Call 2017
"Very able – a barrister to watch."
The Legal 500
Adam Collins
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3798
Click here to email
Alfie Sweeney
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6855
Click here to email
Aaron has a broad commercial practice, including in aviation, art & cultural property, banking and finance, civil fraud, commercial crime, crypto, and international commercial disputes.
Aaron was junior counsel for the defendant bank in Federal Republic of Nigeria v JPMorgan Chase Bank NA [2022] EWHC 1447 (Comm), a $1.5 billion+ Quincecare claim, and sole counsel for the claimant lessor in FTAI AirOpCo UK Ltd v Olympus Airways SA [2022] EWHC 1362 (Comm), a $5 million+ aircraft leasing dispute. He is appointed to the Serious Fraud Office’s “C” Panel for international proceeds of crime cases, and is ranked as a rising star in civil fraud (Legal 500).
Aaron has a particular interest in the law relating to art & cultural property, which is also the subject of his academic work. Aaron lectures on art law at the London School of Economics, and will be a Visiting Fellow in art law at Magdalene College, Cambridge, for the Easter Term 2025. He is currently working on a book about fraud, fakes, and financial crime in the global art market.
Federal Republic of Nigeria v JPMorgan Chase Bank NA [2022] EWHC 1447 (Comm)
Acting (with Rosalind Phelps KC and David Murray) for the successful defendant in a high-profile $1.5 billion+ claim for breach of Quincecare duty. The background to the claim was an alleged “fraudulent and corrupt scheme” perpetrated by former government ministers, concerning the proceeds of an oil prospecting licence. The judgment of Cockerill J, following a seven-week trial, contains a valuable discussion of the nature of the Quincecare duty, the meaning of gross negligence in private law, and the scope of the Foreign Act of State doctrine.
FTAI AirOpCo UK Ltd v Olympus Airways SA [2022] EWHC 1362 (Comm)
Acting (as sole counsel) for the successful claimant in a $5 million+ aviation claim in the London Circuit Commercial Court. The claimant lessor was awarded unpaid rent, various costs and expenses incurred in the recovery of the aircraft, and damages for the aircraft’s diminution in value. The claim gave rise to questions of interpretation of a standard commercial aircraft lease, including the provisions on termination, indemnitees, and relief. It also involved disputed issues of fact as to the condition and return of the Aircraft, and expert evidence as to valuation. Aaron also acted as sole counsel at the CCMC, DGH, and two full-day application hearings (including FTAI AirOpCo UK Limited v Olympus Airways [2021] EWHC 2614 (Ch)).
Voltaire Capital Holdings Limited & Ors v Eric Watson & Ors
Acting (with Tamara Oppenheimer KC) for two defendant companies in high-value multi-party civil fraud proceedings, involving allegations of unlawful means conspiracy and dishonest assistance. The trial is listed for 2026.
AXA France IARD SA v Santander Cards UK Limited
Acting (with Adam Zellick KC and David Murray) for the defendant bank in a dispute about the allocation of hundreds of millions of pounds of liability for historic PPI mis-selling losses. The trial is listed for 2025.
Tai Mo Shan Limited v Persons Unknown [2024] EWHC 1514 (Comm)
Acting (with Nik Yeo) for the claimant high-frequency trading firm, in respect of a hack of crypto assets valued at $450 million+. The case involved several hearings in two related sets of proceedings, including obtaining injunctive relief against an algorithmic trading platform (a non-cause-of-action defendant) to bring about the seizure and detention of the assets, and obtaining permission to serve a claim for the recognition and enforcement of a foreign judgment against unidentified hacker out of the jurisdiction and by NFT (a first-of-its-kind application).
Acting for the claimant collector/investor in a dispute involving the loss of a portfolio of crypto assets including a high-value NFT from a prominent collection.
Advising a major London art dealer with respect to the provision of expert opinions on works of art of doubtful authenticity.
Acting for the claimant collector in a dispute with an gallery, arising out of an underlying claim against the gallery for fraudulent misrepresentation in the sale of post-war British art.
