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 2009
Agriculture & Rural Affairs:…Leslie Blohm QC of St John’s Chambers is feted for his sensitive approach to often fraught cases and his ‘fantastic understanding of the farming industry and its financial problems’. With a background in property litigation and landlord and tenant law, Blohm is a trusted advisor on the registration of village greens and has acted in a number of land tribunals in recent years. He is applauded for his service, with clients noting that he is ‘approachable and doesn’t talk over your head’. Blohm is also noted for his outstanding advocacy skills, and ‘can take the other side to pieces, without them realising before it’s too late.’
Chancery:…Leslie Blohm QC of St John’s Chambers: ‘extremely clever but also calm, client-friendly and a super advocate,’ Blohm’s practice is focused on property and commercial matters. He recently handled a multimillion-pound cohabitee claim. At St John’s Chambers, John Dickinson is a much saught-after junior. Peers describe him as ‘solid and up for a fight, but not in an unpleasant way.’ Solicitors favour him as he is ‘calm under pressure, analytical and emphatic with clients.’ Equally popular is John Sharples, who is noted for being ‘an accessible lawyer with a first-class mind who is good in a team.’ Noted for ‘always giving a firm opinion and perpetually fighting the client’s corner,’ his highlights include acting for a wife who succeeded in setting aside a charge on the basis of undue influence. The highly regarded Charles Auld’s practice ecompasses both commercial disputes and more traditional chancery work, such as trusts and landlord and tenant matters.
Commercial Dispute Resolution:…St John’s Chambers retains its standing as the top purely commercial litigation set in the region, and is praised for offering competitive rates. It fields a number of leading individuals with high profiles in the area due to their involvement in some interesting work. Leslie Blohm QC provides “pragmatic solutions to difficult problems” and is lauded for both his court and advisory work. He recently represented Bristol City Council in a high-value claim and is commended for the “skilled, forceful manner” he applies to property litigation cases. Clients are keen to endorse John Dickinson, describing him as “an extremely reliable individual who pays great attention to detail.” His background in accountancy means he is particularly useful on financial matters, and he is renowned for his expertise in shareholder disputes. Andrew Marsden also enjoys the support and admiration of instructing solicitors; his practice encompasses breach of contract cases, commercial divorce work and shareholder disputes. Solicitors appreciate the junior’s “close, hands-on involvement in cases” and his “clear, incisive advice.” Richard Stead has been involved in some large and complex cases over the past year. “Strong, robust and fantastic with clients,” he regularly acts on behalf of defendants, particularly insurers. The depth of his knowledge on construction is widely recognised amongst market observers. Guy Adams has a broad practice that includes commercial disputes and advisory work. Clients are enormously impressed with his capacity to “master complex technical evidence and always remain relaxed.” James Pearce-Smith handles a lot of commercial disputes work, and “uses his background as a solicitor to plug into the mindset of a great litigator.” He is also known for “impressing judges with his detailed, well-thought-out work on cases.”
Partnership:…Commended for his client-friendly manner, Andrew Marsden of St John’s Chambers is applauded for his “trenchant advice and assiduous approach” when handling partnership disputes. One source noted: “He has an air of gravitas about him, and a good manner with clients. I think he will make a very good judge one day.”
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’.
Legal 500 2008
St John’s Chambers’ Leslie Blohm QC, ‘approachable, acute and effective’, acted for the landowner in the Ducker v South Gloucestershire Council ‘ransom strip’ litigation. Andrew Marsden revels in heavy commercial disputes. Charles Auld is ‘a real fighter’. Guy Adams ‘has a wealth of experience’. John Dickinson ‘is extremely thorough in everything he does’. John Sharples is ‘extremely competent and good with difficult clients – very thorough and helpful with a good court presence’.
