4 Stone Buildings is highly regarded for its expertise spanning a wide range of insolvency and restructuring matters. The set houses a strong bench of experienced barristers who are regularly called upon to handle complex insolvency litigation, and its members have considerable experience of appearing in both high-profile domestic and international disputes. Drawing on the set’s established strength in company law, members are also well regarded for their adroit handling of non-contentious restructurings and complex directors’ disqualification cases. The set is routinely instructed to act for and advise the government on an array of insolvency-related matters, and several of its junior members are on the Attorney General’s A Panels.
Client service:
“The clerks are very responsive and easy to work with.” “They are helpful, flexible around fees and very responsive.” David Goddard is the senior clerk.
George Bompas QC
George Bompas QC is a 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 frequently instructed in overseas cases in Hong Kong, Singapore, Trinidad, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. He is noted for his strength in advisory work concerning complex restructurings, in addition to garnering recognition for his in-court advocacy.
“A fountain of knowledge and experience – he is able to explain all of the legal concepts in a straightforward, succinct manner which is easy to follow.” “George is very astute, hugely experienced and very charming both with clients and the court.”
Recent work: Instructed to oppose an application by disqualified directors for permission to act as company directors in Re Fourfront Group.
John Brisby QC
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. He also sits as a deputy High Court judge.
“He is incredibly focused on the client and is a good barrister who will listen to what the client wants and has empathy with their goals. Clients appreciate his straightforward approach to giving advice.”
Recent work: Acted for Ernst & Young Bermuda as the joint provisional liquidators of George’s Bay Limited.
Jonathan Crow QC
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 ECtHR, and is singled out by market commentators as a persuasive advocate. His impressive roster of clients includes public authorities in addition to private clients.
“An extremely distinguished all-round barrister. He does a wide range of commercial work and definitely has the ear of the court.” “He is just excellent – his advocacy is extraordinary and he’s incredibly persuasive.”
Recent work: Instructed in Lamesa Investments v Cynergy Bank, an important appeal involving the interpretation of standard-form wording in loan documentation and the application of US secondary sanctions.
Richard Hill QC
Richard Hill QC is 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.
“A bright, very down-to-earth and sensible barrister.“
Andrew de Mestre QC
Andrew de Mestre QC has considerable experience across the full gamut of restructuring and insolvency law. He regularly acts on behalf of an array of clients, including bondholders, issuers and corporate trustees, and routinely appears as sole counsel in high-profile cases. He is particularly well regarded for his expertise in litigation arising from securitisation transactions and other bond issues.
“He’s hands-on, very focused and really easy to work with. You really feel that he’s invested and that he understands the commercial and legal driving factors.”
Recent work: Acted for the receivers of the assets of Mukhtar Ablyazov in what was one of the largest and most complex pre-judgment receiverships ordered by the High Court.
Sharif Shivji QC
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.
“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.
Christopher Harrison
Christopher Harrison has developed a highly regarded insolvency practice which is complemented by his wider strength in chancery commercial matters. He features regularly in high-profile cross-border cases and complex shareholder disputes. He is known for his expertise in obtaining freezing injunctions and also practises as a barrister in the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands.
“Very experienced and extremely reliable – he is a safe pair of hands and very charming to deal with.” “Christopher is a very measured and very clever barrister. He can really get into the detail and provide clear examinations for the benefit of the client.”
Recent work: Advised a creditor on claims in the CVA and administration of BHS.
Anna Markham
Anna Markham is regularly instructed in significant insolvency and company law matters. She has a strong reputation for her skill and style as an advocate, and has appeared both for and against government departments in a range of insolvency-related disputes. Her areas of expertise include public winding-up petitions and disqualification proceedings.
“A very highly regarded barrister.”
Recent work: Instructed in Competition & Markets Authority v Baker & Frost, a director’s disqualification case.
Tiran Nersessian
Tiran Nersessian habitually attracts instructions from both private clients and government officials owing to his strong track record in this area. His flourishing practice regularly sees him appearing as sole counsel in cases up to the Court of Appeal. His experience encompasses both corporate and personal insolvency litigation. He is particularly adept at handling cases concerning directors’ disqualification and high-value contractual claims.
“He is very good in court and reads judges well – he stops, looks and listens, tailoring his submissions to the judge.”
Recent work: Instructed by the liquidator on a high-profile preference claim worth over GBP100 million arising out of the collapse of the Comet Group.
