Sharif A Shivji KC - 4 Stone Buildings

Practice

“Sharif Shivji is exceptional. Extremely clever and combines academic, detail-oriented rigour with pragmatism. He’s also an excellent advocate: quick, precise and collected.” (Chambers & Partners 2023)

Formerly a derivatives trader in London and Hong Kong, now King’s Counsel, Sharif has an extensive knowledge of the financial markets, banking and the business world. He has acted in many of the largest international commercial disputes in recent years, both in England and offshore.

Prior to taking silk in 2020, Chambers & Partners described Sharif as “The best junior at the Bar, ferociously clever” and Legal 500 described him as “one of the cleverest and savvy barristers at the Bar”. Sharif has won multiple awards for his work as a barrister, including Legal 500 Insolvency Junior of the Year 2020, Chambers & Partners’ Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year 2018 and Chambers & Partners’ Company and Insolvency Junior of the Year 2016.

Sharif is also one of The Lawyer’s ‘Hot 100′, Financial News’ 100 Rising Stars of the City of London (“Shivji is an authority when it comes to financial services disputes”), and Legal Week’s ‘Future Stars at the Bar’.

Sharif has demonstrated excellence across a broad range of practice areas and is a leading barrister in eight practice areas in Chambers UK and six practice areas in the Legal 500. His recent directory entries are listed below.

Chambers UK and Global

Banking & Finance 2023 (“Sharif is very hands on, all over the details, has very clear arguments and his advocacy is excellent”), and previously (“He knows the details of the case inside out and he is very good at working with solicitors. He is wonderful”), and (“He is brilliant and is both incredibly diligent and exceptionally bright”); Company Law 2023 (“He is intellectually superb”), (“Incredible across all the detail and really helps drive the strategy from the outset”), and previously (“His attention to detail is phenomenal, and nothing is ever too much trouble. He is very bright and has the ability to see what is coming in a case”), and (“He is really creative, very energetic, and so bright that he thinks up points that aren’t obvious”); Financial Services 2023 (“Sharif Shivji is exceptional. Extremely clever and combines academic, detail-oriented rigour with pragmatism. He’s also an excellent advocate: quick, precise and collected”), (“His advocacy is excellent as is his forensic and intellectual analysis of cases. He’s so good and knowledgeable”), and previously (“He’s a standout person, technically very adept and all over the detail”), (“He’s a very good, responsive advocate and a real pleasure to work with”), (“He’s extraordinarily hard-working, he doesn’t leave a stone unturned and is frighteningly clever”), (“He has a real depth of expertise”), and (“He has a very strong academic grasp of matters”); Insolvency 2023 (“A very, very technical barrister and a go-to for complex financial disputes”); Chancery Commercial 2023 (“A real rising star at the top end of the Bar”), (“Very commercial and incredibly diligent, he really gets stuck into the detail of a case”), and (“He has a phenomenal brain which he applies to his high-quality practice”); Dispute Resolution 2023 (“A disciplined and intelligent lawyer, who works well with international clients and gets what is required in a case straightaway. He has a background in the financial services world which adds further value”), and previously (“A barrister with a very strong commercial practice, who is exceedingly bright”), (“He is extraordinarily hard-working, leaves no stone unturned, and is frighteningly clever”), (“Sharif is incredibly hard-working and very willing to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in to the analysis of a financially complex project”), (“A client-friendly, thoughtful strategist who is a pleasure to work with”), (“In our case, he knew the ins and outs of that financial product better than anybody else on the legal team – better than the clients, and perhaps as well as the expert did. His ability to understand that was phenomenal”); Commercial Dispute Resolution 2023 (“Sharif is excellent. He’s extremely hard-working and gives concise and pragmatic advice”), (A client-friendly, thoughtful strategist who is a pleasure to work with”), (“Sharif is very commercial, incredibly diligent and a barrister who really gets into the detail of a case”), and previously (“A barrister with a very strong commercial practice, who is exceedingly bright”), (“He is extraordinarily hard-working, leaves no stone unturned, and is frighteningly clever”), (“A disciplined and intelligent lawyer, who works well with international clients and gets what is required in a case straight away. He has a background in the financial services world which adds further value”), (“The complete package: he’s diligent, extremely well prepared, and someone who understands the facts and is very pragmatic in approach”), and (“Sharif is very precise, extremely good on detail and an excellent advocate”); Civil Fraud 2023 (“Sharif is very commercial, incredibly diligent and really gets into the detail of a case.”), (“Sharif is intellectually superb”), and previously (“He is extraordinarily hard working, leaves no stone unturned and is frighteningly clever”), and “He is technically very adept and is all over the detail. He’s also a precise advocate and a real pleasure to work with”); and Offshore 2023 (“Sharif Shivji is intellectually superb”), and previously (“He’s super hard-working, very bright and ambitious”), (“An eminent junior with a background as a former derivatives trader. He delivers standout performances in financial services litigation”), (“Sharif is fantastic and extremely diligent”), and (“His cross-examination is incisive, controlled and devastating”).

