Simon Atrill

Simon Atrill KC

Call 2005 | Silk 2023

"An absolute star; he is thorough, incredibly bright and drafts beautifully."


Legal 500

For enquiries please contact

Mark O’Neill
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3777
Click here to email

Jamie Thomas
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6851
Click here to email

Expertise

Notable AI, Crypto & Technology Cases


Kodric v Bitstamp Holdings NV [2022] EWHC 210 (Ch)

Acting for Bitstamp in successfully defending claims by a co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange business relating to call options over shares (led by Richard Handyside KC).


Advising provider of data services infrastructure in relation to contractual disputes (led by David Railton KC).

Notable Art & Cultural Property Cases


Acting (with Richard Handyside KC) in relation to a multi-million pound arbitration involving a major auction house.


Acting as sole counsel in relation to a substantial contractual dispute worth £1 million relating to antique motorcycles (seven-day High Court trial settled immediately before trial).

Notable Aviation & Travel Cases


Dubai Aerospace Ltd and others v Lloyd’s Insurance Company SA and others (trial October 2024)

Acting for war risks insurers in claims brought by Western lessors of aircraft located in Russia at the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Believed to be the largest aviation insurance event since 9/11.


Acting for a Star Alliance carrier in relation to the distribution of Heathrow slots and hearing before the Civil Aviation Authority.


Acting in relation to an insurance dispute relating to the cause of a helicopter crash (details confidential).

Chambers & Partners ‘Banking Junior of the Year’ (and shortlisted for that award a further three times). Simon has extensive experience of all areas of investment and retail banking disputes, acting in some of the largest banking disputes in recent years involving all aspects of noteholder litigation, derivatives disputes, mis-selling, breach of mandate and large-scale investor/consumer litigation.

Notable Banking & Finance Cases


Law Debenture Trust Corp Plc v Ukraine [2023] UKSC 11; [2023] 2 WLR 699 [2018] EWCA Civ 2026; [2019] 2 WLR 655 & [2017] EWHC 655 (Comm); [2017] QB 1249 & [2017] EWHC 1902 (Comm)

Acting for Ukraine (led by Bankim Thanki KC) in defending a claim for more than US$5 billion, brought by Law Debenture on behalf of the Russian Federation arising from a Eurobond issue in 2013. The Supreme Court’s decision is now the leading case relating to (1) the capacity of sovereign states (2) ostensible/usual authority (3) duress and countermeasures under public international law, and associated issues of justiciability/foreign act of state.


Allianz Global Investors GmbH and others v Goldman Sachs and others

Acting for Goldman Sachs (led by Tom de la Mare KC) in multi-billion dollar claims in the CAT alleging foreign exchange manipulation by investment banks.


Libyan Investment Authority v Credit Suisse International [2021] EWHC 2684 (Comm)

Acting for Credit Suisse (led by Tim Howe KC) in successfully defending claims of bribery; the claims were struck out on limitation grounds.


Madison Pacific Trust Co v Shakoor Capital & Privatbank [2020] EWHC 610 (Ch)

Substantial LCIA arbitration (for $400 million) and subsequent High Court litigation relating to Awards, raising novel issues concerning partial illegality arising from fraud in the context of Notes (led by David Wolfson KC, later as lead advocate).


Global Defense Technology Limited v Salamanca Capital Investments & Another (2019)

Acting as sole counsel for the Claimant in a three-week Commercial Court trial for fraudulent misrepresentation arising from statements made to investors. Settled during trial.


Substantial LCIA arbitration (for $800 million) relating to CIS lending respectively (led by Ben Valentin KC).


Acting for an investment bank in connection with allegations of fraud relating to the issuance of Notes (details confidential).


Acting for a private equity fund in multi-jurisdictional dispute (including jurisdictional dispute and injunctive relief in two jurisdictions) worth more than €1 billion.


FSCS v Firstplus & Others

Acting for Firstplus (led by Tim Dutton KC) in relation to multi-million pound claims brought by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme arising from the purported assignment of consumer claims arising from PPI sold by Firstplus.


Marme Inversiones v RBS [2015] EWHC 173 (Comm); [2016] EWHC 1570 (Comm)

Jurisdiction dispute under the Judgments Regulation (related insolvency proceedings in Spain) in the context of a claim for €800 million under derivatives; claim dismissed at trial (led by Tim Howe KC).


National Bank Trust v Yurov [2016] EWHC 1913 (Comm) & [2016] EWHC 1991 (Comm)

Setting aside of freezing injunction for culpable but not deliberate non-disclosure.


JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov & Others [2013] EWHC 510 (Comm)

Acting for Mr Khazhaev (led by Jeffrey Chapman KC) in this four-month trial of allegations of fraudulent misappropriation of hundreds of millions of dollars by Mr Ablyazov and others from BTA Bank in Kazakhstan, allegedly achieved with assistance of multiple parties and through a complex web of companies.


Commission of Enquiry into the failure of CL Financial Ltd

Instructed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (led by Bankim Thanki KC with Henry King KC) in relation to an Enquiry, led by Sir Anthony Colman, into the collapse of and subsequent State intervention in, the CLF Group resulting in billions of dollars in losses. Simon has been instructed in relation to multiple evidential hearings in Port of Spain during 2011 and 2012.


Credit Suisse Asset Management v Titan Europe 2006-1 [2016] EWHC 969 (Ch); [2016] EWCA Civ 1293

Acting for Credit Suisse in relation to a dispute arising from Notes issues with a value of €1 billion (led by Tim Howe KC).


Acting for a well-known investment bank in defending close-out methodology adopted in relation to emerging market derivatives in the context of the financial crisis (led by Richard Handyside KC).


Acting for Nationwide Building Society (led by Patrick Goodall KC) in claims brought against it arising from a contractual dispute.


Molton Street Capital LLP v Shooters Hill Capital Partners LLP [2015] EWHC 3419 (Comm)

Acting as sole counsel for the Claimant in the Commercial Court trial of a contractual dispute arising from the sale of bonds, giving rise to numerous issues of US securities law and regulation.


Acting for Barclays Bank, HBOS, Lloyds Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland in connection with interest rate swap mis-selling claims, including claims arising from alleged LIBOR manipulation.


Acting for an investment fund in relation to litigation concerning the enforcement of distressed property-related debt in Ireland (led by Robin Dicker QC with Ben Valentin KC).


QOGT Inc v International Oil & Gas Technology Fund Limited

Instructed by QOGT (led by Alain Choo Choy KC and Lance Ashworth KC) in relation to claims by a Canadian Investment Manager against a Fund relating to management fees, and counterclaims regarding investment performance.


Commerzbank v Credit Agricole

Instructed by Commerzbank (led by David Railton KC and Adam Zellick KC) in Commercial Court litigation relating to the proper construction of credit default swaps arising from the financial crisis in Ecuador.


OFT v Barclays Bank & 7 Other Financial Institutions [2009] UKSC 6; [2010] 1 AC 696; [2009] EWCA Civ 116; [2009] 2 W.L.R. 1286; [2008] EWHC 2325 (Comm); [2009] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 717; [2008] EWHC 875 (Comm); [2008] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 625

Acting for Barclays Bank plc (led by Iain Milligan KC/Jonathan Sumption KC and Andrew Mitchell) in the high-profile test case brought by the OFT against eight financial institutions in respect of the legality of current account charges. That has included acting for Barclays Bank in relation to the various trials in the Commercial Court and the appellate stage, as well as in the mercantile and county courts.


Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) and interest rate swaps/derivatives litigation

Acting for Barclays Bank plc in the High Court and county courts, and advising in relation to issues arising from claims relating to sale of PPI, interest rate swaps and derivatives.


Instructed (led by Ray Cox KC) in relation to an arbitration involving claims concerning derivative products totalling $150 million.


ICB v Akingbola

Instructed (led by Michael Bloch KC) in relation to the defence of various claims in excess of £80 million with associated multi-jurisdictional freezing orders, arising from the alleged misappropriation of assets from a major Nigerian bank.


Dhanani v Crasnianski [2011] EWHC 926; [2011] 2 All ER (Comm) 799

Acting (led by Marcus Smith KC/Robert Miles KC) in this two-week Commercial Court trial and subsequent appeal concerning a multi-million pound dispute about the establishment of a private equity fund.


National Westminster Bank Plc v Rabobank Nederland [2007] EWHC 3163 (Comm); [2008] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 266; [2008] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 16; [2007] EWHC 1742 (Comm); [2008] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 243; [2007] EWHC 1056 (Comm); [2006] EWHC 2959 (Comm); [2007] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 975

During 2006-07, Simon acted for Rabobank Nederland (in a team led by Ali Malek KC and including Jeffrey Chapman KC) in the interlocutory, trial and appellate stages of this international commercial litigation. Rabobank’s claims for misrepresentation (including fraud) and breach of fiduciary duty, amounting to more than US$200 million, were tried in the Commercial Court before Colman J for twelve weeks in the autumn of 2006.


