ENTERPRISE CHAMBERS - Key Persons
Amit has been appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown (Midlands Panel) and has for the last 4 fours acted for the Secretary of State / Official Receiver. He also represents directors. He often advises on such claims, drafts correspondence and drafts evidence in disqualification claims and is very experienced in interim hearings and trials.
Amit has a strong commercial and chancery practice with a heavy emphasis on contentious insolvency (corporate insolvency, LLPs, partnerships and bankruptcy), commercial disputes, company law (including directors' duties, shareholder disputes and unfair prejudice petitions), company directors' disqualification proceedings and bank recovery proceedings (charges, mortgages, guarantees and indemnities).
Annette Thomson is a specialist Commercial and Chancery Barrister. She is dual qualified in England and South Africa, where she practiced since 2010, before joining the English Bar in 2020.
As such, Annette brings with her a wealth of experience, far beyond her year of call, such that she is able to give both strategic and pragmatic advice to meet the needs of her clients.
Annette's current and recent case load includes:
drafting Particulars of Claim for the repayment of consideration under the terms of a share purchase agreement
providing advice in a claim for unpaid invoices and an early termination charge, due under a services agreement, relating to a property development, involving a potential counterclaim for breach, which dispute is the subject of an arbitration clause
providing advice to Executors in relation to a shareholder dispute, arising following the death of a 50% shareholder in a property development company
providing advice in relation to a boundary dispute and related issues concerning rectification of the transfer
drafting proceedings for the removal of an Executor, for the sale of various properties, under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and providing advice in relation to Capital Gains Tax issues
Practice Areas
Commercial
Bertie developed a broad commercial chancery practice during pupillage and accepts instructions across the range of Chambers' areas of work.
Bridget is former joint editor of the insolvency chapter of the Landlord and Tenant Factbook and gives seminars in her fields of practice. She has been a contributor to Practical Law's Restructuring and Insolvency "Questions for Counsel".
Chris joined Chambers in October 2017 and has a broad chancery practice covering commercial and traditional work. He accepts instructions in all areas in which Chambers practises, and appears regularly in the High Court and County Court throughout the country. Chris has gained rankings in the Legal 500 for Chancery and Probate, and up and coming for Commercial Dispute Resolution by Chambers & Partners
Claire spent her first three years practicing from Chambers' London branch but has recently re-located to Chambers' Bristol branch. Claire continues to regularly appear in London, as well as now having an emphasis on work in Bristol and South Wales.
Daisy Brown is admired for her considerable expertise in both corporate and personal insolvency matters.
Daisy Brown is one of the more junior tenants at Guildhall Chambers.
She has impressed a number of sources with her "extensive degree of insolvency law knowledge" and is seen as being "extremely bright, direct, accurate and proactive."
Daisy's practice includes all aspects of company and individual insolvency. Her experience ranges from applications to set aside statutory demands, bankruptcy petitions, administration applications, clawback proceedings (misfeasance, TUV, preferences, s.423 IA 1986), unlawful dividends and distributions, CVA/IVA voting appeals and partnership liquidations. She has particular experience in personal insolvencies involving issues concerning ancillary relief.
Daisy had regularly appeared for the Secretary of State when appointed as Junior Counsel to the Crown Regional B Panel, advising on and presenting disqualification cases in court. She also acts for defendant directors.
Daisy's property practice includes regular instructions in the High Court, County Court and First Tier Tribunal in relation to disputes about beneficial interests, proprietary estoppel, landlord and tenant, boundary disputes, easements and rights of way. She has considerable experience in agricultural matters including cases concerning equine law.
Daisy is a trained mediator and accepts instructions to mediate in all matters within her practice areas.
Daisy specialises in all areas of contentious insolvency, company law, property and wills and trusts.
Dale has been instructed on a number of injunction cases and is always willing to provide urgent advice and representation.
Dale offers a comprehensive service in respect of all matters relating to both corporate and personal insolvency, whether representing office-holders, debtors, creditors, companies, directors and insolvency practitioners.
Dale is a commercial chancery litigator specialising in chambers core areas of insolvency, property, civil fraud/asset recovery and contractual matters. Dale offers comprehensive legal support encompassing drafting, advisory services, and representation. Dale has acted as sole counsel in the County Court, High Court, Upper Tribunal, and Court of Appeal. He is frequently instructed in cases involving complex issues and commercial sensitivity, often calling for original presentation and the identification of novel solutions.
Damian is a leading lawyer in the field of electronic disclosure having run the electronic disclosure element of the major competition law action reported at EWRG & CEF v Philips and others [2012]. He then launched his own chambers focused on electronic disclosure. He was eDiscovery Counsel at UBS and then became Head of eDiscovery for EMEA and APAC.
Duncan is regularly instructed in property claims including issues such as boundary disputes, rights of way, adverse possession, landlord and tenant disputes, proprietary estoppel and co-ownership disputes.
Duncan has substantial experience in claims under TOLATA 1996, trustees' duties and powers and breach of trust claims and remedies. He also has particular experience and interest in probate actions and claims brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Duncan has an impressive all-round Chancery practice covering both traditional and commercial work with a particular focus on insolvency and commercial disputes, as well as property and contentious trust issues.
