Tom Allen KC named Corporate Crime Silk of the Year.
27th September 2024
Cloth Fair Chambers are delighted to announce that Tom Allen KC was announced as the Corporate crime Silk of the year at last night’s Legal 500 Bar Awards.
Head of Chambers, John Kelsey-Fry KC says “We are thrilled that Tom has been recognised following such a notable success in the recent high profile matter of SFO -v- Cook, alongside his ongoing instructions for a recently charged individual who was formerly employed by Glencore. It is a credit to his ongoing commitment to excellence and we all extend our warmest congratulations to him.”
LEGAL 500 AND CHAMBERS UK BAR AWARDS
9th September 2024
Cloth Fair Chambers is delighted to have received nominations for the upcoming Legal 500 Bar Awards and the Chambers UK Bar Awards.
Legal 500 Bar Awards
John Kelsey-Fry KC - Financial Crime Silk of the Year
Cloth Fair Chambers - Financial Crime Set of the Year
Tom Allen KC - Corporate Crime Silk of the Year
Stuart Biggs – Corporate Crime Junior of the Year
Cloth Fair Chambers – Corporate Crime Set of the Year
Rachel Kapila – Junior of the Year
Chambers UK Bar Awards
Alison Pople KC - Crime Silk of the Year
We congratulate all of this year’s finalists
Dean Brown joins Cloth Fair Chambers
2nd July 2024
Dean Brown has joined Cloth Fair Chambers after nearly 20 years at 3 Raymond Buildings where he earned a stellar reputation, and where his skills and expertise were greatly valued by clients and barristers alike. He joins Cloth Fair as the Head of Practice Management.
Head of Chambers John Kelsey-Fry KC says “We are delighted to welcome Dean in his new role. Dean has extensive experience across all our main practice areas and shares our ambitions for the future development of Cloth Fair. He is the perfect fit for us, and we all look forward to working with Dean.”
SAFER SPACES
24th June 2024
We are delighted to share an in-depth analysis of recent developments in the field of privilege and their consequences for internal investigations.
Jonathan Barnard KC and Robert Dacre offer their unique insights into this dynamic area that is of critical importance to corporate clients.
Mark Mulholland KC SC, former Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland, joins Cloth Fair Chambers
20th June 2024
We are very pleased to be joined by leading silk Mark Mulholland, both King's Counsel and Senior Counsel, whose multi-jurisdictional practice spans the United Kingdom and Ireland, and beyond.
Admitted to practice in England & Wales, Belfast, Dublin and Grand Cayman, Mark has a formidable track record in high profile criminal trials, often involving parallel civil litigation. His expertise extends from serious crime to financial crime and multi-jurisdictional investigations, having worked with several US law firms, often providing key strategic advice as well as representation in the courtroom for corporate entities and international clients.
Mark, who has recently appeared for the respondent in the Supreme Court in the matter of the Home Office v CAO, has a successful appellate court practice and also often represents corporations and individuals in matters involving a range of UK, US and International enforcement agencies, including the SFO, HMRC, FCA, NCA, SOCA, MI5 and the US Department of Justice and the SEC. He has recently been acting on behalf of former members of the military in notable criminal, coronial and judicial review cases.
Beyond his practice, Mark is an active contributor to the profession as whole. He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial lawyers, a member of the International Advocacy Training Council and the International Society of Barristers, and a Bencher of the Inn of Court (NI). He is a regular conference speaker and lecturer, often to international audiences who value his experience of transnational crime and his impeccable advocacy.
“To have the opportunity to be part of Cloth Fair resonates in every way with the standards of excellence I aspire to achieve in every case I undertake on behalf of those I have the privilege to represent, and in seeking to meet the particular needs and demands of clients in London and beyond. I am thrilled to join such an impressive group of colleagues,” comments Mark.
This news follows the arrival of Robert Dacre to Cloth Fair Chambers from 2 Hare Court and the recent return of leading junior Aaron Watkins to chambers.