Acting in relation to several multi-million dollar test cases in Hong Kong relating to alleged misselling of investments and derivatives.


Acting in relation to the administration of a Middle Eastern bank and issues arising from unwinding of complex financial instruments (led by Marcus Smith KC).


Acting for a lender in connection with alleged fraud relating to sub-prime mortgage lending (led by Michael Brindle KC and with Nik Yeo).


Acting for a prominent Middle Eastern company in relation to multiple claims in the High Court concerning various credit facilities (including jurisdictional and substantive issues).


Acting for a high street bank in relation to a multi-million pound claim brought against it.


Advising in relation to multi-million pound claims against an investment advisor involving breaches of fiduciary duty and negligence.


Acting (with Richard Handyside KC) in relation to a multi-million pound arbitration.


Acting for a high street bank in relation to a negligence claim brought against it.


Acting for an American bank in relation to claims brought against it in the English High Court.


Acting in a claim brought by receivers of Heritable Bank plc after the credit crunch.


Acting for the Royal Bank of Scotland in relation to the recovery of losses arising from an alleged fraudulent money-laundering scheme.


Acting for a customer in a claim against a major high street bank involving issues of misrepresentation, negligence and undue influence.


Advising major retail banks in connection with compliance with freezing orders and ancillary orders, including their international effect.


Various claims in relation to the enforcement of loans and their security (in particular, mortgages and guarantees).


Acting in numerous cases involving Consumer Credit Act issues (including PPI and other products).

Simon is frequently instructed in disputes arising from complex frauds, both for claimants and defendants, and has been involved in some of the most significant cases relating to developments in the law of deceit, dishonest assistance and conspiracy. Simon has particular experience in seeking, and seeking to discharge, freezing and other interlocutory injunctions.

Notable Civil Fraud Cases


HRH Prince Khaled Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud v Gibbs [2024] EWHC 356 (Comm); [2022] EWHC 1052; (Comm); [2022] EWHC 742 (Comm); [2022] 1 WLR 3082

Acting for Prince Khaled and Princess Deema of Saudi Arabia (leading Sam Rabinowitz) in obtaining judgment for USD40m (and freezing order relief, amongst other interlocutory relief) arising from claims against Princess Deema’s former investment advisor for misappropriation of assets.


Allianz Global Investors GmbH and others v Goldman Sachs and others

Acting for Goldman Sachs (led by Tom de la Mare KC) in multi-billion dollar claims in the CAT alleging foreign exchange manipulation by investment banks.


Group Seven v Nasir and others [2019] EWCA Civ 614; [2019] PNLR 22 and [2017] EWHC 1928 (Comm); [2018] PNLR 6 (led by Jeff Chapman KC)

Acting for the Claimant in a successful claim after a three-month trial (and subsequent appeal) of claims in dishonest assistance against accountants, solicitors and Swiss bankers alleged to have facilitated an elaborate multi-jurisdiction fraud.


Auden McKenzie v Patel

Instructed in relation to claims for approximately £300 million arising from the purchase of a pharmaceutical company. Settled before liability trial (February 2020).


Advising a Central European bank in relation to claims against former officers for alleged dishonesty.


Barclay Pharmaceuticals Ltd v Mekni

Acting for Claimant in enforcement of judgment against assets purportedly held by shell companies and family members.


Iranian Offshore Engineering & Construction Company v Dean Investment Holdings SA [2018] EWHC 2759 (Comm)

Acting for defendant accused of dishonest assistance in relation $80 million fraud.


Marme Inversiones v RBS [2015] EWHC 173 (Comm); [2016] EWHC 1570 (Comm)

Jurisdiction dispute under the Judgments Regulation (related insolvency proceedings in Spain) in the context of a claim for €800 million under derivatives; claim dismissed at trial (led by Tim Howe KC).


National Bank Trust v Yurov [2016] EWHC 1913 (Comm) and [2016] EWHC 1991 (Comm)

Setting aside of freezing injunction for culpable but not deliberate non-disclosure.


Group Seven v Sultana & Others [2013] EWHC 1509 (Ch); [2014] 1 W.L.R. 735 & [2014] EWHC 2046 (Ch) & [2015] EWCA Civ 631

Instructed in various interlocutory applications and a three-month trial (led by Jeffrey Chapman KC) of claims arising from an international fraud totalling €100 million. Succeeded at trial and in the CA.


JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov & Others [2013] EWHC 510 (Comm)

Acting for Mr Khazhaev (led by Jeffrey Chapman KC) in this four-month trial of allegations of fraudulent misappropriation of hundreds of millions of dollars by Mr Ablyazov and others from BTA Bank in Kazakhstan, allegedly achieved with assistance of multiple parties and through a complex web of companies.


National Westminster Bank Plc v Rabobank Nederland [2007] EWHC 3163 (Comm); [2008] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 266; [2008] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 16; [2007] EWHC 1742 (Comm); [2008] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 243; [2007] EWHC 1056 (Comm); [2006] EWHC 2959 (Comm); [2007] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 975

During 2006-07, Simon acted for Rabobank Nederland (in a team led by Ali Malek KC and including Jeffrey Chapman KC) in the interlocutory, trial and appellate stages of this international commercial litigation. Rabobank’s claims for misrepresentation (including fraud) and breach of fiduciary duty, amounting to more than US$200 million, were tried in the Commercial Court before Colman J for twelve weeks in the autumn of 2006 (described as one of the top ten trials of 2006 in The Lawyer 9/1/06, see also The Lawyer 4/9/06).


ICB v Akingbola

Instructed (led by Michael Bloch KC) in relation to the defence of various claims in excess of £80 million with associated multi-jurisdictional freezing orders, arising from the alleged misappropriation of assets from a major Nigerian bank.

Simon is involved in a wide range of commercial disputes, acting for sovereign states, international institutions and high net worth individuals. He is frequently instructed both for large-scale trials and also interlocutory disputes, such as jurisdictional disputes, questions of non-justiciability and sovereign immunity, and interlocutory injunctive relief.

Notable Commercial Disputes Cases


Law Debenture Trust Corp Plc v Ukraine [2023] UKSC 11; [2023] 2 WLR 699Supreme Court; and [2018] EWCA Civ 2026; [2019] 2 WLR 655 and [2017] EWHC 655 (Comm); [2017] QB 1249 & [2017] EWHC 1902 (Comm)

Acting for Ukraine (led by Bankim Thanki KC) in defending a claim for more than US$3 billion, brought by Law Debenture on behalf of the Russian Federation arising from a Eurobond issue in 2013. The Supreme Court’s decision is now the leading case relating to (1) the capacity of sovereign states, (2)  ostensible/usual authority, (3) duress and countermeasures under public international law, and associated issues of justiciability/foreign act of state.


Pakistan International Airline Corp v Times Travel (UK) Ltd [2021] UKSC 40; [2023] AC 101

Acting for Ukraine (led by Bankim Thanki KC) intervening in the Supreme Court’s decision as to the scope of economic duress in English law.


“Dieselgate” claims

Acting for Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot-Citroen (led by Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC) in relation to group litigation brought by purchasers of diesel vehicles concerning alleged breaches of EU and UK legislation arising from nitrous oxides (NOx) emissions.  The claims are part of one of the largest group litigation processes ever litigated in England, with more than one million Claimants.


Wilmington Trust National Association v Su [2022] EWHC 1051 (Comm)

Acting for the Claimant judgment creditor in recognising and enforcing a US judgment.


Advising a Russian oligarch in relation to jurisdictional issues (led by Sonia Tolaney KC).


Sandoz v Napp Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Acting (led by Jeffrey Chapman KC) for a major pharmaceutical company in the largest ever claim for damages on a cross-undertaking under a wrongly granted injunction for patent infringement. Settled after full trial, June 2019.


Jeffrey Blue v Mike Ashley [2017] EWHC 1928 (Comm)

Acting for Mr Blue in the trial of his claim for £14 million against Mike Ashley arising from an alleged oral agreement reached in a pub.


Advising CIS entity in relation to potential duress arising in relation to entry into SPA.


Advising member of an LLP in relation to dispute with other members and expulsion from LLP.


Acting for a private equity fund in multi-jurisdictional dispute (including jurisdictional dispute and injunctive relief in two jurisdictions) worth more than €1 billion (led by Robin Dicker QC).


Advising a Ukrainian bank in relation to numerous jurisdictional issues in English and foreign litigation.


Molton Street Capital LLP v Shooters Hill Capital Partners LLP [2015] EWHC 3419

Acting as sole counsel for the Claimant in the Commercial Court trial of a contractual dispute arising from the sale of bonds, giving rise to numerous issues of US securities law and regulation.


Credit Suisse Asset Management v Titan Europe 2006-1 [2016] EWHC 969 (Ch); [2016] EWCA Civ 1293

Acting for Credit Suisse in relation to a dispute arising from Notes issues with a value of €1 billion (led by Tim Howe KC).


BAT v Windward Prospects Limited [2014] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 559 (jurisdiction) & [2013] EWHC 3612 (Comm) (receivers)

Acting (led by Robert Miles KC and Stuart Ritchie KC) in relation to indemnity claims in the Commercial Court arising out of pollution of a river in Wisconsin. The litigation forms a part of wider ongoing litigation in the USA involving regulatory and commercial proceedings between numerous parties concerning the clean-up costs that total hundreds of millions of dollars.


Acting (led by Bankim Thanki KC and with Andrew Kinnier) for a UK mining company and African subsidiary concerning claims arising from mining operations in Africa.


Acting (led by Bankim Thanki KC) in relation to a major dispute between Russian oligarchs concerning ownership of valuable Russian energy assets.


Acting (led by Tim Howe KC and Nik Yeo) in relation to a US$1 billion Russian oil and gas dispute.


Acting for a prominent Middle Eastern company in relation to multiple claims in relation to various credit facilities (including jurisdictional and substantive issues).


Acting (led by Michael Brindle KC) for one of the world’s richest men in a claim in the Cayman Islands for more than US$200 million concerning a shareholder dispute regarding a mobile telecommunications project in the Middle East.


Internet Broadcasting Ltd v Managed Accounts Reports LLC [2009] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 295

Led by Anthony Boswood QC, defending a claim for £6 million arising from a dispute arising from an internet TV channel; case settled before CA hearing.


OFT v Barclays Bank Plc & Others [2009] UKSC 6; [2010] 1 AC 696; [2009] EWCA Civ 116; [2009] 2 W.L.R. 1286; [2008] EWHC 2325 (Comm); [2009] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 717; [2008] EWHC 875 (Comm); [2008] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 625

Acting for Barclays Bank plc (led by Iain Milligan KC/Jonathan Sumption KC and Andrew Mitchell KC) in the high-profile test case brought by the OFT against eight financial institutions in respect of the legality of current account charges.  That has included acting for Barclays Bank in relation to the various trials in the Commercial Court and the appellate stage, as well as in the mercantile and county courts.


ICB v Akingbola

Instructed (led by Michael Bloch KC) in relation to the defence of various claims in excess of £80 million with associated multi-jurisdictional freezing orders, arising from the alleged misappropriation of assets from a major Nigerian bank.


National Westminster Bank Plc v Rabobank Nederland [2007] EWHC 3163 (Comm); [2008] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 266; [2008] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 16; [2007] EWHC 1742 (Comm); [2008] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 243; [2007] EWHC 1056 (Comm); [2006] EWHC 2959 (Comm); [2007] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 97

During 2006-07, Simon acted for Rabobank Nederland (in a team led by Ali Malek KC and including Jeffrey Chapman KC) in the interlocutory, trial and appellate stages of this international commercial litigation.  Rabobank’s claims for misrepresentation (including fraud) and breach of fiduciary duty, amounting to more than US$200m, were tried in the Commercial Court before Colman J for twelve weeks in the autumn of 2006. (Described as one of the top ten trials of 2006 in The Lawyer 9/1/06, see also The Lawyer 4/9/06).


Advising (led by Brian Doctor KC and Jeffrey Chapman KC) in relation to shareholder disputes concerning two FTSE 100 companies.


Acting in relation to a substantial contractual dispute worth £1 million relating to antique motorcycles (seven-day High Court trial settled immediately before trial).


Frequently instructed in relation to seeking, resisting or advising on the effects of injunctive relief in the High Court (both freezing orders and other forms of injunction); acting (as appellant and respondent respectively) in several appeals in relation to decisions of High Court Masters.


Instructed as an expert witness in proceedings in the Netherlands concerning various disputes arising from shareholder agreements.

Notable Competition Cases


Allianz Global Investors GmbH and others v Goldman Sachs and others

Acting for Goldman Sachs (led by Tom de la Mare KC) in multi-billion dollar claims in the CAT alleging foreign exchange manipulation by investment banks.


Auden McKenzie v Patel

Acting for the vendor of a pharmaceutical company sued for (amongst other claims) breaches of warranties arising from alleged breaches of competition law prior to sale, with parallel competition law investigations (led by Camilla Bingham KC and with Ian Bergson). Settled before liability trial due February 2020.


