Call 2011
"Everything you want in a junior: complete grasp of the issues and the documents, excellent drafting, a good team player and exceptionally pleasant to deal with"
The Legal 500
Alfie Harper
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3806
Click here to email
Sam McCrone
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 7842 3714
Click here to email
Christopher “Everything you want in a junior: complete grasp of the issues and the documents, excellent drafting, a good team player and exceptionally pleasant to deal with” (Legal 500). His practice covers the full range of commercial disputes, including banking and finance, crypto and blockchain, civil fraud, insurance, aviation and sport.
Christopher has extensive experience of complex and high-value commercial disputes, both as sole counsel and working as part of a larger team. Notable examples include the claims made by Stanford International Bank Ltd against HSBC in the fallout of a multi-billion dollar ‘Ponzi’ scheme orchestrated by Sir Allen Stanford (one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2021 and Top 10 Appeals of 2022); fraud and conspiracy claims in connection with Wirecard’s purchase of an Indian payment services business; and acting in the most substantial proceedings ever brought before the Takeover Panel in relation to the dishonest cover up of breaches of the Takeover Code.
Christopher is recognised as a leading junior by the legal directories in commercial dispute resolution, banking and finance, crypto and blockchain assets, civil fraud, and insurance. He has been described as a “brilliant lawyer” with a “depth of experience and gravitas beyond his call”.
The Takeover Panel – re MWB Group Holdings Plc
Acting (with Mark Simpson KC) for the executive of the Takeover Panel in disciplinary proceedings against 11 individuals for breaches of the Takeover Code. In the most substantial proceedings in its history, the Takeover Panel found that the acquisition of MWB shares by senior management had been dishonestly concealed through a series of fronts and sham transactions. As a result, the shareholders of MWB had been deprived of the mandatory Rule 9 offer for their shares to which they were entitled. As well as “cold-shouldering” 10 individuals (the most serious sanction available), the Panel made its first ever award of compensation (of up to around £33 million plus interest), which was upheld by the Takeover Appeal Board. See reports in the Financial Times and The Times.
J.P. Morgan International Finance Ltd v Werealize.com Ltd [2024] EWHC 1437 (Comm)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC, Rosalind Phelps KC, Rupert Allen and Gillian Hughes) for JPM in an expedited trial of a shareholder dispute in relation to a Greek fintech company: Viva Wallet Holdings Software Development SA. This concerned the proper approach to the valuation of shares for the purposes of a call option process and certain US regulatory restrictions (including Regulation K) said to apply by reason of JPM’s shareholding.
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co v YES Bank Ltd [2023] EWHC 745 (Comm); [2024] EWCA Civ 695
Acting (with John Taylor KC) for YES Bank in successfully defending Cantor’s claim for a financing fee in connection with a Further Public Offering (FPO) in India. The relevant engagement letter had been agreed at a time when Yes Bank, India’s fourth largest bank, was undergoing severe financial problems and faced an existential crisis. Cantor’s efforts to secure financing failed and Yes Bank was then subject to an intervention by the Reserve Bank of India. The Court of Appeal held (upholding Bright J) that the engagement letter only covered private forms of financings and did not extend to the FPO, such that Cantor had no entitlement to be paid a fee.
Manek v IIFL Wealth Management Limited
Acting (with Lord Falconer KC and Rishab Gupta) for the IIFL defendants in a dispute concerning the sale and purchase of shares in an Indian payment services business (Hermes). It was alleged that the original purchase of the claimant’s shares was induced by fraud and conspiracy with a view to purchasing the shares at an undervalue and then selling on to Wirecard at many multiples of the original price paid. The purchase of Hermes by Wirecard has been the subject of various press reports, including by the FT’s Dan McCrum: see here.