Legal 500

Banking & Finance (“Ferociously bright, hardworking: a definite team player and a consummate diplomat”), and previously (“Superb to work with – incredibly bright, thoughtful and responsive”(, (“Love him when he is for you, hate him when he is against you”); Company and Partnership (“Sharif is a very strong technical barrister”), and previously (“Hardworking and respectful – it is a tremendous learning experience working with such a brilliant mind”); Financial Services Regulation (“Sharif has a razor sharp intellect and is a brilliant lawyer especially in cases with a financial services element. He must be one of the best in the field”), and previously (“A very strong new silk. His advice is commercially savvy and he is very accommodating with clients”); Insolvency (“Proactive, ridiculously intelligent and hard working”), and previously (“Encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject and real commercial acumen”), (“He has a brilliantly analytical mind and is able to simplify complex concepts”); and Commercial Litigation (“As an advocate, he can simplify very complicated evidence and he is a tenacious cross-examiner”), and previously (“A solicitor favourite; he provides excellent analytical and litigation skills”).

Additional interests

Aside from his extensive work for commercial and private clients, Sharif is the Attorney General to the HRH Prince of Wales. He is also Treasurer and trustee of Advocate, the legal advice and representation charity and a director of the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund where he is also Chair of the Reserves Committee.

Sharif also acts for governments (Sharif was formerly on the Attorney General’s B Panel, acting, inter alia, for HM Treasury and for foreign governments) and regulators (the Financial Conduct Authority and offshore financial services and banking regulators).

Practice areas

Commercial dispute resolution

Heavyweight commercial litigation is the mainstay of Sharif’s practice. He regularly acts in very substantial and ultra-high value commercial cases and is experienced in leading teams of junior barristers.

Sharif is very familiar with the challenges that large scale litigation presents, including dealing with complex forensic analysis, substantial quantities of electronic documents, large numbers of witnesses and expert evidence in a variety of disciplines (including topics such as foreign law, banking, complex financial products, financial modelling, accountancy and company valuation), conducting litigation and cross-examining by video and managing teams of juniors.

Recent substantial cases in which Sharif has had significant involvement include:

acting with Laurence Rabinowitz QC and Andrew Hunter QC for Credit Suisse in relation to claims brought by the Republic of Mozambique (Mozambique v Credit Suisse International 2022] EWHC 429, [2022] EWHC 157, [2020] EWHC 2012, [2020] EWHC 1709).
acting with Robert Miles QC and Richard Hill QC for Dr Mike Lynch in the Hewlett Packard / Autonomy litigation where Autonomy is suing its former CEO for in excess of $US 8 billion in relation to an alleged accounting fraud. Sharif cross-examined various factual and expert witnesses during the 10 month trial in this matter (ACL Netherlands BV v Lynch [2022] EWHC 1178, [2019] EWHC 249).
acting for General Electric in relation to a dispute with a private equity house over the acquisition of a business in a transaction worth in excess of US$ 3 billion [2021] EWHC 45.
representing the investors in the highly complex Standard & Poors’ rating agency litigation which concerned the liability of rating agencies to investors (McGraw-Hill v Deutsche Apotheker and others). In that case, Sharif was the senior junior in a team of six junior barristers and was led by Daniel Toledano QC of One Essex Court.
acting in litigation relating to the collapsed Icelandic bank, Kaupthing hf, in particular as the senior junior in a team of four junior barristers acting for the claimants in the Chesterfield v Deutsche Bank litigation where claims of over €500 million were made in relation to credit derivative transactions. Sharif was led by Mark Phillips QC of South Square.
representing Bank of New York Mellon in the Lehman Brothers International Europe Limited v DZ Bank repo litigation in the Commercial Court. Sharif was the senior junior in a team of three junior barristers and was led by Sonia Tolaney QC of One Essex Court.

