Gary Oliver
Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7325
Andrew is now established as one of the leading barristers working across commercial litigation, civil fraud and international commercial arbitration, with specialism also in sport and media / entertainment.
He regularly appears as lead advocate in the English Courts, in international arbitrations (including ICC, LCIA, SIAC Bermuda Form and ad hoc), and in a variety of English and international tribunals. He also has a wealth of experience in specialist areas, such as banking/financial services, insurance and reinsurance, civil fraud, injunctive litigation and sport/media disputes.
In the latest editions of the leading UK legal directories, Andrew is ranked in Banking & Finance, Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution: Commercial, Financial Services Regulation, International Arbitration, Media & Entertainment, Insurance, Fraud: Civil and Sport. He was also recognised in Chambers Global 2021 for Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration. Recent comments include:
Previous comments include:
Andrew appears as leading counsel in a range of substantial and complex international commercial disputes in the English Courts, both at first instance and appeal. Current case highlights include being involved as lead counsel in what are arguably the four biggest commercial fraud claims currently in dispute.
Examples of his current and most recent commercial Court work include the following.
“Andrew is undoubtedly a front-rank performer.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He is prodigiously bright, tremendously hard-working and excellent as a cross-examiner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“One of the very best in a field full of stars. Brilliant lawyer and a superb, calm advocate who is instantly trusted by Judges. Always very busy but a pleasure to work with.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Incredibly bright and really user-friendly, he is as good as it gets.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A pleasure to work with and responsive, bright, commercial and simply excellent legally.”
Legal 500, 2022
“An advocate of the finest quality.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is extraordinarily bright, hard-working and rolls up his sleeves to fix the problem.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“Our first choice for difficult cases in the High Court which involve fraud and related matters.”
Legal 500, 2021
“His cross-examination is measured but deadly.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He prepares meticulously and his attention to detail is legendary.”
Legal 500, 2019
“A reassuring presence for clients due to his calmness. He's extremely tactically aware and unfazed by anything.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“A reassuring presence for clients due to his calmness. He's extremely tactically aware and unfazed by anything.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Brilliant in his role as senior counsel; gives practical advice focused on the issue at hand.”
Legal 500, 2018
“Deploys all his intellect with a gentle charm and a degree of humour.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“He is ferociously intelligent. Hardly anyone grapples with difficult legal issues and distils them into effective pleadings better than him”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“A very calm, efficient and patient cross-examiner, he has an analytical mind and the ability to look at a problem from a broader perspective.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He is stunningly bright and a really good and brave advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“An excellent advocate, who is hugely resourceful in his thinking and preparation”
Legal 500, 2016
Leading counsel for the Ukrainian bank Privatbank in this ongoing dispute. The case concerns an alleged scheme perpetrated by the defendants to misappropriate US$2billion from the Bank. Following a Court of Appeal decision in 2019 on important jurisdictional and other issues, there have been various substantial interlocutory decisions in 2021, including on confidentiality club arrangement. A major trial is listed for 2022.
Acting for one of the lead defendants in a multi-billion dollar civil fraud case, involving allegations of bribery and involving a major state guarantee, taking place in the Commercial Court, with various reported decisions already to date.
Acting for one of the defendants in this case concerning an alleged $1.5bn fraud. Highlighted by The Lawyer as one of the Top 20 cases of 2020. The case was struck out by Andrew Baker J in 2021, as non-justiciable by reason of Dicey Rule 3, and is now on appeal.
Acting for one of the leading defendants in this commercial Court claim brought by the Kuwaiti social security fund said by the claimant to be worth in excess of US$850m.
An important decision regarding applications for security for costs and litigation funding. The appeal arose in the context of the ongoing civil claim brought by hundreds of investors in the Ingenious films and games schemes against various defendants, including promoters and banks.
Acted for various companies in the AIG group in this £100 million claim by multiple former banker employees for sums under deferred compensation scheme. The Court of Appeal recently allowed AIG’s appeal and dismissed all claims.
Andrew regularly acts in a wide variety of domestic and international commercial or investment arbitrations, and has extensive experience of anti-arbitration injunction applications and other arbitration applications in the Commercial Court. He co-wrote the Arbitration chapter in Lewis on Sports law, and is a member of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Current and recent work includes the following.
“He has a very strong strategic approach to matters and good judgement, and he is particularly effective as a frontline advocate.”
Chambers adn Partners, 2023
“A highly effective advocate. He has great judgment, a strong sense of the way the Tribunal is thinking and a compelling style of advocacy.”
Legal 500, 2023
“He is a skillful cross-examiner with a measured style that lends itself well to international arbitration.”
Legal 500, 2022
“A first-rate advocate with a fantastic eye for detail.”
Legal 500, 2022
“A devastating cross-examiner who collaborates with instructing solicitors as equals and has a fantastic work ethic.”
Legal 500, 2021
“An outstanding cross-examiner and it was an education to watch him in action.”
Legal 500, 2019
“He has a very good mind for strategy and is able to get to grips with difficult issues quickly.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Has a fantastic ability to simplify and focus on the winning points.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A really quick study who has good presence in court. He is unflappable and reads the pulse of the tribunal perfectly”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“His advice and advocacy is clear, precise, simple and logical to follow.”
Legal 500, 2017
“He is stunningly bright and a really good and brave advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“A very efficient, calm and patient cross-examiner with an analytical mind.”
Legal 500, 2016
“He is an extremely clear thinker who is invariably right, but without an ounce of arrogance.”
Legal 500, 2015
Acting for the Premier League in an arbitral dispute with Manchester City relating to an ongoing investigation, and in associated Commercial Court proceedings to challenge awards under the Arbitration Act 1996.
An SIAC and an LCIA arbitration arising out of a contractual dispute with significant allegations of fraud valued in the billions of dollars.
Acting for a Chinese alumina supplier in London Metals Exchange arbitration.
Advising Qatari media company and football regulatory body in relation to impact of Qatari/Saudi Arabia blockade.
Acting as leading counsel for the claimant multinational pharmaceutical company in an arbitration concerning liability insurance cover in respect of exposure to large scale US litigation arising out of the manufacture of PCPs.
Leading counsel for the Claimant oil company in this arbitration concerning liability insurance cover in respect of pollution following a massive oil spill from a pipeline in the US.
Andrew is now established as one of the leading barristers working in civil fraud. He is currently involved as lead counsel in what are arguably the four biggest fraud claims currently in dispute.
He has appeared in dozens of Freezing Order and Search Order applications as well as many civil fraud trials, and heavy committal/contempt applications. He acts both for fraud claimants (e.g. banks or large corporations) and for fraud defendants. Current and recent examples include the following.
“Andrew is a very effective advocate. He cuts through issues quickly and has good commercial judgement.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He is calm and considered. He makes his submissions very attractively and is a very measured advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Andrew's analytical skills are superb.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Exceptional advocate. Absolutely first rate cross-examiner. The best of the best.”
Legal 500, 2023
“A leading fraud silk who is absolutely exceptional in his practice and advocacy.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A superb advocate who immediately gains the trust of the court. He is also an outstanding jurist who can immediately cut through to the critical points.”
Legal 500, 2022
“A star and a delight to work with.”
Legal 500, 2022
“A very effective advocate, insightful, clever and respected by the bench, he stands out even among the leading civil fraud silks.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Brilliant on injunctive relief and asset-tracing.”
Legal 500, 2019
“He has a very good mind for strategy and is able to get to grips with difficult issues quickly.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“He has fantastic technical knowledge relating to injunctive relief.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“A devastating, razor-sharp cross-examiner.”
Legal 500, 2018
“Absolutely brilliant. His arguments are clear and to the point.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“He's very quick, very clear and he doesn't waste any time, which judges certainly appreciate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“His intellect, judgement and ability to hone in on the important details make him extraordinarily effective”
Legal 500, 2016
“A highly intelligent silk who relishes a bare-knuckle courtroom fight.”
Legal 500, 2015
Leading counsel for the Ukrainian bank Privatbank in this ongoing dispute. The case concerns an alleged scheme perpetrated by the defendants to misappropriate US$2billion from the Bank. Following a Court of Appeal decision in 2019 on important jurisdictional and other issues, there have been various substantial interlocutory decisions in 2021, including on confidentiality club arrangement. A major trial is listed for 2022.
Acting for one of the lead defendants in a multi-billion dollar civil fraud case, involving allegations of bribery and involving a major state guarantee, taking place in the Commercial Court, with various reported decisions already to date.
Acting for one of the defendants in this case concerning an alleged $1.5bn fraud. Highlighted by The Lawyer as one of the Top 20 cases of 2020. The case was struck out by Andrew Baker J in 2021, as non-justiciable by reason of Dicey Rule 3, and is now on appeal.
Acting for one of the leading defendants in this commercial Court claim brought by the Kuwaiti social security fund said by the claimant to be worth in excess of US$850m.
Leading Counsel for the successful Defendants in this Euro65million claim brought by the Qatari sovereign wealth fund. Arising out of the purchase of the “Buddha Bar” chain. Moulder J. gave judgment dismissing the claim in November 2016.
