Peter practises in commercial law. He has been involved in some of the largest commercial and civil fraud claims in recent years.  He has particular expertise in fraud claims with an insolvency element, as well as insolvency and company law claims more generally.  He is also an experienced practitioner in commercial arbitration. 

    Peter is ranked in Chambers UK, Chambers Global and Legal 500 for commercial litigation, civil fraud and restructuring and insolvency. Recent comments include:

    • "He is absolutely excellent - extremely clever and also a real pleasure to deal with."- Chambers UK, 2023
    • "Peter is an incredibly agile thinker and regularly performs beyond his year of call."- Legal 500, 2023
    • "Phenomenally bright with that gold dust ability to be able to think laterally and see ways around problems that leave most of us flummoxed."- Legal 500, 2022

    Recent cases include:

    • Skatteforvaltningen (the Danish Customs and Tax Administration) v Solo Capital Partners LLP (in Special Administration) and ors. Acting for one of the defendants in a claim concerning an alleged $1.5bn fraud.
    • Arcelormittal USA LLC v Ruia and others.  Acting for one of the world's largest steel companies in a $1.5bn conspiracy claim arising out of a Minnesota iron ore pellet agreement.  Related proceedings in the Cayman Islands and US, and related insolvency proceedings in Mauritius.
    • Suppipat v Narongdej and others.  Acting for the Claimant in a $1-2bn fraud claim relating to the sale of a wind energy business in Thailand.  
    • The Football Association Premier League Limited v PPLive Sports International Limited.  Acting for the Premier League in a dispute arising out of its $701m contract for broadcasting rights in China.
    • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China v Ambani. Acting for an Indian businessman in relation to a claim under a personal guarantee for $657m.
    • AIG Financial Products Corp Inc v Gruber and others. Acting for AIG in a dispute with employees arising out of the US Government's $85bn bailout of AIG in 2008.  
    • Organic Grape Spirit Limit v Nueva IQT.  Acting for the successful appellant in a significant Court of Appeal decision in relation to the ordinary and proper course of business exception in a freezing order.
    • Barings (UK) Limited and others v Galapagos SA. Acting for a Luxembourg company in a dispute arising out of a €1bn debt restructuring.

    Experience

    Shortlist

    Commercial

    Peter's commercial practice takes in a wide variety of disputes including claims for and against financial institutions, joint venture disputes, claims for and against commercial agents, professional negligence claims, company law claims, jurisdiction disputes, and a range of general commercial and contractual disputes.  He is frequently instructed in very high value claims as part of a counsel team, and also has considerable advocacy experience as sole counsel.

    “He is also excellent with clients and acutely aware of their fragility and need to guide them through the process of complex litigation.”

    Legal 500, 2023

    “Peter is an incredibly agile thinker and regularly performs beyond his year of call. His legal analysis and drafting is persuasive and impeccable.”

    legal 500, 2023

    “Bright, pragmatic and clear-thinking. Excellent on his feet.”

    Legal 500, 2022

    “Very user-friendly and down to earth.”

    Legal 500, 2022

    “He is incredibly smart and calm under pressure, really gets stuck in, is always available and has a wonderful manner with clients.”

    Legal 500, 2021

    “truly brilliant”

    Chambers UK, 2019

    “a really confident, punchy and effective advocate”

    Chambers UK, 2019

    “He is truly brilliant and a really confident, punchy and effective advocate.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2019

    “Very fluid in his oral submissions, he is a relaxed and confident advocate.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2019

    “a very good orator whom judges warm to”

    Chambers UK, 2016

    “a rising star”

    Chambers UK, 2015

    “exceptionally confident in court”

    Chambers UK, 2015

    “real talent”

    Chambers UK, 2014

    Cases

    Grid view
    List view

    • Goyal v BGF Investment Management Limited and others[2023] EWHC 1180 (Comm)

      Dispute arising out of the sale of a technology business with claims in deceit and unlawful means conspiracy.

    • Skatteforvaltningen (the Danish Customs and Tax Administration) v Solo Capital Partners LLP (in Special Administration) and orsCommercial Court, 2023

      Acting for one of the defendants in this claim relating to an alleged US$1.5bn fraud.

    • Arcelormittal North America Holdings LLC v Ruia and others[2022] EWHC 1378 (Comm)

      Successful resistance of strike out and summary judgment application in proceedings alleging a $1.5bn unlawful means conspiracy. 