‘Rising star of the criminal bar’ Robert Dacre joins Cloth Fair Chambers.
28th March 2024
We are delighted to announce the arrival of leading junior Robert Dacre.
Robert has a stellar academic record and, since his call in 2013, has developed a significant practice and reputation in crime, business crime and financial services, professional discipline, inquests and regulatory law.
In particular, he is emerging as one of the most respected and sought-after juniors specialising in financial crime encompassing fraud, corruption and money laundering.
‘’Robert is a remarkable talent who shares our commitment to excellence. He is adept at navigating the most factually and legally complex cases, often as sole counsel. We welcome him and look forward to seeing his practice go from strength to strength’’, comments John Kelsey-Fry, Head of Chambers.
Further details on Robert, his credentials and his practice are available HERE or by e-mailing clerks@clothfairchambers.com.
SFO v Cook
6th March 2024
Success for Tom Allen KC of Cloth Fair Chambers in SFO v Cook.
For further information please click here for the latest news coverage.
Judgment in Supreme Court extradition case on Articles 5 and 6 ECHR
10th November 2023
Judgment was handed down by the Supreme Court today in the long-running extradition case of Popoviciu v Curtea De Apel Bucharest (Romania). The judgment provides important clarification on the test to be applied when a convicted person seeks to resist extradition on the basis that his conviction was the result of an unfair trial. The Supreme Court held that the High Court misdirected itself and applied the wrong standard of proof when it decided the case below. Allegations of bias and corruption made by the requested person against his trial judge should have been established on the balance of probabilities, not the lower threshold applicable in accusation cases.
Rachel Kapila appeared for the Appellant, led by Mark Summers KC. The full judgment is available here.
Hat-trick for Cloth Fair Chambers
25th October 2023
Recognised yet again for its culture of consistent excellence, Cloth Fair ‘always has been and still is one of the best sets’, according to the latest Chambers and Partners UK Bar guide.
Our recent trio of accolades include:
Chambers and Partners - Top Ranked Set
The Legal 500 (Legalease) – Top Tier Set
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide – Set of the Year
Setting the standard in Financial Crime and related areas, every single member of chambers is ranked by the leading directories and often in multiple categories.
John Kelsey-Fry KC named Financial Crime Silk of the Year
4th October 2023
Cloth Fair Chambers is pleased to announce that our Head of Chambers was awarded Financial Crime Silk of the Year at last night’s Legal 500 Bar awards.
Our strength is in our team, and we are proud of the nominations and the recognition this year for a number of juniors, staff and silks at Cloth Fair.
Congratulations to all nominees and winners.
Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide 2023
21st July 2023
Following our award as Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Set of the Year, we are pleased to have received a top tier ranking for Financial Crime in the HNW guide and to have so many highly ranked individuals.
Thank you to our clients for your references and to the Chambers & Partners Team.
Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2023
14th July 2023
Cloth Fair Chambers is delighted to announce that we were named Set of the Year at the Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Awards 2023 that took place last night at The Grand Hotel in London.
Thank you to all our clients who gave such great feedback and for your continued support. Thank you also to Simon Christian and the team at Chambers & Partners.
Congratulations to all the winners and well done to all shortlisted.
Legal 500 Bar Awards
12th July 2023
Cloth Fair Chambers is delighted to have received nominations in 9 categories for the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2023.
John Kelsey-Fry KC - Financial Crime Silk of the Year
Rachel Kapila - Financial Crime Junior of the Year
Cloth Fair Chambers - Financial Crime Set of the Year
Alison Pople KC - Corporate Crime Silk of the Year
Tom Allen KC - Corporate Crime Silk of the Year
Rhys Meggy - Corporate Crime Junior of the Year
Cloth Fair Chambers – Corporate Crime Set of the Year
Annaleen Stephens – Chambers Leader of the Year
Olivia Filby-Barnett – Junior Clerk of the Year
Thank you to all our referees who have given positive responses to Legal 500 researchers.
We congratulate all of this year’s finalists.
