Restructuring/Insolvency
UK Bar Guide 2025 : North Eastern (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0113) 246 0391Chambers Review
Enterprise Chambers is a "highly skilled and varied set" on the North Eastern Circuit that offers expertise in both personal and corporate insolvencies. The members of Enterprise Chambers are experienced in handling a broad range of matters, including winding-up petitions, cross-border corporate insolvencies and liquidations. The tenants of the set are noted for their expert handling of cases involving allegations of misfeasance and breach of directors' duties. The chambers acts on behalf of trustees in bankruptcy, company directors, individual debtors and liquidators. Barristers from this set have recently acted for the successful applicant in NGI Systems & Solutions v The Good Box Co. Labs, in what is understood to be the first Part 26A Restructuring Plan approved outside of London. One source highlights Enterprise as "a strong set from top to bottom that has the capability to deal with the most complex of matters."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Practice manager Joanne Caunt is excellent."
"Excellent client services - the clerks are exceptional."
"Great clerking service. Joanne Caunt is highly skilled and adept at recommending appropriate counsel for work."
"Raj Lamba is really responsive and always gets back to you. He's amazing and accommodating."
"The clerking is excellent - they're always on the ball and come back to you."
"Practice manager Joanne Caunt is excellent."
"Excellent client services - the clerks are exceptional."
"Great clerking service. Joanne Caunt is highly skilled and adept at recommending appropriate counsel for work."
"Raj Lamba is really responsive and always gets back to you. He's amazing and accommodating."
"The clerking is excellent - they're always on the ball and come back to you."
Notable Practitioners
Hugo Groves is a highly experienced insolvency practitioner. He has particular expertise in dealing with business, partnership and commercial disputes, often with a cross-border element. Groves is known for his work in litigating claims involving directors and third parties in an array of insolvency scenarios.He is adept at handling both corporate and personal insolvency.
"Hugo Groves is the godfather of insolvency."
"Still THE barrister for insolvency cases."
"Hugo is very good in terms of working with clients. He supports and works with clients as well as the legal team."
Matthew Maddison is noted for his expertise in insolvency and commercial chancery matters. He has experience acting for banks, individuals and publicly listed companies. He is particularly adept at handling misfeasance claims brought against former directors.
"Matthew is very personable, intelligent and easy to work with. He's very good in court - written and oral."
"A pleasure to work with. Matthew is bright, tactical and astute."
"Matthew is an exceptional barrister. His advice is spot on, and his way of condensing and simplifying complex issues is second to none. He gives lawyers and clients an additional layer of comfort."
Cristín Toman operates a practice in the North East with an emphasis on insolvency and company law. She has particular expertise in cases that simultaneously involve both of these practice areas, frequently assisting both trustees and liquidators in relation to asset recovery and various applications. She is well versed in disputed debts and cases concerning the appointment of office holders. Toman frequently represents public bodies.
"Cristín is a very good advocate who has the ear of the Bench."
"She is technically very able and pragmatic, and commercial in her approach."
"Cristín Toman is our go-to barrister in Leeds. She's very thorough in her preparation, and in court she is very charming but persistent."
Duncan Heath is an insolvency specialist who also spends a significant amount of time on property and trusts matters. He handles all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency, with particular experience in bankruptcy and winding-up petitions. He regularly advises and acts for liquidators in claims.
"Duncan is a very good, highly skilled advocate and rightly sought after."
"Duncan is an exceptional talent who displays exceptional advocacy and is so easy to work with."
"Duncan has such a measured and calm approach. He is the most honest barrister I have ever met, and he goes above and beyond to ensure proceedings are fair."
"He stands out as an excellent and assertive leader with great clarity of thought. He's concise with the work he does."
"A superb junior."