He was Chambers & Partners’ Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year 2018.

Directory entries include Chambers & Partners 2023 (“Sharif is excellent. He’s extremely hard-working and gives concise and pragmatic advice”), (A client-friendly, thoughtful strategist who is a pleasure to work with”), (“Sharif is very commercial, incredibly diligent and a barrister who really gets into the detail of a case”), and previously (“A barrister with a very strong commercial practice, who is exceedingly bright”), (“He is extraordinarily hard-working, leaves no stone unturned, and is frighteningly clever”), (“A disciplined and intelligent lawyer, who works well with international clients and gets what is required in a case straight away. He has a background in the financial services world which adds further value”), (“The complete package: he’s diligent, extremely well prepared, and someone who understands the facts and is very pragmatic in approach”), and (“Sharif is very precise, extremely good on detail and an excellent advocate”).

For Legal 500: “As an advocate, he can simplify very complicated evidence and he is a tenacious cross-examiner”, “A solicitor favourite; he provides excellent analytical and litigation skills” and “He devours papers, cutting through complexities, to arrive quickly at the nub of the issue”.

Accounting Disputes

Sharif has considerable experience in disputes relating to the interpretation of accounting standards (IFRS, UK GAAP) and he has a sophisticated understanding of the issues that these raise for listed companies (in particular, those listed on the London Stock Exchange) (see for example, the Hewlett Packard / Autonomy litigation referred to above).

Valuation Disputes

With his technical experience and training as a derivatives trader (and formerly an economist), Sharif has a sophisticated understanding of company valuation and valuation models. He is able to understand valuation issues, models and the mathematics behind them at a granular level but he is also highly experienced at translating those issues into a form which is digestible for the Courts. Sharif has extensive experience in conducting the cross-examination of valuation experts, often in cases where the valuation issues at stake run to hundreds of millions or billions of dollars.

Chancery: commercial

Sharif has a wealth of experience acting in Chancery matters. He was Chambers & Partners’ Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year 2018 and has acted in a substantial number of Chancery disputes. Whilst these cases tend to have a commercial flavour, he has been involved in disputes across a range of industries, sectors and legal issues.

In addition, he has developed a niche practice working on securitisation disputes and has considerable experience acting for bond trustees and other entities operating within securitisation structures.

Notable cases including acting for the special servicer in the £1 billion Gemini securitisation (CBRE Loan Servicing Ltd v Gemini (Eclipse 2006-3) Plc[2015] EWHC 2769 (Ch)) and acting for Law Debenture (Plaza v Law Debenture [2015] EWHC 43) in a dispute over the distribution of monies in the Bell Group liquidation, after the recovery of AUD 1.7 billion.

Directory entries include Chambers & Partners 2023: (“A real rising star at the top end of the Bar”), (“Very commercial and incredibly diligent, he really gets stuck into the detail of a case”), and (“He has a phenomenal brain which he applies to his high-quality practice”).

For Legal 500: “He devours papers, cutting through complexities, to arrive quickly at the nub of the issue.”

Insolvency & restructuring

Sharif has significant experience in insolvency litigation in the UK and offshore, as well as cross-border insolvency. He was the winner of Legal 500 Insolvency Junior of the Year 2020 and is a previous winner of Chambers & Partners Company and Insolvency Junior of the Year.

Sharif is very familiar with officeholder claims and is one of the authors of OUP’s Transaction Avoidance in Insolvencies (OUP, 2018). He has acted in in Chesterfield v Deutsche Bank which concerned a €500 million claim for fraudulent trading, and the Gemini administration where, along with John Brisby QC, he put the English Gemini companies into administration under the English Court’s special jurisdiction, pursuant to letters of request from the Guernsey Royal Court.

In Dubai, Sharif and Richard Hill QC have recently successfully put Bank Sarasin Alpen (ME) Limited into liquidation in the DIFC. This was a landmark case and represented the first successful contested creditors’ winding-up petition in the DIFC.

