Selected recommendation:
Rankings
Chambers Global 2026
We are delighted to announce that Wilberforce has achieved 81 individual rankings in the latest edition of Chambers Global. The full list of those recommended is below:
The full chambers global guide can be viewed online here.
Our expertise
Select an expertise from the filter below to learn more.
UK - Dispute Resolution: Commercial (Leading set)
Wilberforce Chambers has at its disposal a strong bench of commercial barristers, with particularly impressive capability at silk level. Its members are capable of handling a wide spectrum of commercial matters, including cases arising out of company law, insolvency and civil fraud. The set’s barristers are well known for their ability to represent clients in international disputes and regularly appear in a range of jurisdictions, such as Hong Kong, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Recently, its members have appeared in Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan and others, a high-value fraud claim; Steenbok & Anr v Formal Holdings and others, a case arising from a major South African public sector accounting fraud scandal; Invest Bank v El-Husseini, a claim seeking relief under Section 423 of the Insolvency Act; and Bourlakova & Others v Bourlakov & Others, a USD3 billion family dispute concerning alleged fraud. Its members also continue to act on Tulip LLP v Bitcoin Association, a very high-profile case from the crypto sector. One interviewee commented: “If a matter is extremely complicated, then Wilberforce is the first choice.”
Client Service
“I have been particularly impressed by senior practice manager Fraser Geddes in the clerks room. He always anticipates my needs before I have voiced them.”
“Senior practice manager Antonia Matthews is responsive and proactive. She is a pleasure to work with.”
“Wilberforce has very effective practice managers.”
“The clerks run a very well-oiled machine. They are very responsive and happy to answer questions.”
Leading Silks
“John is very brave and probably the best advocate I have worked with. He is intellectually very strong and happy to become part of the team.”
“He is ruthless at cross-examination.”
“Alan is a complete all-rounder, loved by clients, who makes every member of the team feel valued. He’s a man with a brilliant legal mind, who’s a ferocious cross-examiner.”
“He is just incredibly good at devising strategy and working with everyone to pull things together. I’ve never seen such leadership. He instils confidence in both solicitors and clients.”
“Alan Gourgey is thorough, quick-minded and willing to argue difficult legal arguments for the benefit of the client.”
“He is a hard-working, bright silk.”
“Tim is excellent at dealing with clients. He is also responsive and leads his team of juniors really well.”
“Tim is a superb silk and an excellent cross-examiner. He is very smooth and reads judges well.”
“Tim is the king of resolving knotty issues. You can present him with the most shocking of cases and he’ll find a way through.”
“Tim is thorough, knowledgeable, persuasive and exceptionally personable.”
“He is one of the best trial lawyers around.”
“A man who produces fluent advocacy. He is delightful to listen to when he’s in court.”
“His advocacy alone can make the difference between winning and losing.”
“Superb in terms of her legal analysis, brilliant with clients and someone who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to bear.”
“She is always available, affable and disarmingly candid.”
“There is nothing Marcia doesn’t know about insolvency. She thinks about tactics five or six steps ahead.”
“James is very bright and can review and analyse huge amounts of documents very quickly. He also has broad knowledge, can advise strategically and is a brilliant advocate.”
“Incredibly user-friendly, commercial and sensible, he will find solutions to matters”
“Max Mallin is a former investment banker, who is very numerate and good at picking up detail in cases involving banking or accountancy issues. His advocacy style is very compelling.”
“Terence has a very fine reputation in the commercial litigation space”
“A man with a first-class brain, who is excellent on his feet.”
“Bobby is a tenacious and extremely impressive barrister, who is highly commercial in his mindset and excellent on his feet”
“Bobby Friedman is a very good advocate, who is very good at coming up with creative solutions. His written work is exceptional.”
“Bobby Friedman is a delight to instruct. He is a very smart and intuitive lawyer.”
“I liked Jack Watson a lot. He was out to impress and did impress. He was hard-working, his pleadings were good, and he was both accessible and personable”
“Jack is exceptional across the board, including in his written work.”
Leading juniors
“Sri Carmichael is very talented and one to watch.”
“I was incredibly impressed by Sri’s time management and her work ethic.”
“James has this inherent ability to have incredibly difficult discussions with clients in a way that leaves them feeling confident and that they’ve got the best advice out there. He’s excellent.”
“James Walmsley has extraordinary brain power, which is only matched by his extraordinary eye for detail. He is also a delight to work with on a personal basis.”
“You can leave James to run a case happily. He is a very careful barrister, whose skeleton arguments are really a work of perfection.”
“Tim has very good drafting skills and is all over the detail. His ability to get through a huge amount of work is amazing.”
“Tim Matthewson’s attention to detail is superb. He never misses the important, finer points while considering the bigger picture.
“Tim displays precision and is extremely detail-oriented. He is a compelling advocate, who got us what we wanted; he really covered all the bases.”
“An excellent barrister, who is all over the detail. He is creative as well in terms of coming up with new options and workarounds.”
“Stephen Brown is astute, commercially minded and someone who has great international knowledge.”
“Stephen is excellent. He has the benefit of years of experience as a solicitor. His USP is that he knows exactly what a solicitor needs.”
