Practice overview

Ian has a varied and diverse practice in the UK and abroad. The focus is on seeking to achieve the client’s required result without going to court however, if that is not possible Ian’s particular strength is as an advocate with extensive trial experience.

He has been involved in many large-scale and high-profile professional liability cases involving claims against solicitors, accountants, stockbrokers, civil engineers and management consultants. In addition, he is regularly engaged in commercial disputes involving not only the due performance of obligations but also those where fraud is a component.

Ian is ranked as a leading silk in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and was nominated for Chambers & Partners’ Professional Negligence Silk of the Year at their 2022 Awards.

Commercial disputes

In both the Chancery Division and Commercial Court he appears regularly in connection with commercial disputes.

Recent cases have included:

  • Estera Trust (Jersey) Ltd and Herinder Singh v Edwardian Group Ltd (ongoing). Shareholders’ ‘unfair prejudice’ proceedings concerning a large company and involving numerous issues including the effect of delay in bringing such proceedings, the valuation of a substantial portfolio of commercial properties (hotels) and the complexities of valuation of shares in a private company.
  • Instant Access Properties Ltd v Rosser and others (2016-2017). Acting for a large London law firm alleged to have become involved in a fraudulent overseas property scheme.
  • Worthing Properties Ltd v Sterling Macro Fund (2016-2017). A dispute about the ownership of a Cayman Island ‘hedge fund’.
  • Swiss Life v Kraus (2014). Acting for an insurer seeking to enforce the Judgments of a New York Court given in respect of litigation involving allegedly fraudulent selling of and claims under endowment policies sold in the USA.
  • Singh v Singh (2012-2014). Defending a successful business man in respect of a claim by his father that property derived from a very large business empire was held by the defendant on constructive trust for the male members of his family in accordance with the Mitakshara and the principles of Joint Hindu Property.
  • Scottish & Newcastle & ors v. Lewis Baling Services & ors (2010-2011). Defending the UK subsidiary of a multinational metal reclamation business in respect of claims brought by the largest UK brewers alleging conspiracy to convert stainless steel beer kegs with pleaded losses in excess of £90m.
  • Excalibur Ventures LLC v Texas Keystone Inc. and Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd (2014). Acting for commercial litigation funders in respect of claims made by successful litigants that the funders should be required to pay very substantial sums in respect of costs.
  • Barr v Biffa (2009 -2014). Acting for landfill operator at trial, Court of appeal and retrial in respect of ‘class action’ claims arising from odour emanating from a landfill site.
  • Vitol SA v Delta Petroleum (2009).
  • Islamic Investment Co. of the Gulf v Symphony Gems and others (2009).
  • Barr v Biffa Waste Services Ltd (2009).
  • Reid v Capita plc and others (2008).
  • Fulham Leisure Holdings v Nicholson Graham & Jones (2008).

Regulatory & Associated Public Law

Ian has extensive experience of appearing before the Queens’ Bench Divisional Court and the Administrative Court. His breadth of experience also includes directors disqualification experience and professional regulatory tribunals (solicitors and accountants). The years 2007/2008 saw him acting for the Ritz Hotel in the inquests into the deaths of HRH Princess of Wales and Mr Dodi al Fayed.

Download Commercial disputes CV

  • Quote symbolExceptional. His advocacy and cross examination were masterful.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan's attention to detail and focus on the key issues are superb. He is ferociously hard working and is the best trial advocate.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan is very enjoyable to work with and he is an exceptional trial barrister. He wears his intellect lightly but he is also a very accomplished barrister with a deep knowledge of the law.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan is a class act and a fantastic cross-examiner.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan has considerable presence and commands the respect of tribunals and opponents.

