4 Stone Buildings marshals considerable litigation experience and has long experience of appearing in landmark disputes. Recent examples include a High Court enforcement action in which Jonathan Crow QC was instructed for the claimants, concerning the highest arbitral award ever made, in the case of Hulley Enterprises v Russia. Elsewhere, George Bompas QC appeared for the successful appellant in the Supreme Court case of Sevilleja v Marex Financial, an important appeal on the reflective loss principle. Other notable cases include the claims of complicity in human rights abuses levelled at Dechert by Karam Al Sadeq, and Mozambique v Credit Suisse, a dispute arising from the so-called ‘tuna bonds scandal’.
Client service:
“David Goddard manages a good clerks’ room and is regarded as one of the best senior clerks in the business.” “Ryan Tunkel and the rest of the team have been extremely helpful and responsive, particularly when we have needed them to step in last minute to help with bundles.” “I cannot recommend 4 Stone Buildings highly enough. I find the clerking team responsive, commercial and not only technically able but solution-driven. They are helpful and flexible around fees and they build a good rapport.”
George Bompas QC
“A very creative lawyer who is excellent on all commercial cases and particularly company law matters.”
Recent work: Instructed in Marex Financial Ltd v Carlos Sevilleja Garcia, a case raising issues pertaining to the law on reflective loss.
John Brisby QC
“Very experienced and always on point, he is very good at advising generally on strategy and merit. He is insightful and grasps things quickly.”
Recent work: Instructed by the claimant, a Jordanian national currently imprisoned in the UAE, in a case against Dechert LLP and three of its present or former partners. The claimant pursues various claims under UAE law for the harm caused to him in relation to his detention and significant financial and other losses suffered as a result of serious wrongs committed against him by the defendants.
Jonathan Crow QC
“The best all-round advocate at the Commercial Bar, he is amazing.”
Recent work: Instructed in Avonwick Holdings v Azitio Holdings, an appeal arising from a dispute between three extremely wealthy Ukrainian oligarchs involving complex allegations of deceit, issues of causation, and disputes over choice of law.
Richard Hill QC
“Clinical in his cross-examination, he gets results without resorting to dramatics. His written work is also excellent, as he has a knack for simplifying the complex.”
Recent work: Acted for Travelport and others in two joined claims against WEX arising out of WEX’s proposed acquisition of eNett and Optal.
Andrew de Mestre QC
“A very effective advocate who is an impressive performer in court.”
Recent work: Acted for one set of claimants in Travelport & Others v WEX, proceedings to determine whether or not the pandemic had caused a material adverse effect sufficient to allow the defendant to complete a USD1.7 billion acquisition of two companies providing payment services to the travel industry.
Sharif Shivji QC
“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’.
Christopher Harrison
“An experienced senior junior, who is utterly reliable.” “He’s unflappable, responsive, good on his feet and totally committed to the cause.”
Recent work: Acted for the Crazy Bear boutique hotel group in a claim by the estate agent Savills for a fee allegedly due on the £30 million sale of the group
Gregory Denton-Cox
“Really, really supportive and noted for his superior analysis and understanding of the case.”
Recent work: Acted for the seventh defendant in ArcelorMittal USA LLC v Ruia & Others, proceedings in which the claimant claimed damages in excess of USD1 billion for an alleged unlawful means conspiracy.
Alastair Tomson
“Gets to grips with matters very quickly and brings people on side very quickly. He really leaps in and gets on top of the work.”
Recent work: Instructed by the claimant, a Jordanian national currently imprisoned in the UAE, against Dechert LLP and three of its present or former partners. The claimant pursued various claims under UAE law for the harm caused to him in relation to his detention and significant financial and other losses suffered as a result of serious wrongs committed against him by the defendants.
Tom Gentleman
“Tactically very astute, he’s great at plotting a route through the most dense of cases.”
Recent work: Acted for Credit Suisse in the claim brought against it by the Republic of Mozambique to set aside guarantees for loans of over USD1 billion, and in related claims brought by Banco Internacional de Moçambique.
Alexander Cook
“Really good at breaking down complicated legal points to lay clients and willing to have difficult conversations. Client trusts him as a result.”
Recent work: Represented Antipinsky, a Russian oil refinery defending a clam by the commodities trading arm of the well-known Russian bank VTB.
