Natasha Bennett

Natasha Bennett

Call 2009

“Natasha is fantastically bright, her written product is absolutely superb and she is incredibly responsive; a definite future star KC in the making.”


The Legal 500

For enquiries please contact

Alfie Harper

Alfie Harper
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3806
Click here to email

Sam McCrone-small

Sam McCrone
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 7842 3714
Click here to email

Expertise

Notable Banking & Finance Cases


Stichting Vestia v SocGen

Instructed (with Richard Handyside KC) to defend SocGen against a claim by a Dutch Social Housing Association in respect of various interest rate derivative transactions which were alleged to be beyond the Social Housing Association’s capacity and/or tainted by bribery.


The Libyan Investment Authority v Credit Suisse et al

Instructed (with Timothy Howe KC and Simon Atrill) by Credit Suisse to defend a c.$200 million claim brought by the Libyan Investment Authority in relation to structured notes purchased by the Libyan Investment Authority from Credit Suisse.


Farol Holdings et al v Clydesdale Bank & National Australia Bank

Defending National Australia Bank (with Paddy Goodall KC) against a claim relating to the calculation of break costs and determination of the applicable fixed rate for Tailored Business Loans offered by Clydesdale Bank to its customers.


Roman Pipia v BGEO Group Limited

Defending BGEO Group Limited, the parent company of Bank of Georgia (with Sonia Tolaney KC) against a claim relating to the sale by Bank of Georgia of assets by auction following a default on a loan facility. Reported judgments: [2020] EWHC 1359 (Comm); [2020] EWHC 402 (Comm).


Morley Estates v RBS

Defending RBS (with Paul Sinclair KC) against a claim brought by Morley Estates relating to RBS’s decision to transfer Morley Estates to RBS’s “GRG” division and the subsequent sale of Morley Estate’s portfolio of properties (worth around £90 million) to West Register (an RBS subsidiary). Reported judgments: [2020] EWHC 88 (Ch), [2019] EWHC 2865 (Ch), [2019] EWHC 270 (Ch).


Arena Plaza v LIML & Rothschild

Defending LIML and Rothschild (with Patricia Robertson KC) against a claim for €31 million brought in respect of the restructuring of the financing for an investment in a Hungarian Shopping Centre.


Bhardwaj v RBS

Acting for RBS (as sole counsel) to strike out a claim brought in breach of a settlement agreement.


The RBS Rights Issue Litigation

Acting for RBS (with David Railton KC, Sonia Tolaney QC et al) in a substantial piece of commercial litigation relating to the accuracy of the representations made in RBS’s Prospectus for its 2008 Rights Issue. Reported judgments: [2017] EWHC 1217 (Ch), [2017] EWHC 463 (Ch), [2016] EWHC 3161 (Ch).


Wall v RBS

Acting (with Andrew Mitchell KC and Tamara Oppenheimer KC) for RBS in a c.£400 million claim brought by the owner of a student accommodation company Opal Property Group (now in administration), in respect of allegedly mis-sold derivatives linked to LIBOR.


Al-Besher et al v Credit Suisse

Acting (with Richard Handyside KC) for Credit Suisse in relation to three claims brought against Credit Suisse in respect of allegedly fraudulent misrepresentations and documents, in connection with the financing of the Hertsmere House development project in Canary Wharf.


Credit Suisse v Stichting Vestia [2014] EWHC 3103 (Comm)

Acting (with Timothy Howe KC and Henry King KC) for Credit Suisse in a claim against a Dutch Social Housing Association to recover €83 million owed under various interest rate derivative transactions. Issues raised in the case include, authority, capacity, Dutch law and contractual estoppel.


Basma Al Sulaiman v Credit Suisse & Plurimi Capital LLP [2013] EWHC 400 (Comm)

Acting (with Guy Philipps QC) in a multi-million pound claim against an investment bank and an investment advisory firm for alleged negligence and breach of regulatory duties in connection with the mis-selling of structured products.


