Carl has over 34 years’ experience as a heavyweight commercial litigator. Prior to becoming a barrister, Carl spent 17 years as a partner with international law firm Pinsent Masons in its Birmingham, Manchester and London offices. He was appointed as one of the firm’s youngest partners when only 29. During his time there he managed the largest department in the firm; headed the International plc and Manufacturing sectors and was the office managing partner in Manchester. This experience, together with being a regional councillor of the CBI, has helped to hone his business and commercial acumen.
During his career he has handled hundreds of cases with a very broad range of commercial disputes for national and international companies (listed and unlisted), banks (both clearing and secondary), professional partnerships, owner managed businesses and individuals. Carl recognises that, whatever the size of the dispute – be it large or relatively small, there are common features – usually the most important of which is to achieve an expeditious cost- effective resolution. The important questions for a client are whether or not they going to win, how long it’s going to take and what it is going to cost. A key aspect in all disputes is the fundamental balance between risk and reward.
Whilst accepting that ownership of the dispute remains firmly with the litigants, and that they will be receiving legal advice in relation to the same, his approach to mediation is to be proactive in seeking to help the parties to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their case. Whilst never seeking to over push the pace of negotiations, as an advocate in numerous mediations, his experiences is that too many of them failed to get to grips with the pertinent commercial and legal issues at the earliest opportunity. Whilst always being aware of the emotional factors in litigation (which should never be underplayed) the key aim of any mediation is to seek to arrive at a settlement. In order to achieve this it is Carl’s firm view that the key elements that are mediator requires are (a) intellectual rigour and analysis (b) a clear commercial approach (c) total transparency and openness which flows from the confidential nature of the discussions and (d) trust (which he has to earn) from the parties and their advisers.
Since graduating from Cambridge University with an MA in law he has pursued a broad based commercial litigation interest. His emphasis is on being the “trusted adviser”.
He was called to the Bar in 2008 and in December 2011, only three-and-a-half years after being called, he was singled out by Legal Week as one of the 10 most promising junior barristers under 10 years call in the whole of the UK.
“[He] is always neutral (and seen to be neutral) and acts with integrity and emotional sensitivity. He has excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills, is an excellent listener, has an ability to define and clarify issues, is organised and has excellent problem-solving skills.
Considerable involvement in fraud and breach of duty claims.
All types of Commercial contractual claims including construction.
Company law disputes, including warranty claims, shareholder disputes, and regulatory enquiries concerning breaches of the Listing Rules.
Banking disputes. Acting for both clearing banks, secondary banks and their merchant banking divisions. During three recessions Carl was a banking and insolvency partner with Pinsent Mason working very closely with licensed insolvency practitioners and the banks’ recovery departments.
Injunctive relief, including the obtaining, execution, defence and supervision of search orders.