Practice overview

Elizabeth has a very broad commercial chancery practice. She frequently appears in Courts and tribunals at all levels. She is often instructed in complex trust, commercial, private client, insolvency and asset-tracing matters with an international element. Her work often involves foreign law issues and multi-jurisdictional challenges. Elizabeth is very comfortable with difficult cases and works easily with clients and experts, and in counsel and solicitor teams.

Recent cases include appearing for the successful appellant in the Court of Appeal in Ravendark Holdings v Rotenberg (led by Jonathan Seitler KC), a case concerning resulting and constructive trusts, and acting for the defendant in Asturion Foundation v Aljawharah Bint Ibrahim Abdulaziz Alibrahim (led by Rupert Reed KC and Simon Atkinson) in a case concerning disputed ownership of a property on “Billionaire’s Row” in North London.

Her primary areas of practice are:

  • All facets of contentious and non-contentious trusts and private client work including all offshore jurisdictions, Family Court and Court of Protection work.
  • Commercial disputes involving claims for breach of contract, misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duties.
  • Insolvency matters and civil fraud claims, often involving offshore entities and assets.
  • Arbitration, and the enforcement of foreign arbitration awards in England.
  • Professional liability including claims against banks and solicitors.

Trusts, probate and estates: contentious

Elizabeth has extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional trust litigation. She frequently advises on trusts, probate and private client matters, trusts-in-divorce cases, and non-contentious trust issues. Her practice covers the full range of trusts, probate and private client work; advising, drafting, litigation and mediation.

She enjoys all aspects of trusts and private client work.

Recent cases include:

  • Acting for the successful appellant in the Court of Appeal case of Ravendark Holdings v Rotenberg concerning ownership of a property in Surrey and involving issues of resulting and constructive trusts in the Family Court, led by Jonathan Seitler KC.
  • Acting for the defendant in Asturion Foundation v Aljawharah Bint Ibrahim Abdulaziz Alibrahim, led by Rupert Reed KC and Simon Atkinson, in a case concerning disputed ownership of a property on “Billionaire’s Row” in North London. The claimant is a Liechtenstein foundation.
  • Acting for offshore trustees in a complex forced heirship dispute, involving difficult questions of exclusive jurisdiction and protector issues, led by Robert Ham KC (ongoing).
  • Acting (as sole counsel) for offshore trustees where allegations have been made against trust assets by foreign crime agencies.
  • Acting for the trustee of approximately 4200 trusts and advising on the retirement and Court appointment of a new trustee, being the largest ever application of its kind.
  • Acting for several offshore trustees in a number of long-running and multi-jurisdiction disputes involving allegations of sham, led by Robert Ham KC (ongoing).
  • Acting and appearing in various Variation of Trust Act applications, including acting for vulnerable parties and cases involving the Court of Protection.
  • Drafting and advising on a wide range of blessing and Beddoe applications, both onshore and offshore.
  • Acting (as sole English counsel) for trustees in the Isle of Man in a novel application to pay trust monies into Court.
  • Advising trustees of an offshore trust in relation to their involvement in English divorce proceedings.
  • Advising in relation to offshore foundations.
  • Advising on the correct interpretation of wills and codicils.

Download Trusts, probate and estates: contentious CV

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is articulate, bright and very hard-working.

    The Legal 500 2024

  • Quote symbolShe has a practical approach to problem solving. A very good all-round adviser.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is very knowledgeable and experienced for a junior.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolGood quick grasp of the issues and facts; good ability to marshal large amounts of material to support preparation of clear and accurate draft evidence.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolBright, hard working and clear-thinking.

    The Legal 500 2022

Trusts, probate and estates: contentious insights & events View all thought leadership View all events

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    External Conferences

    ACTAPS South East Seminar

    Tuesday 12th March 2024
    Charles Russell Speechlys, Guildford

    Speakers:
    Fenner Moeran KC | Tiffany Scott KC | Elizabeth Houghton

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    Events / Webinars

    Wilberforce Trusts Litigation Day 2024

    Monday 29th January 2024 | 9am - 5.35pm, followed by drinks and dinner
    InterContinental Park Lane, London

    £299 - £360 + VAT | 5.5 CPD

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    Events / Webinars

    Wilberforce Guernsey Conference 2023

    Thursday 19th October 2023 | 3.30pm- 6.20pm, followed by a drinks reception
    The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, St Peter Port

    Free to attend | 2.0 CPD

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    Events / Webinars

    Wilberforce Jersey Conference 2023

    Wednesday 18th October 2023 | 3.30pm - 6.20pm, followed by a drinks reception
    Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, St. Helier

    Free to attend | 2.0 CPD

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Elizabeth's expertise

Download Commercial disputes CV

Commercial disputes

Elizabeth has acted and advised in a wide range of commercial disputes and company matters. Her work often involves foreign clients, entities and assets. She is comfortable advising in complex cases and enjoys the challenge of commercial litigation. Many of Elizabeth’s recent cases include issues of asset-tracing and civil fraud.

