Call 2013
"Joseph is genuinely exceptional. His ability to hold detailed, complex facts in his head and turn them into a powerful argument is so impressive. He's very hard-working and nice to work with."
Chambers & Partners
Adam Collins
Team Leader
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Alfie Sweeney
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Joseph has a diverse and thriving commercial litigation practice.
His work includes cases involving banking and finance, civil fraud, company law and corporate insolvency. He also undertakes regulatory and administrative law work, including cases in relation to professional discipline.
Joseph is experienced in handling high-profile, heavy and complex disputes, and frequently acts as sole counsel, including in matters requiring challenging court advocacy.
He is ranked as a Leading Junior in the legal directories for Banking & Finance, Civil Fraud, and Chancery: Commercial. He has been described as being “genuinely exceptional ”, “very effective”, “highly intelligent ”, “very hard working”, “extremely diligent ”, “a pleasure to deal with”, “very user-friendly ” and “a great person to have on your team”, and as someone who “is working above his level in terms of his judgment and his performances in court ”, “drafts really well ”, “leaves no stone unturned ”, “remains serene under pressure” and “just knows it all ”.
Prior to coming to the bar, Joseph was a research assistant at the Law Commission, a solicitor, and a judicial assistant at the UK Supreme Court.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) v LIBOR Panel Banks (FL-2017-000002)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC, James Duffy KC and Christopher Brown) on behalf of a group of defendants in a claim brought on behalf of 39 failed US banks alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and anti-competitive collusion in relation to the “lowballing” of USD LIBOR submissions.
LLC EuroChem North-West 2 v Société Générale & Ors (CL-2022-000456)
One of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 cases of 2025”. Instructed (with Richard Handyside KC, James Duffy KC, and Natasha Bennett) by Société Générale in a claim involving the impact of sanctions on the payment obligations of banks under on-demand bonds.
The Takeover Panel – MWB Group Holdings Plc
Acting (with Richard Coleman KC) for a respondent in disciplinary proceedings against eleven respondents for breach of the Takeover Code arising out of dealings in the shares of MWB Group Holdings Plc in 2009-2010. The proceedings were the most substantial ever brought by the Panel. They concluded with the Hearings Committee of the Takeover Panel ordering sanctions against every respondent and making the first ever award of compensation against participants in an undisclosed Concert Party of a maximum of approximately £33 million plus interest. As regards the respondent, represented by Richard and Joseph, the Hearings Committee dismissed an application by an interested party that that respondent should pay compensation.
Suppipat & Ors v Narongdej & Ors [2023] EWHC 1988 (Comm)
One of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases of 2022”. Instructed (with Derrick Dale KC, previously Ben Valentin KC) for seven out of seventeen defendants in a high-value Commercial Court claim in connection with the ownership of a renewable energy company in Thailand. The claim involved allegations of conspiracy, misrepresentation, inducement of breach of contract, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty made in terms of English and a variety of other foreign laws. There is also a claim for relief under s.423, Insolvency Act 1986 (in relation to transactions entered into at an undervalue). Trial from October 2022 to March 2023.
R (Forsey) v Northern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court [2021] EWHC 3013 (Admin)
Instructed (with Richard Lissack KC and Andrew Smith KC) for the claimant in a judicial review of a decision in criminal proceedings relating to an alleged offence under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
Instructed (with Akhil Shah KC) for an airline in a matter concerning the allocation/transfer of airport slots under the EU Slots Regulation.
As judicial assistant to Lord Hope (UK Supreme Court) in 2012-2013 (before practice at the Bar), involved in a number of high-profile public law/regulatory appeals.
As a research assistant in the Public Law team at the Law Commission of England and Wales in 2007-2008 (before practice at the Bar), worked on the Administrative Remedies and Level Crossings projects.
The constantly evolving legal and commercial landscape in relation to digital assets is an area of interest for Joseph. He is the co-author, with Nik Yeo, of a two-part article on cryptocurrency disputes (N Yeo and J Farmer, “Mapping the Landscape: Cryptocurrency Disputes under English Law: Part 1” (2019) 2 Journal of International Banking and Financial Law 80, with the second part at (2019) 5 JIBFL 290). Part 1 covered disputes between holders of cryptocurrencies, and between holders and service providers. Part 2 looks at disputes between service providers, and regulation. Part 2 was cited by the majority in the Singapore Court of Appeal in the case of Quoine Pte Ltd v B2C2 Ltd [2020] SGCA(I) 02, which deals with difficult legal questions thrown up by the algorithmic trading of crypto (see news item here).
Joseph has also given presentations to law firms with Nik Yeo on the topic of digital assets.
Acting (as sole counsel) for an airline in claims against ground handling services providers for losses arising out of damage to aircraft.
Instructed (with Akhil Shah KC) for an airline in a matter concerning the allocation/transfer of airport slots under the EU Slots Regulation.
Appearing as sole counsel on behalf of airlines in a number of passenger claims, almost invariably involving Regulation 261/2004 and/or (occasionally) the Montreal Convention.
Appearing as sole counsel for the respondent airline in an application before a Circuit Judge for an order referring a question to the CJEU for a preliminary ruling (a Regulation 261/2004 case).
Defending a claim for breach of an airline’s terms and conditions which also included allegations of unfairness based on the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
Acting (with Ben Valentin KC) in a high-value Commercial Court claim involving an alleged breach of the “Quincecare” duty and breach of mandate.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) v LIBOR Panel Banks (FL-2017-000002)
Acting (with Richard Handyside KC, James Duffy KC and Christopher Brown) on behalf of a group of defendants in a claim brought on behalf of 39 failed US banks alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and anti-competitive collusion in relation to the “lowballing” of USD LIBOR submissions.
