Restructuring/Insolvency
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Midlands (Bar)
Band 1
Chambers Review
St Philips Chambers houses a strong bench of seasoned practitioners who are regularly called upon to act for and advise liquidators, company directors and corporations of all sizes on a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious matters. Areas of expertise for the team include liquidations, administrations and CVAs, as well as complex directors' disqualification cases. The set's members are also experienced in the handling of cross-border insolvencies. Barristers at St Philips recently acted in Cavendish IP Solutions Ltd v On & On Consultants in a claim arising from the liquidation of a property development company that was an alleged front for unlawful money extraction. An instructing solicitor highlights: "St Philips have an abundance of talent in the insolvency field," while another source states the set has "some absolute stars."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are quick to respond to counsel availability and fee estimates. They are excellent. Justin Luckman, senior clerk, is always happy to discuss any potential issues."
"The clerks are superb and will work with us when required to make the brief fit the budget."
"The clerking is up to date and modern. When you talk to the clerks, they know who you are, which you don't get with other chambers - close personal attention to detail."
"The clerks are quick to respond to counsel availability and fee estimates. They are excellent. Justin Luckman, senior clerk, is always happy to discuss any potential issues."
"The clerks are superb and will work with us when required to make the brief fit the budget."
"The clerking is up to date and modern. When you talk to the clerks, they know who you are, which you don't get with other chambers - close personal attention to detail."
Notable Practitioners
Frequently instructed in cases concerning fraudulent trading and misfeasance, Ali Tabari is an experienced litigator in insolvency-related matters. His background in banking and finance means he is well placed to act in insolvency law cases. Tabari represents trustees and administrators, as well as being instructed by and against directors.
"Ali is very thorough and a creative thinker. He's excellent with clients and a very persuasive advocate. Ali is quick to turn around instructions and is always readily available to discuss matters."
"Ali is excellent on his feet. He was on the bench with big KCs and did extremely well. His star quality is that he's excellent around clients; he will take complexity and make it simple to them."
"Ali is a very good barrister who is very regularly trusted. He's a smooth advocate and he has the ear of the judge. When he is faced with difficult questions he is responsive and persuasive."
Avtar Khangure KC is a top-tier silk whose capabilities span the full spectrum of insolvency work. He frequently handles complex cases on behalf of a range of clients, with notable experience in the financial sector. He is also a top choice for commercial disputes between directors and shareholders, especially those with an insolvency context.
"Avtar is very good."
Marc Brown is an experienced barrister who is highly regarded for his work in all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency and commercial dispute resolution. He regularly acts for liquidators and other office holders in claims against directors arising from insolvency.
"Marc is an experienced, go-to barrister. On his feet he is formidable and he will press his case firmly and clearly to show that he is right."
"Marc is very accessible and provides excellent support."
"Marc's pleadings and written work are technically very sound. He is a confident, competent and experienced counsel."
"Marc Brown is a class operator. He is one of my go-to barristers on the majority of my work."
Robert Mundy is a strong commercial junior who is noted for his expertise in claims brought against directors. He is instructed to act on behalf of companies, directors and liquidators.
"Robert Mundy is an exceptionally bright lawyer who is very experienced in insolvency. In court he is calm, measured and well thought out."
"Rob has the ability to deliver time and time again."
"Rob is quite brilliant. He's a particularly nice person; clients like and trust him. He isn't afraid to speak the truth, but in a nice way, which clients appreciate."
Natalie Kearney is a highly regarded junior with a robust insolvency practice. She is frequently instructed to act for trustees, administrators and liquidators in bankruptcy proceedings. She appears both led and unled in the High Court and County Court.
"Natalie is a very capable advocate."