Chancery and Commercial

The group comprises 10 junior barristers ranging from over 20 years call to very recent call. Members of the group have experience in all areas of mercantile law and Chambers were instructed in the first case ever issued out of the Mercantile Court in Leeds.

Members of the group are commercially orientated and a number have experience of running commercial enterprises themselves. Consequently, we understand that clients have demands on their time and, in many cases, a clear view of what they want out of a dispute. We aim to deliver early and appropriate advice to clients, inform them of what is possible and what is likely – often different things – and work with them to obtain a commercially satisfactory result.

We regularly become involved in cases before correspondence has passed between the parties and are equally regularly instructed on an urgent basis. It is intrinsic to our approach that we balance the commercial realities of litigation against the likely result, so clients understand the risks they are taking. Mediation is always considered; we are experienced in drafting the necessary documentation and representing clients (with or without the solicitors’ presence).

Procedurally, the group covers everything from drafting protocol letters and applying for interim injunctions, through all case management issues, to trial and appeal representation. Substantively, the group’s commercial work covers standard commercial dealings including all contractual disputes and professional negligence focussing particularly on solicitors and accountants but extending to building disputes and surveyors/architects’ negligence. Chancery includes commercial and traditional chancery work. We deal with partnership disputes, land law matters, trusts, Inheritance Act claims, insolvency, share dealings and the construction of agreements. Some members of the group also have non-litigious practices dealing with the drafting of clauses in commercial contracts and professional guidance and advice. Elizabeth Darlington is an author of Sweet and Maxwell’s recent “Cohabitation and Trusts of Land”, with which Catherine Knowles assisted.

All paperwork is dealt with within mutually agreed time limits. The group operates a continuing education policy which ensures that membership involves keeping up to date. Peer review of work keeps standards consistent. Phone calls are returned promptly. The clerks regularly monitor satisfaction levels. We are told that we are friendly and easy to work with.

The civil clerks are Moira Paxton and Janet Jackson, either of whom will be pleased to give you further information.