3 Verulam Buildings

The fifth edition of the Annual 3 Verulam Buildings & National University of Singapore Arbitration Lecture took place on Wednesday 13 May at the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. This year’s lecture, “Islands of Disagreement: Self-Determination in the Line of Fire”, explored some of the most pressing issues in international dispute resolution today. Our sincere thanks to Professor @WaibelM09 for his thought-provoking keynote address on the role of arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms in managing complex territorial disputes amid increasing geopolitical tensions. We are also grateful to Sir Christopher Greenwood GBE, CMG, KC for his insightful response, drawing on his unparalleled experience in public international law proceedings. It was a pleasure to welcome so many guests, both in person and virtually, and we thank everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success. Special thanks also to the principal organisers of the lecture series, Professor Stavros Brekoulakis, @Can_Yeginsu and Cameron Miles @cmiles3vb , for their continued leadership and support of this important initiative; to Catherine Drummond @CatherineDrum19 for expertly moderating the discussion; and to Professor Attila Tanzi for delivering the vote of thanks. We look forward to sharing details of the 2027 lecture soon. Further information about the 3VB/NUS Arbitration Lecture series can be found here: 3vb.com/events-resourc…

In twin successes for Matthew Hardwick KC (instructed by @Conyers) in this complex, high value and attritional minority shareholder dispute arising out a palm oil business in Sumatra and Kalimantan, on 27 March 2026 the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal (ECCA) handed down separate judgments upholding each of the first instance judgments of Wallbank J. on liability (Soemarli Lie v (1) Ng Min Hong and (2) Success Overseas Finance Limited BVIHC (Com) 2020/147 (23 November 2021) and on quantum (BVIHC (Com) 2020/147 (25 October 2023)). It has been a long and arduous road. This Claim started eight years ago. Following a 4-week liability trial in the BVI Commercial Court in October 2020 Mr Lie was successful on all issues; and in the valuation trial that followed in October 2023 the Judge ordered the purchase of Mr Lie’s shares for USD 178m. Mr Ng appealed both judgments. The ECCA rejected the appeals in their entirety in what it described as a “remarkable case”, observing that “this is one of those cases where even the cold words of the transcripts raise doubt as to Mr Ng’s veracity as there is so much inconsistency, recanting and plain obstructiveness”. The judgment contains much that is of interest to BVI and English practitioners in this area (quasi-partnerships; information complaints; non-payment of dividends; rights issues; adverse inferences) and in particular for its rejection of Mr Ng’s argument that because the non-payment of tens of millions of dollars of dividends was at the level of the Indonesian subsidiary such conduct was not “the affairs of” the BVI holding company. The ECCA emphatically disagreed finding that there was ample evidence that Mr Ng was in control of both the subsidiary and holding companies and orchestrated the non-payment of dividends. Read the full news and access the ECCA judgment on the liability appeal and valuation appeal here: 3vb.com/matthew-hardwi…

@TL4Fire International: Vilamoura 2026 The 5th annual flagship fraud, insolvency, recovery and enforcement event will take place in Vilamoura on 19-21 May 2026. Members of 3VB Philip Hinks KC, Angharad Start, George McPherson, Tom De Vecchi, James Sharpe, Saaman Pourghadiri, Gretel Scott, Devon Jane Airey and Deputy Senior Practice Manager Ben Rippengale, Team Leader James Kelly will be attending the conference this week. Please reach out to Ben and James or any of our members attending to connect with them during the event. More information and the full agenda can be found here: lnkd.in/erAqPjGk

3VB is delighted to share that our associate member Nania Owusu-Ankomah has been appointed Vice President of the LCIA Court, with effect from 20 May 2026. We warmly congratulate Nania on this well-deserved appointment. Having previously served as a Court Member, she has made a significant contribution to the LCIA’s work, including through her leadership of the African Users’ Council. Her promotion recognises both her outstanding expertise and her valued role within the institution. The LCIA has also announced the appointment of new LCIA Court Members: linkedin.com/posts/london-c… As noted by LCIA Director General Kevin Nash, these appointments strengthen the Court’s global reach and expertise, while LCIA Court President Professor Maxi Scherer highlighted their importance in maintaining excellence, diversity and institutional strength. The LCIA remains one of the world’s leading arbitral institutions, with a truly international caseload and a central role in the development of global arbitration practice. Commenting on her appointment, Nania said, “It is a privilege to take on the role of a Vice President of the LCIA Court. I look forward to continuing to support the LCIA’s important work and to contributing to the development of international arbitration across its global community.” Congratulations again to Nania on this significant achievement.