Sharif is also experienced with the types of issues which flow from large scale insolvencies, especially the collapse of financial institutions. In particular, he has appeared in a number of cases involving trust claims and the distribution of client assets or money in an insolvency context, including notably, Lehman Brothers International Europe, where Sharif and Jules Sher QC obtained an important and substantial victory for the creditors of Lehman. Other such cases include BA Peters plc and PRG Powerhouse. Sharif was involved in many aspects of the Lehman insolvency and appeared for a hedge fund against the Lehman officeholders in a challenge to the admission of a creditor proof of over £650 million, Wentworth v Lomas (Lehman Brothers International Europe) [2017] EWHC 3158 (Ch). Sharif has considerable experience in insolvency litigation, including acting in contested administration applications, winding-up petitions, voluntary arrangements, transaction avoidance cases, and applications to restrain presentation and advertisement of petitions. He also has specific expertise in cross-border insolvency including UNCITRAL and the Cross-Border Insolvency Regulations 2006.

Directory entries include Chambers & Partners 2023: (“A very, very technical barrister and a go-to for complex financial disputes”).

Legal 500: “Encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject and a real commercial acumen”, “Very intelligent and analytical, and good under pressure”.

Fraud – civil

Sharif has a detailed knowledge of all relevant aspects of commercial fraud litigation, including freezing and proprietary injunctions and search and disclosure orders. Sharif has recently been involved in four very substantial fraud cases:

acting with Laurence Rabinowitz QC and Andrew Hunter QC for Credit Suisse in relation to claims brought by the Republic of Mozambique (Mozambique v Credit Suisse International [2022] EWHC 429, [2022] EWHC 157, [2020] EWHC 2012, [2020] EWHC 1709).
acting with Robert Miles QC and Richard Hill QC for Dr Mike Lynch in the Hewlett Packard / Autonomy litigation where Autonomy is suing its former CEO for in excess of $US 8 billion in relation to an alleged accounting fraud. Sharif cross-examined various factual and expert witnesses during the 10 month trial in this matter (ACL Netherlands BV v Lynch [2022] EWHC 1178, [2019] EWHC 249).
representing the investors in the highly complex Standard & Poors’ rating agency litigation which concerned the liability of rating agencies to investors for allegedly fraudulent misrepresentations (McGraw-Hill v Deutsche Apotheker and others).
acting for the claimants in the Chesterfield v Deutsche Bank litigation in a fraudulent trading claim where the damages sought exceeded €500 million.

Directory entries include Chambers & Partners 2023 (“Sharif is very commercial, incredibly diligent and really gets into the detail of a case.”), (“Sharif is intellectually superb”), and previously (“He is extraordinarily hard working, leaves no stone unturned and is frighteningly clever”), and “He is technically very adept and is all over the detail. He’s also a precise advocate and a real pleasure to work with”).

Financial services

Sharif is highly regarded for his expertise in financial services. Details of Sharif’s experience as a banker and a lawyer are summarised in the banking and finance section above. Sharif has considerable regulatory experience and has acted for the FCA on many occasions on enforcement matters. Notable cases for the FCA include:

FCA v a stockbroker [2018]; acting for the FCA in an enforcement claim relating to the actions of a stockbroker.
Roberts and Wilkins v FCA [2015] UKUT 408 (TCC); acted for the FCA in its successful enforcement action against the directors of Catalyst in relation to the sale of investments in a Luxembourg entity, ARM, known colloquially as death bonds. Sharif acted on his own in this matter for the FCA. The applicants were both represented by silks. Sharif also acted for the FCA in defeating an application for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal in this matter.
Allen v FCA [2014] UKUT 348 (TCC); acted for the FCA in its successful action against an insurance broker.
Cordle v FSA [2012]; acted for the FSA in its successful action against an errant financial adviser.
Financial Services Authority v MAFM [2012]: acted for the FSA in its successful action against a mortgage adviser who was accused of carrying out a series of mortgage frauds.
Karpe v Financial Services Authority [2012]: led by Jonathan Crow QC, acted for the FSA in respect of its successful pursuit of the individuals responsible for substantial unauthorised foreign exchange trading at UBS. Obtained the highest fine ever awarded against an individual in a non-market abuse case.

Directory entries include Chambers & Partners 2023 (“Sharif Shivji is exceptional. Extremely clever and combines academic, detail-oriented rigour with pragmatism. He’s also an excellent advocate: quick, precise and collected”), (“His advocacy is excellent as is his forensic and intellectual analysis of cases. He’s so good and knowledgeable”), and previously (“He’s a standout person, technically very adept and all over the detail”), (“He’s a very good, responsive advocate and a real pleasure to work with”), (“He’s extraordinarily hard-working, he doesn’t leave a stone unturned and is frighteningly clever”), (“He has a real depth of expertise”), and (“He has a very strong academic grasp of matters”).

