Commercial Dispute Resolution
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Western (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0117) 923 4700Chambers Review
St John's Chambers is a leading commercial set on the Western Circuit with "very good quality barristers". It is able to handle the full range of commercial matters, including shareholder, partnership and contractual disputes in addition to banking litigation and professional negligence cases. The set is also an excellent choice for commercial and agricultural real estate and chancery work. Members recently acted in Wessex Water Services v ETM Recycling Limited, a £650,000 breach of statutory powers claim under the Water Act 1991.
Rob Bocock and Luke Hodgson are the practice managers.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They make a really concerted effort to get to know their instructing solicitors, are very commercial in their approach and just really easy to work with."
"They are very personable and easy to pick up the phone to."
"They have an excellent training programme, which is very good and cost effective."
"They make a really concerted effort to get to know their instructing solicitors, are very commercial in their approach and just really easy to work with."
"They are very personable and easy to pick up the phone to."
"They have an excellent training programme, which is very good and cost effective."
Notable Practitioners
Charlie Newington-Bridges is particularly well regarded for his commercial nous and sector expertise in financial services, which is supported by 15 years' prior experience as an investment banker. He is adept at handling commercial disputes involving fraud claims, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract, and is regularly instructed on shareholder disputes. His practice also includes chancery work involving probate, trusts and real property matters.
"Charlie is a fierce advocate – his abilities on his feet match his ability on paperwork. He is also extremely accessible to his legal team and clients."
"Charlie is personable and knowledgeable, particularly for unfair prejudice claims."
"Charlie has a very commercial approach; he's calm, assured and all over the detail. He demonstrates brilliant commercial awareness and knowledge of commercial disputes."
"Charlie is very responsive, very considered and methodical in his approach. He instils confidence in the client and he is very good in court."
James Pearce-Smith has a strong commercial practice, covering contractual disputes and breaches of agreement, as well as specialising in professional negligence and construction-related claims. He is also regularly instructed in chancery matters, allegations of fraud and damage claims. He is experienced in appearing for clients before the County Courts and the High Court.
"James is a very smooth operator and very intelligent; the way he deals with things is very impressive."
"He is great with clients."
"James is really good. He is really practical, cuts through to the issues really quickly and always gives a really practical and commercial opinion."
John Dickinson is a fantastic choice for contentious probate and chancery matters. He regularly receives instructions in cases that involve construction and company law. He is also adept at handling disputes concerning breach of warranty and recovery of sums.
"John is a very good barrister. He comes from an accounting background, so he is good on the technical issues in commercial disputes."
Natasha Dzameh has a dynamic practice that covers a broad range of commercial litigation. She is a strong barrister known for handling contractual disputes and cases concerning joint ventures, breaches of fiduciary duty, professional negligence and other issues.
"Natasha is really good; she's really tenacious and experienced, incredibly user-friendly and a really good team player."