    • The Football Association Premier League Limited v PPLive Sports International Limited[2022] EWHC 38 (Comm)

      Dispute arising out of a $701 million contract for broadcasting rights in Mainland China and Macau.  Successfully obtained summary judgment for the Premier League for over $200 million.

    • Barings (UK) Limited and others v Galapagos S.A.[2022] EWHC 1633 (Ch)

      Insolvency proceedings arising out of a €1bn debt restructuring

    • Morjaria and others v Mirza and othersChancery Division, 2022

      Joint venture dispute with related unfair prejudice and insolvency proceedings in Jersey.

    • Galapagos Bidco SARL v Kebekus & OrsChancery Division, 2022

      Acting for a Luxembourg finance company in a dispute arising out of a €1bn debt restructuring.

    • Suppipat & ors v Narongdej & ors[2021] EWHC 3259 (Comm)

      US$1-2 billion claim alleging a conspiracy to deprive a Thai entrepreneur of a majority interest in the leading renewable energy company in Thailand. The claim involved 17 defendants, parallel ICC arbitrations and ancillary proceedings in the BVI, Belize, Hong Kong and Singapore.

    • ArcelorMittal USA LLC v Ruia and others[2020] EWHC 3349 (Comm)

      Conspiracy proceedings for in excess of $1.5 billion arising out of a North American mining contract.  Related proceedings in the Cayman Islands, Mauritius and New York.

    • Organic Grape Spirit Limit v Nueva IQT[2020] EWCA Civ 1999

      Acting for the successful appellant in an appeal confirming that a freezing injunction is not intended to prevent a company from carrying on its business, even where the business can be described as risky or speculative.

    • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China v Ambani[2020] EWHC 272 (Comm)

      Proceedings under a personal guarantee for a sum of $657 million.

    • Arcelormittal USA LLC v Ruia and others[2020] EWHC 740 (Comm)

      Acting for ArcelorMittal in this $1.5bn conspiracy claim arising out of an iron ore contract in Minnesota.  Related proceedings in the Cayman Islands.

    • AIG Financial Products Corp Inc v Gruber and others[2020] EWCA Civ 31

      Acting for the successful appellant (AIG Financial Products Corp) in proceedings brought by 23 former employees for deferred remuneration in excess of $100 million.

    • W Nagel (a firm) v Pluczenik Diamond Company N.V. and others[2019] EWHC 3126 (QB)

      Proceedings under CPR 71.

    • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China v Ambani[2019] EWHC 3436 (Comm)

      $657 million claim under a personal guarantee; summary judgment; conditional orders. 

    • Gruber and another v AIG Management France, SA and another[2019] EWHC 1676 (Comm)

      Quantum proceedings following judgment on liability in a claim arising out of the $85 billion bail-out of AIG by the US Federal Reserve in 2008.

    • Reignwood Group v NiCommercial Court, 2017-2018

      Acting for the Reignwood Group in this joint venture dispute governed (in part) by Chinese law. Related proceedings in Luxembourg and the US.

    • Pluczenik Diamond Company N.V. v Nagel[2018] EWCA Civ 2640

      Appeal in relation to the applicability of the Commercial Agents Regulations and assessment of damages for loss of profits. 

    • Re IdverdeChancery Division, 2018

      Dispute under a Share Purchase Agreement raising pensions/actuarial issues in relation to a defined benefit scheme.

    • Naibu v Daniel Stewart and anotherChancery Division, 2018

      £195 million claim arising out of the listing on AIM of a Chinese shoe and leisurewear manufacturer. 

    • Gruber and others v AIG Inc and others[2018] EWHC 3030 (Comm)

      Acted for various companies in the AIG Group in this $100 million claim by former banker employees.

    • Guralp Systems Ltd and others v GuralpCommercial Court, 2015-2018

      Acted for the defendant in a claim relating to alleged bribery of a foreign public official.  Parallel investigation by the Serious Fraud Office. 

    • Fannigan Holdings Limited v Doherty[2017] BPIR 980

      Acting for the successful appellant in relation to a £2 million statutory demand. Issues as to the definition of a debt at common law and the meaning of a debt for a liquidated sum under the Insolvency Act 1986.

    • Nagel v Pluczenik Diamond Company N.V.[2017] EWHC 1750 (Comm); [2017] EWHC 2104 (Comm)

      Acting for a De Beers Sightholder in a claim under the Commercial Agents Regulations 1993 and at common law.

    • CWY International Construction Company Ltd v BilsonQueen's Bench Division, 2017

      Proceedings to recover monies fraudulently procured by a solicitor.

