Chambers & Partners 2008
Litigation



London

The commercial dispute resolution group at Charles Russell is widely respected in the London market for containing "tough lawyers" who excel in IT, construction, insurance, reinsurance, contractual, shareholder and media-related litigation. A solid foundation of expertise and experience in each of these areas gives rise to a constant flow of instructions. Members of the group successfully defended one of the UK's biggest print music publishers against a multiparty action brought by a rival publisher and distributor. Other examples of work include representing Ominex de Colombia in a multimillion-pound Commercial Court claim alleging misrepresentation and economic duress in the context of oil and gas trading strategies employed in emerging markets.

John Sykes is head of the practice, however his administrative responsibilities do not remove him from the action. Clients highlight his hands-on approach and commend his "informative and friendly manner."

Clients/Work Highlights: The team acted for a private individual in a sensitive shareholder dispute hinging on issues of minority holding. Other clients include ntl; Cable & Wireless; The Jockey Club; Credit Suisse; North One Television; The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and NCR.

John Sykes is ranked in tier 4 out of 6 as a leading individual.

Guildford

The Guildford branch of this London firm boasts a commercial litigation team that more than holds its own in the competitive southern marketplace. Its "extremely professional" members offer "fantastic client care" and have the resources to deal with a range of commercial disputes, observers report. Property, construction and PI claims are all areas of strength. Work highlights range from representing 3T Telecom and Utilities Network in connection with proceedings brought by Easy Air against O2 (UK) to advising a security council on its dispute with the London Borough of Camden relating to the provision of security services.

Duncan Elson heads up the department, impressing sources with his "straightforward and user-friendly advice." He has particular expertise in shareholder, director disqualification and professional negligence-related disputes.


Cheltenham

Two experienced partners head this eight-strong, Cheltenham-based dispute resolution team. Members service a wide range of clients, from institutional entities and public organisations to private companies and individuals, and excel at establishing "productive and enduring allegiances" with them. Work highlights include acting for the landlords of 240 hotels leased to the Swallow Hotel Group after it went into administration. The team is also receiving instructions with an international flavour, having recently advised Douglas Equipment on a series of aviation claims.

Head of department Peter Scandrett is well regarded for his expertise in the IP and aviation sectors. Clients describe him as an "excellent litigator" and express great confidence in his judgement. Patrick Gearon continues to impress interviewees with his "commercially realistic" approach to disputes. His experience and confidence reassure those who use him that he is "a winner."

Clients/Work Highlights: Trifast, Which?, MMI Research and Colliers CRE are examples of the team's broad client base.

Patrick Gearon is ranked in tier 2 of 3 as a leading individual.
Peter Scandrett is ranked in tier 3 of 3 as a leading individual.