Dispute Resolution: Commercial

A regular presence in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division, Serle Court is a set noted for its work on extremely  high-value commercial disputes, particularly those involving civil fraud. Individuals at the set regularly guide clients through the most stressful and complex cases in the market, many of which are international in scope. Recent cases include: The Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan, a high value fraud claim; the Diesel Emissions litigation; Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse AG & Other; and Various Investors v RSA plc, claims brought by over 50 institutional claimants under s.90A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. A source commented that Serle Court is "an excellent set involved in some heavy commercial work."

"Serle Court's service was professional and prompt at all times."

"Serle Court are the best clerks that I deal with. I would rate Nick Hockney, practice director, especially highly."

"The clerks are exceptional as they are flexible and try to accommodate last minute requests. They make themselves available after hours and help with client expectations."

"They are user friendly and willing to be flexible as to how they approach matters."

"Serle Court has great clerks, who can make magical things happen. Nick Hockney and Charlie Payne, practice managers, are really user-friendly and good at what they do."

Elizabeth Jones KC "Elizabeth Jones has a mastery of both strategy and detail. She is able to both zoom into the details of documents and zoom out to consider the wider strategy implications as well." "Elizabeth is simply the best in terms of authoritative court presence."

Philip Marshall KC "Philip Marshall's strategic nous is amazing." "Philip Marshall was forceful in his advice and robust with the clients when confronting difficult points in the case." "Philip has unrivalled experience and a continuing passion to drive a case forward. Technically excellent, he's able to simplify complex legal problems and get to the critical issues." "Philip is one of the stars of the KC ranks. He's consistently hardworking, highly energetic and very impressive in court."

Jonathan Adkin KC "Jonathan Adkin is extremely practical. He can read different judges really well and understand the way they think. He is also unflappable when facing an aggressive courtroom."

Philip Jones KC "Philip Jones is really smart and makes a big difference when you have him on your side."

John Machell KC "John Machell is client friendly, very good on his feet, and someone who can package technical advice in a commercial, pragmatic way."

Lance Ashworth KC "Lance Ashworth is very strategic and clear in his guidance."

Simon Hattan "Simon Hattan is very pragmatic and gives commercial, realistic advice." "Simon is a reliable advocate and works very well with other counsel." "Simon is a very down to earth barrister with good judgement. When instructed he rolls his sleeves up and is a fine team player."

Daniel Lightman KC "Daniel Lightman always seeks to find solutions to issues. He does creative and clever work." "He impresses with his calm approach, and his written work is very persuasive and clear."

Hugh Norbury KC "Hugh is a brilliant advocate. His ability to create an impression and hold a courtroom is outstanding." "He is an exceptional cross-examiner, who has the ability to think on his feet." "Hugh provides very strategic insight and has a very modern way of working with everyone in the team."

Justin Higgo KC "Justin Higgo is very strategic and a real fighter. He looks at the points and really go for it." "Justin is incredibly persuasive and fierce."

David Blayney KC "David Blayney has a massive brain and is very good fun to work with."

Matthew Morrison "Matthew is very proactive and responsive. He is good with clients, especially those who may be difficult to handle, and he is generally one step ahead of the game." "Matthew is always willing to chat through issues and work out how to move things forward positively."

Paul Adams "Paul Adams is a bright, commercial thinker. He is all over both the detail and the bigger picture and is really creative in finding solutions." "He has an excellent strategic brain, and is always thinking several steps ahead." "He is very good at managing the details and documents in a case."

Rupert Reed KC "Rupert Reed is amazing. He's super smart, has very high emotional intelligence and is an excellent oral advocate."

Zoe O'Sullivan KC "Zoe is very user-friendly and a formidable advocate." "Zoe is a motivated advocate who grasps issues quickly."