Acting (pro bono) for the Estate of Norval Morrisseau, a First Nations artist who is the victim of what Canadian authorities have called “the biggest art fraud in world history”. Aaron is advising on various issues arising out of the widespread forgery of Morrisseau’s work, including the process of authentication, issues of copyright and moral rights, and the rejuvenation of the market for the artist’s work.
Acting (with James Willan KC (Essex Court Chambers)) for the claimant investors in a dispute concerning a joint venture for the fabrication and sale of iconic LOVE sculptures and other works by the American artist Robert Indiana. The claim settled on confidential terms in July 2021.
Advising the claimant collector in a prospective fraud claim against several London-based galleries concerning the sale of c.£1.4 of contemporary art by a prominent street artist.
Acting for the claimant art recovery agent, claiming a reward following the successful recovery of several stolen paintings
Advising a law enforcement authority on the seizure, detention and disposition of various forged works of art.
Acting for the claimant collector/investor in a dispute involving the loss of a portfolio of crypto assets including a high-value NFT from a prominent collection.
Acting for the claimant in a claim for misrepresentation and breach of warranty relating to the sale of furniture attributed to a leading Art Deco designer.
Advising the prospective claimant in a dispute with an online auction house relating to the sale of an alleged forgery attributed to a prominent early-twentieth century American artist.
Sotheby's v Mark Weiss [2018] EWHC 3179
Acting as Judicial Assistant to Teare J for the case management hearing raising important issues of privilege and expert evidence in art attribution claims.
FTAI AirOpCo UK Ltd v Olympus Airways SA [2022] EWHC 1362 (Comm)
Acting (as sole counsel) for the successful claimant in a $5 million+ aviation claim in the London Circuit Commercial Court. The claimant lessor was awarded unpaid rent, various costs and expenses incurred in the recovery of the aircraft, and damages for the aircraft’s diminution in value. The claim gave rise to questions of interpretation of a standard commercial aircraft lease, including the provisions on termination, indemnitees, and relief. It also involved disputed issues of fact as to the condition and return of the Aircraft, and expert evidence as to valuation. Aaron also acted as sole counsel at the CCMC, DGH, and two full-day application hearings (including FTAI AirOpCo UK Limited v Olympus Airways [2021] EWHC 2614 (Ch)).
Helice Leasing SAS v PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) TbK [2021] EWHC 99 (Comm)
Acting (as sole counsel) in the High Court, successfully applying for a stay of proceedings (a $1.5 million claim for alleged unpaid rent under an aircraft lease agreement) in favour of arbitration. The case is significant for determining that, where a debtor admits liability for some or all of the sum claimed but refuses to pay it, there is a ‘dispute’ for the purposes of a standard arbitration clause.
Acting (with Akhil Shah KC) for the respondents / counterclaimants in a $200 million+ LCIA arbitration concerning alleged fraudulent misrepresentation in the sale and supply of aircraft to a regional airline.
Advising (with Akhil Shah KC) a major producer of aircraft parts in relation to various regulatory and environmental matters.
Acting (as sole counsel) for the defendant MRO in a claim relating to the repair and overhaul of an historic engine for use in a restored Sherman tank. The claim was discontinued following service of the Defence.
Advising an airline in its discussions with a foreign civil aviation authority regarding the revocation of a catering supplier’s licence.
Federal Republic of Nigeria v JPMorgan Chase Bank NA [2022] EWHC 1447 (Comm)
Acting (with Rosalind Phelps KC and David Murray) for the successful defendant in a high-profile $1.5 billion+ claim for breach of Quincecare duty. The background to the claim was an alleged “fraudulent and corrupt scheme” perpetrated by former government ministers, concerning the proceeds of an oil prospecting licence. The judgment of Cockerill J, following a seven-week trial, contains a valuable discussion of the nature of the Quincecare duty, the meaning of gross negligence in private law, and the scope of the Foreign Act of State doctrine.
AXA France IARD SA v Santander Cards UK Limited. Acting (with Adam Zellick KC and David Murray) for the defendant bank in a dispute about the allocation of hundreds of millions of pounds of liability for historic PPI mis-selling losses. The trial is listed for 2025.
Acting (with Paul Sinclair KC) for the defendant / counterclaimant bank in a c.$5 million dispute concerning the bank’s realisation of security under a loan agreement and guarantee. The claim settled shortly before trial.