Stanford International Bank Ltd (In Liquidation) v HSBC Plc [2022] UKSC 34; [2023] AC 761
Acting (with Patricia Robertson KC and Louise Hutton KC) for HSBC in defending high-profile claims of negligence and dishonest assistance in connection with the US$5 billion investment fraud orchestrated by Sir Allen Stanford (one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases for 2021 and Top 10 Appeals of 2022). HSBC was successful in the Supreme Court in striking out around 98% of the value of the claims on the basis that no loss had been suffered. There was no net loss because the sums paid out of accounts held at HSBC had discharged SIB’s contractual obligations to its own customers. The Court of Appeal ([2021] EWCA Civ 535; [2021] 1 WLR 3507) had earlier rejected SIB’s argument that alleged “corporate recklessness” was sufficient to establish dishonesty and therefore struck out the dishonest assistance claim (against which no appeal was made).
Christopher has a personal interest in art and has been involved in a number of substantial disputes in the art market, including a significant fraud claim brought against a leading art curator on the basis of an alleged agency relationship.
Christopher has extensive experience of the full range of aviation disputes, including aircraft leases, redelivery conditions, insurance coverage, and allegations of corruption and bribery in the sale and purchase of various aircraft. He has also been involved in inquests following aircraft crashes or other accidents.
Aircraft leases and aircraft condition
Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation v International Airfinance Corporation
Acting (with Michael McLaren KC) in defending claims relating to the lease of 50 aircraft and the issue of notices of default which are alleged to be invalid and unreasonable. The claim involves issues such as the scope of a lessor’s right of inspection of documents and technical issues concerning the replacement of temporary parts.
Wilmington Trust v State Aviation Company Limited
Aircraft design and manufacture
Acting in a billion-dollar ICC arbitration concerning claims in the aviation sector and the alleged misuse of confidential information. This required a detailed understanding of flight physics and the design of aircraft structures, which covered technical concepts such as geometry, aerodynamics, loads and structural engineering.
Acting in a billion-dollar ICC arbitration concerning claims in the aviation sector and the alleged misuse of confidential information. This required a detailed understanding of flight physics and the design of aircraft structures, which covered technical concepts such as geometry, aerodynamics, loads and structural engineering.
Aircraft sale and purchase (including bribery)
Acting (with Michael McLaren KC) for an Indian freight airline in a dispute with Airbus over the sale and purchase of 12 A330 freighter aircraft. The matter settled shortly before the start of a four-week Commercial Court trial.
Christopher has also acted in several arbitrations where bribes have allegedly been paid in connection with the acquisition of various types of aircraft around the world. Examples include:
Aviation insurance
Russian Aircraft Operator Policy Claims [2024] EWHC 734 (Comm)
Acting (with Alexander Milner KC) in a US$300 million claim against reinsurers arising out of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Aircraft Operator Policy Claims [2024] EWHC 1365 (Comm)
Acting (with Derrick Dale KC and Tiffany Tang) for a number of owners and operators of Ukrainian aircraft in claims against reinsurers in respect of aircraft stranded in Ukraine following the invasion by Russia.
KAL Leasing and Chartering v Ingosstrakh Insurance Company
Acting (with Derrick Dale KC) for the owner of a Boeing 737-400 aircraft which had suffered extensive damage to the wing structure and engines as a result of a heavy landing at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Pakistan. The issues included whether the owner of the aircraft had a direct right of action against reinsurers by virtue of a “cut-through” clause in the reinsurance policy.
EU Regulations
Huzar v Jet2.com
Acting (with Akhil Shah KC) on one of the leading cases on the meaning of the “extraordinary circumstances” defence under Article 5(3) of Regulation 261/2004.
Acting on behalf of major airlines in respect of a broad range of passenger disputes, including lost baggage claims, delayed/cancelled flights and claims arising from EC Regulation 261/2004, EC Regulation 1107/2006 and the Montreal Convention.
Inquests
Representing the organisers of the Shoreham Airshow in connection with the high-profile inquest touching upon the deaths of the 11 people who died following the crash of a Hawker Hunter jet in August 2015.
Representing the coastguard service in respect of an inquest following an unsuccessful air-sea rescue attempt by helicopter.
Christopher regularly acts on behalf of major banks and financial institutions. He has a growing caseload on matters relating to cryptocurrencies, which range from loan arrangements to various forms of fraud. He is recommended as a leading junior by Legal 500 in both banking & finance and crypto and blockchain assets.