Acting for a Star Alliance carrier in relation to the distribution of Heathrow slots and hearing before the Civil Aviation Authority (led by Bankim Thanki KC).

Notable Construction, Energy & Infrastructure Cases


Instructed by insurers in relation to a coverage dispute in Trinidad and Tobago regarding cover for failure of major electrical plant.


QOGT Inc v International Oil & Gas Technology Fund Limited

Instructed by QOGT (led by Alain Choo Choy KC and Lance Ashworth KC) in relation to claims by a Canadian Investment Manager against a Fund relating to management fees, and counterclaims regarding investment performance arising from oil and gas exploration investments.

Notable Financial Services Cases


Commission of Enquiry into the failure of CL Financial Ltd

Instructed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (led by Bankim Thanki KC with Henry King KC) in relation to an Enquiry, led by Sir Anthony Colman, into the collapse of and subsequent State intervention in, the CLF Group resulting in billions of dollars in losses.

Simon has extensive experience of insurance and reinsurance disputes of varying sizes and complexity, both on his own account and also as part of a counsel team.

Notable Insurance Cases


Dubai Aerospace Ltd and others v Lloyd’s Insurance Company SA and others (trial October 2024)

Acting for war risks insurers in claims brought by Western lessors of aircraft located in Russia at the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Believed to be the largest aviation insurance event since 9/11.


Instructed in a reinsurance arbitration (led by Michael Crane KC and Marcus Smith KC), with a value of approximately $100 million, that settled shortly before the ten-week trial.


Instructed (led by Michael Crane KC) in relation to substantial reinsurance arbitration.


Instructed as sole counsel in relation to insurance dispute relating to duties of placing brokers regarding retention of documents (trial February 2016).


Instructed as sole counsel in relation to a Commercial Court reinsurance dispute.


Instructed by insurers in relation to a coverage dispute in Trinidad and Tobago regarding cover for failure of major electrical plant.


Regularly instructed in connection with professional indemnity insurance disputes. In the last few years, he was led in several multi-million pound disputes of that kind, in particular relating to professional indemnity insurers for solicitors (including the insurers of a leading City law firm; led by Stephen Rubin KC) and accountants (led by Patricia Robertson KC).


Instructed in relation to various insurance disputes relating to coverage and non-disclosure.


Instructed in a multi-million pound claim raising issues of double insurance and coverage issues (led by Mark Simpson KC).


Instructed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (led by Bankim Thanki KC with Henry King KC) in relation to an Enquiry, led by Sir Anthony Colman, into the collapse of and subsequent State intervention in, the CLF Group and its insurance companies resulting in billions of dollars in losses, raising various insurance issues and questions of regulatory supervision of insurance products. Simon has been instructed in relation to multiple evidential hearings in Port of Spain.


In addition to work in connection with such larger disputes, he is frequently involved as sole counsel in relation to smaller scale disputes, across a range of insurance products and for a range of insurers (including being regularly and frequently instructed by Barclays Bank plc in relation to certain retail insurance products), and both in the provision of advice and as an advocate.

Simon has been instructed in a number of high-value commercial arbitrations.

Notable International Arbitration Cases


Madison Pacific Trust Co v Shakoor Capital & Privatbank [2020] EWHC 610 (Ch)

Acting in a substantial LCIA arbitration (for $400 million) and subsequent High Court litigation relating to Awards, raising novel issues concerning partial illegality arising from fraud in the context of Notes (led by David Wolfson KC, later as lead advocate).


Acting (led by Bankim Thanki KC) in a substantial arbitration relating to alleged breaches of a Share Purchase Agreement. Claims exceed $1 billion.


Acting in a substantial LCIA arbitration relating to CIS-related lending (led by Ben Valentin KC).


Acting in a reinsurance arbitration (led by Michael Crane KC) and associated dispute regarding stay of US proceedings for arbitration.


Acting in a mining dispute (led by Marcus Smith KC).


Acting in a derivatives dispute (led by Ray Cox KC).


Acting in a reinsurance arbitration (led by Michael Crane KC and Marcus Smith KC) with a value of approximately $100 million that settled shortly before the ten-week trial.


Acting in a substantial LCIA arbitration (led by Richard Handyside KC).


Acting in an aviation dispute (led by Bankim Thanki KC).