UK - Dispute Resolution: Chancery Commercial (Leading set)
Wilberforce Chambers is an impressive set, noted for its expertise in complex commercial chancery litigation arising in the UK and across several international and offshore jurisdictions. The barristers here are recognised by interviewees for their “first-rate intellect and advocacy” and “ability to spot points that others don’t.” It is also regularly instructed in company, insolvency and civil fraud disputes, and offers considerable strength when undertaking complex commercial litigation involving elements of pensions, trusts and property law. Members are instructed in high-profile matters of the greatest complexity, including Public Institution for Social Security v Al-Rajaan, a high-value fraud case arising from alleged bribery of the claimant’s former director general; and Steenbok and another v Formal Holdings and others, widely reported as South Africa’s largest ever private sector accounting fraud scandal, which led to the near collapse of Steinhoff International Holdings NV. The set was also involved in Mitchell v Al Jaber, a USD3 billion breach of fiduciary duties claim arising out of the liquidation of a company sitting within the MBI group.
Client Service
“The clerking is very efficient and effective. The clerks are very good at getting us into court at short notice when we’re in difficulties.”
“The clerks have been accommodating with fee structures and the timings of payments.”
“The clerks are excellent and highly responsive.”
“Wilberforce’s clerks are excellent, particularly Deputy Practice Director Andrew Barnes.”
“If you want to find out when a particular judge might be able to hear something, the clerks are on very close terms, so that’s very valuable.”
Leading Silks
“The speed at which he works is second to none.”
“His cross-examination is astonishing. He makes the job look easy.”
“Alan is just incredibly good at devising strategy, and also good at working with everyone to pull things together. He instils confidence in both solicitors and clients.”
“Alan is very thorough and quick in his turnaround of work. He’s also willing to argue difficult legal arguments for the benefit of the client.”
“Alan Gourgey is an all-round marvel. Clients love him, as he delivers clear and robust advice, and judges and tribunals eat out of his hand.”
“John is calm, relaxed and experienced. He knows the issues in the case straightaway.”
“John stands by his word and fights to the death. He is a robust and eloquent advocate.”
“John is very brave, happy to become part of the team and very good with clients. He’s also not someone to not sit on the fence.”
“Thomas is a great advocate and tactician. Overall, he is an outstanding barrister.”
“Thomas is an engaging and superb advocate, amongst the highest quality you can get at the Bar.”
“Thomas is an astute barrister, who makes himself available to solicitors and is charming with judges.”
“He is an excellent, extremely polished advocate, who is really good at firefighting when difficult moments arise in a case.”
“Tom is a very persuasive advocate, who is pleasingly theatrical in court.”
“Clare is an amazing advocate; judges love her. I go to her when I want to instruct a silk that knows Cayman law backwards and is known to the judges.”
“Clare is able to package up complex ideas and present them in a way that is easily understandable for both lawyers and lay clients.”
“Clare is very thorough and clients really like her.”
“Clare knows the offshore market inside out and is a ferocious cross-examiner. She has a wonderful breadth of experience.”
“His advocacy is very compelling. I couldn’t imagine another narrative once I’d heard Fenner because he was so convincing.”
“Fenner has this extraordinary ability to explain complex concepts in layman’s terms.”
“Fenner has a particular instinct and the ability to guess how the wind will blow. He is immensely helpful to have on your team.”
“Fenner is highly intelligent and has a great way with clients. He gets in the trenches with the instructing solicitor and gives robust advice.”
“Fenner is an impressive advocate. He is highly erudite but also brilliantly down to earth with clients.”
“Terence is a well-focused, organised barrister with an encyclopaedic mind.”
“Terence is an impressive presence in court.”
“Terence is a glorious man who loves speaking to juniors and assisting them.”
“Terence is very robust, cool in cross-examination and someone who has the ear of the court.”
“Terence is a tour de force and a superb commander in the warfare of litigation.”
“Tim is a very good advocate and a very considered thinker. He gets involved in cases and is a pleasure to work with”
“Tim is very tenacious and easy to deal with.”
“Tim is forensically second-to-none in terms of his propensity for getting into detail on complex fraud cases. He is also such a nice guy and so user-friendly.“
“Lexa is a legend of the corporate and commercial Bar and a fearless advocate. She is the one you want on your side.”
“Lexa is personable, tenacious and easy to get on with. She is effective and gives very good advice.”
“I’ve never met someone who is so completely tireless in trying to get a result for her client. Lexa is an absolutely ferocious advocate.”
“Lexa is such a specialist in insolvency. She has seen it all and always has the answer”
“She is so smart, but also approachable and easy to work with. She is simply a delight.”
“Nikki is a determined yet elegant advocate, who really provides a Rolls Royce service.”
“Nikki will roll up his sleeves and get into the detail. He’s also very good at managing clients.”
“Thomas is a very clever barrister, who has so much experience and is so relaxed with it. However much work he has on, he’s calm and has an answer.”
“Thomas is extremely bright.”
“Tiffany is a versatile, quality barrister, who is utterly reliable, incredibly hardworking and never prone to hyperbole. You can rely on her to tell you that you can’t just ignore issues.”
“Tiffany is really good. She is nice, reassuring and someone who gives very clear advice.“
“Andrew is understated and razor sharp.”
“Andrew Mold KC has a very good courtroom demeanour. He’s very diligent, always across the papers, and very good to work with.”
“Andrew never lets you down. Clever, practical and commercial, he’s really good on the law and a fine all rounder.”
“Andrew’s advocacy and sense of judgment impress. He shows impeccable attention to detail and is a pleasure to instruct.”
