Restructuring/Insolvency
4 Stone Buildings is well regarded for its handling of high-profile disputes covering the full spectrum of restructuring and insolvency, complementing this expertise with a standout company law and civil fraud practice. The members have been instructed on behalf of a wide variety of clients, and are noted for their strength in advising and representing the government. Solicitors note the set’s specialism in contentious matters, praising the barristers as “top notch for corporate litigation.” They have recently been instructed in leading disputes including the Waterfall I appeal arising from the Lehman Brothers administration and acting in defence of Icelandic bank Kaupthing Bank.
Client service: “They’re all excellent clerks, they’re very quick at responding, very helpful and always willing to be accommodating with fees when necessary.” “It’s a very good chambers with responsive clerks.” The clerking team is led by senior clerk David Goddard.
George Bompas QC
Leading insolvency practitioner who is recognised for his expert handling of major, sophisticated insolvency disputes alongside his significant experience in ADR proceedings. He is regularly called upon to assist with international matters and multimillion-pound claims. He is noted for his strength in advisory work concerning complex restructurings, in addition to garnering recognition for his in-court advocacy.
Strengths: “His real forte is his ability to assimilate large amounts of information and produce very skilful arguments.” “He’s famously bright and while he is in court it’s clear that he’s tuned into the same wavelength as all the judges.”
Recent work: Advised Brooks Macdonald in Origo Partners v Brooks Macdonald Asset Management, a dispute concerning the share capital of Origo Partners.
John Brisby QC
Has substantial experience advising in big-ticket litigation. He has appeared before the courts of the Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Bermuda, among others. His recent work has included high-profile litigation arising from the collapse of the Icelandic banks and the personal insolvency proceedings of Glenn Maud.
Strengths: “He is an excellent silk who has a devastating cross-examining style.”
Recent work: Instructed in Jinpeng Group Limited v Peak Hotels and Resorts Limited, concerning a highly contentious application for the appointment of liquidators of Peak Hotels and Resorts Limited.
Jonathan Crow QC
Manages a busy caseload, splitting his time evenly between commercial and public law litigation. He frequently appears in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and ECHR, and is singled out by market commentators as a persuasive advocate. His impressive roster of clients includes public authorities in addition to private clients.
Strengths: “He is a wonderful cross-border lawyer.”
Recent work: Instructed in a Supreme Court appeal arising from the insolvency of one of the largest bunker suppliers in the world.
Robert Miles QC
Renowned silk offering expertise across a full range of financial, corporate and commercial disputes. He remains a popular choice for an array of high-profile, big-ticket insolvency cases, with recent highlights including the Cayman Islands-based liquidation of Singularis Holdings. He frequently appears in large-scale international cases and is a popular choice for insolvencies that involve financial institutions.
Strengths: “He is highly analytical and a good tactical thinker.” “His preparation is excellent; the judge threw a curve ball at him and he dealt with it as if he had been thinking about it for days.”
Recent work: Represented one of the parties to the four-day Waterfall I appeal in the Supreme Court.
Richard Hill QC
Highly sought after by an array of clients for his extensive expertise in complex insolvency disputes and for his specialist insight into various forms of ADR. His established restructuring and insolvency practice is further complemented by deep knowledge across civil fraud, commercial and company law. He is frequently instructed by bondholders and bond trustees, and is noted as an authority in contentious restructurings.
Strengths: “He is a particularly strong advocate who clearly has the respect of the court. He is very assertive and is particularly good at making interjections and picking up on his opponent’s case while he is still on his feet.” “He’s very bright, a delight to work with and clients love him.”
Recent work: Represented an opposing creditor in the personal bankruptcy proceedings of Glenn Maud.