J.P. Morgan International Finance Ltd v Werealize.com Ltd [2024] EWHC 1437 (Comm)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC, Rosalind Phelps KC, Rupert Allen and Gillian Hughes) for JPM in an expedited trial of a shareholder dispute in relation to a Greek fintech company: Viva Wallet Holdings Software Development SA. This concerned the proper approach to the valuation of shares for the purposes of a call option process and certain US regulatory restrictions (including Regulation K) said to apply by reason of JPM’s shareholding.
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co v YES Bank Ltd [2023] EWHC 745 (Comm); [2024] EWCA Civ 695
Acting (with John Taylor KC) for YES Bank in successfully defending Cantor’s claim for a financing fee in connection with a Further Public Offering (FPO) in India. The relevant engagement letter had been agreed at a time when Yes Bank, India’s fourth largest bank, was undergoing severe financial problems and faced an existential crisis. Cantor’s efforts to secure financing failed and Yes Bank was then subject to an intervention by the Reserve Bank of India. The Court of Appeal held (upholding Bright J) that the engagement letter only covered private forms of financings and did not extend to the FPO, such that Cantor had no entitlement to be paid a fee.
Stanford International Bank Limited (in liquidation) v HSBC Plc [2020] EWHC 2232 (Ch) (Nugee J); [2021] EWCA Civ 535, [2021] 1 WLR 3507 (Court of Appeal); [2022] UKSC 34, [2023] AC 761 (Supreme Court)
Acting for HSBC (with Patricia Robertson KC and Louise Hutton KC) in defending high-profile claims of negligence (for alleged breach of the Quincecare duty) and dishonest assistance in connection with the US$5 billion investment fraud orchestrated by Sir Allen Stanford (one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2021 and Top 10 Appeals of 2022). HSBC successful before the Supreme Court in striking out the vast majority of the Quincecare claim on the basis that there was no net loss; and had earlier successfully struck out the dishonesty claim (before Nugee J and the Court of Appeal), against which there was no appeal.
Roberts v The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc [2020] EWHC 3141 (Comm)
Acted (as sole counsel) for RBS in striking out on grounds of limitation claims of negligence (including the “Quincecare” duty of care) for an alleged failure to prevent fraudulent payments from a company’s bank account.
Law Debenture Trust Corp Plc v Ukraine [2017] EWHC 1902 (Comm); [2018] EWCA Civ 2026
Instructed by Ukraine in the $3 billion claim arising out of the loan arrangement with the Russian Federation (one of The Lawyer’s Top cases of 2017).
Cryptocurrency loan arbitration
Sole counsel in a multi-million-dollar arbitration concerning the repayment obligation of a loan of ETH (Ethereum) for investment in the Grayscale Ethereum Trust. This turned on whether the parties had agreed a repayment obligation in the cryptocurrency or whether it was the initial US Dollar equivalent amount that had to be repaid. The difference between the two was substantial given the huge increase in the US Dollar value of ETH after the loan had been advanced.
PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Bank Plc
Instructed for Barclays in the high-profile dispute arising out of capital raisings in 2008 and allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation.
Instructed to advise a major Polish bank on various choice of law issues arising from the issuance of bonds governed by English law, including whether certain mandatory rules of Polish law would be applied by the English court.
Acting (with John Taylor KC) for Macquarie Bank in relation to claims brought by a company in the Bomin Group in connection with losses incurred as a result of trading oil futures.
RBS Rights Issue Litigation
Acting as part of a large team of solicitors and counsel for RBS in the multi-billion pound Rights Issue litigation.
Acting for the operator of a Bitcoin exchange in defending claims made against it following the sophisticated hack of its systems and the theft of its customers’ Bitcoins.
Acting for a major international bank in recovering monies owed by professional clients who had engaged in Forex trading on margin and had suffered substantial losses following the Swiss National Bank’s announcement that it was unpegging the Swiss franc from the Euro.
