Commercial Litigation

The large commercial litigation team at 11 Stone Buildings deals with all aspects of business litigation. We have specialist groups which offer expertise in the many and varied areas of law which commercial disputes can include. We are also recommended as a leading commercial chancery set by both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. 

What others say

Our most recent recommendations by the legal directories are:

A leading set for chancery: commercial - Chambers UK 2012

Perhaps the single most attractive quality of 11 Stone Buildings is the sheer number of disciplines in which its members are experienced. The set is well known for its expertise in fraud, IP, insolvency and real property law, as well as company and trusts litigation. The recent arrival of two new silks has been a real fillip for a set which is now seen as being on the up as a result of advances made since the arrival a couple of years ago of chambers director Michael Couling.

The "very impressive" Jeremy Cousins QC joins from Selborne Chambers, a move which has given added vigour to the set. His is a broad-based, classic commercial chancery practice, which has lately seen him take on a number of high-stakes banking and finance cases. Cousins joins the likes of the highly respected Alan Gourgey QC, who is "a fantastic advocate" with an enviable reputation for his efforts in disputes involving joint ventures, franchising, commodities contracts, share sale agreements and banking issues. His work is taking on an increasingly international dimension. Another new and highly prized acquisition is "top-quality lawyer" Lexa Hilliard QC, who joins from 3-4 South Square. Among her recent cases, she has acted in a shareholder dispute pertaining to a pharmaceutical company, and is appearing in a similar dispute regarding a group of companies operating in Australia and the United Arab Emirates. This "canny tactician" has also handled a number of professional negligence actions against law and accountancy firms.

Sources recommend senior junior Tim Penny as a "superb and charming advocate." A lot of his work before the Chancery Division is fraud-related, or else involves claims of breach of fiduciary duty. He has been busy of late acting in the matter of Jenington & Others v Assaubayev & Others, a major piece of litigation concerning fraud claims against the former controllers of a Kazakh mining operation. Distinguished colleague Edward Cohen has a well-deserved reputation at the Chancery Bar and beyond for his work on all manner of commercial chancery cases, ranging from contract and shareholder disputes to property litigation and tax avoidance claims. A "very bright man who is doing very well," Jonathan Lopian has a chancery practice that is roughly equally divided between insolvency and company law disputes arising from breaches of contract, breaches of fiduciary duty and the disqualification of directors. Birgitta Meyer also impresses market sources with her forceful and effective advocacy. A number of legal areas make up her practice, among them insolvency, an area in which she is considered an expert. Iain Pester comes highly recommended for his strong work across the spectrum of commercial chancery. His work takes in contract, shareholder, partnership and joint venture disputes, as well as insolvency and fraud actions. His good working knowledge of German and Russian are appreciated by clients from CEE. Finally, Jamie Riley enjoys a growing profile due to the strength of his varied company, fraud and insolvency law practice. He has an interesting line in sports and media law as well. Max Mallin enjoys the support of instructing solicitors for the depth and breadth of his knowledge base. His extensive understanding of financial disputes is underlined by his background in investment banking. David Peters provides guidance on a diverse selection of concerns spanning company, partnership, contractual and insolvency disputes. Highlights include acting for the All England Lawn Tennis Club over urgent relief on the illegal resale of Wimbledon tickets. (Commercial Chancery, Chambers UK 2012)

Leading silk and junior for commercial dispute resolution - Chambers UK 2012

Alan Gourgey QC of 11 Stone Buildings is a particular favourite amongst solicitors thanks to his "hands-on approach" and "easy manner with clients." They further note: "He quickly grasps, and then clearly explains, the most complex of issues." He recently advised Hawksford Trustees on various claims valued at between £10 million and £20 million relating to a share sale agreement for a travel group of companies. At the same set, Max Mallin also impresses market observers as an "astute and user-friendly" junior. Having worked in international investment banking before being called to the Bar, Mallin's practice is centred on commercial disputes arising within financial markets. (Commercial Dispute Resolution, Chambers UK 2012)

A leading set for commercial litigation - Legal 500 2011

11 Stone Buildings' commercial litigation offering was significantly enhanced by the arrival of Jeremy Cousins QC from Selborne Chambers. The set has "a real star" in Alan Gourgey QC, who is "a first-rate trial advocate and tactician" whose "understanding of complex expert accounting and forensic issues is second to none". Tina Kyriakides is noted for her "quiet approach, which cuts through the issues to produce excellent outcomes". (Commercial Litigation, Legal 500 2011)

For a full overview of the directories' testimonials over the years, please click here.

Our commercial barristers are: