Call 2005 | Silk 2025
“Rupert has one of the best legal minds at the Bar; in addition, he has a commercial mindset and is extremely responsive and user friendly. He is a brilliant advocate, both in written and oral advocacy. He is very quick on his feet, and is an excellent drafter of advice and court documents.”
Legal 500
Mark O’Neill
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3777
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Jamie Thomas
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6851
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Rupert Allen has a broad commercial practice with particular expertise in banking, financial services, aviation and professional negligence disputes. He has extensive experience in high-value and complex commercial litigation, including large-scale international disputes involving parallel proceedings in foreign jurisdictions and difficult issues of jurisdiction and foreign law.
Rupert is also frequently instructed in the most difficult and sensitive professional disciplinary cases and other regulatory investigations and proceedings (particularly in relation to solicitors and accountants and matters concerning financial services and the aviation industry). He regularly appears in high-profile and complex tribunal proceedings, High Court appeals, and judicial reviews.
In recent years Rupert has acted:
Rupert is ranked in the leading professional directories in Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance, Financial Services Regulation, and Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law.
Recent testimonials include:
“Rupert is a brilliant barrister. He is excellent technically and has a commercial focus.” (Legal 500 2024)
“He is extremely intelligent with an understated authority in and out of court and is always on top of every detail.” (Chambers and Partners 2025)
“He is a very bright and appealing advocate, whom judges listen to.” (Chambers and Partners 2025).
Macdonald Hotels Ltd v Bank of Scotland Plc
Acting (with Andrew Mitchell KC) for Bank of Scotland at the 7 week trial in autumn 2024 of claims brought by Macdonald Hotels alleging that the Bank failed to comply with good faith obligations in a shareholders’ agreement and Braganza implied terms in loan facility agreements, leading to the forced disposal of three hotels and valuable development land at the bottom of the market. Judgment was given by HHJ Pelling KC dismissing the claims in January 2025: [2025] EWHC 32 (Comm).
JP Morgan International Finance Ltd v WeRealize.com Ltd
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC and Rosalind Phelps KC) for JP Morgan in a high-profile shareholders’ dispute with WeRealize.com Ltd relating to its investment in Viva Wallet, a Greek fintech company. The claims raised complex and novel issues of US banking regulation concerning investments by US banks in foreign companies. Dame Claire Moulder DBE determined a number of issues at an expedited trial in May 2024 ([2024] EWHC 1437 (Comm)) and the Court of Appeal heard an appeal in December 2024 with judgment being given in January 2025 ([2025] EWCA Civ 57).
VTB Capital (in Administration) v Republic of Mozambique
Acting (with Tim Howe KC) for VTB Capital against the Republic of Mozambique in the 12 week Commercial Court “tuna bonds” trial in autumn 2023. The claim raised numerous complex and novel issues of both English and Mozambican law concerning the authority of the former Minister of Finance to issue sovereign guarantees on behalf of the Republic in respect of loans to state owned entities of more than USD 2 billion and the Republic’s entitlement to claim state immunity in respect of VTB’s claims for repayment under those guarantees and for deceit and unlawful means conspiracy. VTB and the Republic settled their dispute after trial but before judgment was given.
Airbus v Qatar Airways
Acting for Airbus in defending the widely reported claims brought by Qatar Airways relating to alleged premature surface degradation on the A350 aircraft. Rupert was instructed as the most senior junior in a large team of counsel (with Lord David Wolfson KC, Sonia Tolaney KC and Rosalind Phelps KC). The highly complex dispute raised numerous difficult technical issues concerning international aviation regulation and aircraft design. The case was proceeded from the first CMC in early 2022 on an expedited timetable, leading up to a trial in summer 2023, before it settled in February 2023.
Solicitors Regulation Authority v Soophia Khan
Acting for the SRA in numerous sets of proceedings arising out of its long-running and high-profile regulatory enforcement process against Soophia Khan. These proceedings have included a claim to enforce a section 44B production notice leading to a contested trial; applications for orders to enforce Ms Khan’s obligations to deliver up documents following an intervention; contempt proceedings (both at first instance and on appeal) which resulted in Ms Khan being committed to prison for 6 months; an application for an injunction to restrain Ms Khan from unlawfully carrying on reserved legal activities; proceedings brought by Ms Khan to challenge the intervention; and disciplinary proceedings which culminated in Ms Khan being struck off the Roll of Solicitors.
R (Donegan) v Financial Services Compensation Scheme [2021] EWHC 760 (Admin) (Bourne J)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC and Rebecca Loveridge) for FSCS in defending a claim for judicial review concerning its decision that customers of London Capital & Finance are not eligible to receive compensation.
R (Lewin) v Financial Reporting Council [2018] EWHC 446 (Admin) (Nicola Davies J)
Acting as sole counsel for the FRC on an important judicial review concerning the procedural rights of a third party to disciplinary proceedings.
R (Holman Fenwick Willan) v Police Service of Scotland [2016] EWHC 1005 (Admin) (DC)
Advising and acting in judicial review proceedings (with Jim Sturman KC) in relation to the execution of a police search warrant over privileged material held by the City law firm (including an application for emergency injunctive relief to restrain the use of the documents removed by the police from the solicitors’ offices). The firm were awarded their costs on the indemnity basis with the Court describing the police’s actions as “an abuse of state power”.
R (Willford) v Financial Services Authority [2013] EWCA Civ 674 & 677 (CA)
Acting (with Michael Brindle KC) for the Financial Services Authority on an appeal concerning the extent to which its decisions to issue warning notices and decision notices under FSMA 2000 are subject to challenge by way of judicial review.
R (Coatman) v Council for Licensed Conveyancers [2012] EWHC 1648 (Admin) (King J)
Acting (with Hodge Malek KC) in judicial proceedings brought against the Council arising out of a decision to refuse to make a grant from its compensation fund.
Rupert has significant experience of aviation disputes and airline regulation.
Airbus v Qatar Airways
Acting for Airbus as part of a large team (with Lord David Wolfson KC and Rosalind Phelps KC) in defending the proceedings brought by Qatar Airways relating to the grounding of A350 aircraft by the Qatari regulator on the basis of alleged premature surface degradation. Rupert successfully resisted applications by Qatar Airways for an interim injunction to compel continued supply of aircraft (with Sonia Tolaney KC) and a preliminary issue trial (with Rosalind Phelps KC). The proceedings were conducted on a heavily expedited timetable throughout 2022 involving numerous interim case management hearings concerning disclosure disputes. The claims were settled in February 2023.
Air Europa v BOC Aviation
Acting for BOC Aviation (with Rosalind Phelps KC) in defending claims for alleged unjust enrichment brought by Air Europa to recover a commitment fee paid for the financing of pre-delivery payments on the purchase of aircraft.
Celestial Aviation v Volga-Dnepr
Acting for Celestial Aviation in proceedings against a guarantor of lessees’ obligations arising out of the termination of leases following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Advising a major international aircraft lessor in connection with issues arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Acting for an aircraft lessor against an international airline seeking to recover unpaid rental instalments.
Advising a national carrier in relation to its rights and remedies arising out of the delayed delivery of leased aircraft.
Acting as sole counsel for a national carrier in relation to a substantial damages claim brought by a tour operator concerning the delayed departure of a flight.
Advising (with Ros Phelps KC) in relation to the requirements for ATOL renewal.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) on the implications of an airline joint venture agreement on the effective control requirements under UK and European legislation.
Acting (with Akhil Shah KC) for an aircraft operator in High Court proceedings concerning a dispute with an aircraft owner over the non-payment of fees due under a private agreement for the operation of an aircraft.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC and as sole counsel) on the regulatory aspects of international airline mergers including licensing issues and national control requirements.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC and alone) on issues arising in connection with the ATOL scheme including matters connected with the collapse of various ATOL holders.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) on matters arising out of the collapse of Oasis Hong Kong Airlines.
Advising a major international hotel chain in connection with a dispute with an airport over excessive charges for shuttle bus access to the airport.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) a major international airline in connection with a trade mark licensing dispute.
Acting for South African Airways (with Bankim Thanki KC) in Commercial Court proceedings concerning the alleged late redelivery of an aircraft under a lease.
Advising (with Ros Phelps KC) in relation to the requirements for ATOL renewal.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC) on the implications of an airline joint venture agreement on the effective control requirements under UK and European legislation.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC and as sole counsel) on the regulatory aspects of international airline mergers including licensing issues and national control requirements.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC and alone) on issues arising in connection with the ATOL scheme including matters connected with the collapse of various ATOL holders.