    • Sabbagh v Khoury and ors[2017] EWCA Civ 1120

      Acted for the successful appellant in this US$600 million claim relating to one of the world’s largest private construction and infrastructure companies. 

    • Agents' Mutual Limited v Moginie James Limited[2016] EWHC 3384 (Ch)

      Commercial and competition law claims relating to an online property portal. 

    • Orb a.r.l. v Ruhan and othersCommercial Court, 2016

      Multi-party litigation arising out of an alleged property joint venture.

    • Antigua Power Company Limited v The Attorney General of Antigua and Barbuda and others2015, High Court of Antigua

      Proceedings relating to the Antigua electricity supply. 

    • Rosserlane Consultants Ltd v Credit Suisse International[2015] EWHC 384 (Ch)

      Dispute arising out of the sale of the largest onshore oil and gas field in Azerbaijan.

    • FBME Bank Ltd v Elwes[2012] EWHC 2209 (QB)

      Acted for a Cypriot bank in a claim under personal guarantees.

    Shortlist

    Civil Fraud, Asset Recovery & Injunctive Relief

    • Peter has wide experience of high value commercial fraud claims, injunctive relief, and associated enforcement issues. Most of his cases have cross-border elements, and often involve related insolvency proceedings. In recent years he has been heavily involved in claims arising out of bribery allegations, and jurisdiction disputes.

    “He is a creative thinker and is great at getting on top of the detail and working with us to help bolster our thoughts and position.”

    Chambers UK, 2023

    “Peter is very pragmatic.”

    Chambers UK, 2023

    “Peter is a very good, very engaging advocate.”

    Chambers UK, 2023

    “Peter is really fantastic with clients; he understands their commercial objectives and gets to the heart of matters.”

    Chambers UK, 2023

    “Excellent commerciality in understanding the clients’ objectives and pragmatism in conduct of the matter.”

    Legal 500, 2023

    “He's so on the ball, always on top of the case and his opening statements are very good and methodical.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2022

    “Phenomenally bright with that gold dust ability to be able to think laterally and see ways around problems that leave most of us flummoxed. Also an absolute pleasure to work with.”

    Legal 500, 2022

    “A solicitor’s dream – the best example of the modern barrister; extremely bright, user friendly and phenomenal work ethic”

    Legal 500, 2021

    “He is incredibly industrious and a born strategist who is really useful on technical and difficult cases.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2021

    “An instructing solicitor's dream – phenomenally bright, incredibly hardworking, and also very user friendly.”

    Legal 500, 2019

    “a super junior”

    Legal 500, 2018

    “A superb junior counsel, very easy to deal with and available at all times.”

    Legal 500, 2018

    “has a winning way with clients and the court”

    Legal 500, 2017

    Cases

    Grid view
    List view

    • Skatteforvaltningen (the Danish Customs and Tax Administration) v Solo Capital Partners LLP (in Special Administration) and orsCommercial Court, 2023

      Acting for one of the defendants in this claim relating to an alleged US$1.5bn fraud.

    • Arcelormittal North America Holdings LLC v Ruia and others[2022] EWHC 1378 (Comm)

      Successful resistance of strike out and summary judgment application in proceedings alleging a $1.5bn unlawful means conspiracy. 

    • Morjaria and others v Mirza and othersChancery Division, 2022

      Joint venture dispute with related unfair prejudice and insolvency proceedings in Jersey.

    • Suppipat & ors v Narongdej & ors[2021] EWHC 3259 (Comm)

      US$1-2 billion claim alleging a conspiracy to deprive a Thai entrepreneur of a majority interest in the leading renewable energy company in Thailand. The claim involved 17 defendants, parallel ICC arbitrations and ancillary proceedings in the BVI, Belize, Hong Kong and Singapore.

    • Goyal v BGF Investment Management Limited and others[2023] EWHC 1180 (Comm)

      Dispute arising out of the sale of a technology business with claims in deceit and unlawful means conspiracy.

    • ArcelorMittal USA LLC v Ruia and others[2020] EWHC 3349 (Comm)

      Conspiracy proceedings for in excess of $1.5 billion arising out of a North American mining contract.  Related proceedings in the Cayman Islands, Mauritius and New York.

    • Organic Grape Spirit Limit v Nueva IQT[2020] EWCA Civ 1999

      Acting for the successful appellant in an appeal confirming that a freezing injunction is not intended to prevent a company from carrying on its business, even where the business can be described as risky or speculative.