Notable Offshore Cases


Instructed (as sole counsel) in Privy Council appeal from Trinidad & Tobago (permission to appeal pending).


Commission of Enquiry into the failure of CL Financial Ltd

Instructed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (led by Bankim Thanki KC with Henry King KC) in relation to an Enquiry, led by Sir Anthony Colman, into the collapse of and subsequent State intervention in, the CLF Group resulting in billions of dollars in losses.


Acting (led by Michael Brindle KC) for one of the world’s richest men in a claim in the Cayman Islands for more than US$200 million concerning a shareholder dispute regarding a mobile telecommunications project in the Middle East.


Acting as English law advisor to CIS entity in relation to litigation in England, Cyprus, Israel and elsewhere.


Acting in relation to several multi-million dollar test cases in Hong Kong relating to alleged misselling of investments.

Notable Professional Negligence Cases


Advising (with Simon Salzedo KC) in relation to multi-billion dollar auditor negligence/breach of duty claim.


Acting (with Mark Simpson KC) in defending a professional negligence claim against a prominent firm of offshore solicitors for £100 million.


Acting (with Richard Handyside KC) in relation to a multi-million pound arbitration.


Acting in relation to several multi-million dollar test cases in Hong Kong relating to alleged misselling of investments.


Advising (with Patricia Robertson KC) in relation to a substantial accountant’s professional negligence case.


Advising in relation to multi-million pound claims against an investment advisor involving breaches of fiduciary duty and negligence.

Notable Sports Cases


Instructed by a Premiership football club in relation to claims concerning a football agent.


Instructed by a Premiership football club in relation to claims concerning a disputed transfer.

"Fantastic - a master of the detail, technically brilliant and great to work with. One of the most formidable juniors out there, and very good to have on your side."


Legal 500

"Very clever, very thorough and tremendously smooth. A very high-class operator."


Chambers & Partners

"His advocacy is phenomenal; it’s clear, concise and gets to the heart of the issue very quickly. He has an eye for detail and doesn’t miss anything in the documentation."


Chambers & Partners

"His advocacy is remarkable; he is exceptionally articulate and utterly unflappable."


Legal 500

"He's got a very unassuming manner. He knows how to work with solicitors, support them and make sure that they run a happy ship."


Chambers & Partners

"Extremely reliable and responsive, he’s able to provide confident, first-class advice."


Chambers & Partners

"Offers what an instructing solicitor is looking for: 'pragmatic and thorough in his approach', he comes at his cases from a commercial angle and is able to quickly strike up a rapport with clients."


Chambers & Partners

"Incredibly quick and very strategic, and has an amazing eye for detail. He seems to recall details absolutely down to the minutiae and never drops the ball."


Chambers & Partners

“Simon is a brilliant advocate with excellent judgement, and an elegant turn of phrase in writing and in court.”


Legal 500

Chambers & Partners – Global
  • Dispute Resolution: Commercial – UK
Chambers & Partners – UK
  • Banking & Finance
  • Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • Consumer Finance
  • Fraud: Civil
Legal 500
  • Banking & Finance (including Consumer Credit)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Crypto & Blockchain Assets
  • Fraud: Civil

  • LLM (Summa cum laude) (First Class equivalent), University of Pennsylvania
  • BCL (Distinction), St John’s College, Oxford
  • BA Law (Double First), St Catharine’s College, Cambridge

  • COMBAR
  • ‘Banking Junior of the Year’, Chambers & Partners (2019)
  • Supervisor (Tutor) in Conflict of Laws and Administrative Law, University of Cambridge (2004-2005)
  • Internship with Jamaican Council for Human Rights, Kingston, Jamaica (working on Death Row appeals to the Privy Council) (2000)

Civil Procedure

  • Legal Privilege and Mandatory Disclosure under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 [2005] LMCLQ (co-authored with Alex Barden)

International Commercial Litigation / Conflict of Laws

  • Sole Author, UK Government / Dept of Constitutional Affairs Summary of English Conflict of Laws rules for EU project (see here)
  • “Choice of Law in Contract: The missing Pieces of the Article 4 Jigsaw?” (2004) 54 International and Comparative Law Quarterly 559
  • “The Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Canada” (2004) 63 Cambridge Law Journal 574
  • Book review: Adrian Briggs’, The Conflict of Laws [2004] LMCLQ 265