RACHEL KAPILA IN THE SUPREME COURT
16th May 2023
Rachel Kapila of Cloth Fair is appearing in the Supreme Court today in the case of Popoviciu v Curtea De Apel Bucharest (Romania) UKSC 2021/0152.
This is an important case, in which the Supreme Court will consider Articles 5 and 6 ECHR and will rule upon the test to be applied where a convicted person seeks to resist extradition on the basis that his conviction was the result of a flagrantly unfair trial.
Rachel is led by Mark Summers KC.
RHYS MEGGY joins Cloth Fair Chambers
4th May 2023
Cloth Fair Chambers is very pleased to welcome Rhys Meggy, an award-winning junior barrister who is ranked amongst the best at the bar.
Joining from QEB Hollis Whiteman, Rhys was called to the bar in 2009, and has since built a formidable reputation in corporate and financial crime, general crime, and regulation.
“We look forward to having Rhys as a colleague and to seeing his practice thrive at Cloth Fair. Clients value his excellent legal and advocacy skills and his significant commercial awareness, and he shares our vision, which is to provide the very best advice and representation in the most complex matters, especially where the corporate world and criminal laws intersect", comments John Kelsey-Fry KC, Head of Chambers.
Rhys' experience spans cases of: bribery and corruption; tax evasion, both individual and corporate; anti-competitive behaviour; serious fraud and false accounting; insider dealing; breach of export controls; insolvency and company law offences; health and safety and environmental breaches; and money laundering. He is also particularly experienced in the field of financial services regulation and investigations, and previously spent a period in-house at an investment bank.
His arrival follows that of Stuart Biggs, who joined Cloth Fair last November from 3 Raymond Buildings, and coincides with the arrival of our new Head of Practice Management, Ben Sundborg, who has over 20 years of experience in clerking gained at 39 Essex Chambers.
NEW HEAD OF PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
31st March 2023
Cloth Fair Chambers is pleased to be welcoming a new Head of Practice Management on 2 May.
Ben Sundborg will be joining us from 39 Essex Chambers where he spent over 20 years gaining significant experience across different practice areas and developing his commercial and practice management skills, all of which he looks forward to bringing to his new role at Cloth Fair.
Ben’s appointment is pivotal to Cloth Fair’s plans for the future. He will lead our practice management team to support all members and their clients and will collaborate closely with our Chambers Director to ensure operational and strategic excellence in all that we do.
G4S
10th March 2023
SFO offers no evidence against G4S executives in alleged government procurement fraud. Ian Winter KC of Cloth Fair Chambers played a pivotal role in securing this success for the defence.
Ian was instructed by Ross Dixon and Christopher Houssemayne du Boulay and their team at Hickman Rose, and he led junior barristers Rachna Gokani and Tom Doble. Speaking on this morning’s outcome at the Central Criminal Court, Ian commented that ‘Identifying the key missing evidence that exposed the flaws in the SFO’s disclosure exercise was at the heart of this and demonstrates again that these cases turn on identifying the critical detail amongst all the complexity. This required a great effort from all and many thanks are due to everyone who contributed so much to delivering this great result for our client’.
Extradition of Arif Naqvi
9th March 2023
Arif Naqvi, founder of the failed private equity firm Abraaj Capital, has lost his final bid to avoid extradition to the U.S. following four years of contested extradition proceedings. Mr Naqvi is accused of leading a multimillion dollar scheme to defraud investors in a series of funds managed by Abraaj, with high profile victims including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. On 8 March 2023, Mr Naqvi’s application for leave to appeal against his extradition order was dismissed by Mr Justice Swift.
Rachel Kapila, led by Mark Summers KC, acted for the US Government in the extradition proceedings.
The Lawyer Top 20 Cases
18th January 2023
Cloth Fair’s Tom Allen KC features in The Lawyer’s analysis of the top cases for 2023. Tom is representing one of the defendants in the case of R (SFO) v Cook, Mason (formerly R v GPT (& others)). Ian Winter KC of Cloth Fair previously led on this trial, also working closely with Baker McKenzie and Cloth Fair alumnus Aaron Watkins.
CHARITABLE GIVING
15th December 2022
This festive season, as part of our annual giving, Cloth Fair Chambers has made a donation to two special charities. Advocate is the pro bono charity of the Bar dedicated to access to justice for those who otherwise would be unable to pay for legal representation. Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation is a cultural education charity that, through drama, gives young people across the UK the confidence to succeed in life.
Cloth Fair Chambers will be closed for the UK bank holidays but open on 28, 29 and 30 December as normal.
CLOTH FAIR CHAMBERS IS JOINED BY TOP-RANKED STUART BIGGS
7th November 2022
Award-winning Cloth Fair Chambers is pleased to announce the addition of Stuart Biggs to its distinctive team of barristers.
Described by commentators as ‘destined for silk’, Stuart’s excellence and expertise in corporate and financial crime aligns with Cloth Fair’s core offer to clients. Further, like all at Cloth Fair, he applies his skills seamlessly, to the best advantage of clients, in complex areas that sit at the intersection of criminal and civil law.
Head of Chambers, John Kelsey-Fry KC, comments that “Stuart is respected and admired by clients and peers who speak of his great technical skill and his ability to relate to people. His addition is part of our strategy to grow, and it shines a light on the unique position we hold as the pre-eminent set bridging the criminal and civil jurisdictions”.
Stuart acts for individuals and corporates investigated and prosecuted by the SFO, FCA and HMRC and advises corporate victims of crime.? He also has considerable experience in Proceeds of Crime proceedings and in respect of sanctions and acts in FCA regulatory matters and accountants’ disciplinary proceedings.
His complementary practice includes IP crime and content protection, where Stuart has a track record of advising rightsholders, and also those aspects of civil practice which overlap with his core area including company and individual insolvency, director disqualification proceedings, data protection and cases before the tax tribunals.
Stuart receives praise in the legal directories, with the most recent editions reporting that ‘Stuart is an outstanding junior. He is exceptionally bright, hardworking and has a sensitive and effective advocacy style’ and ‘Stuart is a fantastic advocate and he is great in court’.
Further information about Stuart’s credentials and his practice are available here.
Cloth Fair is a boutique set whose success has been built on the contribution of outstanding practitioners who join us after starting their careers elsewhere. Further information is available from Chambers Director Annaleen Stephens.
Corporate Crime Set of the Year
6th October 2022
At last night’s Legal 500 awards, Cloth Fair received this top prize before an audience of distinguished colleagues from across the legal community.
“Our purpose at Cloth Fair Chambers is to provide the very best advice and representation in the most complex matters, especially where the corporate world and criminal laws intersect”, comments John Kelsey-Fry KC, Head of Chambers. “Thank you to Legal 500 for recognising this at your inaugural awards, and congratulations to all winners and nominees.”
Queen Elizabeth II
9th September 2022
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen who served her people with tireless commitment for 70 years.
Our seven silks are now King's Counsel. They and all members and staff extend their condolences to the Royal Family.
ALISON POPLE QC EDITS NEW PUBLICATION
5th September 2022
Alison Pople QC of Cloth Fair Chambers was delighted to collaborate with Johanna Walsh of Mishcon de Reya and Alejandra Montenegro Almonte of Miller & Chevalier, Washington to edit the very first edition of the GIR Guide to Compliance.
The guide includes contributions from Kathryn Arnot Drummond and many distinguished practitioner colleagues who capture compliance and enforcement trends from across the globe in one insightful publication.
The guide can be downloaded here: GIR Guide to Compliance
Global Investigations Review
24th May 2022
Kathryn Arnot Drummond has co-authored an article with Alexandra Webster of Simmons & Simmons, which has been published in the Global Investigations Review. It examines the impact that changes to the rules on the content and preparation of civil witness statements may have on cases involving parallel criminal proceedings.