Assisting Bankim Thanki KC in preparing an Expert Report, for the purposes of New York Proceedings, as to whether a parent bank has a legal right under English law to require that a subsidiary bank disclose its customer’s account information to the parent.


Garnet Investments Ltd v BNP Paribas SA (Royal Court of Guernsey)

Acting (with Timothy Howe KC and James McClelland KC) for a corporate investor claiming against a number of international financial institutions for alleged negligence in the management of >£65 million equity investment portfolios and FX trades.


Natasha was seconded to Barclays’ Global Retail Bank Litigation department in September 2010, during which she gained experience in a wide range of banking disputes.

Notable Civil Fraud Cases


Stichting Vestia v SocGen

Instructed (with Richard Handyside KC) to defend SocGen against a claim by a Dutch Social Housing Association in respect of various interest rate derivative transactions which were alleged to be beyond the Social Housing Association’s capacity and/or tainted by bribery.


The Libyan Investment Authority v Credit Suisse et al

Instructed (with Timothy Howe KC and Simon Atrill) by Credit Suisse to defend a c.$200 million claim brought by the Libyan Investment Authority in relation to structured notes purchased by the Libyan Investment Authority from Credit Suisse, allegedly as a result of bribery and corruption.

Natasha was named ‘Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year’ at The Legal 500‘s 2023 Bar Awards.

Notable Commercial Disputes Cases


Diesel Emissions litigation

Acting (with Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC) in the Diesel Emissions litigation for car manufacturers and authorised dealers in relation to a large number of claims brought by consumers alleging breach of applicable regulations and misrepresentation.


Moorgate Capital v Sun European Partners [2020] EWHC 593 (Comm)

Defending a private equity firm, Sun, (as sole counsel) against a claim by a corporate finance advisor, based on an alleged oral/conduct agreement, for a success fee following an acquisition.


Royal Petrol Trading v Total Oil India [2018] EWHC 1272 (Comm)

Acting (with Stephen Moriarty KC) for Total in relation to a claim by Royal Petrol for payment for the delivery of liquified petroleum gas from Iran.


Ron Dennis v Spink Construction

Acting for Ron Dennis in a claim relating to a high-end residential construction project.


Instructed (with Richard Handyside KC) in relation to a contractual dispute, subject to arbitration, turning on the construction of certain clauses in a mail delivery contract.


Natasha spent three months on secondment to Addleshaw Goddard (October 2010 to December 2010) during which she assisted with the disclosure exercise and the preparation of witness statements in a multi-billion pound claim brought by Boris Berezovsky against Roman Abramovich in relation to the ownership of Russian oil and aluminium assets.

Notable Commercial Disputes - Conflict of Laws and Jurisdiction Cases


In the context of an arbitration in Switzerland, advising on the applicable law governing the issues of capacity and authority.


Advising on the operation of Article 28 of the Brussels Regulation; in particular whether German Proceedings would be considered by the English Courts to be i) pending and ii) related to proceedings started in England.


Instructed on an application for permission to serve out of the jurisdiction on a securities brokerage firm incorporated in Delaware, USA, in the context of a contractual claim for non-delivery of certain bonds.


Advising on jurisdiction under Article 5(1)b of the Brussels Regulation in relation to a claim for >£2 million brought against a Greek company. The claim involved a telecommunications contract for the supply of capacity on a fiberoptic submarine cable which crossed many countries in Europe


HSBC Canada Limited v Roberts

Acting for an individual resisting the enforcement under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933 of a judgment of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in England.

Notable Financial Services Cases


Instructed (with Mark Simpson KC) to act for an accountant, against whom a Formal Complaint had been made by the Financial Reporting Council, the independent disciplinary body for the accountancy and actuarial professions in the UK.


Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) on the regulatory and other duties owed by a financial advisory firm under DIFC law, in the context of a contractual dispute subject to arbitration in Dubai.


SPL Private Finance (PF1) IC Limited and 17 others v Arch Financial products LLP

Instructed (with Richard Coleman KC and Giles Wheeler KC) in substantial litigation by a Guernsey incorporated cell against an investment manager concerning the negligent management of investments valued in excess of $150 million.