Regulatory / Public Law / Human Rights

  • The Law of Habeas Corpus, Sharpe, Farbey and Atrill (3rd ed, 2011 OUP).  The leading text on habeas corpus; cited in the Supreme Court; previous editions were cited in the House of Lords, US Supreme Court and Canadian Supreme Court.
  • “The End of Estoppel in Public Law?” (2003) 62 Cambridge Law Journal 3
  • “Keeping the Executive in the Picture: a reply to Professor Leigh” [2003] Public Law 41
  • “Who is the ‘fair-minded and informed observer’? Bias after Magill” (2003) 62 Cambridge Law Journal 272
  • Nulla Poena Sine Lege in Comparative Perspective: Retrospectivity under the ECHR and US Constitution.” [2005] Public Law 107
  • Book review: Conor Gearty, Principles of Human Rights Adjudication (2005) 64 Cambridge Law Journal

  • French (working knowledge)
  • Spanish (working knowledge)

For enquiries please contact

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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"Fantastic - a master of the detail, technically brilliant and great to work with. One of the most formidable juniors out there, and very good to have on your side."


Legal 500

"Very clever, very thorough and tremendously smooth. A very high-class operator."


Chambers & Partners

"His advocacy is phenomenal; it’s clear, concise and gets to the heart of the issue very quickly. He has an eye for detail and doesn’t miss anything in the documentation."


Chambers & Partners

"His advocacy is remarkable; he is exceptionally articulate and utterly unflappable."


Legal 500

"He's got a very unassuming manner. He knows how to work with solicitors, support them and make sure that they run a happy ship."


Chambers & Partners

"Extremely reliable and responsive, he’s able to provide confident, first-class advice."


Chambers & Partners

"Offers what an instructing solicitor is looking for: 'pragmatic and thorough in his approach', he comes at his cases from a commercial angle and is able to quickly strike up a rapport with clients."


Chambers & Partners

"Incredibly quick and very strategic, and has an amazing eye for detail. He seems to recall details absolutely down to the minutiae and never drops the ball."


Chambers & Partners

“Simon is a brilliant advocate with excellent judgement, and an elegant turn of phrase in writing and in court.”


Legal 500

Chambers & Partners – Global
  • Dispute Resolution: Commercial – UK
Chambers & Partners – UK
  • Banking & Finance
  • Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • Consumer Finance
  • Fraud: Civil
Legal 500
  • Banking & Finance (including Consumer Credit)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Crypto & Blockchain Assets
  • Fraud: Civil

  • LLM (Summa cum laude) (First Class equivalent), University of Pennsylvania
  • BCL (Distinction), St John’s College, Oxford
  • BA Law (Double First), St Catharine’s College, Cambridge

  • COMBAR
  • ‘Banking Junior of the Year’, Chambers & Partners (2019)
  • Supervisor (Tutor) in Conflict of Laws and Administrative Law, University of Cambridge (2004-2005)
  • Internship with Jamaican Council for Human Rights, Kingston, Jamaica (working on Death Row appeals to the Privy Council) (2000)

Civil Procedure

  • Legal Privilege and Mandatory Disclosure under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 [2005] LMCLQ (co-authored with Alex Barden)

International Commercial Litigation / Conflict of Laws

  • Sole Author, UK Government / Dept of Constitutional Affairs Summary of English Conflict of Laws rules for EU project (see here)
  • “Choice of Law in Contract: The missing Pieces of the Article 4 Jigsaw?” (2004) 54 International and Comparative Law Quarterly 559
  • “The Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Canada” (2004) 63 Cambridge Law Journal 574
  • Book review: Adrian Briggs’, The Conflict of Laws [2004] LMCLQ 265

Regulatory / Public Law / Human Rights

  • The Law of Habeas Corpus, Sharpe, Farbey and Atrill (3rd ed, 2011 OUP).  The leading text on habeas corpus; cited in the Supreme Court; previous editions were cited in the House of Lords, US Supreme Court and Canadian Supreme Court.
  • “The End of Estoppel in Public Law?” (2003) 62 Cambridge Law Journal 3
  • “Keeping the Executive in the Picture: a reply to Professor Leigh” [2003] Public Law 41
  • “Who is the ‘fair-minded and informed observer’? Bias after Magill” (2003) 62 Cambridge Law Journal 272
  • Nulla Poena Sine Lege in Comparative Perspective: Retrospectivity under the ECHR and US Constitution.” [2005] Public Law 107
  • Book review: Conor Gearty, Principles of Human Rights Adjudication (2005) 64 Cambridge Law Journal

  • French (working knowledge)
  • Spanish (working knowledge)

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