“James is incredibly commercial and turns around cases quickly. He is very flamboyant in his advocacy and just brilliant”
“James has a broad knowledge of the law and thinks strategically. He reviews and analyses huge amounts of documents very quickly and is brilliant at trial. “
“James is extremely bright and always gets to the root of the problem. Extremely hardworking and personable, he’s a highly effective advocate.”
“Marcia is a highly technical expert with a great sense of humour, who knows how to diffuse difficult situations.”
“Marcia is a phenomenal advocate, who thinks about tactics five or six steps ahead. She takes no rubbish – if she sees it, she will call it out. “
“Thomas is tactful, precise, good on the detail and extremely pleasant to deal with. He’s also very good at drafting.”
“Thomas is brilliant and highly pragmatic. He gets all over the detail very quickly and gives very robust, clear advice.”
“Thomas is calm, highly intelligent and a good team player. He’s also very personable and easy to deal with for that reason.”
“Thomas is clever beyond his years and never afraid to offer an opinion. He gives clear advice and has encyclopedic knowledge of the law, which I’ve seen judges go out of their way to commend.”
“Thomas is really clever, very responsive and nice to work with. His paperwork is also excellent. “
“Bobby is incredibly confident and well versed in the law. A very popular member of the team, he manages his caseload well and thinks about the strategy and what’s to come next.”
“Bobby is incredibly clever and incredibly hardworking”
“Bobby is a very strong advocate, who is clearly respected by judges. He thinks through all of the angles of a case and has very good judgment.”
“Jack was just brilliant. He just got to grips with the issues so quickly – it was really impressive. A real asset on any case, he just knows his stuff.”
“Jack is calm, clear, pragmatic and very easy to use. He is very knowledgeable and you feel like you are in very, very good hands with him.”
“Hardworking, accessible and personable, he’s a good team player.”
Leading Juniors
“Edward gives really clear, concise advice, and is very open to discussing follow up points and challenges.”
“Edward is great at navigating practical challenges and coming up with creative legal solutions that work for clients. “
“Graeme is a very good advocate in court whose legal knowledge, strategy and written skeleton arguments are all to a high standard. He is also very responsive.”
“Graeme is on top of it all. He produces clear skeletons and is a very good advocate in written work and on his feet. I would always recommend him for anything heavy and complicated.”
“Graeme is on top of it all. He produces clear skeletons and is a very good advocate in written work and on his feet. I would always recommend him for anything heavy and complicated.”
“Graeme is operating far beyond his years. He is a terrifying cross examiner, who is consistently phenomenal on his feet and very user friendly.”
“Emer has relentless energy and is never overwhelmed by there being a huge amount to work through. She’s a good advocate, who is straight forward and produces really clear, cogent advocacy.”
“Emer doesn’t flip flop – once she forms a views it remains consistent throughout. She also has excellent client handling skills, especially in time pressured circumstances.”
“Emer argues extremely well under pressure. She is destined for great and wonderful things.”
“James is really good at predicting what the court is going to do. The best thing about him is his hands-on practical ability and the fact that he knows how things are going to play out.”
“James is a very intelligent, strategic thinker, who comes up with clever ideas nobody else has thought about seemingly. He makes a difference.”
“Tom is an ideal junior and an expert referral point if you want quick advice that you can rely on”
“Tom’s submissions are very strong, analytical and prepared in almost no time at all. It’s a pleasure to work with him.”
“Tom Roscoe got on top of the detail and delivered some really excellent written work. He did it with ease, which was great.”
“A powerful advocate, who was a pleasure to deal with. He was very happy to jump on the phone and go through points with us.”
“Anna has incredibly good judgement and thinks things through to the end. A thoughtful barrister, she sees all the traps and is very good on strategy and detail.”
“Anna is so user friendly, so bright and so thorough. You can rely on her to get to the crux of the matter and do it quickly.”
“Sometimes junior counsel can be precious about getting dirty with the facts of the case but Anna dove straight in. She is really articulate and unbelievably kind to work with.”
“Anna is precise, conscientious and someone with a keen eye for detail and an ability to cut through complexities.”
“Jonathan Chew is a good team player, who is great to deal with. He’s very calm, good on his feet and someone whose advocacy impresses.”
“Jonathan is the bee’s knees for matters regarding finance and property, and has real intellectual firepower.”
“Jonathan Chew is excellent and a really good team player.”
“Tim is an outstanding barrister who always demonstrates a superb grasp of the complex facts of a case. His advocacy in court is thoughtful, measured and well received by judges.”
“Tim has precision and is extremely detail-oriented. He really covers all the bases, and is a compelling advocate, who got us what we wanted”
“Tim is extremely easy to work with and understands the whole picture. He does not miss a thing.”
“Tim is pragmatic, all over the detail and someone who appreciates the commercial drivers behind the client. His oral advocacy is concise and incredibly convincing.”
“Tim provides very incisive advice and speedily turns around paperwork. He’s a very considered advocate, who is so very hardworking.”
“Philippe is someone who can take on the work of two or three barristers at once. He demonstrates knowledge of the law well beyond his years and is great at discerning the best strategy.”
“Philippe Kuhn possesses depth of expertise and advocacy skills that enable him to navigate the most intricate legal challenges with confidence and precision.”
“Lovely to work with, Philippe is a first rate lawyer, who is incredibly attentive and detail focused. His work is first rate and nothing is too much trouble.”
“Philippe is calm under pressure. The calibre of his legal mind and analysis stands out, as do his work product and the ease with which he goes out of his way to help.”
