“On complex, heavy disputes, Shail grasps vast amounts of information very quickly and really gets to the crux of a claim. He is astoundingly clever and a real tactician.” – Chambers & Partners
“Shail can explain complex things clearly and simply, and always has commercial tactics in mind, thinking one step ahead.” “He has a clear and measured advocacy style that wins favour with judges.”– Chambers & Partners
“He has a tremendous ability to absorb a huge amount of detail and to bring it together in an incredibly concise and articulate manner.” – Legal 500
Shail acts for claimants and defendants in claims involving financial services professionals, solicitors, barristers, surveyors/valuers, accountants, insurance brokers, pensions trustees, construction professionals and others. He is regularly instructed in major professional liability disputes.
Shail has a particular specialism in claims involving financial services and investments, as well as tax schemes. He is also recognised as a leading specialist in claims arising from APP fraud against solicitors, banks and other professionals, and is frequently approached by the victims of such fraud for guidance and advice.
Recent highlights
- Novitas v AmTrust v Pure Legal and HSS: complex multiparty commercial court proceedings worth c. £60m arise from the collapse of various high volume litigation scheme.
- Acting in the first investor group action in the Courts of Jersey, bringing multimillion pound claims against the structures of a non-domicile tax scheme.
- Representing a private wealth management firm in a £70m dispute with the former owners of a well-known rugby club.
- Acting for claimants in claims against insolvency professionals and accountants arising from their roles in a business restructuring scheme.
- Acting for a major regional solicitor’s firm in a £5m claim relating to the firm’s advice relating to the obtaining of authorisation under FSMA 2000.
- Acting for a tax barrister in a £6m claim by an individual alleging negligence advice as to the structuring of offshore trusts and tax mitigation strategies.
- Peter Breitenbach & Ors v Canaccord Genuity: defending a c.£20m tax and investment negligence claim brought against Canada’s biggest wealth management company.