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, particularly on technical aspects of pensions and property.  Since 2009 he has appeared in the House of Lords in Chartbrook v Persimmon (interpretation and rectification of contracts), and 7 times in the Court of Appeal (twice for the DWP on technical pensions issues, and otherwise on cases concerning land registration and re-opening of appeals, police injury pensions, a break clause in a lease, the tort of abuse of process and the virtual assignment of a lease). 

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 acknowledgment of a mortgage debt for limitation purposes; 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 and has recently been appointed as a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey.

Professional Reputation

Chambers Global, 2011

"Extremely compelling advocate" Christopher Nugee QC is highlighted for his "uncanny knack of exceeding expectations at every turn." He recently represented Land Securities in its dispute with Fladgate Fielder arising from a development at Oxford Street.

Chambers & Partners: traditional chancery

'Christopher Nugee QC draws similar praise for his unflappability. Interviewees praised his "clear thinking, intellectual prowess and superior advocacy skills".' (2010)

'Highly favoured among those seeking an advocate who can "fight his clients' corner until the very end." Excellent at contentious trust litigation, he is popular as he "remains calm and shows great judgment in tight situations." (2011)

Chambers & Partners: commercial chancery

'The hugely respected Christopher Nugee QC ... is "extremely bright, pleasant and down to earth" say client sources who are particularly impressed by "his obviously huge intellect and willingness to get his hands dirty".' (2010)

Christopher Nugee QC, wins over that not insignificant base of clients who wish to avoid aloof or grandstanding barristers. "He is tremendously grounded and ordinary," sources enthuse, "and has an uncanny knack of exceeding expectations at every turn." His "amazing powers of focus" and "exemplary knowledge of his subject" were much commented upon. ' (2011)

Chambers & Partners: Pensions

'Another standout silk is the "immensely clever" Christopher Nugee QC, whose broad-ranging legal knowledge goes beyond specialist pensions and trust issues.  Among his greatest strengths are his "pragmatic and practical approach and ability to present complex issues in a simple way."  Clients are also impressed by his "seemingly effortless style and highly approachable manner," in addition to his "clear, concise written opinions and excellent conference skills".' (2010)  

'One of the standout leaders at the Pensions Bar. Sources comment on his intellect, stating that "he has a mind like a Swiss watch." In court he has one of the most effective advocacy styles around - "rather than trying to harangue the court he comes across as wanting to help the judge. The consequence is that the Bench really listens to him".'  (2011)

Chambers & Partners: Real Estate Litigation

'Another towering presence at the set is Christopher Nugee QC, whose practice takes in a variety of chancery and real estate disputes. "He is bright, able and shows great mastery of the law" sources say. ' (2010)

"a very attractive advocate who is easy to listen to because he makes it all interesting; you have a feeling that things are happening when Nugee is talking, and judges lap it up." The scope and quality of his advocacy leaves commentators with the impression that "there is seemingly nothing that is beyond his capabilities." (2011)

Legal 500: Pensions

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

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

"simplifies the most difficult concepts into a persuasive package" (2011).

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.

He was appointed a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey in 2011.

Memberships

• Chancery Bar Association
• Property Bar Association
• Association of Pension Lawyers