UK - Offshore (Leading set)
Wilberforce Chambers offers significant strength and depth in all the major offshore jurisdictions, including those in the Channel Islands, the Caribbean and Asia. An instructing solicitor reports: “Wilberforce Chambers has extensive experience and deep talent at all levels.” Another source says: “It is a go-to for cases involving large complex trust structures, particularly where there is an offshore element.” Members of the set are instructed to act in matters such as trust litigation, high-value commercial disputes, fraud claims and insolvency matters. Its barristers continue to appear in a number of high-profile cases, such as FamilyMart Holding v Ting Chuan.
Client Service
“Nick Luckman is one of the most creative and proactive clerks out there.”
“The clerking team is cohesive and close-knit and available at all times of the day and night.”
“The Wilberforce clerks are all excellent, reliable and provide a great service.”
“The clerks are one of the most sophisticated and established outfits out there. They really know what they are doing.”
Leading Silks
Brian Green KC is a market leader in chancery work who is regularly instructed by solicitors due to his ability to handle the most complex and high-profile litigation. He has a wide-ranging practice, but proves particularly adept at cases concerning trusts and pensions. He has handled extremely high-value matters in Bermuda, the BVI and the Channel Islands.
“Brian Green is a very talented advocate and is incredibly hardworking.”
“He is the leading advocate on matters of trust law.”
Clare Stanley KCis noted for her commercial and company law practice, encompassing the likes of insolvency and fraud matters. She has further expertise in handling trust dispute cases. She is well versed in the intricacies of acting in a number of offshore jurisdictions, frequently the Cayman Islands.
“Clare is technically brilliant. She is able to see her way through a myriad of issues very easily.”
“Clare is extremely engaging and ready to cut to the essence of what’s important in client calls.”
“She knows the offshore market inside out, knows the judges and is a ferocious cross-examiner.
“Clare is very good at taking a strategic approach to her advocacy.”
Jonathan Hilliard KC has an excellent reputation for trusts and commercial litigation work. His practice has led him to act in the Channel Islands, Bermuda and the BVI, among other jurisdictions. Hilliard regularly leads in particularly high-value, multi-jurisdictional trust disputes.
“His drafting is top notch.”
“Jonathan is a force of nature you need on your case. He is across every possible angle, prepared for every eventuality and extremely user-friendly and responsive.“
Robert Ham KCis a very highly regarded practitioner who receives effusive praise for his outstanding efforts in private client work, tax law and pensions. He acts in trusts cases in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, among other jurisdictions.
“Robert is one of the most well-respected KCs in the private wealth field.”
Thomas Lowe KC has a wealth of experience appearing in the Cayman Islands and the BVI, acting in a wide range of private client disputes and contentious trust matters. He has a particular forte in handling litigation following the collapse of investment structures and regularly acts in disputes between fund managers. He is frequently called upon by commercial clients, and provides expertise in matters relating to fraud and insolvency.
“Tom is unquestionably the superstar of the offshore bar. BVI and Cayman lawyers have zero hesitation in fielding Tom against any silk or team of them. There are none better. He is my first choice.”
“Thomas Lowe is an exceptional advocate. He can persuade the court on the most difficult of cases.
“Tom Lowe is the leading commercial silk in the Cayman Islands.”
Thomas Grant KC is a highly regarded offshore practitioner with in-depth knowledge of fraud matters. He has a wide experience in commercial matters including share disputes, breach of duty and commodities matters. Grant has appeared in the BVI, Cayman and Hong Kong, among other jurisdictions.
“Thomas is concise, clever and a strong courtroom presence. His knowledge of the law on fraud is not bettered and he is the apex of the London Bar in fraud claims at this time.”
“An extremely proactive silk with fantastic advocacy skills.”
Gilead Cooper KC has a great standing in offshore litigation and has noted ability in trusts, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and professional negligence disputes. He also handles property disputes and art law. Cooper’s practice spans across offshore jurisdictions, including the BVI, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the Channel Islands.
“Gilead Cooper comes well equipped with a fierce intellect and enjoyment of the law.”
“He is just the most user-friendly barrister.”
John Wardell KC has a strong commercial and company law practice and a broad range of expertise, which includes fraud and breach of fiduciary duty cases. He is admitted to the Bar in the BVI, and has further experience in the Cayman Islands and the Turks & Caicos Islands. Wardell’s expertise also covers joint venture agreements and partnerships.
“John Wardell is probably the best advocate I have worked with and is intellectually very strong.”
Michael Furness KC is an impressive silk who is especially knowledgeable in trusts and tax disputes. His practice regularly leads him to appear in Bermudian trust cases, and he has experience acting in Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal. He also provides counsel on professional negligence claims.
“He is a delight to work with, intellectually very able and asks penetrating questions that find the pivoting point in a matter”
“He always strives to do the best for the client and has the ability to simplify complex legal issues for advocacy and client management purposes.”
“He is a very experienced advocate and knows Bermuda-related issues very well.”
Terence Mowschenson KC is a popular and much-admired chancery silk who has undertaken a range of banking, finance and company cases worldwide. His practice also encompasses joint ventures and partnerships. He has appeared in a wide range of jurisdictions, including Gibraltar, the Cayman Islands and the BVI. He has additional expertise in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
“Our go-to silk for most matters.”
Andrew Mold KC adroitly handles a diverse range of traditional and commercial chancery matters, demonstrating considerable strength in cases concerning trusts, professional liability and company law. He has been admitted to the Cayman Islands Bar, and his practice has led him to litigate or advise on matters in Bermuda, Gibraltar and the BVI. He is experienced in intra-family disputes including high-value divorce proceedings.