Offshore litigation

Many of Sharif’s cases have a significant international element and he has recently worked on cases involving Singapore, the BVI, Trinidad, Cayman, Guernsey, Jersey, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Dubai, Kuwait and the United States. Sharif has a particular expertise in jurisdictional disputes including those involving issues of forum non conveniens.

Sharif is called to the Bar of the British Virgin Islands and also the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”). In the BVI, he has appeared both at first instance and in the Court of Appeal (Stanford v (1) Akers (2) Kaupthingand also Ben Oldman Special Situations Fund v Karver).

In the DIFC, Sharif is one of the most experienced practitioners in the jurisdiction and has acted in a large number of leading cases both on his own and with a leader (including the Khorafi v Bank Sarasin litigation[2014] DIFC CFI, [2015] DIFC CA 008, [2016] DIFC CA, Corinth Pipeworks SA Barclays Bank Plc v Afras [2015], Akhmedova v Akhmedov [2018] DIFC CFI 011, [2018] DIFC CA 003, various family trust litigation [2017] CFI 030, Tavira v Re Point and various enforcement claims under the GCC Convention).

Directory entries include Chambers & Partners 2023 (“Sharif Shivji is intellectually superb”), and previously (“He’s super hard-working, very bright and ambitious”), (“An eminent junior with a background as a former derivatives trader. He delivers standout performances in financial services litigation”), (“Sharif is fantastic and extremely diligent”), and (“His cross-examination is incisive, controlled and devastating”).

Professional discipline and regulatory law

Allied to his banking and financial services work, Sharif regularly acts in relation to matters relating to investment mis-selling and bankers’ negligence. He acted for a number of years in the Standard & Poor’s litigation which related to the liability of rating agencies to investors. In the circumstances, Sharif is well versed in professional negligence in the banking and financial services arena.

Alternative dispute resolution

ADR forms part of any experienced litigator’s toolkit. Sharif is experienced in mediation and negotiations at the highest level.

Arbitration

Sharif is an experienced litigator in international arbitration and he has appeared in arbitrations under the ICC, LCIA and DIAC rules as well as other specialist procedures, in particular in the financial services context.

He has acted in international arbitrations in numerous different sectors, in particular in oil & gas and finance & banking. He is very familiar with the particular issues that arbitral proceedings raise and the specialist approach that is required.