3VB is delighted to have been shortlisted for Chambers of the Year at the @LegalBusinessUK Awards 2026. The Legal Business Awards recognise excellence across the legal profession, celebrating outstanding achievement, innovation and performance. To be shortlisted in this category is a significant endorsement of the strength of 3VB’s practice, the quality of its members, and the continued success of Chambers across its core areas. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday 29 September 2026. To find out more about the awards, please click here: legalbusinessawards.com #LBAwards2026

Members of 3VB are delighted to return to Leeds to share insights on the latest legal developments in business and financial litigation. This seminar will cover key topics including group litigation and representative actions in retail banking, the evolving fraud landscape in financial services, lessons from motor commission claims, and recent developments in challenging reliance in misrepresentation claims. Chaired by Ian Wilson KC, join our panel of experts from 3VB for an insightful seminar discussing key developments in business, banking and finance litigation. Richard Hanke – Challenging reliance in misrepresentation claims Pia Dutton – The fraud dynamic in retail banking Anca Bunda – Lessons from motor commission claims Paul Bonner Hughes – Group litigation and representative actions in retail banking Date: Thursday 21st May 2026 Time: 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Registration 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Seminar 7:00pm – 8:00pm: Drinks reception Venue: John Charles Suite, The Queens Hotel, New Station Street, City Square, Leeds, LS1 1PJ Further detail and RSVP here: 3vb.com/event/3vbs-ann…

3VB is delighted to be one of three hub organisations hosting International Arbitration Day as part of London International Disputes Week this year, alongside @Debevoise & Plimpton and @gibsondunn . We are particularly proud to be the first set of chambers to host the event. With the Rt. Hon. Lord Neuberger as keynote speaker, the programme reflects the central role of the Bar in international arbitration, from advocacy and decision-making to shaping the development of arbitral practice. The day is designed to encourage thoughtful discussion and meaningful engagement on some of the most pressing issues facing the field. Across four panel sessions, we will explore topics including due process, defence sector disputes, and the future direction of international arbitration. Find out more about the programme and register here: 3vb.com/3vb-to-host-in… #LIDW2026

We are delighted to share that the International Advisory and Dispute Resolution Unit (IADRU) has won Pro bono Initiative of the Year at the @UK_Legal500 ESG Awards 2026. The Legal 500 ESG Awards recognise organisations across the legal sector that demonstrate leadership in areas including diversity and inclusion, sustainability, social mobility, and pro bono work. This award is a testament to IADRU’s continued commitment to professionalism, integrity, and excellence in its international pro bono and capacity-building work. The ceremony was attended by 3VB's Sir William Blair, Ali Malek KC, Jane Davies Evans KC and Anita Carroll, together with Agnes Gitau of GBS Africa. Congratulations to all those recognised at this year’s awards, and sincere thanks to everyone who contributes to and supports IADRU’s work.

‘Islands of Disagreement: Self-Determination in the Line of Fire’ The 5th Annual 3 Verulam Buildings and National University of Singapore Lecture will take place on 13 May 2026 at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. Established in 2022, the 3VB/NUS Lecture series brings together leading voices to explore cutting-edge developments in international dispute resolution. We are delighted to welcome Professor Michael Waibel as this year’s keynote speaker, with a response from Sir Christopher Greenwood CBE CMG KC. For further details and to learn more about the lecture series, please visit: 3vb.com/event/3vb-and-…

On 27 April 2026, the Commercial Court (Butcher J) handed down judgment in FL Hoes Ventures BV & Ors v Candy Ventures sarl & Anor [2026] EWHC 974 (Comm), granting the defendants’ application to strike out a Part 20 claim, with Ian McDonald acting for Candy Ventures and Nick Candy. The claim—arising from WFOs obtained by Candy Ventures in 2022—was struck out under CPR 3.4(2)(c) due to the claimants' “very significant and continued breaches” of court orders, including on costs and disclosure. The Court found that the defendants were being significantly prejudiced by the non-compliance and declined to allow the claimants a further opportunity to comply on “unless terms". Notably, the claim was struck out despite the fact that it was a damages inquiry and the breaches did not include breach of an unless order. Ian McDonald was instructed by Dan Morrison, Ben Wolfe and Nicola Scarparo of @GrosvenorLaw

3VB is pleased to announce the publication by Oxford University Press of Service in Civil Proceedings: Law and Practice, a first edition textbook co-authored by Sarah Tulip (of 3VB) and Daniel Edmonds (of @FC_Chambers). This is the very first practitioner’s text dedicated to the service of civil proceedings (both in and out of jurisdiction). This comprehensive guide to the law and practice provides clear, practical, and comprehensive guidance on service both within England & Wales and internationally, including the Hague Service Convention, alternative service, extensions of time, and CPR Part 11 challenges. Drawing on the authors’ extensive commercial practice, it offers practitioners the insight needed to navigate both routine and complex scenarios with confidence. Per the foreword provided by Lord Justice Foxton “In short, those who buy it and who consult it will assuredly be well served.” Service in Civil Proceedings is available to purchase in hard copy from today. It is also available online from Oxford Law Pro at: 3vb.com/service-in-civ…

The Supreme Court has handed down an important judgment for the insurance industry in Gatwick Investment Limited & Ors v Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE [2026] UKSC 14. The issue was whether furlough payments paid by the UK Government under the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme fell to be deducted from the amounts otherwise payable by insurers to insureds for business interruption losses suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Approximately £1bn has been deducted by insurers from claims paid to policyholders on the basis that furlough payments reduce the losses suffered. Adam Kramer KC, William Day and Amelia-Rose Edwards acted for the lead appellant, Bath Racecourse, instructed by Aaron Le Marquer and James Breese of Stewarts. The full article and judgment can be found here: 3vb.com/supreme-court-…