Ella has a broad commercial chancery practice with a particular emphasis on cases with a property or insolvency element. She accepts instructions in all of Chambers' main practice areas. Ella regularly appears in both the County Court and the High Court, both led and unled. She predominantly acts as sole counsel and, as such, her advocacy experience is well beyond her level of call. Ella also maintains a busy paper practice. She is regularly instructed at a pre-litigation stage and follows her cases through to conclusion, at trial or otherwise. Ella prides herself on providing advice which, as well as being legally incisive, addresses the commercial and practical needs of the client.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Practice Manager
Ellen joined chambers in 2006 and assists Joanne in Leeds.
Since completing her pupillage in 2016, Fiona has quickly developed a reputation among judges and solicitors as a reliable and user-friendly practitioner.
Geoffrey Zelin has built a broad-based practice encompassing all aspects of commercial and chancery litigation, often appearing against silks. He is particularly in demand for company law (including shareholder disputes and cases involving breaches of directors' duties), corporate insolvency cases (including directors' disqualification) and bankruptcy, as well as commercial contract disputes, the enforcement of bank securities such as mortgages and guarantees, fraud, property disputes and professional negligence claims, particularly those involving solicitors, accountants and surveyors.
For example in STEWART FORD v POLYMER VISION LTD (2009) [2009] EWHC 945 (Ch) [2009] 2 BCLC 160 he acted for the claimant on successful application for a declaration as to the validity of a debenture where the issues were whether the directors who had approved the grant of the debenture and the debenture holder had acted in good faith and within the scope of their powers in circumstances where the board was split. The company had sought to block the claim by appointing administrators under another debenture which was held to have been invalid.
In the matter of LCM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD [2013] EWHC 3957 (Ch) Geoffrey successfully acted for the respondents in an unfair prejudice petition where the defence relied on bad leaver provisions in shareholder agreement and articles. The petitioner was alleging unfair exclusion, the respondents alleged serious breach of duty / conflicts of interest against the petitioner.
Notable recent cases in these areas include RE HENNELLY'S UTILITIES [2004] EWHC 34 (Ch), a leading case on the grant of permission to act as a director following disqualification and acting for the bank in BANK OF INDIA v RIAT [2014] EWHC 1775 (Ch) a guarantee claim where the defendant alleged misrepresentation and economic duress and for the claimant in ORIENTFIELD HOLDINGS LTD v BID & BIRD LLP [2015] EWHC 1963 (Ch) (solicitor's negligence). In EAST MIDLANDS PACKAGING LTD (2013 unrep) Geoffrey succeeded in obtaining a retrospective administration order after the company had moved into liquidation, and in JSC BTA BANK v ABLYAZOV AND OTHERS Geoffrey acted for two defendants against whom the bank was claiming ownership of a London property.
In addition to his effective advocacy and litigation skills, law firms and clients nationwide rely on Geoffrey's advice in a wide variety of property, corporate partnership and commercial matters.
Excellent on his feet. Geoffrey will stick to his convictions and is user-friendly.
Geoffrey Zelin is "a first class Chancery counsel" and "robust in his approach."
Job Titles:
- Business Development Executive
Greg has over 30 years experience of clerking in Chancery Chambers and joins Enterprise to provide business development support to its members and clients. He works closely with senior clerk Michael Ireland and the marketing committee in overseeing the implementation of Chambers marketing strategy/plan in providing client care, event organisation and growing & developing relationships.
He is first port of call for enquiries about training events if you would like to be added to the mailing list please email to marketing@enterprisechambers.com
Hugo Page KC has extensive experience in all aspects of commercial law, appearing regularly both in court and in arbitration. Whilst a busy advocate, Hugo is commonly instructed for his pragmatic and client friendly advisory work, with a particular emphasis on commercial agreements, banking transactions, civil fraud and asset recovery.
James has regularly appeared as sole counsel in the High Court and County Court and is building a broad commercial chancery practice across all of Chambers' areas of work. He has cross-examination experience. James takes instructions on corporate and personal insolvency matters, commercial disputes, company and partnership disputes, civil fraud, and disputes involving trusts and real property. He is always prepared to assist with urgent work. James is comfortable as sole counsel or assisting as part of a larger team of counsel.
James Pickering is recognised as a Leading Junior in Commercial Litigation and Insolvency.
James Pickering is a popular choice for his "gentle but persuasive manner." His practice is a mixture of commercial, contractual and insolvency litigation, with many of his cases having a delinquency of directors or professional negligence element to them.
James Pickering is a "hands-on, practical and brilliant orator," and a "very effective cross-examiner."
James Pickering is "cool, calm and collected" and "bright as a button" .
James specialises in all areas of commercial litigation with a particular emphasis on commercial disputes, insolvency, and professional negligence.
Joanne joined chambers in 1993 and is primarily responsible for our Leeds branch. She also assists Michael Ireland with the general day-to-day running of chambers.