Rupert has significant experience over a wide range of banking and finance matters, including heavy commercial litigation, with particular experience of financial services regulation. Rupert regularly acts for major UK and international banks (both on the retail and investment side) and he has acted in numerous disputes concerning the alleged mis-selling of financial products to both retail and professional investors (including interest rate swaps), claims concerning LIBOR manipulation, as well as claims under guarantees, mortgages and consumer credit agreements.
IFC v Bank Audi
Acting (with Bankim Thanki KC) for International Finance Corporation on its claim for repayment of US$150 million of subordinated loans made to a Lebanese bank.
Macdonald Hotels v BOS [2025] EWHC 32 (Comm) (HHJ Pelling KC)
Acting (with Andrew Mitchell KC) for BOS in a claim for alleged losses in excess of £100 million arising out asset sales following a series of substantial refinancing transactions. The claim raised issues concerning the circumstances in which good faith obligations arise in a banking context and the extent of those duties. The 7 week trial of the claim took place in late 2024.
JP Morgan International Finance Ltd v WeRealize.com Ltd [2024] EWHC 1437 (Comm) (Dame Claire Moulder DBE), [2025] EWCA Civ 57 (CA)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC and Rosalind Phelps KC) for JP Morgan in a high-profile shareholders’ dispute with WeRealize.com Ltd relating to its investment in Viva Wallet, a Greek fintech company. The claims raised complex and novel issues of US banking regulation concerning investments by US banks in foreign companies.
VTB Capital (in Administration) v Republic of Mozambique
Acting (in a counsel team led by Tim Howe KC) for VTB Capital against the Republic of Mozambique in the 12 week Commercial Court “tuna bonds” trial in autumn 2023. The claim raised numerous complex and novel issues of both English and Mozambican law concerning the authority of the former Minister of Finance to issue sovereign guarantees on behalf of the Republic in respect of loans to state owned entities of more than USD 2 billion and the Republic’s entitlement to claim state immunity in respect of VTB’s claims for repayment under those guarantees and for deceit and unlawful means conspiracy. VTB and the Republic settled their dispute after trial but before judgment was given.
Deutsche Bank v Comune di Busto Arsizio [2021] EWHC 2706 (Comm) [2022] EWHC 219 (Comm) (Cockerill J)
Acting (with Sonia Tolaney KC) for DB on its claim to establish the enforceability of interest rate swaps entered into by the defendant Italian local authority. The case raised novel issues of Italian law arising out of the 2020 decision of the Italian Court of Cassation in Banco Nazionale del Lavoro v Cattolica. Cockerill J dismissed the local authority’s defences in a judgment handed down in October 2021. This follows Rupert’s involvement between 2014 and 2017 at first instance and the Court of Appeal in the long-running litigation between Dexia and the Comune di Prato raising similar issues. Rupert has also since acted in various other sets of proceedings relating to the validity of interest rate swap transactions entered into by Italian local authorities, including (with Sonia Tolaney KC) on the appeal from Foxton J in Banca Intesa SanPaolo SpA v Comune di Venezia [2022] EWHC 2586, which was allowed by the Court of Appeal in December 2023 (see [2023] EWCA Civ 1482).
Meng v HSBC [2021] EWHC 342 (QB), [2022] QB 71 (Fordham J)
Acting as sole counsel for HSBC in resisting an application for disclosure of documents under the Bankers Books Evidence Act for use in high profile extradition proceedings in Canada involving a senior Huawei executive.
National Bank of Kazakhstan v BNYM SA/NV [2017] EWHC 3374 (Comm) (Popplewell J), [2018] EWCA Civ 1390 (CA), [2020] EWHC 916 (Comm) (Teare J)
Acting (with Christopher Butcher KC and then Richard Handyside KC) for BNYM in complex multi-jurisdictional litigation arising out of the freezing of the US$22 billion of assets held by BNYM’s London branch as custodian for NBK in response to garnishment orders obtained by creditors of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Belgian and the Netherlands. The trial before Teare J in March 2020 was the first fully remote trial to be heard in the Commercial Court during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ventra Investments v BOS [2017] EWHC 199 (Comm) (Sara Cockerill QC), [2019] EWHC 2058 (Comm) (Richard Salter KC)
Acting (with Rosalind Phelps KC and Max Kasriel) for BOS in defending a substantial damages claim concerning alleged LIBOR manipulation, misrepresentation and negligence in relation to the sale of interest rate swaps and the subsequent realisation of an investment property portfolio by administrative receivers.