Additional info

Cases of interest

Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse: acting with Laurence Rabinowitz QC and Andrew Hunter QC for Credit Suisse in relation to claims brought by the Republic of Mozambique (Mozambique v Credit Suisse International [2022] EWHC 3094 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 3054 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 429, [2022] EWHC 157, [2020] EWHC 2012, [2020] EWHC 1709).
Hewlett Packard / Autonomy v Mike Lynch: acting with Robert Miles QC and Richard Hill QC for Dr Mike Lynch in the Hewlett Packard / Autonomy litigation where Autonomy is suing its former CEO for in excess of $US 8 billion in relation to an alleged accounting fraud. Sharif cross-examined various factual and expert witnesses during the 10 month trial in this matter (ACL Netherlands BV v Lynch [2022] EWHC 1178, [2019] EWHC 249).
Khorafi v Bank Sarasin Alpen (ME) Limited and Bank Sarasin Limited [2013 to 2018]: numerous reported decisions between 2014 and 2017. Sharif has been acting, with Richard Hill QC, in this landmark case in Dubai which is said to be the most significant in the history of the DIFC. Sharif and Richard, acting for the claimants, have had significant victories at first instance at trials on liability and on quantum, and have upheld those judgments on appeal. In addition, they have put one of the defendants, Bank Sarasin Alpen (ME) Limited into liquidation on the basis of an unpaid judgment in the first successful contested winding-up petition in the DIFC.
Chesterfield United Inc v Deutsche Bank AG and others [2014 to 2018]: led by Mark Philips QC of South Square, Sharif has acted for a number of years in claims for damages of over €500 million brought by two BVI companies against Deutsche Bank in relation to the selling of credit derivatives.
Akhmedova v Akhmedov [2018] DIFC CFI 011, [2018] DIFC CA 003: acting for the owner of the super-yacht Luna at both first instance and in the DIFC Court of Appeal in this high-profile litigation in Dubai.
Wentworth v Lomas (Lehman Brothers International Europe) [2017] EWHC 3158 (Ch): acting for a hedge fund challenging a creditor proof of over £650 million in the Lehman estate.
McGraw-Hill v Deutsche Apotheker and others [2013 to 2016]: representing the investors in the highly complex Standard & Poors’ rating agency litigation which concerned the liability of rating agencies to investors. Led by Daniel Toledano QC of One Essex Court.
Lehman Brothers International Europe Limited v (1) DZ Bank (2) BNYM [2015/2016]: Sharif acted for BNYM in this repo agreement dispute which arose out of the collapse of Lehman. The case concerned complex issues relating to the ownership and allocation of financial collateral. Led by Sonia Tolaney QC.
CBRE Loan Servicing Ltd v Gemini (Eclipse 2006-3) Plc [2015] EWHC 2769 (Ch): Sharif has acted in various aspects of this insolvent securitisation structure. Along with John Brisby QC, he put the English Gemini companies into administration under the English Court’s special jurisdiction, pursuant to letters of request from the Guernsey Royal Court. John and Sharif subsequently brought a trustee’s directions application in relation to the distribution of funds received under the structure. Sharif has also acted in various other parts of the administrations.
Plaza v Law Debenture [2015] EWHC 43: led by Richard Snowden QC and Andrew Clutterbuck QC, Sharif acted for Law Debenture in a dispute over the distribution of monies in the Bell Group liquidation, after the recovery of AUD 1.7 billion.
Roberts and Wilkins v FCA [2015] UKUT 408 (TCC): acted for the FCA in its successful enforcement action against the directors of Catalyst in relation to the sale of investments in a Luxembourg entity, ARM, known colloquially as death bonds. Sharif acted on his own in this matter for the FCA. The applicants were both represented by silks. Sharif also acted for the FCA in defeating an application for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal in this matter.
Allen v FCA [2014] UKUT 348 (TCC): acted for the FCA in its successful action against an insurance broker.
Cordle v FSA [2012]; acted for the FSA in its successful action against an errant financial adviser.
Financial Services Authority v MAFM [2012]: acted for the FSA in its successful action against a mortgage adviser who was accused of carrying out a series of mortgage frauds.
Karpe v Financial Services Authority [2012]: led by Jonathan Crow QC, acted for the FSA in respect of its successful pursuit of the individuals responsible for substantial unauthorised foreign exchange trading at UBS. Obtained the highest fine ever awarded against an individual in a non-market abuse case.
Euroption Strategic Fund v SEB [2012] EWHC 584: acted for a hedge fund in this test case about the duties owed by a bank in closing out a customer’s portfolio following a missed margin call. The damages sought were €200 million.
Sisters of Charity v Morgan Stanley (2012): acted for over 100 claimants in an action against Morgan Stanley in relation to the sale of structured products in the Republic of Ireland.
Relational LLC v Hodges [2012] ILPr 4, Court of Appeal: led by Richard Millett QC on an appeal on security for costs against a foreign company.
Carey Group Plc v (1) AIB Group (UK) Plc (2) NAMA [2011] 2 All ER (Comm) 461: successfully represented AIB in relation to a claim concerning the Irish Government’s asset recovery agency, NAMA.
The Law Debenture Trust Corporation v Elektrim SA [2010] EWCA Civ 1142, Court of Appeal: acted as junior counsel in successfully upholding a first instance judgment for €185 million on matters relating to contractual construction, estoppel and loss of a chance issues. Led by Robert Miles QC and Andrew Clutterbuck.
Agrimarche Ltd [2010] EWHC 1655: acted for the liquidators in relation to the valuation of commodity option contracts.
BA Peters [2010] 1 BCLC 110: acted for a successful claimant in a dispute involving the distribution of client assets and money in the administration of an insolvent ship broker.
Lehman Brothers International Europe [2009] EWHC 2545: acted as junior counsel for a hedge fund, the RAB Market Cycles (Master) Fund, in its successful claim that collateral assets (worth several billion US$s) were held by the bank on trust for its clients. Led by Jules Sher QC.
The Law Debenture Trust Corporation v Elektrim SA [2009] EWHC 1801: acted as junior counsel for the successful claimant in its action for a payment under a bond issue (resulting in Judgment for €185 million). The case involved the valuation of a conglomerate and issues relating to the International Accounting Standards. Led by Robert Miles QC and Andrew Clutterbuck.
Baron Jon Menswear [2008] BCC 542: acted for the successful administrator in a contested application for leave to bring proceedings against the company.
Geniki Investments Ltd v Ellis Stockbrokers Ltd [2008] 1 BCLC 662: acted for an investor in a claim against a stockbroker for damages relating to unauthorised trading on international stock markets. Sharif acted on his own but the defendant was represented by a silk.
HM Revenue & Customs v Richard Alan Crossman [2008] 1 All ER 483: acted for a debtor, seeking to defend insolvency proceedings on public law grounds.
Secretary of State for Trade & Industry v Jonkler [2006] 1 WLR 3433: acted for a director in her successful application to vary a disqualification undertaking given by her pursuant to section 8A of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.
Daraydan & others v Solland International & others [2005] Ch 119: acted for the defendants in a 4 week trial involving issues of bribery, conspiracy to defraud and international asset tracing. Led by Edward Bannister QC.
Giles v Rhind [2003] Ch 618 (CA): acted for a successful shareholder in relation to an appeal on the reflective loss principle. Led by George Bompas QC.