Egain Communications Ltd v Barclays Bank Plc & Others
Acting for Lloyds TSB in relation to claims for the recovery of monies alleged to have been fraudulently transferred to customer accounts held by Lloyds TSB.
Acting for an Egyptian bank in relation to the non-repayment of a $10 million loan facility extended to a Zimbabwean sugar refinement company.
In January 2013 Christopher was instructed as junior counsel to the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards, particularly in relation to the Sub-Panel on Mis-Selling and Cross-Selling.
In October 2012 Christopher completed a secondment to Barclays’ Retail and Business Banking team where he advised on a wide range of matters, including claims under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the receipt of mistaken payments.
Christopher has been involved in a number of matters involving civil fraud, including injunctive and other interim relief; equitable, proprietary and restitutionary claims and remedies; and tracing and asset recovery. He is recommended as a leading junior in this field by Legal 500.
Christopher also has particular expertise in matters involving bribery and corruption and wrote the ‘Bribery in Commercial Litigation and Arbitration’ chapter in Lissack & Horlick on Bribery & Corruption (3rd edition).
The Takeover Panel – re MWB Group Holdings Plc
Acting (with Mark Simpson KC) for the executive of the Takeover Panel in disciplinary proceedings against 11 individuals for breaches of the Takeover Code. In the most substantial proceedings in its history, the Takeover Panel found that the acquisition of MWB shares by senior management had been dishonestly concealed through a series of fronts and sham transactions. As a result, the shareholders of MWB had been deprived of the mandatory Rule 9 offer for their shares to which they were entitled. As well as “cold-shouldering” 10 individuals (the most serious sanction available), the Panel made its first ever award of compensation (of up to around £33 million plus interest), which was upheld by the Takeover Appeal Board. See reports in the Financial Times and The Times.
Manek v IIFL Wealth Management Limited
Acting (with Lord Falconer KC and Rishab Gupta) for the IIFL defendants in a dispute concerning the sale and purchase of shares in an Indian payment services business (Hermes). It was alleged that the original purchase of the claimant’s shares was induced by fraud and conspiracy with a view to purchasing the shares at an undervalue and then selling on to Wirecard at many multiples of the original price paid. The purchase of Hermes by Wirecard has been the subject of various press reports, including by the FT’s Dan McCrum: see here.
Stanford International Bank Limited (in liquidation) v HSBC Plc [2020] EWHC 2232 (Ch) (Nugee J); [2021] EWCA Civ 535, [2021] 1 WLR 3507 (Court of Appeal); [2022] UKSC 34, [2023] AC 761 (Supreme Court)
Acting for HSBC (with Patricia Robertson KC and Louise Hutton KC) in defending high-profile claims of negligence (for alleged breach of the Quincecare duty) and dishonest assistance in connection with the US$5 billion investment fraud orchestrated by Sir Allen Stanford (one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2021 and Top 10 Appeals of 2022). HSBC successful before the Supreme Court in striking out the vast majority of the Quincecare claim on the basis that there was no net loss; and had earlier successfully struck out the dishonesty claim (before Nugee J and the Court of Appeal), against which there was no appeal.
Private Trustees S.A. v BGB Weston Limited
Acting on behalf of a defendant alleged to have conspired in the misappropriation of over EUR 7 million of trust assets with allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, dishonest assistance, unlawful means conspiracy and deceit.
Nimer v United Al Saqer Group LLC (and others) [2021] EWHC 50 (QB)
Acting for one of the defendants in challenging the jurisdiction of the English court to hear claims of conspiracy involving alleged acts of intimidation, illegitimate pressure and unlawful coercion which allegedly took place in Abu Dhabi, including whether a fair trial is possible in Abu Dhabi.
Roberts v The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc [2020] EWHC 3141 (Comm)
Acted (as sole counsel) for RBS in striking out on grounds of limitation claims of negligence (including the “Quincecare” duty of care) for an alleged failure to prevent fraudulent payments from a company’s bank account.
Acting for one the world-leading providers of intellectual property services which is facing a multi-million-pound claim for alleged bribery / secret commissions and unlawful means conspiracy.
PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Bank Plc
Instructed for Barclays in the high-profile dispute arising out of capital raisings in 2008 and allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation.
Instructed by a major bank to advise on claims arising out of Advanced Push Payment scams.
Instructed (with Richard Lissack KC) on a number of substantial international arbitrations concerning the sale of a large number of aircraft in the Middle East, Africa and China, which gave rise to complex issues of bribery, corruption and compliance with the international anti-corruption standards.
Acting (with John Taylor KC) for Macquarie Bank in relation to claims brought by a company in the Bomin Group in connection with losses incurred as a result of the alleged fraudulent trading of oil futures.
Acting for the operator of a Bitcoin exchange in defending claims made against it following the sophisticated hack of its systems and the theft of its customers’ Bitcoins.
Monde Petroleum SA v LeeLanes LLP & Others
Acting (with Michael McLaren KC and Adam Sher) for the claimant in its claim against solicitors for the alleged misappropriation of monies held in escrow in connection with an intended sale of a power plant to the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Acting in relation to a disputed agency relationship with allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation and the receipt of bribes and secret commissions.
Christopher’s expertise in civil fraud has led to a growing practice in commercial crime matters. This is complemented by his expertise in banking and financial matters. For example, he is often instructed to advise and act in the context of proceeds of crime and was involved in the criminal proceedings against Barclays and former Barclays executives arising out of capital raisings in 2008. His cases often include allegations of bribery and corruption.
PCP Capital Partners LLP v Barclays Bank Plc
Instructed for Barclays in the high-profile dispute arising out of capital raisings in 2008 and allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation.
Acting (with Richard Lissack KC) on a number of substantial international arbitrations concerning the sale of a large number of aircraft in the Middle East, Africa and China, which gave rise to complex issues of bribery, corruption and compliance with the international anti-corruption standards.
Acting in multiple confidential arbitrations involving complex issues of bribery and corruption in a wide range of sectors, including in connection with large energy infrastructure projects such as the construction of gas liquefaction plants and power stations.
Acting for defendants facing allegations of threats and intimidation and unlawful means conspiracy relating to the defendants’ alleged improper influence over the Abu Dhabi justice system. This has given rise to a jurisdiction battle as to whether the claimant is able to obtain a fair trial in Abu Dhabi.
Christopher’s practice covers all aspects of commercial litigation and arbitration. He is recognised in Chambers & Partners as a leading junior in commercial dispute resolution.
Christopher’s work is generally of an international character and he regularly advises and appears on matters giving rise to conflicts of laws and jurisdiction issues.
J.P. Morgan International Finance Ltd v Werealize.com Ltd [2024] EWHC 1437 (Comm)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC, Rosalind Phelps KC, Rupert Allen and Gillian Hughes) for JPM in an expedited trial of a shareholder dispute in relation to a Greek fintech company: Viva Wallet Holdings Software Development SA. This concerned the proper approach to the valuation of shares for the purposes of a call option process and certain US regulatory restrictions (including Regulation K) said to apply by reason of JPM’s shareholding.
Manek v IIFL Wealth Management Limited
Acting (with Lord Falconer KC and Rishab Gupta) for the IIFL defendants in a dispute concerning the sale and purchase of shares in an Indian payment services business (Hermes). It was alleged that the original purchase of the claimant’s shares was induced by fraud and conspiracy with a view to purchasing the shares at an undervalue and then selling on to Wirecard at many multiples of the original price paid. The purchase of Hermes by Wirecard has been the subject of various press reports, including by the FT’s Dan McCrum: see here.
Stanford International Bank Limited (in liquidation) v HSBC Plc [2020] EWHC 2232 (Ch); [2021] EWCA Civ 535; [2021] 1 WLR 3507
Acting (with Patricia Robertson KC and Louise Hutton) for HSBC in defending claims of negligence and dishonest assistance in connection with the multi-billion-dollar Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Sir Allen Stanford (one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2021 and Top 10 Appeals of 2022).