The article is available here: Practice Directions does not make perfect: the impact of the recent civil witness statement rules on parallel proceedings
NEW CHAMBERS DIRECTOR
1st April 2022
We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Annaleen Stephens to the permanent post of Chambers Director with effect from today. Annaleen will lead all business and clerking functions in Chambers and is contactable on annaleenstephens@clothfairchambers.com and +44 2077 106 444
ANNALEEN STEPHENS
10th January 2022
We are pleased to welcome Annaleen Stephens as our interim Chambers Director today. Annaleen comes with a wealth of experience in professional services, gained at McKinsey & Company and a number of leading City law firms. Admitted as a solicitor (non-practising), Annaleen holds an LLB from Queen’s University Belfast and an MBA from Imperial College London.
Annaleen will be working closely with our Head of Chambers, our members and the clerking team who are all dedicated to operational and strategic excellence.
clerks@clothfairchambers.com
02077 106 444
NATWEST
13th December 2021
John Kelsey-Fry QC represented NatWest Bank in the first FCA prosecution of a UK bank involving offences under the money laundering regulations. After a lengthy investigation, NatWest pleaded guilty to three charges for offences which occurred between 2012-2016. The case concluded with Mrs Justice Cockerill imposing a fine of £264.8m on NatWest.
Instructed by Carlos Conceicao of Clifford Chance
THORBJORN OLESEN
8th December 2021
Rachel Kapila successfully defended professional golfer Thorbjorn Olesen on charges of sexual assault, common assault and being drunk on an aircraft. Mr Olesen was acquitted of all charges following a trial at the Nightingale Court at Aldersgate House.
Rachel was led by Trevor Burke QC and instructed by David Hardstaff of BCL Solicitors LLP.
FLA ANNUAL ROUND-UP
6th December 2021
Tom Allen QC and Clare Sibson QC are this evening addressing members of the Fraud Lawyers’ Association, at their annual round up. Clare and Tom will discuss the events of the year and the implications of cases such as Serco, Petrofac and Amec on questions of self-reporting, co-operation, evidence collection and disclosure. They will be joined by Mark Chesher and Neeta Chityal of Addleshaw Goddard, who are currently instructing Clare in relation to the insolvent collapse of Carillion.
PRAGMATISM AND THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE
26th November 2021
Clare Sibson QC and Tom Allen QC hosted a Webinar following their recent representation of Petrofac Ltd and David Lufkin in the SFO prosecution for Bribery Act offences in connection with petrochemical engineering projects in three jurisdictions. They were joined by guest speakers Stephen Gentle and Emily Agnoliof Simmons & Simmons, and Kevin Roberts of Cadwallader, Wickersham and Taft LLP. Please click here to watch.
DAVID LUFKIN
4th October 2021
Tom Allen QC represented David Lufkin, former head of sales at Petrofac, who faced multiple bribery charges relating to the corrupt obtaining of contracts worth over $8bn and payment of bribes in excess of $81m across three jurisdictions. Mr Lufkin received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
Instructed by Kevin Roberts of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.
ENRC V DECHERT LLP
1st October 2021
After two months of evidence, followed by a week of submissions, the trial of the claim brought by ENRC against Dechert, Neil Gerrard and the Serious Fraud Office has concluded in the Commercial Court. Judgment is awaited.
Nicholas Purnell QC, Jonathan Barnard QC and Rachel Kapila represent the Dechert Defendants, instructed by Richard Harrison of Clyde & Co.
HEAD OF CHAMBERS
1st October 2021
We are delighted to announce that from the 1st October Mr John Kelsey-Fry QC has been elected as the Head of Chambers.
ENRC V Dechert LLP
24th May 2021
Nicholas Purnell QC, Jonathan Barnard QC and Rachel Kapila are representing Dechert LLP and Neil Gerrard in a claim brought by Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation Limited (ENRC). The trial is underway at the Commercial Court before Mr Justice Waksman.
Instructed by Richard Harrison at Clyde & Co.