What the directories and judges say

Chambers & Partners 2023

Banking & Finance – London (Bar) – Silks Band 4
Sharif Shivji QC is a highly skilled practitioner who has solid experience of acting for a wide range of clients, from investment banks to institutional investors. He coordinates cases concerning LIBOR manipulation, mis-selling claims and derivative issues, and also handles matters with offshore elements, including in the Middle East.
Strengths: “Sharif is very hands on, all over the details, has very clear arguments and his advocacy is excellent.”
Recent work: Defended Credit Suisse in a USD2 billion claim brought by the Republic of Mozambique regarding the ‘tuna bonds scandal’.

Company – London (Bar) – Silks Band 2
Sharif Shivji QC is often instructed in high-value shareholder disputes and financial services-related claims. His technical expertise is bolstered by prior experience as a derivatives trader, which he applies to a range of banking and insolvency law matters.
Strengths: “Sharif is intellectually superb” and “His attention to detail is phenomenal, and nothing is ever too much trouble. He is very bright and has the ability to see what’s coming in a case.”
Recent work: Represented General Electric in litigation arising out of the USD3 billion sale to a private equity firm of part of the client’s power division.

Restructuring/Insolvency – Restructuring/Insolvency – London (Bar) – Silks Band 5
Sharif Shivji QC is highly sought after for his expertise in insolvency disputes and wider commercial capabilities. He is particularly adept at handling matters arising from the collapse of financial institutions, and his broad experience covers both domestic and offshore insolvencies.
Strengths: “A very, very technical barrister and a go-to for complex financial disputes.”
Recent work: Instructed in Stephen Akers v Deutsche Bank, a case relating to the collapse of the Icelandic Bank, Kaupthing and the sale of EUR500 million of highly toxic and complex credit derivative instruments by Deutsche Bank.

Chancery: Commercial – London (Bar) Silks Band 2
Strengths: “He has a phenomenal brain which he applies to his high-quality practice”, and “A barrister with a very strong commercial practice, who is exceedingly bright”, “He is extraordinarily hard-working, leaves no stone unturned, and is frighteningly clever.”
Recent work: Acted for Credit Suisse in a USD2 billion claim against Credit Suisse and others by the Republic of Mozambique.

Fraud: Civil London (Bar) – Silks Band 4
Sharif Shivji QC is a well-regarded silk who is regularly involved in complex and high-value fraud litigation. He acts for a broad client base, including several high-net-worth individuals and financial institutions, and has experience handling cases involving multiple overseas jurisdictions.
Strengths: “Very commercial and incredibly diligent, he really gets stuck into the detail of a case”, and “He is technically very adept and is all over the detail. He’s also a precise advocate and a real pleasure to work with.”
Recent work: Acted for Credit Suisse in USD2 billion claim brought by the Republic of Mozambique. The claims involved allegations of bribery and corruption.

Offshore – London (Bar) – Silks Band 3
Sharif Shivji QC delivers standout performances in financial services litigation and has a highly international practice that sees him work in places such as Dubai, the BVI and Trinidad & Tobago. He has recently been involved in significant fraud and insolvency cases.
Strengths: “Sharif Shivji is intellectually superb”, “He’s super hard-working, very bright and ambitious.”
Recent work: Continued to act in Stephen Akers v Deutsche Bank, most recently achieving the dismissal of an application for special leave before the Privy Council.

