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.
This set dominates the Western chancery sphere in more traditional areas such as commercial, residential and rural property matters and private client work. However, it also houses some of the leading commercial and company law practitioners in the regions. Chambers UK 2012
This Bristol-based set is highly prized among instructing solicitors. Commentators describe the barristers here as “utterly professional yet friendly, approachable and helpful.” Praise is also forthcoming for the amicable clerking team. Chambers UK 2012
St John’s remains a real force in Bristol and its surrounds. The set boasts an impressive number of highly rated commercial barristers who handle a range of complex, high-value disputes. Chambers UK 2011
Interviewees are quick to praise the set’s clerks, noting the “personal, friendly and helpful service” on hand. They particularly appreciate the fact that all the clerks are very clear in their approach when it comes to costs. Chambers UK 2011
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, Tax, Banking, Commercial & Insolvency, Building, Construction and Engineering, Mediation, Professional Negligence, Wills, Trusts and Probate and Intellectual Property.
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2012
Chancery: Leslie Blohm QC’s forte is property litigation in matters such as commercial dilapidation claims and rights of way. Much of his work has a private client emphasis, involving Inheritance Act claims, wills and estate disputes. He is as well regarded by clients as he is by opposing counsel, who find him a “formidable opponent.” John Dickinson is “a solid chancery advocate” whose practice is oriented towards business and commercial disputes. “Very diligent and strong on detail,” he is currently leading in an appeal launched by a local authority against a misfeasance of public office claim. John Sharples leans towards property, landlord and tenant, and probate work. Other barristers find him “an impressive opponent” and “a rigorous advocate who takes every point.” He is a noted authority on land licences. The “personable” Charles Auld “maintains an air of calm in the most tense courtroom situations.” His domain is principally land and property law. He appears regularly before the Land Registry and acts in complex inheritance and estoppel matters. The meat and drink of “talented” Martha Maher’s practice is contract, company, partnership and insolvency disputes. A highlight in recent months was her involvement in the case of the stricken Halliwells, a matter that raised important insolvency and partnership issues. “Star of probates” Alex Troup is valued for his “ability to reach the crux of a problem quickly.” He is also “particularly imaginative in his suggestions for reaching compromise.” In court, he is admired for his “concise style,” which is “blunt and to the point.” “Impressive” property, probate, wills and estates specialist Christopher Jones gives “very good advice on tangled family trusts issues.” He is a rising junior who “stands his ground nicely.”
Commercial Dispute Resolution: The “always excellent” Leslie Blohm QC is hailed as an “outstanding advocate who makes clients feel comfortable.” He has an outstanding commercial and chancery practice with a particular emphasis on property law. John Dickinson is perceived as one of the region’s leading juniors and attracts praise from sources, who say that “he has a brain the size of a planet.” Interviewees are also keen to salute his “practical approach.” He specialises in company and banking disputes. Sources admire Andrew Marsden as “a commercially focused barrister who is excellent on his feet.” He impresses across a broad range of disputes, including partnership, corporate and contractual issues. James Pearce-Smith is deemed a “thoroughly commercial and pragmatic barrister.” He has a strong reputation on the circuit for his chancery and commercial practice, which he combines with extensive experience of professional negligence. Guy Adams is well regarded as a vigorous and commercially minded litigator. He draws praise for his prodigious expertise in partnership and company matters. Martha Maher has established a strong track record in dealing with insolvency and partnership issues. Highlights include dealing with issues connected with insolvent law firm Halliwells LLP. “Highly tenacious” Richard Stead proves popular with instructing solicitors, who praise his “fantastic way with clients.” His practice is complemented by tremendous expertise in construction disputes.
Company: Andrew Marsden impresses interviewees with his “excellent cross-examination skills.” He makes representations in shareholders’ disputes, directors’ duties claims and issues arising from share sale agreements. James Pearce-Smith is praised for his “sense of commercial acumen and knowledge of the law,” which “makes difficult issues more digestible for the clients.”
Construction: Clients do not hesitate in singing the praises of Andrew Kearney, who “cannot put a foot wrong” and is felt to “really enjoy working in construction law.” Observers also add that he has a “great eye for detail” and a valuable background as a former solicitor and DDJ. In spite of his many years of experience, sources say, Richard Stead “remains incredibly enthusiastic” and is known for his “forensic investigation of detail” and “direct manner with clients.”
Partnership: Martha Maher wins high praise from within the industry for her excellent work on complicated partnership disputes. She has a huge depth of experience, acting in both contentious and non-contentious matters, and is held in very high regard, as evidenced by her involvement in the administration of Halliwells LLP. Her colleague Andrew Marsden is “technically spot-on” and is known for taking a “sensible and pragmatic approach” to his work. “He gives clear and compelling advice” on a wide array of partnership issues.
Insolvency: Martha Maher is “extremely approachable, very bright and brings a commercial approach to her cases.” Her recent high-profile work includes seeking the administration order for Halliwells LLP.
Legal 500 2011
Leslie Blohm QC is “extremely knowledgeable in all areas of property litigation” in addition to commercial litigation: he recently led Guy Adams in a key case at the Supreme Court. The set’s property team also includes Richard Stead “a forceful advocate who is not afraid to argue novel points”; John Sharples “an extremely good property lawyer”; and Charles Auld “a practical lawyer with a gift for settling cases in a constructive manner”. James Pearce-Smith, who is “quick to master instructions and good with clients”, handles commercial, property and professional negligence claims. Alex Troup, who is a property and probate practitioner, is “among the most skilful barristers” and “adopts a truly collaborative approach to each case”. Andrew Marsden, who “leaves no stone unturned”, handles complex company, commercial and partnership disputes; Martha Maher is the set’s go-to insolvency barrister; and John Dickinson and Christopher Jones are also highly rated.
MembersRobin Neill (Head of Practice Group) |
 |
ClerksRobert Bocock St John’s commercial clerks “are good at suggesting the right people for the level of work and provide an excellent service”.Legal 500 2010. |