    The Legal 500 2023

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

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    News

    Wilberforce nominated in multiple categories including Set of the Year for third year running at Legal 500 Bar Awards

    Wilberforce Chambers is pleased to share that we have been nominated in multiple categories at Legal 500’s 2024 Bar Awards. Wilberforce Chambers has been nominated for ‘Set of the Year’ for the third year in a row as well as ‘Chancery... Read more

    Wednesday 10 July 2024

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    News

    Wilberforce Shortlisted in Six Categories at Chambers UK Bar Awards 2022

    We are delighted to announce that Wilberforce Chambers has been shortlisted for a total of six awards at this year’s Chambers Bar Awards: Chancery Silk of the Year – Clare Stanley QC Chancery Set of the Year Professional Negligence Silk... Read more

    Wednesday 31 August 2022

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    News

    Wilberforce features three times in The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2022

    We are delighted to announce that Wilberforce Chambers appears in three of The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases of 2022, identifying this year’s most talked about disputes: The Executive Counsel to the Financial Reporting Council v KPMG, Peter Noel Meehan, Alistair... Read more

    Monday 10 January 2022

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    Events / Webinars

    Wilberforce Commercial Conference: The Future of Commercial Litigation

    Thursday 28 March 2019 | 12.30pm - 5.30pm followed by drinks
    Kimpton Fitzroy, 1-8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5BE

    £120 + VAT | 3.5 CPD

    View more

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International arbitration

Ian has conducted arbitrations under various regimes (e.g. ICC, LCIA) in recent years, including disputes involving a major civil engineering coastal erosion project, a very large publishing contract in the Middle East, a telecommunications contract in South Eastern Europe and the terms of appointment for waste disposal contractors to a local authority.

Download International arbitration CV

  • Quote symbolExceptional. His advocacy and cross examination were masterful.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan is very enjoyable to work with and he is an exceptional trial barrister. He wears his intellect lightly but he is also a very accomplished barrister with a deep knowledge of the law.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan's attention to detail and focus on the key issues are superb. He is ferociously hard working and is the best trial advocate.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan is a class act and a fantastic cross-examiner.

    Chambers & Partner 2024

  • Quote symbolIan has considerable presence and commands the respect of tribunals and opponents.

    The Legal 500 2023

Professional liability

Ian has for many years acted for (and occasionally against) professional firms in connection with substantial litigation. Much of that work has been in connection with accountants (audit, advisory and investigation work) and solicitors, but it has also extended beyond that and included civil engineers, stockbrokers and others.

Recent cases include:

  • Brightside Group Ltd v Baker Tilly UK (2018). Acting for the auditors in defence of claims made by a former client said to have arisen out of statutory and regulatory audits.
  • FRC v Deloitte and others (2014-2016). Acting for the accountant defendants in FRC proceedings arising out of audits of a very large aircraft spare parts business.
  • Rangers FC v Collyer Bristow and another (2012-2016). Defending a firm of solicitors in respect of various claims made following the allegedly fraudulent acquisition and then the collapse of Rangers FC.
  • Dorchester Project Management Ltd v BNP Paribas Real Estate Advisory & Property Management UK Ltd and another (2014). Defending a £750 million claim arising from the Second Defendant’s acquisition and subsequent plans for mixed use development of substantial land in East London. A factually and legally complex case involving issues of duties of confidence, planning, development valuation, measure of damages (loss of chance, loss of profits, accounts and Wrotham Park basis), expert evidence of valuation, planning and development finance.
  • Challinor v Juliet Bellis & Co (2012- 2015). Defence (at trial and in the Court of Appeal) of a solicitor’s firm sued by 21 claimants in respect of monies paid to the firm in the course of an unregulated investment scheme seeking to develop an airport property. Issues involved not only a keen dispute of fact as to what was known to central participants but the legal nature of Quistclose trusts, resulting trusts, unjust enrichment and the Duomatic principle.
  • Re International Consolidated Minerals Plc. (2014). Defence of the former Administrators of a Peruvian mining company in respect of a $100+m claim brought by their successors alleging negligent sale at an undervalue of a polymetallic mine. Complex issues of fact and law concerning duties of an Administrator, Peruvian insolvency law and valuation of a mine.
  • Westwood Shipping (2012-2013). Defending a City firm of Solicitors, in respect of a claim involving alleged participation by one of its partners in a fraud on creditors practised by a client.
  • Moulin Global Eyecare Holdings Plc. (2007-2010). Acting in Defence of  a “big 4” firm of Accountants in respect of claims brought in Hong Kong by a Liquidator alleging audit negligence.
  • (2012-2015) Acting in Defence of  a “big 4” firm of Accountants in respect of claims brought in Malaysia by a Liquidator of a group of listed companies alleging audit negligence.
  • Bank of Scotland v DTZ and others (2013). Defending a valuer in respect of a mortgage lender’s claims. The action concerned valuation of a “trophy” country house.
  • (2010-2011) acting for multinational law firm in connection with claims made in England concerning allegedly negligent advice and conspiracy to defraud in connection with a shareholder dispute involving companies trading in the UK and  US.
  • (2011-2014) acting for a “top 10” firm of accountants in defending claims brought by a former client in respect of alleged mismanagement of funds and negligent tax advice.
  • (2014) acting for a “Big 4” firm of accountants in respect of  FRC disciplinary proceedings arising out of audits of an AIM Listed company.
  • (2010) acting for a “top 10” firm of accountants in defending claims alleging participation in an advance fee fraud.
  • Caliendo v Mishcon de Reya (2013). Defending a claim brought by a former chairman of  Queens Park Rangers alleging negligence in connection with the sale of QPR to an Italian businessman in 2007.
  • IC Mutual v Sands and others (2009).
  • Fulham Leisure Holdings v Nicholson Graham & Jones (2008).
  • Bedford Row Film Finance (2007).
  • A-G of Zambia v Meer Care Desai and others (2007).
  • Krishnani v Brewin Dolphin (2007).
  • St Paul’s Travellers v Okporuah (2006).

