Jeffrey Chapman QC

Jeffrey Chapman KC

Call 1989 | Silk 2010

"An outstanding barrister in every respect. He is exceptionally bright, highly effective, and a very clear and cogent advocate."


The Legal 500

For enquiries please contact

Sian Huckett

Sian Huckett
Deputy Senior Clerk
+44 (0)20 7842 3764
Click here to email

Chris Kent
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3771
Click here to email

Expertise

Prashant Manek & Ors v Wirecard AG [2020] EWHC 1904

Strike out of unlawful means conspiracy claim against Wirecard AG.


Eli Lilly v Genentech [2020] EWHC 261 (Pat)

Issue estoppel and abuse of process res judicata in patent cases.


Goldman v Zurich Insurance plc [2020] EWHC 192 (TCC)

Insurance, deceit and abuse of process res judicata.


IS Prime Ltd v TF Global Markets (UK) Limited [2020] EWHC 3375 (Comm)

Advising in a complicated trading platform dispute involving FX, CFDs and derivative trading (the English proceedings are reported only on a jurisdiction/Arbitration Act stay point).


Green Deal Marketing Southern Ltd v Economy Energy Trading Ltd [2019] EWHC 507 (Ch)

Largest award of damages under the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.


Group Seven Ltd v Notable Services LLP [2019] EWCA Civ 614

Dishonest assistance post Ivey and vicarious liability of a bank for dishonest assistance.


Piraeus Bank v EFG Bank [2018] EWHC 2554 (Ch)

Bank successfully applied to discharge Norwich Pharmacal order.


Playboy Club London Limited v Banca Nazionale Del Lavoro SPA [2018] UKSC 43; [2016] 1 WLR 3169 (CA)

Negligent misrepresentation.


Playboy Club London Limited v Banca Nazionale Del Lavoro SPA [2018] EWCA Civ 2025 (CA)

Abuse of process.


Group Seven Limited & Others v Ali Nasir & Others [2017] EWHC 2466 (Ch)

Dishonest assistance and vicarious liability.


Ramilos Trading Limited v Valentin Buyanovsky [2016] EWHC 3175 (Comm)

Norwich Pharmacal.


Group Seven Ltd v Allied Investment Corp Ltd Court of Appeal (Civil Division) [2015] EWCA Civ 631; 2014 EWHC 2046 (Ch)

Civil fraud.


Jong v HSBC Private Bank (Monaco) SA Chancery Division [2014] EWHC 4165 (Ch)

Jurisdiction.


Coll v Floreat Merchant Banking Ltd Queen’s Bench Division [2014] EWHC 1741 (QB)

Contempt of court.


Group Seven Ltd v Allied Investment Corp Ltd Chancery Division [2014] 1 W.L.R. 735

Freezing orders.


JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov (Granton Action) [2013] EWHC 867 (Comm); [2013] EWHC 510 (Comm)

Civil fraud.


Seven Licensing Co Sarl v FFG-Platinum SA [2011] EWHC 2967 (Comm); [2012] I.L.Pr


Deutsche Bank AG v Tongkah Harbour Public Co Ltd Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2011] EWHC 2251 (QB); [2012] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 194; [2011] Arb. L.R. 20; (2011) 108(34) L.S.G. 20


Proteus Property Partners Ltd v South African Property Opportunities Plc [2011] EWHC 1236 (QB); [2011] EWHC 768 (QB)


Abdel Hadi Abdallah Al Qahtani & Sons Beverage Industry Co v Antliff [2010] EWHC 1735 (Comm)


Parabola Investments Ltd v Browallia Cal Ltd (formerly Union Cal Ltd) [2010] EWCA Civ 486; [2011] Q.B. 477; [2010] 3 W.L.R. 1266; [2011] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 210; [2010] Bus. L.R. 1446; [2011] 1 B.C.L.C. 26; [2010] 19 E.G. 108 (C.S.); (2010) 107(20) L.S.G. 20.arabola Investments Ltd v Browallia Cal Ltd (formerly Union Cal Ltd) Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2009] EWHC 1492 (Comm); [2009] EWHC 901 (Comm); [2009] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 589

Appearing in the landmark decision and leading authority in quantifying trading damages.