Handa v Handa
Acting (with Jeff Chapman KC) in a substantial family shareholder dispute as to the validity of expulsion notices under a shareholder agreement.
Nimer v United Al Saqer Group LLC (and others) [2021] EWHC 50 (QB)
Acting for defendants facing allegations of threats and intimidation and unlawful means conspiracy relating to the defendants’ alleged improper influence over the Abu Dhabi justice system. This has given rise to a jurisdiction battle as to whether the claimant is able to obtain a fair trial in Abu Dhabi.
Rotam Agrochemical Company Limited v GAT Microencapsulation GMBH [2018] EWHC 2765 (Comm)
Acting for a Hong Kong-based agrochemical company in claims arising from a collaboration on the development of a plant protection product known as “Clomazone”. This involved issues as to whether Austrian law applied to contractual issues and unjust enrichment claims between the parties and extensive reports from Austrian law experts.
Recorded Picture Company v Alfama Films Production [2018] EWCA Civ 767
Acting for the Grantor of an option entered into with a Portuguese production company to acquire a one picture licence in relation to the feature film project known as ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote’.
Oceanic Trans Shipping Corp & Others v Maroil [2017] EWHC 1254 (Comm)
Acting (with Akhil Shah KC) for one of the shareholders in two joint venture companies that each owned a Very Large Crude Carrier in relation to a dispute with another shareholder for allegedly concluding a settlement without authority and ultimately misappropriating monies due to the joint venture companies. In successfully obtaining a freezing injunction against Maroil, the Commercial Court (Teare J) considered whether the reflective loss principle was applicable in the context of a shareholder seeking a payment to be made to the company, rather than to itself.
Law Debenture Trust Corp Plc v Ukraine [2017] EWHC 1902 (Comm)
Instructed by Ukraine in the $3 billion claim arising out of the loan arrangement with the Russian Federation (one of The Lawyer’s Top cases of 2017) and involved (amongst other things) novel and important matters of private international law, such as the capacity of foreign sovereign States to enter into English law contracts.
U&M Mining Zambia Ltd v Konkola Copper Mines Plc [2014] EWHC 3250 (Comm)
Acting (with Derrick Dale KC) in obtaining a freezing injunction against the operator of a Zambian copper mine.
Bieber v Teathers Ltd (In Liquidation) [2014] EWHC 4205 (Ch)
Acting (with Mark Simpson KC) for over 200 individual investors in film finance partnerships in a substantial negligence claim against the managing partners. In an important decision, the claimants successfully established that a settlement had been reached shortly before trial on the basis of email correspondence between the parties’ solicitors.
Irving and Irving v Darbyshire and others [2013] EWHC 2301 (Admin)
Acting for the defendants in successfully challenging the jurisdiction of the English courts where proceedings had been issued in England for an alleged breach of a settlement agreement entered into to settle defamation proceedings in the Isle of Man.
Christopher has a broad experience of insurance and reinsurance matters, across a wide range of industry sectors. He is recommended as a leading junior in insurance and reinsurance by Legal 500.
Russian Aircraft Operator Policy Claims [2024] EWHC 734 (Comm)
Acting (with Alexander Milner KC) in a US$300 million claim against reinsurers arising out of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Aircraft Operator Policy Claims [2024] EWHC 1365 (Comm)
Acting (with Derrick Dale KC and Tiffany Tang) for a number of owners and operators of Ukrainian aircraft in claims against reinsurers in respect of aircraft stranded in Ukraine following the invasion by Russia.
Instructed (with Bankim Thanki KC) to advise on the whether there had been adequate notification to excess layer insurers in the context of a professional indemnity policy.
Acting (with Derrick Dale KC) for the owner of a Boeing 737-400 aircraft which had suffered extensive damage to the wing structure and engines as a result of a heavy landing at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Pakistan. The issues included whether the owner of the aircraft had a direct right of action against reinsurers by virtue of a “cut-through” clause in the reinsurance policy.
Christopher’s arbitration practice covers all types of institutional and ad hoc commercial arbitration. He has recently been involved in a large-scale arbitration in the aviation sector, as well as complex financial matters and commodities disputes.
