Commercial Law

Building on its strengths as a common law set, 7 Bedford Row has developed substantial expertise in a broad range of general commercial litigation acting for corporate and individual clients. From the ‘sharp end' of freezing and search and seize orders in aid of asset recovery in civil fraud, to arbitration, trade disputes and professional negligence, the commercial team offers a range of experienced practitioners who advise and undertake litigation in the civil courts, as well as mediation and arbitration. Several members act as mediators and adjudicators. A mediation suite is available in chambers. The team includes members qualified to take Direct Access instructions.

The team is instructed in a wide range of work including construction and IT disputes, insurance, partnership, shareholders' disputes, directors' fiduciary duties and directors' disqualification. Particular strengths are professional negligence, civil fraud and asset recovery. The commercial practice is complemented by shared expertise in closely related areas such as employment, business crime and regulatory work. 7 Bedford Row's alliance with the Jersey-based firm BakerPlatt has enhanced its profile in off-shore work and enables us to offer a wealth of experience in all aspects of international fraud.

Members of the team were instructed in the leading House of Lords decisions of Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge (no.2) [2001] and O'Neill v Phillips [1999]. Recent cases have included Scottish Coal & Ors v Royal & Sun Alliance Plc & 6 Ors (QBD, 2008), John McCarthy v McCarthy & Stone Plc (Court of Appeal, 2007), David Hawley v Luminar Leisure Plc & Ors, Proforce Recruit Ltd v Rugby Group Ltd (both Court of Appeal, 2006), Baybut v Eccles Riggs Country Park Ltd, Cattley & Anor v Pollard & Anor (both Chancery Division, 2006), and Gill v Sandhu (Court of Appeal, 2005).

There is a regular seminar programme with presentations delivered in chambers and at solicitors' offices. Recent topics have included various aspects of the liability of company directors, whole agreement clauses, changes implemented by the Companies Act 2006 and aspects of civil fraud (injunctive relief, tracing and other remedies, and practical and evidential issues).