“Andrew’s advocacy and sense of judgement on his feet is extremely impressive. He has an impeccable attention to detail and is also approachable and a pleasure to instruct.”
Nikki Singla KC is a highly regarded performer with experience appearing for clients in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Mauritius and the Channel Islands. Solicitors turn to him for advice on a wide range of commercial and business cases, and admire him for his specialist trusts expertise. His clients include high net worth families and trustees. He regularly handles shareholder disputes, negligence and joint venture ownership disputes, among others.
“Nikki is very good in court and his advocacy was excellent.”
“He is brilliant, user-friendly and commercial. “
Leading Juniors
Graeme Halkerston is very well acquainted with the offshore market, having worked for several years as a partner in a leading firm in the Cayman Islands. The bulk of his work is BVI or Cayman Islands-based. He maintains a diverse and dynamic commercial litigation practice and has strengths in banking and financial disputes, restructuring proceedings and cross-border fraud. He remains active in high-value offshore liquidation matters and shareholder disputes.
“His legal knowledge, strategy and written skeleton arguments are all of a high standard.”
“He’s a very effective advocate on his feet.”
Anna Littler has a strong offshore practice focusing on commercial chancery disputes, which has led her to act in the Bermudan courts. She regularly undertakes litigation involving high-value trusts. Her expertise encompasses fraud claims and insolvency.
“Anna is extremely professional, very knowledgeable and a very experienced barrister to deal with. .”
“One of my favourite juniors, she is so user-friendly and so bright and thorough.”
Tom Roscoe is recognised as a prominent junior in the offshore trusts and commercial disputes space. He acts in notable trust liquidations and shareholder disputes. He has ample experience appearing unled in courts across the Caribbean, notably in the BVI. He has additional exposure to matters in the Channel Islands and the DIFC.
“Tom ensures quick turnaround but ensures things are carefully considered. An ideal junior.”
“I have been enormously impressed with his command of his subject matter and his ever-impressive advocacy. “
Elizabeth Houghton is an extremely experienced offshore litigator who is very adept at handling matters involving high-value trusts. She has appeared in mandates in Bermuda, Isle of Man and Jersey, among others.
“Elizabeth’s attention to detail and assessment of pertinent points was extremely impressive. She was such an invaluable asset to the team as a whole.”
“She is very hot on the details and you have confidence that she has picked everything up.”
UK - Private Wealth: Tax (Leading set)
Wilberforce Chambers is widely known as one of London’s top chancery sets and regularly involved in the largest litigation matters in the UK and offshore. It also has a high-end tax practice for private client matters. Solicitors report Wilberforce’s barristers can “handle matters of the highest factual and technical complexity”.
Client Service
“Wilberforce show great communication to clarify any areas of complication which need exploring.”
Leading Silks
Jonathan Davey KC is well known for his work in high-level tax litigation. Davey has handled many of the largest tax scheme cases in recent years, among other high-value litigation.
“Jonathan Davey is a real pleasure to work with. He is calm, composed and an excellent advocate.”
“Jonathan is a fantastic advocate and an excellent person to work with.”
Brian Green KC has a broad practice which includes advising on trusts tax matters. Green is well known as an expert in complex traditional chancery work and regularly advises on offshore tax matters relating to offshore trust structures.
“When Brian is on your side he throws utter commitment at the case. He is all over every detail while having an unparalleled ability to build a strategic view to achieve his clients’ best interests..”
“Brian is the consummate professional. He is someone who is fiercely intellectual, charming and solutions-driven.”
“Brian Green continues to be extremely impressive in terms of his ability to provide high-level strategic advice on complex matters while focusing on granular detail.”
UK - Private Wealth: Trusts
The substantial team based at Wilberforce Chambers is routinely praised for its ability to “understand trusts both from a legal sense and commercially speaking” and to “tailor advice in ways which allows clients to not only understand the legal position, but also how it applies to their specific situation.” Its barristers have considerable experience of handling high-profile trusts matters including those pertaining to the administration of estates, trust issues in matrimonial proceedings and international disputes. Recent highlights include Wong v Grand View Private Trust Company Ltd and ors.
Client Service
“The clerks are very responsive, very good and very helpful in finding the right people for us at the right level.”
“Wilberforce’s clerks are excellent. The great thing is you can go to any of the clerks and know you will be looked after.”
“The clerks are great and operate as part of a cohesive and close-knit clerking team. They’re available at all times of the day and night, and are clear on the capacity of their barristers.”
“Senior practice manager Fraser Geddes is very responsible and highly commercial. They will always go the extra mile.”
Leading Silks
Andrew Mold KC has particular expertise in breach of trust and breach of fiduciary duty claims. He is also known for his skill with regard to the treatment of trust assets in high-value divorce cases. His experience extends to offshore disputes and he is also admitted to the Cayman Islands Bar.
“Andrew comes up with good commercial points exactly when needed.”
“Andrew is meticulous, technically excellent and an absolute joy to work with. He is very clear and practical when giving advice.”
“Andrew Mold inspires trust in our clients.”
“Andrew is commercially and strategically brilliant. He has a sharp mind and is able to get into the weeds without ever losing sight of the bigger picture. “
“Andrew is technically impressive but has no ego. He’s easy to work with, he understands what the client wants and he is always client-focused in his advice.”