GIR Women in Investigations Survey 2021
19th May 2021
Alison Pople QC has been recognised by Global Investigations Review as a leading practitioner in white-collar investigations. The survey highlights 100 exceptional Women in Investigations. Published every three years, the 2021 survey is the most geographically diverse to date with individuals from 21 different countries recognised.
For more information on the survey please click here.
Global Investigations Review
9th March 2021
Alison Pople QC and Aaron Watkins have co-authored new chapters in the Fifth Edition of The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations, published by Global Investigations Review.
Aaron has co-authored a new chapter on Extradition with Ben Brandon of Mishcon de Reya.
Alison has co-authored a new chapter on Compliance with Johanna Walsh and Mellissa Curzon-Berners of Mishcon de Reya.
The whole publication is available at https://globalinvestigationsreview.com/guide/the-practitioners-guide-global-investigations/2021
Extradition of Arif Naqvi
29th January 2021
The Chief Magistrate has sent the case of Arif Naqvi to the Secretary of State, for her decision on whether Mr Naqvi should be extradited to the United States. Mr Naqvi is accused of leading a multimillion dollar scheme to defraud investors in a series of funds managed by the Dubai-based private equity firm known as the Abraaj Group. Rachel Kapila represents the US Government in the extradition proceedings.
Deferred Prosecution Agreement between Serious Fraud Office and Airline Services Ltd approved.
30th October 2020
Alison Pople QC represented Airline Services Ltd in a Deferred Prosecution Agreement [‘DPA’] with the Serious Fraud Office in respect of three offences of failure to prevent bribery contrary to Section 7 Bribery Act 2010. The DPA was approved by Mrs Justice May at a public hearing on 30 October 2020.
Instructed by Emma Gordon at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.
Trial of Charlie Elphicke
6th July 2020
Ian Winter QC is representing Charlie Elphicke, a former MP, over charges of sexual assault. The trial is underway at Southwark Crown Court infront of Mrs Justice Whipple.
Instructed by Ellen Peart at BCL Solicitors.
Unexplained Wealth Order
8th April 2020
Alison Pople QC and Aaron Watkins secured the discharge in the High Court of an Unexplained Wealth Order obtained by the National Crime Agency.
This was the first successful challenge to an Unexplained Wealth Order since their introduciton in 2018.
Instructed by Johanna Walsh, Mishcon De Reya.
Jonathan Barnard QC
16th March 2020
Chambers are delighted to announce that Jonathan Barnard has been formally appointed as Queen's Counsel in today's ceremony at Westminster Hall.
Former Barclays executives acquitted.
28th February 2020
Roger Jenkins, the former Head of Investment Banking in the Middle East, and Tom Kalaris, the former Head of Wealth and Investment Management, have both been acquitted of all charges following a 5 month trial at the Central Criminal Court. The SFO brought the charges in respect of the bank's capital raising from Qatari investors in 2008.
John Kelsey-Fry QC and Jonathan Barnard represented Roger Jenkins. Instructed by Graham More of Herbert Smith Freehills.
Ian Winter QC represented Tom Kalaris. Instructed by Patrick Rappo of DLA Piper.
Extradition of Mike Lynch
7th February 2020
Extradition proceedings have commenced against Mike Lynch, former CEO of Autonomy Corporation.
Aaron Watkins is instructed by Kelwin Nicholls at Clifford Chance to represent Mike Lynch.
Rachel Kapila is instructed for the US Government.
Mr Jonathan Barnard appointed Queen's Counsel
16th January 2020
Chambers are delighted to announce that Jonathan Barnard has been appointed Queen's Counsel. He will be sworn in by the Lord Chancellor on the 16th March 2020.
CEO of Guralp Systems Ltd acquitted
20th December 2019
Tom Allen QC has successfully defended Dr Cansun Guralp against charges of corruption brought by the SFO. Dr Guralp was acquitted of all charges following a ten week trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Instructed by Matthew Ewens at Mishcon de Reya
Guralp Systems Ltd
23rd October 2019
Tom Allen QC is defending Dr Cansun Guralp, CEO of Guralp Systems Ltd, charged by the SFO with corruption offences. The trial is underway at Southwark Crown Court.