Commercial Dispute Resolution – London (Bar) – Silks Band 2
Strengths: “Sharif is very commercial, incredibly diligent and a barrister who really gets into the detail of the case”, and “A disciplined and intelligent lawyer, who works well with international clients and gets what is required in a case straightaway. He has a background in the financial services world which adds further value.”
Recent work: Acted for Credit Suisse in defending a USD2 billion claim brought by the Republic of Mozambique. The dispute arose out of what the press call the ‘tuna bonds scandal’.

Financial Services – London (Bar) – Silks Band 3
Sharif Shivji QC’s background as a derivatives trader allows him to bring a wealth of direct and professional experience to his highly rated work advising on a range of domestic and international financial regulatory issues. He is also well regarded as an advocate and regularly appears before the Upper Tribunal. His client list includes high-profile investment banks, institutional investors and regulatory bodies.
Strengths: “Sharif is exceptional. Extremely clever and combines academic, detail-oriented rigour with pragmatism. He’s also an excellent advocate: quick, precise and collected”, and “He’s a standout person, technically very adept and all over the detail. He’s a very good, responsive advocate and a real pleasure to work with”, “He’s extraordinarily hard-working, he doesn’t leave a stone unturned and he is frighteningly clever.”
Recent work: Instructed by the former CEO in a case on liability of companies for statements in their accounts under Section 90 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Legal 500

Banking and Finance (including consumer credit)
(2020 ranked tier 1) “Ferociously bright; hard-working, a definite team player and a consummate diplomat.”
“Love him when he is for you, hate him when he is against you.”

Commercial Litigation
(2020 ranked tier 1) “As an advocate, he can simplify very complicated evidence and he is a tenacious cross-examiner.”
“A highly rated barrister.”

Financial Services Regulation
(2023 Leading Silks ranked tier 3) “Sharif has a razor sharp intellect and is a brilliant lawyer especially in cases with a financial services element. He must be one of the best in the field.”

Previously “A very strong new silk. His advice is commercially savvy and he is very accommodating with clients”, and “A first-choice leading junior.”

Company and Partnership
(2020 ranked tier 1) “Sharif is a very strong technical barrister.”
“The best junior at the Bar, ferociously clever.”

Insolvency
(2023 Leading Silks ranked tier 5) “Proactive, ridiculously intelligent and hard working.”

Previously “Encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject and real commercial acumen”, and “He has a brilliantly analytical mind and is able to simplify complex concepts.”

Offshore
(2020 ranked tier 1) “A very strong technical barrister with a great deal of experience dealing directly with commercial clients.”

Career & appointments

Chair of Advocate – the Bar’s national pro bono charity (2023 to current).
Attorney General to HRH The Prince of Wales (2020 to current).
Director of Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund and Chair of the Reserves Committee (current).
Attorney General’s B Panel (2010 to 2015).

Foreign jurisdictions

Called to the Bar in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) (2012).
Called to the Bar of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) (2017).

Publications

Books:

Litigation in the Time of Covid-19, 2021 (Co-author).
Transaction Avoidance in Insolvencies, OUP 2018 (Co-author).
Annotated Companies Acts, OUP 2012 (Contributor).
Transaction Avoidance in Insolvencies, OUP 2011 (Co-author).
Atkins’ Court Forms: Insolvency Volumes (Co-author).
Atkins’ Court Forms: Company Volumes (Co-author).
Tolley’s Company Law: Investigations by the BERR (Co-author).

Articles:

“Cross-border transaction avoidance: Rubin v Eurofinance SA” Insolv. Int. 2010, 23(10), 149-154.
“Financial collateral: trust issues in the administration of Lehman Brothers” (2010) 25(1) BJIB&FL 11.
“The Cross-Border Insolvency Regulations 2006: An Emerging Jurisprudence” American Bankruptcy Institute Journal Jan 2008, 40.
“The Cross Border Insolvency Regulations 2006” (2007) 23(2) IL&P 37.

Education & awards

BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics. MA in Law from City University (thesis on Equitable Tracing). Wolfson Scholar, Lincoln’s Inn and Sir Walter Wigglesworth Scholar, Lincoln’s Inn.
Legal 500 Insolvency Junior of the Year 2020, Chambers & Partners Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year 2018, Chambers & Partners Company and Insolvency Junior of the Year 2016, listed in Legal Week’s Future Stars of the Bar and The Lawyer’s Hot 100.