Basma Al Sulaiman v Credit Suisse and Plurimi Capital LLP [2013] EWHC 400 (Comm)

Acting (with Guy Philipps QC) in a multi-million pound claim against an investment bank and an investment advisory firm for alleged negligence and breach of regulatory duties in connection with the mis-selling of structured products.


Garnet Investments Ltd v BNP Paribas SA (Royal Court of Guernsey)

Acting (with Timothy Howe KC and James McClelland KC) for a corporate investor claiming against a number of international financial institutions for alleged negligence in the management of >£65 million equity investment portfolios and FX trades.

Notable Insurance Cases


Godiva Mortgages Limited v Travelers Insurance et al

Instructed (with Mark Simpson KC) by a solicitors firm’s secondary layer insurers in relation to aggregation issues following the discovery of a large number of mortgage frauds involving the solicitors firm.


Instructed (with Michael Crane KC) on a reinsurance arbitration concerning a captive reinsurer’s liability for settlement sums agreed between the insurer and the insured.


Heungkuk Fire & Marine Insurance v Eurasia Insurance

Instructed (with David Railton KC and Patrick Goodall KC) on a reinsurance dispute relating to Korean shipbuilding advance payment guarantees.


Collyer Bristow LLP v Lockton et al

Instructed (with Mark Simpson KC and James Cutress KC) by a solicitors firm’s primary layer insurers in relation to aggregation issues arising out of the Innovator litigation.


Chadwick v Elite Insurance Co Ltd

Appearing (as sole counsel in the Commercial Court) on a summary judgment application as to the correct construction of a Legal Expenses Insurance Policy and the interplay with the provisions relating to the assessment of solicitors’ bills under the Solicitors Act 1974.

Notable International Arbitration Cases


Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) on the regulatory and other duties owed by a financial advisory firm under DIFC law, in the context of a contractual dispute subject to arbitration in Dubai.

Notable Privilege, Confidentiality & Conflicts of Interest Cases


RBS Rights Issue Litigation [2016] EWHC 3161

Acting with Sonia Tolaney KC for RBS in respect of a claim for legal advice privilege over the notes of investigation interviews with current and former employees.


Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) as to whether a letter was privileged and/or confidential.

Notable Professional Negligence Cases


JP SPC 1 & JP SPC 4 v Mayer Brown LLP

Defending Mayer Brown (with Mark Simpson KC) against a claim for professional negligence arising from Mayer Brown’s work in drafting documentation for the establishment of the Axiom Legal Financing Fund domiciled in the Cayman Islands.


Investors in the Scotts Atlantic Film Finance Scheme v Andrew Thornhill KC

Instructed (with Anneliese Day KC) to act for over 100 investors who invested money into a film scheme allegedly having been negligently advised by Andrew Thornhill KC that the scheme would successfully allow them to mitigate their tax liabilities.


Instructed (with Mark Simpson KC) to act for an accountant, against whom a Formal Complaint had been made by the Financial Reporting Council, the independent disciplinary body for the accountancy and actuarial professions in the UK.


Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) on the regulatory and other duties owed by a financial advisory firm under DIFC law, in the context of a contractual dispute subject to arbitration in Dubai.


SPL Private Finance (PF1) IC Limited & 17 Others v Arch Financial products LLP

Instructed (with Richard Coleman KC and Giles Wheeler KC) in substantial litigation by a Guernsey incorporated cell against an investment manager concerning the negligent management of investments valued in excess of $150 million.


Basma Al Sulaiman v Credit Suisse and Plurimi Capital LLP [2013] EWHC 400 (Comm)

Acting (with Guy Philipps QC) in a multi-million pound claim against an investment bank and an investment advisory firm for alleged negligence and breach of regulatory duties in connection with the mis-selling of structured products.


Garnet Investments Ltd v BNP Paribas SA (Royal Court of Guernsey)

Acting (with Timothy Howe KC and James McClelland KC) for a corporate investor claiming against a number of international financial institutions for alleged negligence in the management of >£65 million equity investment portfolios and FX trades.

