he is excellent in every way.” “He is extremely bright, and very strategic and reliable. He’s the consummate team player.” (Chambers & Partners, 2022, Company)

“Greg’s encyclopedic knowledge of the leading authorities and deep well of experience in company claims across the common law world, make him our go-to company law junior and undoubtedly a star of the junior company law bar.” (Legal 500, 2022, Company)

“Quick, sharp and completely in control of the facts of the case. He has an excellent strategic sense and is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty.”  (Legal 500, 2022, Commercial Litigation)

“He’s extremely hands-on, intelligent and accessible.  His advice is user-friendly and he’s always quick to respond.” (Chambers & Partners, 2021, Company)

“His drafting and legal analysis is very good” (Chambers & Partners, 2021, Chancery: Commercial)

“Does an excellent job and produces high-quality drafting.” “He is very hard-working and has a very good drafting style.  His pleasant and easygoing personality makes him a pleasure to work with.” (Chambers & Partners, 2021, Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“Very hard-working, bright and user-friendly. He’s fantastic, and great to work with.” (Chambers & Partners, 2020, Company)

“Greg is a quick thinker and able to express those thoughts with clarity. He is also charming and a pleasure to work with.” (Chambers & Partners, 2020, Chancery: Commercial)

“Greg has a superb legal brain in cases concerning complex financial instruments. He shows good judgement in assessing case strategy and is good at dealing with his solicitors.” (Chambers & Partners, 2020, Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“Gregory Denton-Cox is another junior to note, with significant experience in shareholder and investor disputes… He is excellent at breaking down difficult concepts for general consumption”. (UK Legal 500, 2020, Company and Partnership)

“A widely praised junior who has appeared in some of the most significant recent cases. He is noted for being “unflappable” and for being “a good multitasker.”” “An absolutely outstanding lawyer and writer. He is fast, efficient and smart, and is invaluable in trials.” “Gregory is extremely bright and has a good manner with clients. His drafting in fantastic and he has a good commercial, strategic view on things.” (Chambers & Partners, 2019, Chancery: Commercial)

“Provides extremely high-quality advice on very short timescales, is calm and thorough, and always remains polite and personable.” (Chambers & Partners, 2019, Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“Greg is very pleasant and client-friendly, and an absolute pleasure to work with. He is very hard-working and possesses great commercial nous.” (Chambers & Partners, 2018, Company)

“A very efficient and quick writer, which is especially impressive given the quality of the work he produces. He consistently demonstrates really excellent strategic judgement, and is easy and fun to deal with.” “Bright, extremely hard-working, and very personable.” (Chambers & Partners, 2018, Chancery: Commercial)

“Displays great legal awareness and maturity. He has a very good drafting style, and his pleasant and easy-going personality make him a pleasure to work with.” (Chambers & Partners, 2018, Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“He has an exceptionally quick and lively legal mind and he fights for his clients with determination and enthusiasm. He inspires their confidence.” (Chambers & Partners, 2018, Company)

 “He has an agile legal mind and his drafting skills are exceptional.”  (UK Legal 500, 2017, Company and Partnership)

“A junior who has cut his teeth on some of the most complicated cases at the Chancery Bar… He’s very good at breaking ideas down into quite simple language, and when he produces a skeleton it’s always a very clever piece of work.” (Chambers & Partners, 2017, Chancery: Commercial)

“Highly respected barrister with a broad commercial chancery practice … A very safe pair of hands who knows his stuff. His quality of service goes beyond his years of call.”   (Chambers & Partners, 2017, Company)

“A skilled senior junior with a wide commercial chancery practice who has appeared in many headline-grabbing fraud cases….  He’s terrific, hard-working and really user-friendly.” (Chambers & Partners, 2017, Fraud: Civil)

“A strong litigator who is frequently involved in disputes focused on questions relating to trusts, banking and finance, civil fraud and insolvency law. He is especially good at derivative claims and shareholder disagreements… He’s bright, personable, and can work under very difficult conditions without ever losing his temper or sense of humour.”  (Chambers & Partners, 2016, Chancery: Commercial)

“He is always one step ahead and clearly has the ear of the Companies Court.” “I would describe him as an instructing solicitor’s dream: incredibly competent, very user-friendly and gets on with it in a very comfortable, reassuring fashion.”   (Chambers & Partners, 2016, Company)

“Super clever…  He’s personable and a good advocate.” (Chambers & Partners, 2016, Fraud: Civil)

“Credited by sources as a talented senior junior who is recognised for his strong work ethic….  A workhorse and a generally excellent lawyer.” (Chambers & Partners, 2015, Company)

“He is extremely diligent, always knows everything about the case and contributes good points… exactly what you would want from a junior.  He fights his client’s corner without being overly aggressive.” (Chambers & Partners, 2015, Civil Fraud)

“Has “a premier-league caseload”, with fraud, insolvency and company cases forming the bedrock of his practice.  Market sources identify him as one of the rising stars of the junior Bar. He is tough but vey fair, and reasonable to deal with if you’re against him.” (Chambers & Partners, 2014, Chancery: Commercial)

 “Handles civil fraud and asset recovery proceedings as part of his celebrated commercial chancery practice. Extremely hands-on, responsive and user-friendly. He receives particular praise for his impressive drafting abilities.” (Chambers & Partners, 2014, Fraud: Civil).

 “extremely bright, tactically astute and very knowledgeable.” (UK Legal 500, 2012, Fraud: Civil)

 “An amazingly skilled barrister who gains the respect of the market. He is both highly intelligent and certain to have a glittering future.” (Chambers & Partners, 2009, Company)

Career & appointments

Called to the Bar in 2000
Junior Counsel to the Crown (C Panel) (2006 to 2011)

Publications

Contributor to the Companies volumes of Atkins Court Forms.

Education & awards

LLB (Law with American Law), University of Nottingham, with a year spent at the University of Texas in Austin.
Sunley Scholar, Lincoln’s Inn.