Brian Green KC is lauded as one of the foremost trusts barristers. He handles a broad range of both domestic and international cases, and is particularly recognised for his offshore expertise and his handling of disputes involving the variation of trusts. His recent advisory work has centred on trusts in the Bahamas, the Cook Islands, Gibraltar and New Zealand.
“Brian is obviously fantastic and his reputation speaks for itself. He is a real heavyweight counsel, whose views are given enormous respect by overseas judges.”
“Brian gets to grips with the issues incredibly quickly. He has a great way of understanding and explaining things, and has the capacity to tackles complex issues in writing very promptly.”
“Brian is unmatched in his field. He’s a genuine powerhouse of a legal thinker and a great strategist who is a pleasure to work with. His knowledge and insight are without equal.”
“Brian is very good. He is able to explain very complex concepts to lay clients in a simple way.”
Clare Stanley KC boasts a strong reputation for handling matters including trusts and probate, commercial litigation and professional negligence cases. She is experienced in contentious trusts litigation between beneficiaries and trustees, international trusts litigation and trust arbitration.
“Clare is technically brilliant and able to see her way through a myriad of issues very easily. A pleasure to work with, she is unflappable and exceptional when before the court.”
“A barrister with a phenomenal brain, she really thinks things through and explains things to clients in a way that they can understand.”
“Clare is a very prepared and forceful advocate who is fun, hardworking and incredibly bright. What sets her apart is how calm she stays throughout.”
“Clare has got a great reputation, is robust in her views and is willing to take a position. She doesn’t sit on the fence and that comes from experience.”
“Clare is great to work with and is a silk at the top of her game. She’s highly technically skilled and a great advocate.”
Fenner Moeran KC is known for handling sensitive trusts disputes involving complex family situations. He often acts for large financial institutions and has developed a substantial offshore disputes practice.
“Clearly a highly knowledgeable barrister, but also an energetic individual that makes you feel there will be some momentum behind the advice he gives.”
“Fenner just deploys his experience to really good effect and achieves constrictive solutions for clients. He is an excellent advocate, who is a very reassuring presence for judges.”
“Fenner has this extraordinary ability to explain complex concepts in layman’s terms. He can understand complex briefs quickly and efficiently.”
“Fenner is extremely knowledgeable in his subject field, He is a robust, diligent and persuasive advocate.”
“Fenner is experienced and has a killer instinct for getting to the heart of the matter. He understands how things will work from the outset.”
Gilead Cooper KC is instructed in some of the most important and high-profile trusts cases of recent years. He has a well-regarded international practice and acts for many significant clients in this area. Cooper is admitted to the BVI Bar and frequently appears in the courts of the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong.
“A man with a great intellect, who is very imaginative and thinks laterally. Gilead is accessible, hard-working and someone who absolutely immerses himself in the case.”
“Gilead is a fantastic advocate and one of those people with an enormous brain. He’s great at cross-examining and loves a good fight.”
“Gilead is very innovative in his solutions and also has a very good style.”
“Gilead is a real brainbox. He’s able to argue any side of any argument in a really exceptional way, a bit like a scholar.”
“Gilead is great – a man with two brains. He is pragmatic, very easy to deal with and very accommodating. His advice is very professional, concise and helpful.”
Jonathan Hilliard KC has appeared in many confidential and high-value trusts and divorce cases in the UK courts and in offshore jurisdictions. He also regularly acts for trustees in professional negligence and breach of trust claims. His expertise includes in-depth knowledge of trusts that hold complex corporate structures.
“Jonathan is phenomenally hard-working and will help you through all sorts of issues. He is always available and his analytical skills are second to none.”
“Jonathan’s mastery of all manner of legal trust concepts is remarkable. He has this incredible ability to read and digest evidence.”
“Jonathan gets very much into the heart of the legal issues and is good at giving a steer as to what judges are thinking. He gives very detailed advisory notes at very short notice.”
“Jonathan is astounding in his intellectual ability. He’s got so much experience that he instantly has thoughts on any question imaginable.”
“Jonathan was fantastic at articulating our case, which had some incredibly complex trust points. He had the court eating out of his hands. It was extraordinary.”
Nikki Singla KC has a wealth of experience in handling commercial and trusts matters, and is regularly seen in the Chancery Division and the Commercial Court. He is also experienced in handling international matters, with prior cases in Mauritius, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
“Nikki is super accommodating and approachable. What I like about him is that he is great at reading a room and adapting his style. He knows when he needs to soften or toughen his approach.”
“Nikki is exceptional and extra strong in commercial matters. He is a real, genuine leading light.”
“Nikki is very responsive. He’s very good in court and his court advocacy is excellent. He is compassionate, intelligent and someone who produces excellent advocacy.”
Robert Ham KC offers significant expertise in trusts law as part of his broad private client law practice. He handles both contentious and non-contentious mandates in the UK and abroad. Ham is particularly adept dealing with offshore disputes for wealthy families and trust companies.
“Robert is very knowledgeable and very good at looking at complex trust structures. He has a massive amount of technical trusts knowledge and also appreciation of tax law.”
“Robert is excellent. He’s always prepared to give a proper opinion on delicate matters.”
“We required someone able to deal with complicated strategic issues. Robert’s help proved invaluable.”
“A man with loads of experience and wisdom, he has good instinct and great drafting skills.”
Leading Juniors
Joseph Steadman is regularly instructed in the High Court and has a strong chancery practice that spans general commercial matters as well as trusts and estates. He is experienced in handling onshore and offshore trust cases, and has particular expertise in advising in relation to tax considerations.