Advising (as sole counsel) a major bank on a prospective unjust enrichment claim against a third-party payee and its bank, arising from an alleged mistake of law in the interpretation of an escrow agreement. The case settled before issue.
Advising a major bank on an application to give effect to a Letter of Request issued to the High Court by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, in relation to substantial anti-trust proceedings.
Advising a European bank on the enforceability under English law of performance bonds/ standby letters of credit securing a $20 million credit facility.
Advising a major service user on the operation of the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme in relation to a £10 million+ indemnity dispute.
Acting (with James McClelland KC (Brick Court Chambers)) for a financial services provider in discussion with the FCA, in relation to the provision of allegedly unsuitable Defined Benefit Pension Scheme transfer advice.
Acting (with Nico Leslie) for the claimant investment company in a $4 million claim against its former investment advisors concerning its entry into complex derivative products linked to the oil and gas industry. The case settled after the pleading stage.
Voltaire Capital Holdings Limited & Ors v Eric Watson & Ors
Acting (with Tamara Oppenheimer KC) for two defendant companies in complex and high-value multi-party civil fraud proceedings, involving allegations of unlawful means conspiracy and dishonest assistance.
Acting (with Robin Barclay KC) for two defendants to civil proceedings brought by a bank (in deceit, unlawful means conspiracy, and inducing a breach of contract) concerning the financing of certain commodities transactions, seeking a stay of proceedings and various procedural safeguards in circumstances where overlapping criminal proceedings had been brought by the SFO.
Acting for the claimant company in multi-jurisdictional fraud proceedings taking place in Guernsey, concerning the operation of an online lottery business.
Acting (at the pleading stage) for two Singaporean high net-worth individuals, defending a $3 million+ claim for fraudulent misrepresentation / unlawful means conspiracy / unjust enrichment in relation to an investment in a significant development project.
Acting (at the pleading stage) for a Singaporean investment fund, defending a $1 million claim for alleged fraudulent misrepresentation.
Acting (at the pre-action stage) for a music industry body in a dispute concerning suspected dishonest breach of copyright in musical works and sound recordings.
Advising a major engine manufacturer on contractual issues, including in relation to frustration and force majeure, arising out of the Red Sea crisis and associated international shipping delays.
London Mining Network v London Metal Exchange
Acting (with James McClelland KC (Brick Court Chambers)) for a commodities exchange, successfully resisting permission to bring a judicial review regarding the exchange’s policy on the sourcing of raw materials, and its compatibility with money laundering regulations.
Acting (as sole counsel) in the High Court, successfully resisting an application to commit the defendant for contempt of court, for failure to comply with a disclosure order given in support of underlying proceedings for deceit / breach of trust.
Advising (with Richard Lissack KC) two separate entities as to the criminal, regulatory and civil law governing market abuse and insider dealing.
Assisting in the preparation of an expert report on the law governing allegations of corruption, for a commercial arbitration.
Acting (with Charles Béar KC) for the defendant employer in a dispute brought by a former director claiming £3 million+ for breach of contract / proprietary estoppel. Appeared as sole counsel at the CCMC, successfully applying for a split trial of liability and quantum. The case settled shortly before the liability trial.
Acting (as sole counsel) for the defendant guarantor in a £2.5 million claim for sums advanced as bridging finance, relating to the refinancing of a £50 million+ loan for the development and refurbishment of a medical facility.
Acting (with Tamara Oppenheimer KC) for a major utilities provider, in a dispute concerning the supply of gas to a large-scale housing development.
Advising (with James Cutress KC) a major petrochemicals company in a dispute concerning the delivery of non-conforming fuel products giving rise to substantial tax liability.
Acting (with Richard Lissack KC) for a sports retailer in a dispute concerning the sale of commercial real estate.
Advising a telecoms company in a dispute arising out of the cancellation of a major trade fair as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advising a start-up chemical disinfectant company in a dispute with its former media / PR advisors, concerning the social media strategy adopted during the covid-19 pandemic.
Acting (as sole counsel) for a major petrochemicals company in a claim for the restitution of overpaid fees for petroleum storage and vapour recovery. The dispute settled before service of proceedings.