Notable AI, Crypto & Technology Cases


Cryptocurrency

Advising (with Giles Wheeler KC) as to the recovery of stolen Bitcoin and related matters.

"An incredibly hard-working junior, who is lovely to work with. She has a ferocious work ethic and intellect."


Chambers & Partners

"Natasha is very intelligent not only on the law but also a commercial and strategic understanding of the wider issues for the client."


The Legal 500

"A great junior. She is incredibly intelligent, has great attention to detail and formulates inventive and strong arguments."


The Legal 500

"A terrific junior whose quality of work shines through." "She is very hard-working and a very good draftsperson - her written work is excellent."


Chambers & Partners

"Her advice is always clear and commercially focused."


The Legal 500

"She is a very impressive junior; smart, works hard and a real pleasure to deal with."


The Legal 500

"She is incredibly hardworking, has a crisp drafting style and is similarly delightful to work with."


The Legal 500

"Has a first-rate mind and a formidable capacity for hard work."


The Legal 500

"A formidable talent and a star in the making."


The Legal 500

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

  • MA (Law), Trinity College, Cambridge (Starred Double First, Second highest mark in university)
  • BCL, Merton College, Oxford (Distinction, Highest mark in university)

  • COMBAR Executive Committee (2017-2020)
  • Vinerian Scholarship for best overall performance on the BCL, Oxford University (2008)
  • Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2008)
  • Hardwicke Entrance Award, Lincoln’s Inn (2008)
  • Norton Rose Prize for Commercial Law for highest mark in university, Cambridge University (2007)
  • Herbert Smith Prize for Conflicts of Laws for highest mark in university, Cambridge University (2007)
  • Clifford Chance Prize for EU Law for highest mark in university, Cambridge University (2007)
  • Lizette Bentwich Prize for academic excellence, Trinity College, Cambridge (2005, 2006, 2007)
  • Senior Scholar, Trinity College, Cambridge (2006-2007)
  • Whittacker Scholarship, Trinity College, Cambridge (2007)

For enquiries please contact

Alfie Harper

Alfie Harper
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3806
Click here to email

Sam McCrone-small

Sam McCrone
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 7842 3714
Click here to email

"An incredibly hard-working junior, who is lovely to work with. She has a ferocious work ethic and intellect."


Chambers & Partners

"Natasha is very intelligent not only on the law but also a commercial and strategic understanding of the wider issues for the client."


The Legal 500

"A great junior. She is incredibly intelligent, has great attention to detail and formulates inventive and strong arguments."


The Legal 500

"A terrific junior whose quality of work shines through." "She is very hard-working and a very good draftsperson - her written work is excellent."


Chambers & Partners

"Her advice is always clear and commercially focused."


The Legal 500

"She is a very impressive junior; smart, works hard and a real pleasure to deal with."


The Legal 500

"She is incredibly hardworking, has a crisp drafting style and is similarly delightful to work with."


The Legal 500

"Has a first-rate mind and a formidable capacity for hard work."


The Legal 500

"A formidable talent and a star in the making."


The Legal 500

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

  • MA (Law), Trinity College, Cambridge (Starred Double First, Second highest mark in university)
  • BCL, Merton College, Oxford (Distinction, Highest mark in university)

  • COMBAR Executive Committee (2017-2020)
  • Vinerian Scholarship for best overall performance on the BCL, Oxford University (2008)
  • Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2008)
  • Hardwicke Entrance Award, Lincoln’s Inn (2008)
  • Norton Rose Prize for Commercial Law for highest mark in university, Cambridge University (2007)
  • Herbert Smith Prize for Conflicts of Laws for highest mark in university, Cambridge University (2007)
  • Clifford Chance Prize for EU Law for highest mark in university, Cambridge University (2007)
  • Lizette Bentwich Prize for academic excellence, Trinity College, Cambridge (2005, 2006, 2007)
  • Senior Scholar, Trinity College, Cambridge (2006-2007)
  • Whittacker Scholarship, Trinity College, Cambridge (2007)

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