DNA Productions (Europe) Ltd v Manoukian [2008] EWHC 2627 (Ch)


DNA Productions (Europe) Ltd v Manoukian [2008] EWHC 943 (Ch)


National Westminster Bank Plc v Rabobank Nederland Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2007] EWHC 3163 (Comm); [2008] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 266; [2008] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 16; [2008] 6 Costs L.R. 839


National Westminster Bank Plc v Rabobank Nederland Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2007] EWHC 1056 (Comm)


Mahme Trust Reg v Lloyds TSB Bank Plc [2006] EWHC 1782 (Ch)

Jeff has always acted in technology cases.  He was recently instructed for the defendant battery manufacturers in a long trial in the TCC in 2021 against Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited concerning the performance of the battery and battery management systems in the Nissan Qashqai and Juke motor vehicles.  Proceedings involved extensive technical evidence in relation to the operation of the batteries and BMS and were compromised on confidential terms after closing submissions but before judgment.

In addition, Jeff has an interest in, and has advised on, cutting edge technology disputes and is familiar with cryptocurrency issues such as those which were the subject of Quoine Pte Ltd v B2C2 [2020] SGCA(1) 02, involving Ethereum and Bitcoin in Singapore.

Jeff was also appointed a researcher at the Law Commission and worked on its Computer Misuse project which later become the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

 

Jeff’s extensive civil fraud practice and experience with Norwich Pharmacal orders has led to multiple instructions in this field.

Notable Art & Cultural Property Cases


Acting in High Court proceedings concerning the valuation and sale of multiple Aston Martin cars.


Acting for the interested parties in the highly publicised Inigo Philbrick art fraud in 2020.


Acting for one of the parties involved in the dispute between Bonhams and the owner of Victoria’s Secret in relation the £11 million sale of the Ferrari 375 which won the 1954 Sports Car Championship and the 1954 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Jeff is frequently instructed to provide confidential advice on all kinds of banking and financial services matters including sanctions, POCA issues, loan and security disputes, interest rate swaps, ISDA, structured finance transactions and complex financial instruments and related regulatory matters. He has extensive experience in dealing with fraud issues in banks all over the world. His recent notable cases include the Playboy litigation in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal (see above) and the leading cases in the Court of Appeal on dishonest assistance and knowing receipt in relation to international banking fraud (Group Seven and Byers v The Saudi National Bank). In addition to the cases referred to under Commercial Disputes, Jeff’s practice includes the matters below.

Notable Banking & Finance Cases


Acting in relation to an ongoing multi-jurisdictional dispute involving banks in Switzerland and Monaco.


Advising in relation to the Belarus sanctions regime.


Advising the Bermuda Monetary Authority on regulatory issues arising out of banking and financial services.


Advising banks and financial institutions on sanctions and POCA issues.


Advising in proceedings arising out of a fraud on Chinese lenders.

Notable Civil Fraud Cases


Byers v The Saudi National Bank (formerly Samba Financial Group) [2022] EWCA Civ 43

Instructed on behalf of the Appellant in the $300 million Court of Appeal decision re-stating the law of knowing/unconscionable receipt.


Group Seven Limited and others v Ali Nasir and others

Acting for the claimants in the Chancery Division proceedings to recover €100 million in the Group Seven litigation since 2013; an asset recovery action which is still continuing. These proceedings included an important decision on the scope of Freezing Orders [2014] 1 WLR 735; judgment against the main fraudsters after a 30-day trial in the Chancery Division [2014] EWHC 2046 (Ch) which was upheld in the Court of Appeal [2015] EWCA Civ 631; judgment against an accountant at a firm of solicitors for knowing receipt, a bank manager and his bank in dishonest assistance/vicarious liability after a 35-day trial in the Chancery Division [2017] EWHC 2466; and a successful appeal reversing the trial judge and establishing dishonest assistance against the accountant and upholding the findings against the bank manager and his bank in the Court of Appeal [2019] EWCA Civ 614.


JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov and others

Acting for Russian defendant in 14-week Commercial Court trial before Teare J. The case involved a multi-jurisdictional banking fraud claim under Kazakh and Russian law extensively covered in the legal press, and the subject of multiple reported decisions. The trial is reported at [2013] EWHC 510 (Comm) and [2013] EWHC 867 (Comm).


R v Ryjenko and Another

Appearing in the Old Bailey acting for a defendant banker with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development in corruption proceedings which ended after a confiscation order was made in June 2019). (A criminal prosecution involving alleged corruption in project financing by the EBRD in the former Soviet Union.

Jeff has practical experience in advising financial institutions and individuals on sanctions regimes. He also appeared in two trials at the Old Bailey in R v Ryjenko and another (a criminal prosecution involving alleged corruption in project financing by the EBRD in the former Soviet Union).