Download Professional liability CV

  • Quote symbolExceptional. His advocacy and cross examination were masterful.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan's attention to detail and focus on the key issues are superb. He is ferociously hard working and is the best trial advocate.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan is very enjoyable to work with and he is an exceptional trial barrister. He wears his intellect lightly but he is also a very accomplished barrister with a deep knowledge of the law.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan is a class act and a fantastic cross-examiner.

    Chambers & Partners 2024

  • Quote symbolIan has considerable presence and commands the respect of tribunals and opponents.

    The Legal 500 2023

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

  1. Placeholder

    News

    Wilberforce nominated in multiple categories including Set of the Year for third year running at Legal 500 Bar Awards

    Wilberforce Chambers is pleased to share that we have been nominated in multiple categories at Legal 500’s 2024 Bar Awards. Wilberforce Chambers has been nominated for ‘Set of the Year’ for the third year in a row as well as ‘Chancery... Read more

    Wednesday 10 July 2024

    View more
  2. Placeholder

    News

    Wilberforce Shortlisted in Six Categories at Chambers UK Bar Awards 2022

    We are delighted to announce that Wilberforce Chambers has been shortlisted for a total of six awards at this year’s Chambers Bar Awards: Chancery Silk of the Year – Clare Stanley QC Chancery Set of the Year Professional Negligence Silk... Read more

    Wednesday 31 August 2022

    View more
  3. Placeholder

    News

    Wilberforce features three times in The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2022

    We are delighted to announce that Wilberforce Chambers appears in three of The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases of 2022, identifying this year’s most talked about disputes: The Executive Counsel to the Financial Reporting Council v KPMG, Peter Noel Meehan, Alistair... Read more

    Monday 10 January 2022

    View more
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    Events / Webinars

    Professional Liability Conference

    Monday 23 November 2015 | 8.45am - 1.00pm (registration from 8.15am)
    Double Tree Hilton - Tower of London, 7 Pepys StreetLondonEC3N 4AF

    £75 + VAT | 3.0 CPD

    View more

View all thought leadership View all events

Ian's Details

BSB/VAT information

Registered name: Mr Ian Lionel Croxford KC
VAT number: 235150005

Privacy Notice pdf

Qualifications and Appointments

  • LLB (First Class Honours)
  • Bencher Gray’s Inn
  • Deputy Judge (Chancery Division)

Memberships

  • Commercial Bar Association
  • Chancery Bar Association
  • Criminal Bar Association

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