Netherlands v Deutsche Bank [2018] EWHC 1935 (Comm) (Robin Knowles J), [2019] EWCA Civ 771 (CA)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC) for Deutsche Bank against the Netherlands in important Financial List proceedings regarding the correct interpretation of the widely-used international standard form ISDA Credit Support Annex. The dispute concerned DB’s liability to pay “negative interest” on cash collateral put up against derivatives exposures.
Marsden v Barclays Bank [2019] EWHC 3741 (Comm) (HHJ Kramer QC)
Acting as sole counsel for Barclays in striking out a claim raising issues of insolvency set off concerning the payment of redress to customers in the FSA/FCA review of the sale of interest rate hedging products.
Deutsche Bank v Comune di Savona [2017] EWHC 1013 (Comm) (HHJ Waksman QC), [2018] EWCA Civ 1740 (CA)
Acting (with Sonia Tolaney KC and Andrew Lodder) for Deutsche Bank in opposing a jurisdiction challenge brought by the defendant local authority. The case raised important issues concerning the application of the ISDA jurisdiction clause.
Day v Barclays Bank [2018] EWHC 393 (QB), [2018] EWHC 394 (QB) (HHJ Waksman QC)
Acting as sole counsel for Barclays Bank in striking out claims seeking declaratory relief concerning the conduct of the FCA review of sales of interest rate hedging products.
Libyan Investment Authority v Goldman Sachs International [2016] EWHC 2530 (Ch) (Rose J)
Acting (with Robert Miles KC and Orlando Gledhill) for GSI in defending the claims of the Libyan Investment Authority to set aside USD 1.2 billion of equity derivative trades for alleged undue influence. The trial of the claim took place over 7 weeks in the summer of 2016.
GSO Credit v Barclays Bank [2016] EWHC 146 (Comm) (Robin Knowles J)
Acting (with Bankim Thanki KC) for Barclays in a dispute concerning the meaning and effect of the LMA Standard Terms for distressed debt trades in relation to the sale of a Surety Bonds Facility. The trial which took place in October 2015 and was one of the first in the Financial List.
Sivagnanam v Barclays Bank [2015] EWHC 3985 (Comm) (Cooke J)
Acting as sole counsel for Barclays in striking out claims brought by the sole shareholder of a corporate customer on the basis that he was a “private person” under FSMA 2000.
Gatt v Barclays Bank [2013] EWHC 2 (QB) (HHJ Moloney QC)
Acting as sole counsel for Barclays in the trial of claims brought by a bank customer arising out of credit references made by the bank.
Barclays Bank v Ibrahim [2012] EWCA Civ 640, [2013] Ch 400 (CA)
Acting (with Patrick Goodall KC) for Barclays on an appeal concerning the discharge of debts by third party payment under compulsion.
Motorola Solutions Inc v Hytera Communications Corporation Ltd
Acting (with Stephen Rubin KC) on a successful application under CPR 3.1(7) to set aside an English judgment that was entered to enforce a US judgment later set aside on appeal in the United States.
Air Europa v BOC Aviation
Acting for BOC Aviation (with Rosalind Phelps KC) in defending claims for alleged unjust enrichment brought by Air Europa to recover a commitment fee paid for the financing of pre-delivery payments on the purchase of aircraft.
Celestial Aviation v Volga-Dnepr
Acting for Celestial Aviation in proceedings against a guarantor of lessees’ obligations arising out of the termination of leases following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
BT Plc v Telereal Securitised Property Trustee
Acting (with Lord Wolfson KC) for Telereal in defending claims for corrective construction and rectification in relation to a rent adjustment mechanism in a complex property securitisation.
IFC v Bank Audi
Acting (with Bankim Thanki KC) for International Finance Corporation on its claim for repayment of US$150 million of subordinated loans made to a Lebanese bank.
