Banking & Finance
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Western (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0117) 930 9000Chambers Review
Guildhall Chambers is a much-lauded commercial set with significant capability in banking and finance disputes. The set houses a talented team which includes pre-eminent silks and knowledgeable juniors. Members regularly act for and against major banks and other financial institutions. Members have been particularly active in cases concerning lender and bank liabilities. Members of the set were involved in the high-profile Philipp v Barclays Bank APP fraud case and acted for the claimant in an alleged mistreatment case against RBS. One interviewee noted that: "Guildhall Chambers has a very impressive team of very bright and hard-working junior barristers who all have their particular areas of specialism," while another commented that the team has a "high level of expertise and legal skills."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerk team is responsive and knowledgeable, friendly and approachable."
"The clerks are always available and provide fast responses."
"The clerk team is responsive and knowledgeable, friendly and approachable."
"The clerks are always available and provide fast responses."
Notable Practitioners
Hugh Sims KC has a highly respected commercial practice that includes deep expertise in an array of areas, including chancery, company law, fraud and dismissal. His work in the area of banking and finance includes acting both for and against banks and other financial institutions.
"Hugh is exceptional in every way and is particularly calm and effective in court, even in the most challenging of circumstances in the appeal courts."
John Virgo enjoys an outstanding reputation as a highly capable junior who handles disputes for a strong client base. He has additional expertise in relation to professional negligence matters, particularly as they apply to the banking industry.He is noted for his specialist expertise in cases relating to the mis-selling of financial products, a subject on which he has co-authored a leading text.
"John is a go-to choice for financial services-related disputes in the Western Bar. He is unflappable and very reliable."
Stefan Ramel is a solid junior with a wide-ranging commercial practice encompassing company law and financial services in addition to banking and finance disputes. He regularly acts on behalf of major banks and other lending institutions.
"Stefan prepares very thoroughly and is a very calm, effective and wise advocate, even in challenging circumstances."
"Stefan is a very good barrister who is knowledgeable, responsive, easy to deal with, and always happy to provide advice."
"Stefan is a legal genius who is very good at what he does."
Holly Doyle handles highly complex banking and finance litigation as part of her wide-ranging commercial disputes practice. She acts on behalf of banks and financial institutions as well as individual clients. She frequently handles mis-selling and professional negligence claims involving financial advisers.
"Holly is an extremely bright barrister."
Jay Jagasia is a very knowledgeable junior who draws on his additional experience as a solicitor. He frequently handles banking and finance litigation as part of a varied commercial disputes practice. He acts both for and against banks and financial institutions.
"Jay is a confident advocate and is a real pleasure to deal with."
"Jay is very committed to the cause and is combative when he needs to be."
Lucy Walker is a talented junior with a reputation for handling disputes relating to the Consumer Credit Act, regulated mortgages and financial services regulation. She is highly experienced in advising banks and financial service providers in foreign jurisdictions on UK rules and regulations.
"Lucy combines specialist knowledge and experience with thorough preparation."
"Lucy has a professional approach, strong legal expertise and good availability."