Commercial and Chancery Law
Our Commercial and Chancery Practice Group concentrates on cases involving property and commercial disputes in the business world. Our strength and depth of knowledge in this field has been carefully developed over the years. We advise on all aspects of commercial work, both litigious and non-litigious, as well as the more traditional chancery work.
St John’s Chambers houses a competitive number of expert commercial disputes lawyers, and deals especially with commercial chancery matters. The set is accredited for its “modern, commercial approach” to work – Chambers UK 2010.
Early resolution in these cases can be vital for a business’ future. This demands practical, expert advice being given as quickly as possible. Our practice group responds to this challenge with highly effective advice which is firmly focused on resolving disputes swiftly to the commercial benefit of all our clients.
Members appear in all courts and also the Lands Tribunal, when disputes cannot be resolved without proceedings. We are particularly experienced in appearing in the Chancery Division and the Mercantile Court.
We have extensive experience in construction disputes and allied professional negligence claims, computer contracts and dilapidation claims in both the Technology and Construction Court and in arbitration.
We have specialist teams in Property, Taxation, Banking, Commercial & Insolvency, Building & Construction, Mediation, Professional Negligence, Wills, Trusts and Probate and Intellectual Property.
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2010
Agriculture & Rural Affairs: Leading silk Leslie Blohm QC of St John’s Chambers is a rural expert with a renowned specialism in village green applications and he sits as an inspector in town and village green inquiries. He has a strong profile in the region, with peers commenting that “he instils absolute confidence in me as an instructing solicitor and with clients.” Others mention: “I can’t speak more highly of him. He is a thoroughly understanding, capable person – I know I’ll get 100% with him.” He receives unanimous praise from those with whom he has worked and is famed for his sensitivity, as well as his subtle and clever style of advocacy. He recently represented Bristol City Council as landowner in resisting the application for registration of Castle Park, 12 acres of land in the centre of Bristol slated for multimillion-pound redevelopment.
Chancery: Leslie Blohm QC is the joint deputy head of St John’s Chambers. He maintains a strong commercial and chancery practice, and is noted for his particular expertise in property, landlord and tenant law. “Definitely one of the best around, he is the man to go to if you have a peculiarly difficult case.” Solicitors particularly like him as he “offers clear advice, is always very commercial and understands the pressures those instructing him are under.” John Sharples of the same set is principally recognised for his expertise in real estate litigation, although sources also highlight his skill in wills and probate matters. He “is never fazed by any of his opponents,” is “exceptionally bright,” and “knows how to get stuck in to great effect.” His colleague John Dickinson is another of the chambers’ prominent chancery practitioners, recommended for his banking and insolvency specialism. “Unassuming and lacking in pomposity, he is good with clients and always thorough in everything he does.” Also present at the set are Alex Troup, who is noted for his property and probate expertise, and Charles Auld, who maintains a wide practice that encompasses both commercial disputes and more traditional chancery matters. “The aura of knowledge and great good sense Auld radiates is highly reassuring to the client.” A recent recruit to the set is Martha Maher, who is particularly adept at both contentious and non-contentious insolvency. The architect of a good general chancery practice, she is “someone who you always get your money’s worth out of.”
Commercial Dispute Resolution: Its forefront figure is chancery behemoth Leslie Blohm QC, who is a “class silk and a very strong academic lawyer.” He is described as a “very polished, forceful advocate, who makes his points subtly and applies very strong legal analysis to everything he does.” He has had a successful year, advising local authorities and some commercial developers. One recent case for him involved a multimillion-pound abuse of office damages claim by a local authority. At a junior level, John Dickinson is an “extremely thorough, very reliable” individual, who is described as “an utter gentlemen” by his clients. An accountant by training, Dickinson has a strong grasp of financial details, which means he regularly receives instructions in more mainstream commercial litigation as well as chancery work. His recent caseload includes a number of shareholder and directors’ disputes for corporate clients. His court style is said to be “very measured and professional; he presents his argument clearly and builds up a good rapport with the judges.” Andrew Marsden is “very in-tune with the needs of his commercial clients.” Previously practising as a solicitor at Freshfields, he has in-depth expertise in corporate, partnership and commercial law disputes. Clients describe him as “sensible, very clear and extremely helpful.” His recent work includes acting for a major car manufacturer in a dispute over the termination of a main dealer agreement. James Pearce-Smith has a broadly based commercial chancery practice, with a particular specialism in claimant professional negligence work. Sources say he is “very thorough, very personable and very good with clients.” He has a fast turnaround time and is “devastating in cross-examination.” Commentators note that his advocacy is “fluid, logical and coherent.” Richard Stead has a practice that spans construction, engineering, insurance and property disputes. Clients describe him as “a consummate lawyer” who works well with immense amounts of detail. “His advice is sensible and commercial, and he takes a pragmatic view of problems that his clients appreciate.” Guy Adams is “a very inventive thinker” with the capacity to “turn around an impossible case,” according to peers. He has a broad commercial and chancery practice, and frequently appears in the Commercial Court. He has recently been acting for local authorities, as well as construction and financial clients. Martha Maher has expertise in company and partnership issues, where she is regarded as “a consistent and extremely competent performer,” as well as a very good mediator. Her recent work has included successfully representing the liquidator of the Jade Group in fraudulent trading and professional negligence proceedings, and advising on the insolvency aspects of a multimillion-pound multiparty pension scheme deficit.
Partnership: Andrew Marsden of St John’s Chambers continues to impress peers and clients due to his unfailingly commercial approach and excellent cross-examination skills. Martha Maher, “a persistent and highly creative advocate.”
Legal 500 2009
St John’s Chambers’ Leslie Blohm QC, combines a commercial, chancery, and property law practice. Andrew Marsden ‘gives good advice and follows it through‘. Charles Auld is highly experienced in commercial disputes of all types. James Pearce-Smith is ‘reliable and incisive‘, as are John Dickinson and John Sharples.