Reported Commercial Crime Cases


Abel Hadi Abdallah Al Qahtani v Antliff

Acting for the claimant company seeking to recover bribes under Saudi law.

Notable Commercial Disputes Cases


Aston Martin Middle East Limited v Aston Martin Lagonda Limited

Acting for the Kuwait-based distributors of Aston Martin vehicles in the Middle East in multiple disputes in the Commercial Court, London Circuit Commercial Court, Jersey and LCIA arbitration arising out of their relationship with Lawrence Stroll’s luxury vehicle manufacturer, Aston Martin including in particular in Saudi Arabia.


Group Seven Limited and others v Ali Nasir and others

Acting for the claimants in the Chancery Division proceedings to recover €100 million in the Group Seven litigation from 2013 to 2020. These proceedings included an important decision on the scope of Freezing Orders [2014] 1 WLR 735; judgment against the main fraudsters after a 30-day trial in the Chancery Division [2014] EWHC 2046 (Ch) which was upheld in the Court of Appeal [2015] EWCA Civ 631; judgment against an accountant at a firm of solicitors for knowing receipt, a bank manager and his Swiss bank in dishonest assistance/vicarious liability after a 35-day trial in the Chancery Division [2017] EWHC 2466; and a successful appeal reversing the trial judge and establishing dishonest assistance against the accountant and upholding the findings against the bank manager and his bank in the Court of Appeal [2019] EWCA Civ 614. Permission to appeal to the Supreme Court was eventually refused and the decision remains the leading authority on the proper test for dishonest assistance. The case achieved notoriety after the Financial Times front page magazine piece on 28 June 2018 about the victim of the fraud headlined, “The ship tycoon, the con men and a €100m scam”.


Playboy Club London Limited v Banca Nazionale Del Lavoro SPA [2018] UKSC 43

Acting for an Italian bank in two separate sets of proceedings brought against it by a well-known London casino which advanced more than £1 million in credit to a professional gambler allegedly in reliance on a reference provided by an employee of the bank. The Casino alleged the reference was given negligently in the first set of proceedings where the bank (represented by Jeff with Andrew de Mestre, 4 Stone Buildings) was successful in the Court of Appeal in reversing the decision below on a Hedley Byrne banking law point of considerable interest: [2016] 1 WLR 3169. The first set of proceedings is now over; Jeff’s clients won in the Supreme Court [2018] UKSC 43 in establishing no duty of care was owed to the claimant. Meanwhile the Casino brought another set of proceedings alleging the bank’s reference was given fraudulently. The Bank struck out the later claim as an abuse of process on the basis that it could and should have been brought as part of the first proceedings. The Court of Appeal reinstated the case [2018] EWCA Civ 2025 and permission was given to amend to include the costs of the first proceedings at [2019] EWHC 303 (Comm). The case settled before judgment after the second trial.


Piraeus Bank v EFG Bank [2018] EWHC 2554 (Ch)

Acting for a private bank based in the UK which was subject to a wide-ranging application by an overseas bank in the Chancery Division for Norwich Pharmacal relief against an allegedly fraudulent customer in connection with multi-million pound claims being made in another European jurisdiction. The application was granted ex parte but, on the return date, Jeff’s clients were successful and the claim for disclosure of bank documents relating to a customer was dismissed (by the same Judge who had granted the original order). The matter remained confidential until the Court of Appeal dismissed the permission application.


Ramilos Trading Limited v Valentin Buyanovsky [2016] EWHC 3175 (Comm)

Advising in the ground-breaking claim in connection with disputes concerning multi-hundred million potential fraud claims in Russia, Cyprus and various offshore jurisdictions. Flaux J’s judgment sets out a wide-ranging review of the law relating to Norwich Pharmacal applications in fraud cases where the material is sought for use in proceedings overseas. The underlying corporate raider proceedings continued in Russia and Cyprus until settled on confidential terms in 2018.


Jeff Blue v Mike Ashley

Acting in the notorious case for an investment banker (Mr Blue) suing Mike Ashley (owner of Sports Direct and Newcastle United Football Club) in the Commercial Court for £14 million promised to Mr Blue if he helped to get the Sports Direct share price above £8 per share. Mr Blue says he did what was asked of him and Mr Ashley has refused to pay him what he is due. The deal was allegedly done in the Horse and Groom pub and was strongly disputed by Mr Ashley. The trial took place over six days in July 2017 to a fanfare of publicity including multiple stories of Mr Ashley’s drinking. Jeff cross-examined Mr Ashley for two days. The important judgment of Mr Justice Leggatt (now Leggatt LJ) is at [2017] EWHC 1928 (Comm). The Judge did not believe all of Mr Ashley’s evidence but ultimately dismissed Mr Blue’s claim.


JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov and others

Acting for Russian defendant in a 14-week Commercial Court trial before Teare J. The case was a multi-jurisdictional banking fraud claim under Kazakh and Russian law extensively covered in the legal press, and the subject of multiple reported decisions. The trial is reported at [2013] EWHC 510 (Comm) and [2013] EWHC 867 (Comm).


R (Leyton Orient FC) v Newham BC and others

Representing Orient in challenge to appoint West Ham as preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium. Challenged as an unlawful State Aid. Preferred bid withdrawn a week before the substantive hearing was due to take place.

In conjunction with his expertise in banking and finance, Jeff has extensive experience in advising regulators (including the FSA in relation to RBS and the Bermuda Monetary Authority) and individuals and companies in relation to financial services regulation.

Jeff has extensive experience of advising on policy and coverage issues in relation to all kinds of insurance.

Jeff has extensive arbitration experience including in SIAC, ICC, UNCITRAL and LCIA. He also has ad hoc arbitral experience. Jeff has appeared in proceedings in London, Paris, Geneva, Singapore and New York.

Notable International Arbitration Cases


A large Indian Bank in UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings in Singapore.


A state-owned Bank in Eastern Europe. Seat of the arbitration London.


Oil and gas exploration in West Africa. Seat of the arbitration London.

Jeff’s commercial, banking and civil fraud cases often involve an offshore aspect.  He was called to the Bar of the British Virgin Islands in 1999 and is at present or has recently been involved in litigation in, amongst other jurisdictions and in no particular order, Cyprus, Switzerland, Montenegro, Isle of Man, Jersey, the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and Monaco.

Jeff often advises on these issues and has particular experience of privilege, confidentiality and conflicts of interest in an IP context arising out of proceedings acting for Sandoz.

Notable Privilege, Confidentiality & Conflicts of Interest Cases


Aqua Global Solutions Ltd v Fiserv (Europe) Ltd [2016] EWHC 1627 (Ch)

Acting for the applicant successfully obtaining orders for production of the terms of a confidential licence agreement which had been heavily redacted.

As a former Vice Chair of the Bar Standard Board’s Professional Conduct Committee, Jeff has significant experience of advising in sensitive disciplinary and regulatory matters involving professionals, particularly within the legal sector, and regularly advises the Bar Standards Board on confidential matters.

Jeff has acted in professional negligence matters for and against most professionals including accountants, architects, bankers, barristers, solicitors, surveyors and valuers.

Jeff’s interest in playing (or increasingly watching) sport is complimented by an established practice in sports law. As well as appearing in the London Olympic stadium judicial review proceedings and multiple football cases acting for Cardiff City, Leeds United and Leyton Orient, he has acted in several show-jumping matters including disputes involving Ben Maher (Olympic gold-medalist) and trying to get the Irish show-jumping team and Cian O’Connor into the Rio Olympics via the CAS in Lausanne. Jeff has also advised in relation to sponsorship disputes in F1, football and rugby union including the impact of Covid disruption on long-term sponsorship contracts.

Notable Sports Cases


Horse Sport Ireland and another v Fédération Equestre Internationale

Acting for Cian O’Connor in the Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal filed by Horse Sport Ireland and Mr O’Connor against the decision rendered by the FEI Appeal Committee on 22 August 2015 which meant the Irish team did not qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.


Denis Lynch v Horse Sport Ireland Ltd, Cian O’Connor and others CAS arbitration No. CAS OG 12/03

Representing Irish show jumper Cian O’Connor before the Ad Hoc Olympic Division of the CAS in successful bid to ensure Cian could represent Ireland at the London Olympics. Cian won a bronze medal a week later.


Representing Ben Maher in Chancery Division proceedings arising out of the ownership of his Olympic ride Tripple X.

"Incredibly user friendly and accessible, very quickly building trust and confidence with the client and solicitor teams. Jeff gives incisive and commercial advice, with a compelling delivery and a collaborative approach."


The Legal 500

"An excellent advocate who is very user-friendly and a good team player." "He makes complex matters simple and is an absolute joy to work with."


