Overview

Giles is recognised as a robust and thorough leading Counsel. He has a razor-sharp grasp of commercial issues and how best to overcome them. He works with his clients, favouring a team approach, particularly when faced with complex issues. With an in-depth understanding of the commercial world, he is adept at keeping his clients informed and aware of any issues that may arise at the earliest opportunity. Giles is a truly commercial litigator in terms of approach to his cases and his clients’ interests and needs. He recognises the importance of leading a legal team in order to achieve his clients’ aims and objectives (whether at trial or through ADR) as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.

Giles is consistently noted as a leader in his field, is highly regarded for his ‘technical knowledge and commercial know-how’ and has a wealth of experience dealing with substantial commercial litigation. Over the last 32 years he has appeared at all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal and acted for clients in a number of foreign jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong and the Seychelles.

His practice has a particular emphasis on civil and corporate fraud, company and contentious insolvency work, professional negligence (claimant and defendant), business interruption and banking.

Before taking Silk, Giles was Junior Counsel to the Crown and his work for the Secretary of State, which continues, has focused on contentious public interest winding up petitions, including the appointment of provisional liquidators and appropriate injunctive relief, and disqualification applications under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

In recent years he has successfully completed a number of high profile high value corporate fraud cases, including the successful defence of a £125M claim against a high-profile fashion and internet entrepreneur which was dismissed as being fraudulent, and has acted as the lead Counsel in a number of high value international arbitrations.

 

Client/solicitor testimonials recommendations

“Giles is at the top of his game. He is a formidable advocate, who is incredibly sharp combined with strategic vision and a drive to win. There is no one better to have in your corner.”
Nick Ashcroft, Dispute Resolution Partner, Addleshaw Goddard

“I have known and used Giles over the last 10 years on a variety of high value and/or complex commercial disputes, including professional negligence, breach of contract and tort cases, and actions involving fraud.   He has an insatiable appetite for work and will leave no stone unturned in his desire to do the best job possible for a client.  At the same time, he is very much a team player and adopts a pragmatic, commercial approach to the matter at hand and never loses sight of the client’s stated goal.”
Steve Morris, Head of Commercial Litigation, JMW Solicitors LLP 

“A fantastic advocate. Extremely bright and able to grasp the facts of the case quickly even when technically demanding. Tenacious. Commercially astute. Easy to work with and always impresses the client / business.”
Darren Hill, Head of Claims and Debt Recovery, United Utilities Legal Service