Macdonald Hotels v BOS [2025] EWHC 32 (Comm) (HHJ Pelling KC)
Acting (with Andrew Mitchell KC) for BOS in a claim for alleged losses in excess of £100 million arising out asset sales following a series of substantial refinancing transactions. The claim raised issues concerning the circumstances in which good faith obligations arise in a banking context and the extent of those duties. The 7 week trial of the claim took place in autumn 2024.
JP Morgan International Finance Ltd v WeRealize.com Ltd [2024] EWHC 1437 (Comm) (Dame Claire Moulder DBE), [2025] EWCA Civ 57 (CA)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC and Rosalind Phelps KC) for JP Morgan in a high-profile shareholders’ dispute with WeRealize.com Ltd relating to its investment in Viva Wallet, a Greek fintech company. The claims raised complex and novel issues of US banking regulation concerning investments by US banks in foreign companies. The expedited trial before Dame Claire Moulder DBE took place over 5 days in May 2024 and the appeal was hard over 3 days in December 2024.
VTB Capital (in Administration) v Republic of Mozambique
Acting (with Tim Howe KC) for VTB Capital against the Republic of Mozambique in the 12 week Commercial Court “tuna bonds” trial in autumn 2023. The claim raised numerous complex and novel issues of both English and Mozambican law concerning the authority of the former Minister of Finance to issue sovereign guarantees on behalf of the Republic in respect of loans to state owned entities of more than USD 2 billion and the Republic’s entitlement to claim state immunity in respect of VTB’s claims for repayment under those guarantees and for deceit and unlawful means conspiracy.
Airbus v Qatar Airways
Acting for Airbus as part of a large team (with Lord David Wolfson KC and Rosalind Phelps KC) in defending the proceedings brought by Qatar Airways relating to the grounding of A350 aircraft by the Qatari regulator on the basis of alleged premature surface degradation. Rupert successfully resisted applications by Qatar Airways for an interim injunction to compel continued supply of aircraft (with Sonia Tolaney KC) and a preliminary issue trial (with Rosalind Phelps KC). The proceedings were conducted on a heavily expedited timetable throughout 2022 involving numerous interim case management hearings concerning disclosure disputes. The claims were settled in February 2023.
Enka Insaat v Sanayi AS v OOO “Insurance Co Chubb” [2019] EWHC 3568 (Comm) (Andrew Baker J)
Acting (with Charles Béar KC) for Enka on the expedited trial of its claim for an anti-suit injunction to stop proceedings in Russia which were alleged to have been brought and maintained in breach of an agreement for arbitration in London.
National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago v Super Industrial Services [2018] UKPC 17
Acting (with Michael Brindle KC) for NGC on an appeal to the Privy Council in relation to the interpretation of Trinidad Civil Procedure Rules.
Libyan Investment Authority v Goldman Sachs International [2016] EWHC 2530 (Ch) (Rose J)
Acting for GSI (led by Robert Miles KC and Orlando Gledhill) in defending the claims of the Libyan Investment Authority to set aside USD 1.2 billion of equity derivative trades for alleged undue influence. The trial of the claim took place over 7 weeks in the summer of 2016.
ARC Capital Holdings v ARC Capital Partners
Acting (with Tim Howe KC) in a dispute between a private equity fund and its fund manager in relation to investments in China. Rupert appeared as sole counsel resisting an application to stay the proceedings pending the outcome of enforcement proceedings in China (see [2015] EWHC 2170 (QB)).
Digicel v Cable & Wireless [2010] EWHC 888 (Ch)
Acting on behalf of Digicel (led by Stephen Rubin KC with Huw Davies KC and Stephen Houseman) in a 77 day trial of claims for breach of statutory duty and unlawful means conspiracy arising out of the liberalisation of the Caribbean mobile telecoms market. The trial included a significant decision on implied waiver of legal professional privilege: [2009] EWHC 1437 (Ch).
Acting (with Jeff Chapman KC) in a complex multi-jurisdictional dispute concerning the fraudulent misappropriation of artworks by an art dealer.
Advising (with Colin Edelman KC) a professional firm in relation to allegations of unlawful means conspiracy concerning the corporate takeover of a football club.
Acting (with Jeff Chapman KC) in a dispute concerning the ownership of a 1950s Ferrari racing car sold by Bonhams at auction for almost £11 million in June 2014.
