Axiom Advocates stands out in the Scottish commercial dispute resolution market states Chambers UK

12 November 2009

Following the recent publication of Chambers UK 2010, Axiom Advocates is delighted to have secured eighteen notes of interest in the top legal directory, primarily in commercial dispute resolution:-

Head and shoulders above the rest, Axiom Advocates stands out in the Scottish commercial dispute resolution market thanks to the unrivalled breadth and depth of its practice. Profuse praise is poured onto the numerous talented barristers at a stable that "provides high-quality advice delivered in a clear, comprehensible fashion." Among the cream of the commercial QCs in residence is Alistair Clark QC. Solicitors report that "he's very flexible, very hands-on and ready to go that extra mile for us." His practice emphasises commercial, IP and administrative law matters. Heriot Currie QC is acknowledged as "a megastar of the Scottish Bar." He is reserved only for very high-value disputes and is prized because "his opinion carries an awful lot of weight." He is also seen as an effective advocate, as he twins "an immense intellect with a pleasingly understated style of advocacy." Commercial and public law expert David Johnston QC is renowned as "a man with two brains: he's one of the Bar's intellectuals." He is a first choice among solicitors seeking an authoritative opinion on a point of law. Dean of the Faculty of Advocates and unquestionably "the dean of the Scottish Bar," Richard Keen QC is another of the set's silks nearing star status. His skills in the courtroom are one reason for his high standing, as commentators confirm that "he's known for his exceptional performances in difficult trials; no one is better on their feet." Another individual who is known for his "great ability to judge the mood of the court and take control of the courtroom" is Gerry Moynihan QC. James McNeill QC, meanwhile, is deemed to be a superb communicator, with sources commenting that "he's so incredibly persuasive that he could argue that black is white and by the end you'd be agreeing with him." He regularly appears in property, trusts and commercial cases. The "exceptional" Jonathan Lake QC is tipped for the top. That he recently took silk is no surprise to market commentators, who suggest: "He's got a great track record in high-profile cases and has proven himself to be a key figure in this field." New silk Sarah Wolffe QC is promoted by peers as "a strong technical lawyer who is incredibly bright and hard-working." She offers a strong advisory practice and also undertakes litigation involving commercial, EU, administrative and constitutional law. Garry Borland is recommended by clients as "an excellent advocate to work with: he has a very good understanding of the dynamics of client relationships and it's always very much a team game with him." He specialises in commercial law and is also a first-choice junior in construction cases. Commercial litigation and judicial review expert James Mure is famed for being "very good on the finer details." His meticulous and thoughtful approach extends to the courtroom, where he is said to "take a very controlled approach, leading the court through his arguments in a logical, methodical and accessible way." Almira Delibegović-Broome centres her practice on commercial litigation, patent, competition and insolvency litigation. This "immensely capable advocate" was formerly a corporate solicitor at a leading Scottish law firm. Construction and professional negligence cases form the backbone of Martin Richardson's practice. Although he has been busy since 2006 acting for the appellant in the appeal of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi in relation to the Lockerbie bombing, he retains an enviable reputation among peers for his commercial work. Morag Ross is described as having "produced some of the best-written submissions I've seen" by solicitors. She focuses on public law and commercial cases, undertaking property and contractual dispute cases. Roisin Higgins is widely acknowledged to have cornered the IP market and brings prior experience working as a solicitor in the commercial litigation teams at leading Scottish law firms. Another young barrister who is steadily proving his mettle is Sean Smith. He is a well-known name in the market and receives particular praise for his prowess in construction-related cases. Market sources are keeping a keen eye on Roddy Dunlop, who has been making a name for himself in this area. He recently appeared in Scottish and Southern Energy plc v Lerwick Engineering & Fabrication Ltd, a case relating to the interpretation of indemnity clauses.

Other areas of practice in which Axiom has a presence include intellectual property, planning law, agricultural and rural affairs.

Chambers UK 2010: http://www.chambersandpartners.com/FirmProfile.aspx?fid=147057&ssid=34245