“Joseph is really brilliant. He’s phenomenally bright and really client-friendly.”
“Joseph stood up and persuaded the judge to see things our way. He’s incredibly articulate and very persuasive, and the judge liked his manner and accepted his reasoning.”
“Joseph Steadman is good at details, very happy to roll his sleeves up and very easy to work with. He has a great manner with clients and is not afraid to be robust when he needs to be.”
“Joseph has a very easy manner that comes over well. He’s approachable, bright and someone who can crack through the issues.”
“Joseph Steadman is a scarily bright and highly responsive, who works far above his level of seniority. He will always keep us informed as to capacity and is an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Michael Ashdown has known expertise handling chancery matters including trusts and estates. He is experienced in dealing with offshore instructions, such as in Jersey, Guernsey and the BVI, and appears regularly in the High Court and the County Court.
“Michael Ashdown is very good at translating complex issues into intelligible language.”
“Michael is very clever and very nice with it. He’s a go-to individual if I want forensic analysis.”
“Michael is a methodical and pragmatic lawyer. His application of the law is great, but he is also able to dovetail pragmatism into his advice and look at the big picture.”
“Michael Ashdown thrives in cases involving the most complex issues of fact and law.”
Tom Roscoe has a strong chancery practice which includes advising on contentious trusts, wills and estates. He takes national and international instructions, and in particular has disputes experience in the Cayman Islands, the BVI and Guernsey.
“Tom Roscoe is not an ivory tower barrister. He’s bright, personable and very popular.”
“He’s very friendly, very easy to engage with and also very commercial. What he delivers is brilliant.”
“Tom Roscoe is our go-to person for trusts. He picks up on the details quickly.”
“Tom pulls out all the stops, is hardworking and is very bright. He’s super intelligent and able to think outside the box.”
“Tom got some very difficult instructions and turned around an incredible opinion in hours. His written work is top notch, he works well with all parties and he is good on strategy.”
UK - Restructuring/Insolvency (Leading set)
Wilberforce Chambers is noted for its impressive work tackling both corporate and personal insolvency matters. Members are frequently called upon to undertake cases arising both in the UK and further afield, and offer significant expertise in the handling of complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. Market commentators note that “Wilberforce Chambers is a hard hitting set, and with its members in your corner, you know that you are in safe hands.” Particular areas of strength for the set include administrations, CVAs, restructurings and schemes of arrangement. The team is also regularly instructed in cases involving complex pensions and property elements, owing to the set’s established strengths in these areas. An enviable client list includes creditors, debtors and insolvency office holders. Recent cases of note include acting in FTX Bahamas Limited, which concerns the collapse of a crypto currency exchange based in the Bahamas.
Client Service
“Joint practice director Andrew Barnes and senior practice manager Antonia Matthew are both very good to deal with. They’re practical, sensible and always available to our teams.”
“The clerks are very good at dealing with any issues that arise and making sure that counsel have the details and information they need.”
“The clerking team is a delight to work with and the clerks get out and about to get to know their instructing solicitors.”
“Antonia Matthew will always address all my questions in good order.”
Leading Silks
Lexa Hilliard KC is an esteemed practitioner offering an impressive breadth of experience and expertise across all areas of insolvency law. She regularly takes instruction at both the domestic and international levels, and has been instructed in relation to several offshore disputes in the Caribbean, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Her respected practice focuses predominantly on advisory work.
“She is sharp on the issues and gives clear, concise advice.”
“Lexa is one of the strongest key players in insolvency and restructuring at the commercial bar.”
“An excellent all-round practitioner.”
“Lexa is incredibly approachable, a real team player and gets to grips with the issues quickly and comes up with inventive but realistic strategies.”
Marcia Shekerdemian KC is regularly approached by clients seeking advice on corporate and personal insolvency cases. She has carved out a niche in the area of fraud and asset recovery work, and regularly acts in cross-border cases. She represents a variety of clients including directors, debtors, office holders and lenders.
“Marcia has the expertise in the insolvency space and she is very highly regarded by the judges and has a lot of courtroom impact.”
“She can see through complexity in seconds and can recommend proper advice on how to resolve an issue.”
“Marcia is superb in terms of legal analysis, is brilliant with clients and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge.”
Clare Stanley KC is noted for her broad expertise covering trusts, company, fraud and insolvency. Stanley is often instructed on high-value, offshore insolvency matters across the Cayman Islands, Jersey and Guernsey, with a particular focus on proceedings involving complex offshore structures and asset tracing.
“A ferocious cross-examiner with a wonderful overlap of experience.”
“She is extremely engaging and is ready to cut to the essence of what’s important in client calls.”
James Bailey KC is a well-regarded silk who has a strong practice encompassing commercial chancery, company and insolvency law. He frequently plays a key role in major, high-profile cases. He is frequently involved in cases concerning misfeasance and wrongful trading claims, and has considerable expertise in handling contentious recovery work.
“He is a great advocate who is user-friendly and approachable.”
“He couples the highest technical knowledge and analysis, with real world commercial strategies. On his feet, he has the Court’s confidence and is an incredibly effective advocate.”
“An extremely effective advocate who is very engaging and persuasive.”
Thomas Robinson KC is well known for his adept representation of clients including the Pensions Regulator and continues to be a popular choice for international insolvency matters. He has experience appearing before the Supreme Court.