Rupert has extensive experience of acting in financial services matters, including in the aviation context (see Aviation & Travel). Rupert has particular experience of disputes concerning the operation of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Advising a bank on the prospects of successful judicial review of decisions of the Financial Ombudsman Service in relation to its application of the DISP rules on complaint time limits.
Acting (with Tim Dutton KC CBE) for the FCA in defending a reference to the Upper Tribunal challenging an RDC decision to refuse an application to revoke a prohibition order under FSMA.
R (on the application of Moniak) v Financial Ombudsman Service [2023] EWHC 333 (Admin)
Acting for Barclays Bank as the interested party in a judicial review by a customer of a decision by FOS to refuse to reconsider a complaint on the basis of new evidence.
Moon v Link Fund Solutions [2022] EWHC 3344 (Ch) (Trower J)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC and Gillian Hughes) for LFS defending claims brought by investors in the Woodford Equity Income Fund, including resisting an application for a GLO.
R (Donegan) v Financial Services Compensation Scheme [2021] EWHC 760 (Admin) (Bourne J)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC and Rebecca Loveridge) for FSCS in defending a claim for judicial review concerning its decision that customers of London Capital & Finance are not eligible to receive compensation.
R (Willford) v Financial Services Authority [2013] EWCA Civ 674 & 677 (CA)
Acting (with Michael Brindle KC) for the Financial Services Authority on an appeal concerning the extent to which its decisions to issue warning notices and decision notices under FSMA 2000 are subject to challenge by way of judicial review. Rupert then acted (led by Michael Green QC) in the proceedings that were subsequently brought by Mr Willford before the Upper Tribunal seeking to challenge the decision notice which had been issued by the FSA.
Advising (with Tim Dutton KC CBE) regarding the jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service in relation to complaints concerning the mis-selling of payment protection insurance.
Acting (with Bankim Thanki KC) for a major UK bank in a regulatory dispute with the Financial Services Authority concerning the variation of mortgage terms and conditions.
Advising (with Bankim Thanki KC and as sole counsel) in connection with Financial Services Authority enforcement proceedings arising out of market abuse and breaches of listing rules.
Enka Insaat ve Sanayi AS v OOO “Insurance Co Chubb” [2019] EWHC 3568 (Comm) Andrew Baker J)
Acting (with Charles Béar KC) for Enka on the expedited trial of its claim for an anti-suit injunction to stop proceedings in Russia which were alleged to have been brought and maintained in breach of an agreement for arbitration in London.
Petrochemical Industries Company (KSC) v The Dow Chemical Company [2012] EWHC 2739 (Comm)
Acting (with Joe Smouha KC) in defending a claim brought under section 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996 to set aside a US$2 billion ICC arbitration award obtained by Dow against PIC. Rupert had previously advised and assisted Shearman & Sterling in connection with the conduct of the underlying ICC arbitration proceedings on behalf of Dow.
Acting (with Michael Driscoll KC) on a contractual adjudication concerning the liabilities arising upon expiry of a PFI property outsourcing transaction.
Acting (with Michael Brindle KC) in an ad hoc arbitration concerning the sharing of refinancing gains in relation to a PFI property outsourcing transaction.
Acting (with Tim Howe KC and then with Robert Miles QC) in two sets of LCIA arbitration proceedings concerning disputes over the correct interpretation of the complex suite of documents giving effect to a very large property securitisation transaction.
SRA v Khan & Co
Acting for the SRA as sole counsel in various related sets of proceedings:
SRA v Beckwith
Acting (with Riel Karmy-Jones KC) in high-profile disciplinary proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and the High Court concerning sexual conduct by a City solicitor with a junior colleague.
FRC investigations and proceedings
Currently acting or advising on a number of confidential disciplinary investigations and proceedings by the FRC against accountants and auditors.
FRC v KPMG (2019)
Acting (with Ray Cox KC) for the FRC at the sanctions hearing following admissions of misconduct in relation to the CASS audit of BNYM.
R (Lewin) v Financial Reporting Council [2018] EWHC 446 (Admin) (Nicola Davies J)
Acting as sole counsel for the FRC defending a claim for judicial review in which a third party to disciplinary proceedings sought restrictions on publication or redactions of a tribunal’s judgment on the grounds.
