Commercial Dispute Resolution
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 4
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
020 7696 9900About
Provided by South Square
Members at South Square are heavily involved in some of the most significant commercial litigation currently before the Courts, in particular cases with banking and financial law aspects. They litigate as individuals or teams and are involved in commercial litigation of all sizes both in England and abroad, and whether in the courts or arbitration. South Square is instructed by a wide range of firms in this field especially the ‘magic circle’ and other leading City/litigation firms.
Over the past year, members of chambers have been involved in many significant pieces of high-end and high-profile commercial litigation, both in the Commercial Court and the Chancery Division.
For example, members of chambers have been or are currently instructed in the following: NMC Group, BNP Paribas v Uro Property, Abraaj Group, Primeo Fund v HSBC, Port Fund, LB Holdings Intermediate 2 Ltd v Deutsche Bank, AGPS Bondco Plc (Re Adler), Galapogos Bidoc Sarl v Kebekus, Three Arrows Group.
Chambers Review
South Square operates a thriving commercial dispute practice, and houses a strong bench of leading silks and juniors. Its practitioners are active in sophisticated litigation, with recent cases handled by the team including Primeo Fund v HSBC, a high-value dispute concerning fraud and negligence, and Emtel Ltd v Cellplus Mobile Telecommunications Ltd, an appeal in the Privy Council concerning alleged unlawful cross-subsidies. The set is the clear market leader for commercial cases arising out of insolvency, and is noted for being home to some “exceptional individuals”.
Dylan Playfoot is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"South Square has a super-strong clerking team led by Dylan Playfoot, who works hard to build relationships. They are brilliant at business development and very modern in their approach."
"The clerking team is a very well-oiled machine."
"The set is noted for its swift turnaround of papers and for having clerks who are responsive and accessible."
"South Square has a super-strong clerking team led by Dylan Playfoot, who works hard to build relationships. They are brilliant at business development and very modern in their approach."
"The clerking team is a very well-oiled machine."
"The set is noted for its swift turnaround of papers and for having clerks who are responsive and accessible."
Notable Practitioners
"Felicity is amazing. She is brilliant with clients and really commercial."
"Felicity is excellent and great on her feet."
"David is a seriously heavyweight performer, who has excellent courtroom presence."
"David is so consistent and always delivers. His advocacy is brilliant."
"He is very approachable, business-minded and commercially aware."
"He is a fantastic advocate whom judges trust."
"He's very eloquent and highly lucid. His written work is also really fantastic."
"He is very good and gets to the point."
"Judges listen to him."
"He gives clear advice and is very aware of what is and isn't going to pass."
"Richard is extremely articulate. He is composed and very persuasive as an advocate."
"Richard is great. His advice is spot-on and he exudes reassurance."
"He is incredibly responsive and very collaborative, and has a good rapport with both judges and instructing solicitors."
"Adam is really good on the black letter law and gives clear advice. On top of this, he is also a robust advocate."
"He is a real star of the contentious Bar."
"Adam is incredible in disputes arising out of restructuring. He is a highly able litigator."
Ranked Barristers at
South Square
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)
Members
Provided by South Square