“He’s on top of the brief, unflustered even in contentious and agitated proceedings and has a very calm presence.”
“Thomas is very calm and is incredibly bright and provide incredibly good communications.”
“He delivers punchy points in a very calm, effective and measured manner.”
Bobby Friedman KC has a broad commercial chancery practice which encompasses civil fraud, company and insolvency disputes. He is regularly instructed in both domestic and offshore matters, and is called in the British Virgin Islands.
“Bobby Friedman is a clever and robust advocate.”
Leading Juniors
Daniel Lewis is highly popular in the market for his advocacy style and personable manner. He undertakes wide-ranging insolvency work, with a particular emphasis on claims arising from participation in tax avoidance schemes. He is also well regarded for his handling of professional negligence claims both for and against insolvency office holders.
“He is easy to work with and creative minded. He’s good at finding solutions and his advocacy is good.”
“He is excellent, for both advice and drafting and is very good with clients, putting them at their ease in difficult and stressful situations.”
“He has a sharp mind and a pragmatic approach coupled with an understanding of the clients’ sensitivities.”
“He is commercial, practical, easy to work with and the judges like him.”
Jessica Brooke focuses her practice on insolvency disputes and is particularly active in cross-jurisdictional matters. Her practice includes high-profile liquidations and appeal matters. She often acts as sole counsel in cases and has experience of the Court of Appeal and High Court.
“A star in the near future.”
“She’s very thorough, responsive, considered and has a very good foundation of the legal principals and commercial grasp.”
“Her advocacy is excellent and she is very well prepared.One of the best advocates around for heavy insolvency type matters.”
Rachael Earle garners recognition for her individual and corporate insolvency practice, often bringing and defending claims against insolvency practitioners. She regularly defends office holders from claims of misfeasance or in relation to remuneration challenges.
“Rachael is super bright and very detail-focused.”
“Her technical knowledge is excellent, as you’d expect, but her attention to detail and thoroughness is really impressive.”
Sri Carmichael is regularly instructed in both corporate and personal insolvency matters. She fields considerable expertise in contentious insolvencies and has experience handling complex cases involving claims brought against directors.
“She is incredibly hard-working, very technical and has a manner that is quite easy-going and easy to get on with.”
“She is very professional, always prepared and so thorough on the details.”
Tim Matthewson has a busy restructuring and insolvency practice, often acting for office directors and insolvent companies, handling matters involving winding-up petitions, breach of duty and bankruptcy. He frequently acts as sole counsel and has appeared before the Court of Appeal.
“He is very hard-working and creative.”
“Tim is superb. He is razor sharp, has a phenomenal grasp of the detail, knows the law inside out, drafts like a KC and is an excellent advocate.”
Singapore - Dispute Resolution: Most In-demand Arbitrators
Stuart Isaacs KC of Wilberforce Chambers is a well-experienced arbitrator who conducts arbitrations under a broad range of arbitral rules including ICC, SIAC, HKIAC and UNCITRAL rules. He is regularly appointed as arbitrator in complex cross-border disputes.
Asia-Pacific Region - International Arbitration: Most In-demand Arbitrators
Stuart Isaacs KC of Wilberforce Chambers in London maintains a highly versatile international arbitration practice, acting both as counsel and as arbitrator across a variety of commercial and investment treaty cases and maintaining panel memberships of such arbitral organisations as the ICC, HKIAC and SIAC.
“I rate him very highly. He has a very good way of getting into the issues in an insightful and commercial way and has a good way of handling the parties when he is chairing the tribunal”
Want to read more?
The history of Wilberforce Chambers
- 1928
- 1932
- 1943
- 1948
- 1954
- 1961
- 1976
The set now known as Wilberforce Chambers was founded by Andrew Clark in 1928, not long after he was called to the Bar. He served in the First World War and won an MC, but delayed his call to the Bar until 1928. His chambers were in 11 New Court, an attractive red brick Victorian building that used to stand on the corner of Carey Street and Serle Street.
There he was joined, among others, by Richard Wilberforce in 1932 and Irvine Goulding in 1936.
Chambers closed down during the Second World War, thereafter re-opening in rooms on the first and upper floors of 3 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn. Andrew Clark took silk in 1943.
He inherited his baronetcy on the death of his father in 1948. Between 1952 and 1960, when no new Chancery judges were appointed, he and Charles Russell QC were widely regarded as the leading advocates of the Chancery Bar.
Richard Wilberforce took silk in 1954. His most famous case was the Spanish Champagne case, in which he established for the first time that a passing off action could be maintained by a class of champagne producers to protect the name champagne, and that it was not limited to the protection of the goodwill of one individual producer as had previously been considered the case.
In 1961 he was appointed a Judge of the High Court. Within three years he was appointed a judicial member of the House of Lords, where he earned a high reputation for the quality of his judgments. Irvine Goulding took silk in 1961, and was appointed a High Court Judge in 1971. He was succeeded as head of chambers by Victor Hallett.
The modern incarnation of chambers began in earnest in 1976 when Edward Nugee became the new head, taking silk the following year. From 10 juniors when he became head until he retired as head 30 years later, chambers expanded enormously. Many outstanding pupils became tenants, and experienced counsel from other sets also joined. The premises in 3 New Square were enlarged, but by 1993 proved too small; and the chambers moved, with half of its members occupying the Northern half of 8 New Square and further rooms in 7 and 9, and the other half occupying the new building, now 16 New Square, as remains the case today.