    • Arcelormittal USA LLC v Ruia and others[2020] EWHC 740 (Comm)

      Acting for ArcelorMittal in this $1.5bn conspiracy claim arising out of an iron ore contract in Minnesota.  Related proceedings in the Cayman Islands.

    • EM Solar LimitedQueen's Bench Division, 2019

      Claim for injunctive relief and Bankers' Trust relief in relation to a company trading in solar panels.

    • Reignwood Group v NiCommercial Court, 2017-2018

      Acting for the Reignwood Group in this joint venture dispute governed (in part) by Chinese law. Related proceedings in Luxembourg and the US.

    • Guralp Systems Ltd and others v GuralpCommercial Court, 2015-2018

      Acted for the defendant in a claim relating to alleged bribery of a foreign public official.  Parallel investigation by the Serious Fraud Office. 

    • Property Professionals + Limited v Jackson2015-2018

      £20m + claim by liquidators arising out of an alleged unlawful return of capital, including claims in conspiracy and deceit. 

    • Sabbagh v Khoury and ors[2017] EWCA Civ 1120

      Acted for the successful appellant in this US$600 million claim relating to one of the world’s largest private construction and infrastructure companies. 

    • CWY International Construction Company Ltd v BilsonQueen's Bench Division, 2017

      Proceedings to recover monies fraudulently procured by a solicitor.

    Shortlist

    Restructuring & Insolvency

    Peter acts for office-holders, creditors and debtors across the range of corporate and personal insolvency disputes, both UK and offshore. He is frequently instructed in insolvency cases with a fraud element.

    “Peter delivers clear, commercial and strategic advice.”

    Chambers UK, 2023

    “Peter is an exceptionally able junior who brings a great deal of legal imagination and a careful forensic mind to his cases.”

    Legal 500, 2023

    “He is technically brilliant, really good on his feet, and his drafting is fantastic.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2022

    “He is absolutely excellent - extremely clever and also a real pleasure to deal with.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2022

    “He is excellent. He works exceptionally hard and provides very clear, commercial advice.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2021

    “He is a reliable and solid junior who's always willing to help and go the extra mile.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2019

    “He's a very conscientious barrister and a very good advocate.”

    Chambers and Partners, 2019

    “one of the most promising juniors in insolvency”

    Chambers UK, 2018

    “excellent drafting and technical skills”

    Chambers UK, 2018

    Cases

    Grid view
    List view

    • Morjaria and others v Mirza and othersChancery Division, 2022

      Joint venture dispute with related unfair prejudice and insolvency proceedings in Jersey.

    • Barings (UK) Limited and others v Galapagos S.A.[2022] EWHC 1633 (Ch)

      Insolvency proceedings arising out of a €1bn debt restructuring

    • Galapagos Bidco SARL v Kebekus & OrsChancery Division, 2022

      Acting for a Luxembourg finance company in a dispute arising out of a €1bn debt restructuring.

    • AIG Financial Products Corp Inc v Gruber and others[2020] EWCA Civ 31

      Acting for the successful appellant (AIG Financial Products Corp) in proceedings brought by 23 former employees for deferred remuneration in excess of $100 million.

    • ArcelorMittal USA LLC v Ruia and others[2020] EWHC 3349 (Comm)

      Conspiracy proceedings for in excess of $1.5 billion arising out of a North American mining contract.  Related proceedings in the Cayman Islands, Mauritius and New York.

    • Gruber and others v AIG Inc and others[2018] EWHC 3030 (Comm)

      Acted for various companies in the AIG Group in this $100 million claim by former banker employees.

    • Doherty v Fannigan Holdings Limited[2018] EWCA Civ 1615

      Court of Appeal decision in relation to whether a claim for a sum due under a Share Purchase Agreement was a liquidated debt. 

    • Property Professionals + Limited v Jackson2015-2018

      £20m + claim by liquidators arising out of an alleged unlawful return of capital, including claims in conspiracy and deceit. 

    • Fannigan Holdings Limited v Doherty[2017] BPIR 980

      Acting for the successful appellant in relation to a £2 million statutory demand. Issues as to the definition of a debt at common law and the meaning of a debt for a liquidated sum under the Insolvency Act 1986.

    • S&A Foods2017

      Misfeasance claim against a former director.

    • Re London Scottish Group2016

      £70 million challenge to rejection of proofs. Issues as to the valuation of contingent liabilities.

    • Re Aussie Group Limited2016

      Acting for the joint liquidators of a removal services company. Misfeasance claim; freezing injunction; limited cross-undertaking for office-holders.