3VB is pleased to share that applications are now open for the 2026 SCIA Council Member Sir William Blair Scholarship, an initiative with the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) to promote further exchanges and cooperation between China and the UK in the field of international arbitration. The scholarship will support two outstanding applicants with a strong interest in international arbitration, each awarded RMB 100,000 (after PRC tax). It is open to residents in the UK or Ireland to pursue studies, research, or professional exchanges in China, and Chinese nationals to pursue equivalent opportunities in the UK. In addition to financial support, successful applicants may have the opportunity to undertake an internship at SCIA or SCIA Hong Kong. Applications must be submitted to SCIA by 24:00 (Beijing Time) on 30 June 2026, and the successful candidates will be announced by 15 September 2026. For further details and to apply, please visit: 3vb.com/scia-council-m…

The following six members of 3VB have been recognised in the Pro Bono Recognition List 2026: - James Potts - Sophia Dzwig - Gretel Scott - Catherine Drummond - Lucas Jones - John Yap Now in its third year, the Pro Bono Recognition List of England & Wales recognises lawyers who have given 25 or more hours pro bono legal assistance in the previous calendar year. The professionals recognised follow the long tradition of the legal profession in volunteering their time to provide free legal assistance to individuals and charities. The initiative is supported by the @TheLawSociety, the The Bar Council of England and Wales, @CILEXLawyers and all the major pro bono organisations under the aegis of the Attorney General’s Pro Bono Committee. Congratulations to all those recognised. Read more about the Pro Bono Recognition list here: 3vb.com/members-of-3vb…

Cleon Catsambis, led by Thomas Munby KC, has secured summary judgment in excess of US$ 9 million in an aircraft engine lease dispute against low-cost India-based carrier, SpiceJet: Sunbird France 02 SAS v SpiceJet Limited [2026] EWHC 831 (Comm). SpiceJet fell behind in its rent and maintenance accrual payments in respect of three CFM56 engines leased from Sunbird France. Sean O’Sullivan KC (sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court) found that SpiceJet chose not to participate in the proceedings despite having actual notice of them. Although Sunbird France was entitled to a judgment in default, it was given permission to apply for summary judgment and succeeded on the application. This was significant as a ruling on the merits is more readily enforceable in India under the local civil procedure rules, improving the lessor’s ability to recover against SpiceJet’s assets. Sunbird France’s claims in respect of additional rent, repair costs, lost income and expenses incurred in repossessing and storing the engines are proceeding to full trial. Cleon was instructed by Bree Taylor and Reece Davison of Alius Law, working in partnership with Indian-based lawyers Tuli & Co. Read the full article and judgment here: 3vb.com/cleon-catsambi…

We are pleased to announce that Clarissa Jones has been shortlisted for the Star Junior award at the @ChambersGuides High Net Worth Awards 2026. Clarissa is currently recognised as an “Up and Coming” junior in the Chambers & Partners UK Bar guide. Many of Clarissa’s cases are high profile, and her work covers the full spectrum of commercial litigation, including civil fraud, banking and finance, and art and cultural property matters. The awards ceremony will take place at Banqueting House, Whitehall on Thursday 18 June 2026. This annual event celebrates the region’s elite law firms and lawyers across a variety of practice areas. The nominations and the ultimate winners are the product of extensive research by the Chambers and Partners team. Congratulations to all those nominated. View the shortlist here: 3vb.com/clarissa-jones…

The @UK_Legal500 have released the 2026 edition of their Europe, Middle East and Africa guide, ranking 3VB as a Tier 1 set for Commercial work in the regions. The following 16 members have been individually selected for recommendation: Hodge Malek KC, David Quest KC, Tom Montagu-Smith KC, Nick Craig KC, Rajesh Pillai KC, Saima Hanif KC, Farhaz Khan KC, Timothy Killen KC, Adam Temple, Yash Bheeroo, Mark Wassouf, Georges Chalfoun, Matthew Watson, Ravi Jackson, Rumen Cholakov, Chinmayi Sharma. See the full post here: 3vb.com/3vb-ranked-as-…

On 19 March 2026 judgment was handed down in Charles Mendes v Slater and Gordon (UK) Limited following a 3-day preliminary issue trial on the issue of limitation. Chloë Bell successfully argued that the limitation period for “Beckmann Claims” (after the CJEU decision C-164/00 Katia Beckmann v Dynamco Whichloe Macfarlane Ltd [2002] ECR I-04839) under TUPE is 6 years from the date of an employee’s redundancy and that a new limitation period does not arise on each on which a pension payment was or would have been due. The application of the Limitation Act 1980 to Beckmann Claims has never been considered before. The decision answers those previously unanswered questions of law which continue to affect thousands of employees particularly those who were previously members of public service pension schemes. Chloë was instructed by Kate Fox at @ThompsonSolsD8. The full article and judgment can be found here: 3vb.com/chloe-bell-suc…