Chambers Review

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Aviation - London (Bar)
2
Band 2
What the Team is Known For

XXIV Old Buildings deploys a wealth of expertise across a broad range of aviation matters. The set's strong silks and juniors are recognised for their handling of complex product liability, negligence and insurance claims in the industry. Members here regularly handle high-value litigation both for and against major operators, airports and owners in matters pertaining to aircraft leases, repossessions and contractual disputes. Barristers at the set are particularly adept at advising airlines on compensation claims and other insolvency issues. Recent work highlights for the set include Optimares SpA v Qatar Airways, a USD100 million dispute arising from the termination of orders for new equipment, and a leasing dispute representing Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Paul Horsfield is the Head of Clerking.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
1
Bajul Shah
1
Band 1

Bajul Shah is an experienced junior whose strong market profile is built out of his broad experience in the aviation sphere. He is regularly instructed to handle cases related to leasing, contractual and insolvency disputes, a number of which involve difficult points of law. An impressive client roster includes bodies from across the spectrum of the industry, including lessors, lessees and airlines.

"Barristers need to be good thinkers and good talkers, and Bajul has both of these qualities in spades. He's got tremendous intellectual capacity and encyclopaedic knowledge of cases and of the law."

"Bajul makes light work of sophisticated, cross-jurisdictional litigation. Clients love the way he translates complex legal issues into sage, commercial advice."

2
Erin Hitchens
2
Band 2

Erin Hitchens is increasingly sought out as junior counsel in difficultcommercial disputes. She has notable experience in complex leasing and insurance matters and is often instructed in significant cases in the aviation sector by aircraft leasing and airline clients.

"She has great judgement and her written work is really good."

2
Heather Murphy
2
Band 2

Heather Murphy is an esteemed junior counsel in the realm of aviation. She has a wide range of experience acting in matters involving leasing and economic distress. Murphy has experience at all levels of court including the Supreme Court.

"Heather is a well-trusted and calm presence in tricky and complex litigation. Her ability to rise above the noise and provide timely, commercial, strategic advice is incredibly valuable."

2
Max Archer
2
Band 2

Max Archer of 12 King's Bench Walk is a junior with a particular focus on acting for injured claimants. He also offers experience representing aviation manufacturers involved in aircraft accidents. The Montreal Convention 1999 is another area of particular interest.

"Max is one of our go-to juniors for aviation claims and is fast becoming a next-generation specialist. He is incredibly helpful and always makes himself available."

"Max grasps claims quickly and gives clear, strong advice. He's not afraid to run a creative argument, even on a challenging claim, and always acts in the client's best interest to maximise results."

2
Steven Thompson KC
2
Band 2

Steven Thompson KC acts in aviation cases as a significant part of his broader commercial practice, with disputed leases and maintenance contracts forming the core of his workload. He has a wealth of knowledge in relation to insolvency cases in the aviation sector and has notable expertise in handling complex technical matters.

"A real team player, who assimilates information very well and gives new direction as to how to approach a case."

3
Edward Cumming KC
3
Band 3

Edward Cumming is well versed in a range of aviation matters. He regularly represents clients in contentious matters relating to maintenance and manufacture of aircraft. His work in the field of aviation complements his accomplished practice in the broader field of commercial litigation.

"Edward Cumming is an effective advocate, who manages to get to grips with complex matters with impressive speed."

"Edward is strategically excellent, always well prepared and particularly alive to clients' concerns."

Tom Stewart Coats
3
Tom Stewart Coats
3
Band 3

Tom Stewart Coats handles a range of complex disputes in the aviation industry. He is noted for his work defending airlines in claims for compensation for delays and cancellations under EU regulations.

"A very accomplished junior advocate, who always goes the extra mile. He's very focused on the value-add for his clients. You always get bang for your buck with Tom."

Ranked Barristers at
XXIV Old Buildings

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Aviation

2
Steven Thompson KC
2
Band 2
3
Edward Cumming KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

London (Bar)

Aviation

1
Bajul Shah
1
Band 1
2
Erin Hitchens
2
Band 2
2
Heather Murphy
2
Band 2
2
Max Archer
2
Band 2
Tom Stewart Coats
3
Tom Stewart Coats
3
Band 3