SRA v Lewis (2018)
Acting as sole counsel for the SRA in this high profile prosecution in relation to offensive messages on social media.
SRA v Anderson (2016)
Acting as sole counsel for the SRA in disciplinary proceedings alleging dishonesty against the sole equity partner of a firm of solicitors in connection with the winding down of the form after it was unable to renew its insurance.
SRA v Brough, Chaudhary & Story (2015)
Acting as sole counsel for the SRA in disciplinary proceedings concerning the sending of offensive emails by solicitors.
SRA v Fallon (2014)
Acting as sole counsel for the SRA in a substantial and complex hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal concerning allegations of dishonesty against the former sole principal of a City law firm.
SRA v Grindrod & Ors (2013)
Acting for the SRA (with Michael McLaren KC) in disciplinary proceedings concerning the involvement of solicitors in the marketing and implementation of SDLT avoidance schemes.
SRA v Munn; SRA v Cope (2013)
Acting as sole counsel for the SRA in disciplinary proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in connection with the involvement of solicitors in arrangements facilitating the unlawful conduct of litigation by debt recovery companies.
SRA v Spector [2016] EWHC 37 (Admin) (DC)
Acting for the SRA (with Tim Dutton KC CBE) in a leading case regarding the circumstances in which anonymity orders can be granted in favour of respondents to disciplinary proceedings.
Iqbal v SRA [2012] EWHC 3251 (Admin) (Underhill J)
Acting as sole counsel for the SRA on an application to strike out claims for alleged misfeasance in public office and unlawful interference with a solicitor’s right to peaceful enjoyment of possessions arising out of the conduct of a forensic investigation into his practice.
Baxendale-Walker v Middleton [2011] EWHC 998 (QB) (Supperstone J)
Acting on behalf of the Law Society (led by Marcus Smith QC) in High Court proceedings brought by a former solicitor claiming substantial damages as a result of alleged misfeasance in public office in connection with disciplinary proceedings which led to him being struck off the Roll. Rupert has since been instructed as sole counsel in relation to a series of ongoing claims brought by Mr Baxendale-Walker and he obtained an Extended Civil Restraint Order against him in 2012.
Rupert has been instructed in relation to a number of claims against professionals, including solicitors, accountants, auditors, financial advisers and fund managers, banks, surveyors and valuers and regulators.
Acting in various claims against solicitors including disputes concerning client identification checks, the registration of charges over property, breaches of undertaking and the premature release of funds in conveyancing transactions.
Acting in various claims against accountants, including (with Mark Simpson KC), a claim concerning negligence advice regarding tax implications of a client’s non-domiciled status.
Acting (with Mark Simpson KC) in a claim against an accountant, involving the systematic misappropriation of funds from a client.
Acting in various claims against auditors, including (with Mark Simpson KC) a claim concerning negligent failure to uncover a fraud in relation to the management of an offshore investment fund.
Acting in various claims against financial advisers and fund managers, including (with Tim Howe KC) a dispute between a private equity fund and its fund manager concerning an alleged negligent investment in China.
Acting (with John Taylor KC) in a claim against a financial adviser concerning the mismanagement of share portfolios and CFD and spread betting accounts.
Acting in various claims against banks including claims concerning the duties of a mortgagee in possession to repair and maintain the property, the provision of investment advice and breach of mandate.
Acting in various claims against surveyors and valuers including in relation to the valuation of property for mortgage lending.
Schubert Murphy v Law Society [2014] EWHC 4561 (QB) (Mitting J), [2017] EWCA Civ 1295 (CA)
Acting for the Law Society (with Tim Dutton KC CBE) in a case concerning whether a duty of care was owed by the regulator in relation to the registration of law firm.
University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
Inns of Court School of Law
Lincoln’s Inn
Memberships
Other
In a judgment given on 23 January 2025, Mr Sean O’Sullivan KC…
In Macdonald Hotels v Bank of Scotland [2025] EWHC 32 (Comm), the…
Fountain Court warmly congratulates Rupert Allen and Alex Barden on their appointments…
Mark O’Neill
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3777
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Jamie Thomas
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6851
Click here to email
University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
Inns of Court School of Law
Lincoln’s Inn
Memberships
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