Christopher has also acted in several arbitrations where bribes have allegedly been paid in connection with the acquisition of various types of aircraft around the world. Examples include:
Acting in relation to a joint venture arrangement concerning property investment in Europe and allegations of misappropriation of funds.
Instructed in relation to a major arbitration concerning alleged corruption and bribery in the context of a gas liquefaction plant in the Middle East and North Africa.
Representing a major airline with respect to claims made in arbitration in connection with re-delivery conditions under a commercial lease.
Acting in a billion-dollar ICC arbitration concerning claims in the aviation sector and the alleged misuse of confidential information. This required a detailed understanding of flight physics and the design of aircraft structures, which covered technical concepts such as geometry, aerodynamics, loads and structural engineering.
Having previously written for and performed with the National Youth Theatre, Christopher has a keen interest in media and entertainment, which is complimented by a growing practice in these areas.
Recorded Picture Company v Alfama Films Production [2018] EWCA Civ 767
Acting for the Grantor of an option entered into with a Portuguese production company to acquire a one picture licence in relation to the feature film project known as ‘The Man Who Killed Don Quixote’.
The Take Film Partnerships [2014] EWHC 4205 (Ch)
Acting (with Mark Simpson KC) for a large group of individual investors in film finance partnerships in a substantial negligence claim against the managing partners. In an important decision on the effect of settlement negotiations prior to trial, the claimants successfully argued that a settlement of the dispute had been reached in the course of correspondence between the parties’ respective solicitors.
Acting for a video game studio in a dispute concerning the development of a fantasy action role-playing game for Windows, Xbox One and PS4.
Acting for a major publisher in a dispute with a high-profile celebrity relating to the payment of advances under a book publishing contract and the impact of the celebrity not attending a schedule of agreed PR events in the run up to the launch of the hardback version of his biography.
Instructed on behalf of an international entertainment company which produces, curates and distributes pay television channels and content verticals in a claim for unpaid licence fees.
Acting (with Tamara Oppenheimer KC) for members of one of the wealthiest families in India with issues including the scope of the joint retainer principle and various issues of legal professional privilege.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) one of the leading car manufacturers as to whether various forms of internal communications and reports were covered by privilege.
The Take Film Partnerships [2014] EWHC 4205 (Ch)
Acting (with Mark Simpson KC) for a large group of individual investors in film finance partnerships in a substantial negligence claim against the managing partners. In an important decision on the effect of settlement negotiations prior to trial, the claimants successfully argued that a settlement of the dispute had been reached in the course of correspondence between the parties’ solicitors.
Tamweel Enterprises Limited v Gregory Rowcliffe Milners
Acting (with Mark Simpson KC) for the claimant in a claim against a firm of solicitors concerning the drafting of an “earn out” contract in the context of the sale and purchase of a travel company and the benefits of a VAT-related tax advantage.
Parker v Freeth Cartwright LLP
Acting (with Derrick Dale KC) for Freeth Cartwright in defending a substantial professional negligence claim for the alleged failure to plead certain heads of loss in a claim against solicitors who had acted for the claimants in connection with an unsuccessful takeover bid of Leicester City Football Club.
Acting for a firm of solicitors in defending a negligence action brought by the London tourism office of a foreign government, which raised complex issues relating to state immunity.
Christopher has a broad experience of sports disputes, ranging from issues over image rights to takeover bids.
Acting on behalf of a former Premier League footballer in connection with a dispute with his former club over image rights.
Parker v Freeth Cartwright LLP
Acting (with Derrick Dale KC) for Freeth Cartwright in defending a substantial professional negligence claim for the alleged failure to plead certain heads of loss in a claim against solicitors who had acted for the claimants in connection with an unsuccessful takeover bid of Leicester City Football Club.
Mark Simpson KC and Christopher Langley acted for the Takeover Panel in…
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In Cantor Fitzgerald & Co v YES Bank Limited [2024] EWCA Civ…
Alfie Harper
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3806
Click here to email
Sam McCrone
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 7842 3714
Click here to email
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