Recent and notable cases include:

  • Asturion Foundation v Aljawharah Bint Ibrahim Abdulaziz Alibrahim. Acted for the defendant in a dispute over who is entitled to a multimillion-pound property on “Billionaire’s Row” in North London. The claim raises multiple questions of Liechtenstein, English and Shari’a Law.
  • Acted for a large bank defending proceedings for dishonest assistance brought by a former customer relating to the fraudulent transfer of assets out of its bank account.
  • Akhmedova v Akhmedov [2019] EWHC 1705 (Fam), led by Tim Penny KC. Instructed in an application seeking further freezing order relief on notice to prevent assets being removed from Dubai in support of the applicant’s financial relief award of approximately £500 million in the Family Division. Mrs Justice Knowles accepted that there was a good arguable case that individual directors of the corporate director respondent were to be treated as ‘de facto’ directors of the respondent.
  • Acting for the investigations committee of a company to prepare a confidential report on wide-ranging corporate governance issues and whistle-blowing allegations, led by Terence Mowschenson KC.
  • Assisting local counsel in the Privy Council appeal of AWF Fund v ZCM Asset Holding (Bahamas) [2019] UKOC 37, led by Lexa Hilliard KC. The appeal concerned the extra-territorial application of the Bahamian insolvency legislation, and the jurisdictional gateway for service out of the jurisdiction.
  • Advising a company on the enforceability of an arbitration award on the basis of illegality, led by Alan Gourgey KC.
  • Re Bangladeshi Medical Association in the UK Ltd. Appearing as sole counsel in a dispute over corporate control of an association.
  • Loosemore v Apsley Assets. Appearing as sole counsel in a successful claim to have a £3.75 million gift set aside on the ground of mistake.
  • Appearing as sole counsel seeking orders under ss 125 and 306 Companies Act for the Court to call a meeting and rectify the company’s share register.
  • Acting for a litigation funder, led by Marcia Shekerdemian KC, in complex and multi-party fraud proceedings involving competing proprietary and tracing claims.
  • Acting for the successful defendant in a fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract claim relating to a failed Moroccan property venture, led by Stuart Isaacs KC and Nicholas Cherryman: Baturina v Chistyakov [2017] EWHC 1049 (Comm).
  • Acting for the Financial Reporting Council, led by Javan Herberg KC and Nicholas Medcroft KC, in disciplinary proceedings for misconduct against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and a senior audit partner relating to the former Connaught group: Executive Counsel to the FRC v PwC and Harrison.

Download Commercial disputes CV

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is articulate, bright and very hard-working.

    The Legal 500 2024

  • Quote symbolShe has a practical approach to problem solving. A very good all-round adviser.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is very knowledgeable and experienced for a junior.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolGood quick grasp of the issues and facts; good ability to marshal large amounts of material to support preparation of clear and accurate draft evidence.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolBright, hard working and clear-thinking.

    The Legal 500 2022

Commercial disputes insights & events View all thought leadership View all events

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    External Conferences

    TL4 – KC Surgery: Asset Recovery

    Tuesday 28th November 2023
    Central London

    Speakers:
    Thomas Grant KC | Tim Penny KC | Jessica Brooke | Elizabeth Houghton

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    Events / Webinars

    Wilberforce Guernsey Conference 2023

    Thursday 19th October 2023 | 3.30pm- 6.20pm, followed by a drinks reception
    The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, St Peter Port

    Free to attend | 2.0 CPD

    View more
  3. Placeholder

    Events / Webinars

    Wilberforce Jersey Conference 2023

    Wednesday 18th October 2023 | 3.30pm - 6.20pm, followed by a drinks reception
    Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa, St. Helier

    Free to attend | 2.0 CPD

    View more
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    Events / Webinars

    Wilberforce Commercial Litigation Conference 2023

    Thursday 12th October 2023 | 12.30pm - 6pm, followed by drinks
    The Langham, London

    £130 + VAT | 4.0 CPD

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Elizabeth's expertise

Download Insolvency CV

Insolvency

Elizabeth frequently appears in contested winding up and bankruptcy petitions, and in associated insolvency applications. She is also often instructed in related applications such as seeking charging orders and orders for sale.

Recent cases include:

  • Appearing as sole counsel in protracted joint bankruptcy petitions, involving allegations that multiple judgment debts were obtained by fraud.
  • Appearing as sole counsel in a disputed winding up petition, including resisting urgent applications for validation orders in the High Court.
  • Assisting local counsel in the Privy Council appeal of AWF Fund v ZCM Asset Holding (Bahamas) [2019] UKOC 37, led by Lexa Hilliard KC. The appeal concerned the extra-territorial application of the Bahamian insolvency legislation, and the jurisdictional gateway for service out of the jurisdiction.
  • Advising a Russian trustee in bankruptcy on bringing proceedings relating to properties in England, led by Alan Gourgey KC.
  • Acting for a litigation funder, led by Marcia Shekerdemian KC, in a complex and multi-party fraud proceedings involving complex proprietary and tracing claims.
  • Appearing on behalf of joint administrators seeking an extension of the administration.