Leading Counsel for Wael Khoury, the first defendant in this US$600 million claim arising out of a dispute between the shareholders of one of the world’s largest private construction and infrastructure companies. The principal claim (for in excess of US$500 million) was held to be unarguable and stayed following a five-day jurisdictional hearing before Carr J, but reversed on appeal. The Court of Appeal gave important guidance on anchor defendants claims and remitted the claim to the Commercial Court.
Leading Counsel for one of the individual Defendants in this ongoing US$1 billion+ claim by the Libyan Investment Company against the French Bank, Societe Generale and various individuals.
Andrew’s experience in this sector stretches back to his secondment as enforcement counsel at the SFA in 1999. Since then he has regularly acted in numerous financial regulatory disputes both as prosecuting counsel (for the FCA and predecessors) and as defence counsel. He also acts both for and against banks and financial institutions in a variety of banking and financial matters including the ongoing Libor/Euribor investigations; foreign exchange trading; and shareholder actions against banks and others. Current and recent work includes the following.
“Andrew Hunter is a superb advocate and wise counsellor. He is utterly calm under pressure, and he is trusted implicitly by judges and clients alike.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“His advocacy is outstanding: he's all over the material, can pull witnesses up on the slightest inaccuracies.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Andrew Hunter gets to the heart of an issue really quickly and provides really detailed work.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He is super smart, excellent on his feet and user friendly. Exactly the type of barrister you want fighting your client’s corner.”
Legal 500, 2023
“He has amazing advocacy skills and judgement.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“He is a really outstanding barrister - very understated with a polished delivery.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“His clarity of thinking is exceptional, allowing him to explain and argue legal concepts with apparent ease.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is ferociously clever and also incredibly thoughtful and respectful of other people’s views.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is incredibly smart but also excellent on his feet and under pressure.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Tremendously assured, with a detailed knowledge of the area and an incisive intelligence.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He can construct a winning argument in seconds.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He is razor-sharp yet understated, and has massive knowledge of this area.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“An unbelievable advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“Very clever and incisive, inspires real confidence in his views and in his running of the case.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is incredibly intelligent, quick thinking, a phenomenal strategist, great on his feet, user friendly and responsive.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Fiercely intelligent and laser-focused.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“A first-class brain and a class act.”
Legal 500, 2018
“As good as it gets – great on his feet, recognises client needs and is never flustered.”
Legal 500, 2018
“Probably the brightest barrister I have ever worked with.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“Phenomenally bright and wins even under very testing circumstances”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“An impressive tactician and superb trial advocate.”
Legal 500, 2017
“A superb trial advocate and very effective with witnesses.”
Legal 500, 2017
“He's an excellent cross-examiner. He's just very, very effective with any type of witness be they expert or not.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He commands the courtroom and grapples with complex legal issues in a very clear way”
Legal 500, 2016
Acting for the former chair of a major financial institution in regulatory proceedings following the financial crisis.
Advising a number of banks and financial institutions in relation to the Lebanese bonds market.
Advising the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission in relation to regulatory matters arising out of the collapse of the Enterprise Insurance Group (ongoing).
Leading Counsel for a former Euribor trader in this significant ongoing disciplinary case in relation to alleged fixing of Euribor interest rates, including a successful application before the Upper Tribunal in November 2015 for third party rights to challenge an FCA Notice against a major bank.
Andrew has a long pedigree and an established reputation in insurance and reinsurance, acting primarily for policy holders.
Recent experience includes advice in relation to business interruption insurance in light of the coronavirus pandemic and following the recent FCA v Arch Supreme Court decision. Andrew has also advised policy holders extensively on the extent of insurance cover in relation to financial services regulatory disputes, and he continues to act as leading counsel for a claimant multinational pharmaceutical company in an arbitration concerning liability insurance cover in respect of exposure to large scale US litigation arising out of the manufacture of PCPs. Recent cases include.
“Andrew provides very clear advice.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Brilliant advocate and inventive in his analysis.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Andrew is a real strategist and brilliant team player.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“He has an excellent reputation.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“He's a hugely likeable, personable and brilliant all-round lawyer.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“Exceptionally knowledgeable and highly effective.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“User friendly, articulate, and deadly on his feet, he is wonderful to work with.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A first-rate advocate”
Legal 500, 2017
“Fantastic brain and unflappable manner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He is brilliant on his feet in court, quite graceful. He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“Hugely resourceful in his thinking and preparation”
Legal 500, 2016
“Very able and very tough in court.”
Legal 500, 2015
Leading Counsel for the Claimant pharmaceutical company in this arbitration concerning liability insurance cover in respect of exposure to large scale US litigation arising out of the manufacture of PCPs.
