Restructuring/Insolvency

Erskine Chambers is highly regarded for its broad expertise spanning the full range of insolvency and restructuring matters. Drawing on the set's recognised strengths in banking and finance, the set is noted as "advising on the most complex and high-value matters." It is considered a top choice in the market for complex cases arising out of the collapse of financial institutions, and members are regularly instructed to act on behalf of bondholders and security holders in high-value disputes. Additional areas of expertise for the team include retail CVAs, international corporate restructurings and cross-border insolvencies, including those involving difficult jurisdictional issues. The set's tenants are frequently instructed in the most high-profile cases in the market, and have experience appearing before the Court of Appeal, the Privy Council and the Supreme Court. In the past year members have continued to advise on high-profile CVAs including the challenge against the New Look CVA and the successful challenge of Re Regis UK. Members also advised Signal Credit on its claim to challenge the USD1 billion restructuring of the Galapagos Group.

"The clerking team is brilliant. Alex Calder is a pleasure to deal with."

"They have a can-do approach and adopt a flexible attitude."

"The clerks are very responsive and are also particularly understanding when it comes to the uncertainty over dates for hearings."

The clerking team is led by senior clerk Phil Reeves.

David Chivers KC
David Chivers KC remains an esteemed practitioner who offers expert counsel and representation to clients across a range of areas, with an emphasis on company law and commercial restructuring and insolvency. He has vast experience handling complex matters at both the domestic and international levels. He has represented clients at all levels of the court system, and is no stranger to the Privy Council and the Supreme Court. "His commercial awareness is unparalleled." "David is an excellent all-round insolvency lawyer, both in court and on paper." "David's intelligence and brilliant advocacy are clear, but it is his approachability which is his key strength."

Peter Arden KC
Peter Arden KC is a prominent insolvency silk who excels in international insolvency matters. He is highly popular with a range of clients, notably those in the financial sector. He is noted for his handling of cases involving sophisticated company law issues, such as corporate governance and capital maintenance. He is also adept at handling matters involving issues relating to complex financial instruments and securities. "He is a very technical, excellent lawyer."

Raquel Agnello KC
Raquel Agnello KC is a distinguished silk who receives widespread commendation for her sharp mind and commercial sense. She has a particularly strong reputation in the areas of personal and corporate insolvency and pensions. She has a wealth of experience representing clients at all levels of the UK court system. "Raquel is certainly a go-to silk for 'bet the company'-type cases, a decision made easier because she is a complete joy to work with." "She is very knowledgeable, ultra client-friendly, practical and commercial."

Ben Griffiths
Ben Griffiths has a broad insolvency practice featuring both litigious and advisory work. He specialises in corporate insolvency and, in recent years, has appeared in some of the highest-profile cases in the market. He regularly appears in the High Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council. "He is a calm and level-headed barrister." "Ben has an excellent knowledge of company and insolvency." "He has judgement and a succinct way of getting to the heart of technical issues."

James Potts KC
James Potts KC is a highly respected dispute resolution specialist who focuses his practice on insolvency and company law. His busy caseload features both contentious and non-contentious work, and he is particularly well versed in the area of misfeasance claims. He is also regularly instructed in administrations, winding-up petitions and voluntary arrangements. He has a fine track record in overseas litigation while regularly appearing in domestic courts. "He is always very responsive, with very clear and helpful advice."

Andrew Thompson KC
Andrew Thompson KC is recognised for his expertise in director misfeasance and contentious insolvency matters. He has experience appearing in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. "Andrew is a brilliant advocate on his feet. His advocacy is so smooth and he presents everything in a crystal-clear way." "He is a delight in terms of his user-friendliness. He treats all members of the team, from trainee up to partner, with the utmost courtesy." "He is a go-to for anything director's duty."

Benjamin Shaw KC
Benjamin Shaw KC is held in high regard for his corporate insolvency and restructuring expertise, with additional strengths in company law and general commercial litigation matters. He is regularly instructed in high-profile and large-scale insolvencies, with experience handling both contentious and non-contentious matters. "He is easy to work with and provides sound advice."