Joanne Caunt is always helpful and will sort out enquiries within a matter of minutes. She is reliable, efficient and friendly
Jonathan Arkush is well known for his excellent depth of expertise in chancery and probate work, receiving frequent instruction in an array of complex mediations. He is also highly regarded for his skill in disputes relating to areas including property and professional negligence.
Jonathan has wide experience in most types of disputes and litigation involving property. These include matters such as vendor & purchaser, conveyancing, title, misdescription and misrepresentation in contracts for the sale of land, auction contracts, rights of way and other easements, boundary disputes, squatters and trespassers, adverse possession, licences and disputes over shares in property between unmarried couples. He has dealt with markets and fairs, both statutory and under charter, and rights to prevent rival markets. He is frequently instructed in relation to mortgage disputes both by lenders and borrowers and has considerable experience of advising and litigation in Barclays Bank v O'Brien, Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge and Stack v Dowden cases.
Jonathan's landlord and tenant experience includes disputes and litigation, primarily, but not exclusively, involving commercial property. He is frequently instructed by both landlords and tenants in relation to such matters such as forfeiture and relief from forfeiture, breaches of covenant and the scope of covenants generally, rent review, service charges, questions whether an agreement comprises a lease or a licence. He also deals with business tenancies under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954.
Jonathan has extensive experience in commercial agreements of many kinds, including the sale and supply of goods (international and domestic), banking, conflict of law issues, disputes as to forum, agents' claim for commission and commercial agents' disputes. He also has experience of claims between employers and employees, past and present, particularly those involving non-competition and non-solicitation covenants and other issues of restraint of trade and intellectual property.
Jonathan deals with litigious and non-litigious aspects of charity law. He acts for major charities in relation to a very wide range of contentious probate matters. He is also used to dealing with trust companies and other professional executors.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Practice Manager
Kenya assists Duane in clerking the KC's and Senior Juniors of Chambers and is responsible for diary management, fee negotiation, and practice management of members.
Madeline has a busy commercial Chancery practice, with a particular emphasis on insolvency and company law. She frequently appears in both the High Court and the County Court and is equally comfortable acting as junior counsel or appearing in her own right.
Mairi has a strong commercial chancery practice, with particular focus on commercial disputes, insolvency and civil fraud. Mairi has significant experience in group actions arising from failed property investment schemes. Mairi is ranked as Up and Coming by Chambers and Partners in the field of Restructuring/Insolvency
Margarita Hamilton -V- Ed Thomas and Matthew Carter (joint trustees in bankruptcy of Roderic Alexander Innes Hamilton) [2022]
Matthew has a broad commercial chancery practice, covering both traditional chancery and commercial disputes. He has a meticulous eye, and a commercial perspective. He is noted for his insolvency experience, and has been described as a "steely advocate".
Matthew has developed a broad commercial chancery practice which encompasses corporate and personal insolvency matters, real property issues, as well as commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes. In addition, he is well-equipped to handle company and partnership disputes, commercial matters and wills, trusts, and probate.
She is responsible for assisting our barristers to and from court, lodging documents with the court, and assisting the clerking team with the day-to-day management of barristers' diaries and client relations.
She is based at our Newcastle branch and is responsible for the general day to day running of the Chambers in Newcastle.
Pearse has developed a busy and varied practice accepting instructions across all of Chambers' core work areas with particular emphasis on insolvency work and property disputes. He gains praise for the clarity and practicality of his work; he is equally adept at providing a written solution to a complex matter as responding on his feet to changing circumstances in court. He appears regularly in both the County Court & High Court and has experience of handling all stages of a dispute. The breadth of Pearse's practice is evident from the work he has recently undertaken including successfully getting a statutory demand set aside, acting for Liquidators on a disputed winding-up petition which involved subrogation and cross-jurisdictional questions and advising in relation to varying a restrictive covenant. Before studying law, Pearse read Modern History at the University of St Andrews and graduated with First Class Honours. He is also a Kennedy Scholar of Lincoln's Inn.
Phillip specialises in commercial, insolvency and property litigation. Called in 2008, he has a busy court and advisory practice with an established track record in reported cases.
Raj joined Chambers in February 2018 as a Practice Manager, Raj is responsible for diary management, fee negotiation and practice management of members
Richard Cherry undertakes a wide range of chancery, commercial and property cases, with particular expertise in landlord and tenant issues.
Job Titles:
- Member of Chambers' London
Samuel is a member of Chambers' London branch. He has a strong commercial chancery practice, and regularly deals with cases which have insolvency and property aspects, and which involve fraud and asset tracing.
Simon Newman engages in a full range of commercial and chancery litigation, in particular commercial, insurance, insolvency and financial matters. Simon has been appointed by the Attorney General as Junior Counsel to the Crown (C Panel). In 2020 he was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland.
Stephanie is an incisive advocate, good with clients and judges alike. She is known for getting straight to the heart of a dispute and valued for her good judgment. Her main practice areas are property, wills, trusts and probate, partnerships and mediation.
Tracey joined Chambers in March 2018 and is responsible for Chambers long-term operational strategies
Job Titles:
- Best Overall Student on the BPTC