Leading counsel for the Claimant oil company in this arbitration concerning liability insurance cover in respect of pollution following a massive oil spill from a pipeline in the US.
Leading Counsel for the Claimant, a US public corporation in this US$300 million series of Bermuda Form arbitrations in London following a major environmental disaster at a US power plant.
Andrew has been ranked as a leading counsel in sports law for many years. In the sports sector, he has acted in a wide variety of commercial and disciplinary cases, including many high-profile matters such as the “Bloodgate” and “Spygate” affairs in Rugby Union and Formula One and the recent FIFA corruption allegations.
“Andrew Hunter KC is a very clever barrister.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Andrew is tactically very astute, prepared to take risks, very knowledgeable and excellent on cross-examinations.”
Legal 500, 2023
“He is a very impressive individual who speaks with real authority.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A no-nonsense silk with an excellent experience in the sports industry and a tenacity to identify key issues at an early stage.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is smart and user-friendly.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“Very clever and knowledgeable and a great tactician.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Andrew is a clear thinking and proactive lawyer. His advice has proved to be good over many years.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Exceptional: he always adds value.”
Legal 500, 2019
“A recognised expert in F1 regulatory matters.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Exceptionally bright with an extremely effective, direct and clear advocacy style.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Incredibly bright, and ferocious in court; you want him on your side, and worry if he isn’t.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A silk who is often praised for his highly intelligent and controlled approach.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“He is fantastic: incredibly bright.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“He's just a delight to have in front of you because he's very measured and very concise - there's no unnecessary drama in his delivery and no stamping of feet or banging of fists on the table”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“He is incredibly sharp, and able to spot the angle that others miss.”
Legal 500, 2017
“A superb trial advocate and very effective with witnesses”
Legal 500, 2016
“Extremely intelligent and able to strike up a good rapport with the judge, which makes a real difference.”
Legal 500, 2015
Acting for the Premier League in an arbitral dispute with Manchester City relating to an ongoing investigation, and in associated Commercial Court proceedings to challenge awards under the Arbitration Act 1996.
Advising Qatari media company and football regulatory body in relation to impact of Qatari/Saudi Arabia blockade.
Concerning force majeure and the impact of Covid-19 on a media rights company looking after European Rugby.
Acting for Wasps Rugby Club in various disciplinary hearings before the RFU Disciplinary Tribunal (including on behalf of Nathan Hughes and Sam Jones).
Acting for Chelsea FC before the Appeal Board over the mass confrontation during and after the fixture against Spurs at the end of the 2015-16 season.
Andrew has acted in a large number of music, video and film cases, both for artists and for record, publishing, and other media companies. Current and recent work includes the following.
“Andrew Hunter is very good, smart and able.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He is ferociously clever.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“He is a very thoughtful, considerable and astute counsel, who is fearless in following through on the basis of his advice.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He's brilliant to work with and clients absolutely love him.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“Calm, forensic, hugely knowledgeable, highly liked by clients and great to work with.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He offers clarity of thought, good arguments and presentation.”
Legal 500, 2019
“He is very clever and a dogged performer.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“He is never flustered, highly intelligent and a brilliant advocate.”
Legal 500, 2018
“He is a renowned expert in royalties cases.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“Extremely intelligent and a superb cross-examiner.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“A go-to silk for the crossover between IP and media cases.”
Legal 500, 2017
“His cross-examination of witnesses is a complete masterclass.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He strikes that balance between being knowledgeable and making things seem straightforward.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“A first-class package all round”
Legal 500, 2016
“A great team player and perhaps the most user-friendly silk.”
Legal 500, 2015
Acted for Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, in claims arising from ‘sting’ in which Duchess allegedly offered access to Prince Andrew in return for cash.
Leading Counsel for the Claimant business man and art gallery owner in this dispute with a US based licencee.
Leading Counsel for the Claimant record label, in this successful £2 million royalty claim and copyright counterclaim concerning the late American singer/songwriter Eva Cassidy. After a 2 week trial, Warren J granted judgment for the Claimant and dismissed all counterclaims.
BA (Oxon) in Law (First Class, Wronker Prize), BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law)
VAT registration number: 646167228
Barristers regulated by the Bar Standards Board
Gary Oliver
Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7325
Derek Sutton
Deputy Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7327
Adam Sloane
Deputy Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7326
Dean Tolman
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7331
Billy Brian
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7339
Marc Armstrong
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7330
Adam Fuschillo
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7329
Danny Compton
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7338
Sophie Reeve
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7324
Rio Sully
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7299