    • PIP Breast Plant litigation2016

      Acted for the administrators of a provider of cosmetic surgery alleged to have produced defective breast implants. 

    • Wedding TV Limited v Grabiec[2015] EWHC 1548 (Ch)

      Setting aside of statutory demand on the basis of "other grounds"; application of the Ex p. James principle to statutory demand served by a company through its voluntary liquidators.

    • Misfeasance claim2013-2015

      Misfeasance claim against a former director.

    • Michael Jackson concert2012-2013

      Acting for the administrators of the LLP incorporated to stage the Michael Jackson Forever concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

    • Re O'Mahoney2012

      COMI/bankruptcy tourism.

    • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China v Ambani[2020] EWHC 272 (Comm)

      Proceedings under a personal guarantee for a sum of $657 million.

    • Arcelormittal USA LLC v Ruia and others[2020] EWHC 740 (Comm)

      Acting for ArcelorMittal in this $1.5bn conspiracy claim arising out of an iron ore contract in Minnesota.  Related proceedings in the Cayman Islands.

    Shortlist

    Arbitration

    Peter has extensive experience of arbitrations under LCIA, SIAC, ICC, SCMA and UNCITRAL rules, and related Court applications.

    Cases

    Grid view
    List view

    • ConfidentialLCIA, 2022

      Dispute relating to a litigation funding agreement.  With Lord Pannick QC.

    • ConfidentialSCMA, 2020

      A $10 million dispute arising out of a steel contract.

    • ConfidentialSIAC, 2020

      Delhi-seated arbitration concerning pre-emption rights.

    • Dispute relating to share subscription agreementsICC, 2019

      $1bn dispute relating to share subscription agreements. Led by Michael Bloch QC.

    • Dispute relating to pre-emption rightsLCIA, 2019-2020

      €100m dispute between shareholders of a mining company in Sub-Saharan Africa, and a claim against its director and shareholder under a guarantee. 

    • Investment disputeLCIA, 2015

      An LCIA arbitration arising out of the breakdown in the relationship between a Cayman based carried interest partner for certain special opportunity funds and a U.S. based placement agency.

    • Costa Rican disputeLCIA, 2015

      A dispute in relation to a Costa Rican joint venture.

    • Oil and gas disputeUNCITRAL rules, 2013-2014

      A $400 million oil and gas dispute against an African state. Led by Joe Smouha Q.C.

    • Madoff claimICC, 2012

      A claim by investors arising out of the Madoff fraud. Led by Alan Gourgey Q.C.

    • Claim to set aside enforcement of arbitration awardCommercial Court, 2012

      A claim seeking to set aside enforcement of a Slovakian arbitration award.

    Shortlist

    Sport

    Peter has experience of claims involving football clubs, registered intermediaries, and sponsors.

    Cases

    Grid view
    List view

    • The Football Association Premier League Limited v PPLive Sports International Limited[2022] EWHC 38 (Comm)

      Dispute arising out of a $701 million contract for broadcasting rights in Mainland China and Macau.  Successfully obtained summary judgment for the Premier League for over $200 million.

    • Ten10 Football Limited v Niedzwiecki and othersQueen's Bench Division, 2017

      Claim arising out of a team move of football agents. Resisting injunctive relief; issues relating to scope of Rule K of the FA Rules.

    • Enterprise Insurance Company plc (in liquidation) v Leeds United Football Club Limited2017

      Acting for Leeds United Football Club in this claim arising out of an abortive shirt sponsorship arrangement. 

    Achievements

    Education

    MA (Cantab); LLB (first class)

    Prizes & Scholarships

    • Buchanan Prize, Lincoln’s Inn 
    • Eastham Scholarship, Lincoln's Inn
    • Lincoln’s Inn Mooting Competition, winner
    • Mansfield Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn
    • Hardwicke Entrance Award, Lincoln's Inn

    Memberships

    • COMBAR
    • Chancery Bar Association
    • Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association
    • LCIA

    Selected earlier reported cases

    Civil Fraud, Asset Recovery & Injunctive Relief

    • JSC BTA Bank v Ablyazov and others 
    • Jenington and others v Assaubayev and others 
    • Cadogan Petroleum plc v Tolley and others 
    • Royal Westminster Investments SA v Nilon Limited 

    Restructuring & Insolvency

    • Official Receiver v Negus 

    Arbitration

    • A dispute relating to a satellite supply contract 
    • A claim by a telecommunications operator arising out of a construction contract in Kuwait
    • A claim by an Indian real estate management company with connected proceedings in Singapore, Mauritius and India 

    News

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