Retrial of former Barclays executives underway
7th October 2019
The retrial of three former executives of Barclays is underway at the Central Criminal Court.
John Kelsey-Fry QC and Jonathan Barnard are representing Roger Jenkins, the former head of investment banking in the Middle East.
Ian Winter QC is representing Tom Kalaris, the former head of Barclays' wealth and investment management.
Set of the Year Shortlist
24th September 2019
We are delighted to announce that Cloth Fair have been shortlisted for 'Set of the Year' at the Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Awards 2019.
The awards draw on the research for Chambers HNW 2019, reflecting the winners' pre-eminence in key practice areas, notable achievements over the past 12 months, strategic growth and excellence in client service.
The awards evening will take place on Thursday 3 October 2019 at The Underglobe.
The full shortlist can be viewed here
Former Barclays CEO acquitted
21st June 2019
Nicholas Purnell QC and Clare Sibson QC successfuly defend John Varley, the former Chief Executive of Barclays, over charges of conspiracy to commit fraud brought by the Serious Fraud Office in respect of bank's capital raising from Qatari investors in 2008. The Court of Appeal today upheld the decision reached at trial by Mr Justice Jay of insufficient evidence to proceed following arguments of no case to answer. John Varley has been acquitted of all charges.
Instructed by Peter Binning and Jessica Parker of Corker Binning
Nick Newman
7th May 2019
It is with great sadness that Chambers records the death of Nick Newman on 17 April 2019. Nick was our Senior Clerk from the creation of Cloth Fair Chambers in 2006 until his retirement through ill health in 2016. Nick was at the heart of the planning and implementation of Cloth Fair Chambers from concept to execution. He played a crucial part in the establishment of the ethos and service standards which Chambers was established to provide for our professional and lay clients.
He was recognised throughout the Temple to be an outstanding clerk and was a friend and adviser to the barrister members of Chambers, to his clerks’ room and to the wide range of solicitors and other professional clients who came into contact with him.
Although Nick’s condition prevented his travelling to London, he remained a consultant to Chambers after his retirement, until that too proved impossible for him.
The success of Cloth Fair Chambers will always be a reflection of the important part Nick played in its history. We all extend our condolences to his wife Mo, on whom Nick relied so deeply through his long and always cheerful battle, and to their children.
Nick’s funeral will take place at the Cam Valley Crematorium at 2pm on Wednesday 15 May 2019
New members of Chambers
1st April 2019
We are delighted to announce Rachel Kapila and Aaron Watkins have both joined Chambers.
SFO v Barclays
30th January 2019
The trial of four former executives of Barclays charged with fraud is underway at Southwark Crown Court.
Nicholas Purnell QC and Clare Sibson QC represent John Varley, the former CEO, instructed by Peter Binning of Corker Binning
John Kelsey-Fry QC and Jonathan Barnard represent Roger Jenkins, the former head of investment banking in the Middle East, instructed by Rod Fletcher of Herbert Smith Freehills
Ian Winter QC represents Tom Kalaris, the former head of Barclays' wealth and investment management, instructed by Patrick Rappo of DLA Piper
SFO v Tesco
23rd January 2019
Nicholas Purnell QC and Jonathan Barnard successfully defend Carl Rogberg, the former finance director of Tesco, against charges of fraud and false accounting. The charges were brought following a Deferred Prosecution Agreement between Tesco and the Serious Fraud Office for overstating profits. Mr Rogberg was today acquitted of all charges.
Instructed by Neil O'May of Norton Rose Fulbright
BOOK LAUNCH
22nd January 2019
GIR Practitioner’ Guide to Global Investigations book launch. Nicholas Purnell QC along with Rod Fletcher of HSF wrote the section on Negotiating Global Settlement: The UK perspective.
