Christopher Nugee QC

Practice Overview

Christopher has a largely litigation practice covering both commercial and traditional chancery and general commercial work, including pensions, real property, landlord and tenant, trusts, professional liability, oil and gas, and electricity contracts.  

He is a versatile advocate with considerable experience of appellate work.  In 2009 he had appeared in the House of Lords in a leading case on the interpretation and rectification of contracts, and three times in the Court of Appeal (twice for the DWP on technical pensions issues and once on whether a virtual assignment of a lease is in breach of covenant). 

Other notable cases in the House of Lords, Privy Council and Court of Appeal cover such diverse issues as: the reverter of land under the School Sites Act; the validity of charitable trusts; the treatment of offshore trusts in ancillary relief proceedings; the duties of receivers in selling land; the jurisdiction of the Pensions Ombudsman over insurance companies; and the date of knowledge for limitation purposes in a professional negligence claim. 

He sits regularly in the Chancery division as a Deputy High Court Judge

Professional Reputation

Chambers & Partners: traditional chancery

'"An extremely good appellate advocate" who is "astute, practical and fantastic with clients", Chris Nugee QC climbs to the top of the rankings this year on the back of euphoric feedback from clients and peers alike".' (2008)

'Christopher Nugee QC is seen as "smooth, effortless and at the top of his game".' (2009)

Chambers & Partners: commercial chancery

'The "spectacularly good" Christopher Nugee QC "always goes the extra mile" and impresses all those who encounter him due to his "burning intelligence" and is "one of the most original and versatile advocates at the Bar".' (2009)

Chambers & Partners: Pensions

'Commentators note that he is "absolutely brilliant if you have a complicated problem".' (2009)

Legal 500: Pensions

'Praised as "technically brilliant".' (2008) 

'"one of the best all-round silks".' (2008) 

Qualifications & Appointments

Christopher Nugee obtained a First Class degree in Classics from Oxford and a Diploma in Law with Distinction before being called to the Bar in 1983. He was awarded the Inner Temple's senior examination scholarship and the Treasurer's Prize (for the highest marks in Bar Finals for a member of the inn); and in 1984 an Eldon Law Scholarship from Oxford University.

He took silk in 1998, was appointed recorder in 2002 and authorised to sit as a deputy High Court judge in 2003.

Memberships

• Chancery Bar Association
• Commercial Bar Association
• Property Bar Association
• Association of Pension Lawyers (he was previously on the main committee and is currently a member of the Pensions Litigation Committee).