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.
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 & Probate and Intellectual Property.
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2008
Agriculture & Rural Affairs:…A ‘pleasure to instruct,’ Leslie Blohm QC of St John’s Chambers ‘takes the other side to pieces’ on Village Green Act disputes. His portfolio covers the development of agricultural land and coverage agreements.
Chancery:…The West’s other chancery silk of real note is St John’s Chambers’ Leslie Blohm QC, whose ‘self-effacing style’ endears him to peers. According to them, ‘he has the measure of anyone in court’ and is especially proficient in property matters, in particular landlord and tenant disputes. A number of juniors at St John’s Chambers also come in for extended praise. The ‘extremely bright’ John Dickinson is ‘someone about whom people make very good noises.’ A chartered accountant, he is clearly comfortable at the commercial end of the chancery sphere, but a strong track record in probate work demonstrates his equally fine understanding of more traditional matters. A real expert on landlord and tenant matters is John Sharples, whose ‘impressively pragmatic approach’ is allied to a piercing intelligence. Capable across the chancery spectrum but especially praised for his more traditional work, the ‘tenacious’ Charles Auld will ‘give you a fight to the death every time,’ while the ‘hungry, resilient and good on instinct’ Alex Troup is showing real promise at the set. His traditionally focused practice brings within its remit probate and property matters.
Commercial Dispute Resolution:…St John’s Chambers remains a hugely respected fixture in the West, with the set’s general commercial focus affording it a distinct advantage over most competitors. Leslie Blohm QC heads up the set’s 15-strong commercial and chancery department. His focus is commercial property, with a strong emphasis on land development contracts/coverage disputes. Instructing solicitors are ‘continually impressed’ with his advice, with many commenting that he is ‘top-choice for our instruction.’ Also popular, John Dickinson enjoyed a five-year stint as a chartered accountant before coming to the Bar, and is much sought after as he has a ‘wonderful head for figures.’ His commercial practice has a strong emphasis on banking, insolvency and company disputes. ‘Commercial, user-friendly and accessible,’ Andrew Marsden drew praise as ‘one of the best pound-for-pound commercial barristers in town.’ With a focus on corporate, partnership and commercial law, his practice also encompasses a particular expertise in commercial agent disputes. A ‘smooth operator,’ his recent highlights include a successful visit to the Court of Appeal in a case regarding the admissibility of evidence in the identification and construction of contractual terms. Stablemate Head of Chambers Richard Stead is described by sources as a ‘regional stalwart,’ who adopts a pragmatic approach. He is particularly well recognised for his construction expertise. James Pearce-Smith’s reputation in the region continues to rise. Formerly a solicitor with a leading regional firm, his regional expertise and ‘relaxed, client-focused approach’ are brought to bear on a practice heavy in commercial and chancery litigation. Many solicitors see him as ‘a new breed of counsel who understands exactly what those instructing him want.’
Partnership:…Andrew Marsden of St John’s Chambers is an ‘extremely articulate and forceful advocate,’ and focuses on the breakdown of partnerships and the resulting issues. Noted for having ‘a good eye for detail,’ he has acted for solicitors, farmers and accountants.
Legal 500 2007
St John’s Chambers’ new commercial silk, Leslie Blohm QC, ‘is excellent – approachable, acute and effective. Juniors in the group include company law expert Andrew Marsden who is ‘extremely thorough in preparation, and provides an excellent standard of service’. Charles Auld, Guy Adams and John Dickinson, are all highly rated, and ‘all three are very good and so very busy’. John Sharples is ‘the best junior for property/chancery cases in Bristol chambers; very thorough and helpful with a good court presence’.