Download Insolvency CV

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is articulate, bright and very hard-working.

    The Legal 500 2024

  • Quote symbolShe has a practical approach to problem solving. A very good all-round adviser.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is very knowledgeable and experienced for a junior.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolGood quick grasp of the issues and facts; good ability to marshal large amounts of material to support preparation of clear and accurate draft evidence.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolBright, hard working and clear-thinking.

    The Legal 500 2022

Insolvency insights & events View all thought leadership View all events

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    Events / Webinars

    WATCH: BVI Conference 2020 – Webinar 2

    Wednesday 18 November 2020 | 1pm - 2.30pm BVI time (5pm - 6.30pm UK time) followed by virtual networking
    Online, Zoom Webinar

    1.5 CPD

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Professional liability

Elizabeth acts in a wide range of professional liability matters, including claims against solicitors, auditors and other professionals.

Recent cases include:

  • Acted for a large bank defending proceedings for negligence brought by a former customer relating to the fraudulent transfer of assets out of its bank account.
  • Advising a claimant in a claim against their former solicitors relating to a property fraud.
  • Acting for a claimant in relation to the negligent drafting of a will under which they were a beneficiary.
  • Acting for the Financial Reporting Council, led by Javan Herberg KC and Nicholas Medcroft KC, in disciplinary proceedings for misconduct against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and a senior audit partner relating to the former Connaught group: Executive Counsel to the FRC v PwC and Harrison.

Download Professional liability CV

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is articulate, bright and very hard-working.

    The Legal 500 2024

  • Quote symbolShe has a practical approach to problem solving. A very good all-round adviser.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is very knowledgeable and experienced for a junior.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolGood quick grasp of the issues and facts; good ability to marshal large amounts of material to support preparation of clear and accurate draft evidence.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolBright, hard working and clear-thinking.

    The Legal 500 2022

Professional liability insights & events View all thought leadership View all events

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    Events / Webinars

    Professional Liability Conference 2019

    Thursday 31 January 2019 | 8.30am - 1.00pm followed by lunch
    One Moorgate Place, Chartered Accountants Hall, London EC2R 6EA

    £75 + VAT | 3.0 CPD

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    Events / Webinars

    Professional Liability Conference: Unravelling the Causation Knot

    Wednesday 31 January 2018 | 8:30am -1.10pm followed by lunch and refreshments
    The Brewery, 52 Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4SD

    £75 + VAT | 3.5 CPD

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International arbitration

Recent cases include:

  • Acting and appearing (as sole counsel) in an arbitration regarding a contractual dispute between two parties in the hotel industry and relating to the loss of income caused by the COVID-19 lockdown.
  • Advising a company on the enforceability of an arbitration award on the basis of illegality, led by Alan Gourgey KC.
  • Advising and acting for a litigation funder in relation to the enforcement of an arbitration award made in New York, involving Brazilian parties.

Download International arbitration CV

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is articulate, bright and very hard-working.

    The Legal 500 2024

  • Quote symbolShe has a practical approach to problem solving. A very good all-round adviser.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolElizabeth is very knowledgeable and experienced for a junior.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolGood quick grasp of the issues and facts; good ability to marshal large amounts of material to support preparation of clear and accurate draft evidence.

    The Legal 500 2023

  • Quote symbolBright, hard working and clear-thinking.

    The Legal 500 2022

International arbitration insights & events View all thought leadership View all events

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    Articles

    The Separability Principle: the Newcastle Express Case

    To read or download this article as a PDF, please click here. Ever since the House of Lords decision in Fiona Trust & Holding Corporation v Privalov [2007] UKHL 40, the principle of the separability of arbitration agreements has been... Read more

    By Stuart Isaacs KC | Elizabeth Houghton
    Monday 10 July 2023

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    Events / Webinars

    WATCH: Arbitration Breakfast Briefing: STC v Betamax

    Tuesday 12 January 2021 | 9am - 10am UK time
    Online, Zoom

    1.0 CPD

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Elizabeth's Details

BSB/VAT information

Registered name: Miss Elizabeth Joy Houghton
VAT number: 223202271

Privacy Notice pdf

Qualifications and Appointments

  • MPhil, Exeter College, Oxford, Distinction
  • BCL, Exeter College, Oxford, Distinction
  • LLB, University of Western Australia, First Class Honours
  • BCom, University of Western Australia
  • Diploma of Modern Languages (French), University of Western Australia

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