Acting for a FSMA-regulated hosting platform in a contractual dispute with a settlement / custody services provider.
Advising a major petrochemicals company on the contractual payment and cost-sharing mechanisms for onshore development works.
Advising (with Daniel Edmonds) a major petrochemicals company on various intra-group guarantee agreements.
Acting (pro bono, at the pleading stage) for an individual ‘non-fraud defendant’, defending a claim in unjust enrichment, in the high-profile SKAT proceedings brought by the Danish tax authority against 98 defendants, arising out of an alleged conspiracy to defraud the authority.
Acting (with Jeff Chapman KC) for the defendant sports clothing manufacturer in a c.£2 million dispute concerning a rugby licensing agreement, involving (amongst other things) a dispute about the effect of a force majeure notice issued following the cancellation of fixtures as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Advising a gym franchise on potential liability in respect of franchisees’ alleged negligence / breach of contract/ breach of statutory duty.
TGTL v CATS North Sea [2019] EWHC 1220 (Comm)
Acting as Judicial Assistant to Butcher J for the trial of an interesting contractual interpretation dispute in the oil and gas sector. Butcher J’s judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Danilina v Chernukhin [2019] EWHC 173 (Comm)
Acting as Judicial Assistant to Teare J for the trial of section 67/section 68 arbitral challenge. The case raised, amongst other things, an important question concerning the effect of a form of ‘entire agreement’ clause on the interference of an undisclosed principal. Teare J’s judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Zhao Long & anr v Endushantum Investments Co Ltd BVIHC (Com) 2017/0151
Acting (with Stephen Rubin KC) for the Fifth Defendant, in a claim concerning the ownership of a very substantial parcel of shares in the Fifth Defendant, a major PRC-based pharmaceuticals company held through BVI entities, involving allegations of fraudulent misappropriation. The judgment includes significant discussion of the law governing the drawing of adverse inferences, and as to the recognition of foreign judgments.
Advising a South African company in relation to a potential c.$40 million claim in the BVI against offshore fiduciary services providers (in various jurisdictions) for dishonest assistance/ knowing receipt/ unlawful means conspiracy. The prospective claim concerns the deliberate concealment of the assets of a former director of the company, who perpetrated a substantial fraud against the company.
Acting for the claimant in a substantial claim in the BVI Commercial Court for shares and company funds fraudulently misappropriated by a former director and nominee. Assisted (whilst on secondment) in preparing a successful application for an urgent injunction; continued involvement as junior counsel on return to London.
Assisting an arbitral award-creditor in an application for Norwich Pharmacal relief in aid of enforcement, before the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. The underlying proceedings concern two substantial construction and development projects in the Middle East.
Aaron maintains an active interest in legal academia alongside his practice. He currently lectures in art law at the London School of Economics, and will be a Visiting Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge, in the Easter Term 2025.
Aaron has has previously taught law at Trinity Hall and St Edmund’s College, Cambridge; University College London; and Goldsmiths, University of London (where he remains a Visiting Research Fellow).
He sits on the Editorial Board of the specialist journal Art, Antiquity and Law.
Aaron’s publications include:
Academic journal articles:
Book Chapters:
Case Notes:
Practitioner journal articles:
Book Reviews:
An article written by Fountain Court’s Aaron Taylor, entitled ‘Resale Restrictions in…
Fountain Court congratulates Aaron Taylor on being awarded a Churchill Fellowship for…
This piece, produced by Jacob Turner and Aaron Taylor, includes updates on: The effect…
Adam Collins
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3798
Click here to email
Alfie Sweeney
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6855
Click here to email
Aaron maintains an active interest in legal academia alongside his practice. He currently lectures in art law at the London School of Economics, and will be a Visiting Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge, in the Easter Term 2025.
Aaron has has previously taught law at Trinity Hall and St Edmund’s College, Cambridge; University College London; and Goldsmiths, University of London (where he remains a Visiting Research Fellow).
He sits on the Editorial Board of the specialist journal Art, Antiquity and Law.
Aaron’s publications include:
Academic journal articles:
Book Chapters:
Case Notes:
Practitioner journal articles:
Book Reviews:
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