Chambers & Partners

"An excellent, clear and structured barrister." "He is absolutely fantastic, very pragmatic and provides sensible advice."


Chambers & Partners

"Jeffrey's advice on tactics and legal issues has been first class. He is so easy to work with and approachable." "He is very impressive and very calm as an advocate."


Chambers & Partners

"He's tactically highly astute and he’s a delightful and highly persuasive advocate."


The Legal 500

"Combines expert knowledge of the law with down to earth, practical advice - his cross-examination and advocacy skills during the trial were extremely impressive."


The Legal 500

"He's great on his feet, technically astute and amazingly user-friendly." "Jeffrey is thorough and articulate, and has excellent presence in court."


Chambers & Partners

"He gives really practical advice to clients and is a really good advocate - he's exactly the sort of silk you want to lead you." "Jeffrey is a pleasure to work with as he is an excellent communicator and accommodates clients' needs."


Chambers & Partners

"He can turn the view of a commercial judge in a day of submissions."


Chambers & Partners

Chambers & Partners – Global
  • Dispute Resolution: Commercial – UK
Chambers & Partners – UK
  • Banking & Finance
  • Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • Fraud: Civil
The Legal 500
  • Banking & Finance (including Consumer Credit)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Fraud: Civil (Tier 1)

  • LLM (First Class), Cambridge University
  • BA (First Class), University of Sussex

  • Admitted to the Bar of the British Virgin islands

  • Board member for the Bar Standards Board
  • Barrister Vice-Chair, Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar Standards Board (2015-2019)
  • Bar Standards Board Complaints Committee (2007-2012)
  • Queen Mother Scholarship, Middle Temple
  • Called to Bar of British Virgin Islands (1999)
  • CEDR Accredited Mediator
  • Researcher for and Consultant to Law Commission (1987-1989)

  • French (working knowledge)
  • German (fluent)

For enquiries please contact

Sian Huckett

Sian Huckett
Deputy Senior Clerk
+44 (0)20 7842 3764
Click here to email

Chris Kent
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3771
Click here to email

"Incredibly user friendly and accessible, very quickly building trust and confidence with the client and solicitor teams. Jeff gives incisive and commercial advice, with a compelling delivery and a collaborative approach."


The Legal 500

"An excellent advocate who is very user-friendly and a good team player." "He makes complex matters simple and is an absolute joy to work with."


Chambers & Partners

"An excellent, clear and structured barrister." "He is absolutely fantastic, very pragmatic and provides sensible advice."


Chambers & Partners

"Jeffrey's advice on tactics and legal issues has been first class. He is so easy to work with and approachable." "He is very impressive and very calm as an advocate."


Chambers & Partners

"He's tactically highly astute and he’s a delightful and highly persuasive advocate."


The Legal 500

"Combines expert knowledge of the law with down to earth, practical advice - his cross-examination and advocacy skills during the trial were extremely impressive."


The Legal 500

"He's great on his feet, technically astute and amazingly user-friendly." "Jeffrey is thorough and articulate, and has excellent presence in court."


Chambers & Partners

"He gives really practical advice to clients and is a really good advocate - he's exactly the sort of silk you want to lead you." "Jeffrey is a pleasure to work with as he is an excellent communicator and accommodates clients' needs."


Chambers & Partners

"He can turn the view of a commercial judge in a day of submissions."


Chambers & Partners

Chambers & Partners – Global
  • Dispute Resolution: Commercial – UK
Chambers & Partners – UK
  • Banking & Finance
  • Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • Fraud: Civil
The Legal 500
  • Banking & Finance (including Consumer Credit)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Fraud: Civil (Tier 1)

  • LLM (First Class), Cambridge University
  • BA (First Class), University of Sussex

  • Admitted to the Bar of the British Virgin islands

  • Board member for the Bar Standards Board
  • Barrister Vice-Chair, Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar Standards Board (2015-2019)
  • Bar Standards Board Complaints Committee (2007-2012)
  • Queen Mother Scholarship, Middle Temple
  • Called to Bar of British Virgin Islands (1999)
  • CEDR Accredited Mediator
  • Researcher for and Consultant to Law Commission (1987-1989)

  • French (working knowledge)
  • German (fluent)

Menu

Close

Portfolio Builder

Select the expertise that you would like to download or add to the portfolio

Download    Add to portfolio   
Portfolio
Title Type CV Email

Remove All

Download


Click here to share this shortlist.
(It will expire after 30 days.)