Drawing on the set’s established expertise in banking, insolvency and commercial disputes, the barristers at 4 Stone Buildings also offer expertise in complex and high-value civil fraud disputes. The team is regularly instructed to act for liquidators, shareholders, creditors and directors, among other parties. Members are experienced in the handling of both domestic and international cases, and are well regarded for their expertise in matters involving cross-border insolvencies and worldwide asset tracing and recovery claims. Recent work for the set’s tenants includes the representation of Credit Suisse in a USD2 billion, multi-jurisdictional dispute brought by the Republic of Mozambique involving extensive allegations of bribery and corruption.
Client service:
“The clerks are always really responsive and helpful.” David Goddard is the senior clerk.
Jonathan Crow QC
Jonathan Crow QC is an experienced advocate whose fraud work forms part of a wider company, commercial and public law practice. In addition to litigation he is admired for his prowess in arbitrations. His experience includes appearances in the Supreme Court.
“His advocacy is phenomenal.” “He is absolutely first rate and a go-to barrister for big commercial disputes. He’s so user-friendly, very responsive and clients love him. He exudes confidence, is a great advocate and is very good in cross-examinations.”
Recent work: Represented the Secretary of State for Health in a high-value claim against a pharmaceutical company for overcharging the NHS, having wrongly secured extensions to its patents.
Richard Hill QC
Richard Hill QC provides robust advocacy in civil fraud disputes in the context of a broad commercial practice. His clients include multinational corporations and high net worth individuals.
“He is able to cut to the core of the issues and take complex concepts and put them in a clear, understandable way. The way his brain works is tremendous – he’s extremely commercial, incisive, and really tries to get the client what they want.” “He has an incredible mastery of extraordinarily technical issues and in cross-examinations he is able to trip up the opponent in an incredible way.”
Recent work: Defended Dr Michael Lynch in the Hewlett-Packard litigation brought against Dr Lynch in respect of his role as the former CEO of Autonomy Corporation. The case centres around an alleged accounting fraud.
Orlando Fraser QC
Orlando Fraser QC handles leading fraud cases as part of a domestic and international commercial chancery caseload that also touches on insolvency and company law.
“Orlando is an excellent silk who turns work around quickly and is a very reliable sounding board.”
Recent work: Acted for the widow of a late billionaire who had become embroiled in a high-value family feud with the brothers of the deceased tycoon and was derivatively suing them and the companies they control for dishonest assistance, misfeasance, and unjust enrichment.
Andrew de Mestre QC
Andrew de Mestre QC is an expert in cases concerning dishonesty, negligence and fraudulent misrepresentation, and is proficient at tracing and recovering misappropriated assets. He approaches fraud as part of a wide-ranging commercial practice that also encompasses such areas as company and insolvency law.
“He’s hands-on, very focused and easy to work with. He has a good understanding of the case and the commercial and legal driving factors.” “A superb barrister with excellent technical skills.”
Recent work: Instructed in Playboy Club Ltd & Another v Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, a case concerning whether the bank was liable to a London casino after a gambler made off with some £1 million in winnings having obtained gaming chips with forged cheques.
Sharif Shivji QC
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.
“He is extraordinarily hard-working, leaves no stone unturned and is frighteningly clever.” “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.
Christopher Harrison
Christopher Harrison is an accomplished senior junior who tackles fraud-related litigation as part of a broader commercial practice. His instructions originate both in the UK and overseas. He acts for both claimants and defendants.
“Very thorough in his approach and excellent with clients.”