SFO v Alstom
20th December 2018
Jonathan Barnard secured a full acquittal earlier this year for Robert Hallett, former director of Alstom Network Ltd, charged by the SFO alongside the company and other individuals with bribery and corruption offences. The jury retuned unanimous verdicts of not guilty on 10th April. There were subsequent trials from the same investigation which meant reporting restrictions were applied until the trials had concluded.
Instructed by James Carlton of Fox Williams
SFO v Tesco
6th December 2018
Ian Winter QC secured a full acquittal for his client, John Scouler, charged by the SFO with fraud and false accounting. The charges were brought after the SFO's investigation into Tesco following the company's announcement to the stock market in 2014 that it's profits had been inflated. Mr Scouler was formerly the UK food commercial director at Tesco.
Following the prosecution's case, Sir John Royce agreed with the submissions made by Ian Winter QC of no case to answer. That decison was upheld by the Court of Appeal as they denied the SFO's application for a terminatory ruling.
Instructed by Richard Sallybanks of BCL Solicitors
ERG INVESTIGATION
9th November 2018
Tom Allen QC successfully defended Benedikt Sobotka, the CEO of ERG (parent company of ENRC) in SFO proceedings for failing to comply with a requirement to attend a s.2 interview. Mr Sobotka argued that (i) the SFO did not have extra territorial powers to compel him to return to the jurisdiction to face questioning under compulsion (and possible criminal sanction); and (ii) that he had no obligation to comply with the notice in any event, when he was outside the jurisdiction.
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/sfo-drops-case-against-mining-chief/5068210.article
Instructed by Kevin Roberts Morrison Foerster
Moot Trial of Verres
4th October 2018
Nicholas Purnell QC acts for Verres, the former governor of Sicily.
Verres served as governor of Sicily (a wealthy and fertile province) between 73 and 71 BC. He allegedly took the opportunity to plunder the province, by imposing extortionate taxes, robbing temples and other abuses.
A Roman governor acted as lord chief justice of his province. This was very handy for Verres. He was able to convict and sentence people at whim. He could then demand massive bribes for releasing them.
On returning to Rome in 70 BC, Verres stood trial for extortion and abusing his position as governor. The trial caused a sensation, with ace counsel on both sides. Cicero prosecuted and Hortensius defended. The trial did not go well for the defence, so Verres took flight. The trial was never concluded.
Now, 2088 years later, Verres will face a fresh trial. This time there will be no escape.
Lady Hale, President of the Supreme Court, will preside.
The verdict will be given by the audience.
F.H Bertling Corruption trial
10th September 2018
Tom Allen QC representing former Director of F.H Bertling at Southwark Crown Court, trial set to last for 8 weeks.
https://www.sfo.gov.uk/cases/f-h-bertling-ltd-project-jasmine/
Instructed by John Millner IBB Solicitors.
Afren Oil Corruption Trial
3rd September 2018
Alison Pople QC & Kathryn Arnot Drummond representing former CEO of Afren Oil charged with corruption offences at Southwark Crown Court, trial set to last for 6 weeks.
Instructed by Stephen Gentle, Simmons & Simmons.
Gural Systems Corruption Trial
28th August 2018
Tom Allen QC instructed to defend founder of Guralp Systems charged with Corruption.
Instructed by Gary Miller, Mishcon de Reya.
Barclays PLC Fraud Charges
24th August 2018
Serious Fraud Office applies to reinstate charges against Barclays Bank – Nicholas Purnell QC John Kelsey-Fry QC, Ian Winter Qc, Clare Sibson QC & Jonathan Barnard act for individuals in the trial.
Instructed By Peter Binning (Corker Binning), Rod Fletcher (Herbert Smith Freehills) & Patrick Rappo (DLA Piper).
EURIBOR TRADERS TRIAL
12th July 2018
Jury fail to reach agreement in Euribor trial at Southwark Crown Court, Clare Sibson QC representing Colin Bermingham.
Instructed by Rachel Adamson, Slater & Gordon.
NEW MEMBER OF CHAMBERS
21st June 2018
Kathryn Arnot Drummond joins chambers
http://www.clothfairchambers.com/people/kathryn-arnot-drummond/