LLC EuroChem North-West 2 v Société Générale & Ors (CL-2022-000456)
One of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 cases of 2025”. Instructed (with Richard Handyside KC, James Duffy KC, and Natasha Bennett) by Société Générale in a claim involving the impact of sanctions on the payment obligations of banks under on-demand bonds.
Stichting Vestia v Société Générale (FL-2020-000034)
Representing (with Richard Handyside KC and Natasha Bennett) the defendant bank in a claim with an estimated maximum value of c.€130 million involving alleged bribery and the allegation that several interest rate swaps entered into by the parties were outside the capacity of the claimant, a Dutch social housing association.
National Bank of Kazakhstan v The Bank of New York Mellon (FL-2018-000007)
Instructed (with Richard Handyside KC) for the respondent financial services client in an application under CPR 31.22 (collateral use of disclosed documents).
Acting (with Richard Colemen KC) in a dispute in relation to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Schemes.
Advising (with Richard Handyside KC) a commercial client on aspects of the Payment Services Regulations 2017.
Advising (as sole counsel) a commercial client on jurisdiction and service in relation to a high-value dispute regarding the alleged breach of a loan agreement and the acquisition of an interest in a company.
Instructed by a financial services institution as junior counsel in a number of swap mis-selling claims involving allegations of LIBOR manipulation.
Instructed as sole counsel for financial services clients in a number of retail banking claims, applications and hearings (including those involving alleged breach of account terms, s.75 and the unfair relationship provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, guarantees, and direct debits).
Advising (with Mark Simpson KC) on a proposed unfair relationship claim arising out of an investment scheme.
As sole counsel, advising a commercial client in the entertainment industry on aspects of the Payment Services Regulations 2017.
Instructed with James Cutress KC by a financial institution in a claim relating to the alleged mis-selling of an interest rate swap.
Completing a three-month secondment to the Financial Markets Disputes group at Dentons UKMEA LLP during which Joseph dealt with cases involving alleged mis-selling of interest rate swaps and a mortgage product, and a contractual dispute regarding a GMRA.
Seconded to Barclays Bank Plc. Provided advice on a contractual services dispute and a number of county court matters involving banking issues (including consumer credit matters).
Skywind Holdings Limited and another v Simon Robert Wilson and others (CL-2023-000883)
Instructed (with Simon Atrill KC and Daniel Schwennicke) for the Claimants in a significant Commercial Court fraud claim arising out of the acquisition of a company specialising in the design and operation of digital gambling games.
Suppipat & Ors v Narongdej & Ors [2023] EWHC 1988 (Comm)
One of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases of 2022”. Instructed (with Derrick Dale KC, previously Ben Valentin KC) for seven out of seventeen defendants in a high-value Commercial Court claim in connection with the ownership of a renewable energy company in Thailand. The claim involved allegations of conspiracy, misrepresentation, inducement of breach of contract, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty made in terms of English and a variety of other foreign laws. There is also a claim for relief under s.423, Insolvency Act 1986 (in relation to transactions entered into at an undervalue). Trial from October 2022 to March 2023.
Stichting Vestia v Société Générale (FL-2020-000034)
Representing (with Richard Handyside KC and Natasha Bennett) the defendant bank in a claim with an estimated maximum value of c.€130m involving alleged bribery and the allegation that several interest rate swaps entered into by the parties were outside the capacity of the claimant, a Dutch social housing association.
Ashley v Jimenez (HC-2017-000156)
Instructed with Richard Lissack KC and James Cutress KC for the claimants in a high-profile fraud claim in the Chancery Division. Included:
Fundo Soberano de Angola v dos Santos [2018] EWHC 2199 (Comm)
Instructed (with Paul McGrath KC, Alexander Milner KC, Nik Yeo and Samuel Ritchie) for the claimants in the defendants’ application to set aside a freezing injunction and proprietary injunction in relation to assets up to the value of $3 billion (four days in July 2018). Issues included those relating to jurisdiction at common law and under the Lugano Convention in the context of allegations of conspiracy, dishonest assistance and knowing receipt; and proprietary claims.
Instant Access Properties (in Liquidation) v Rosser [2018] EWHC 756 (Ch)
Instructed (with Edmund Cullen KC) for a tax advisor in a £35 million claim by liquidators alleging a diversion of funds to offshore entities. The claim against multiple defendants included allegations of shadow/de facto directorship, breach of fiduciary duty, dishonest assistance, conspiracy, and fraudulent trading under s.213, Insolvency Act 1986, and culminated in a 20-day trial in the Chancery Division.
Skywind Holdings Limited and another v Simon Robert Wilson and others (CL-2023-000883)
Instructed (with Simon Atrill KC and Daniel Schwennicke) for the Claimants in a significant Commercial Court fraud claim arising out of the acquisition of a company specialising in the design and operation of digital gambling games.
LLC EuroChem North-West 2 v Société Générale & Ors (CL-2022-000456)
One of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 cases of 2025”. Instructed (with Richard Handyside KC, James Duffy KC, and Natasha Bennett) by Société Générale in a claim involving the impact of sanctions on the payment obligations of banks under on-demand bonds.
Exporien Mining Private Limited v Aggreko International Projects Limited (LM-2023-000157)
Instructed as sole counsel for Aggreko in a substantial Circuit Commercial Court claim relating to commission payments under a consultancy agreement concerning the provision of power in Zimbabwe. Appeared unled at three at hearings in relation to security for costs, ultimately obtaining an unless order and successfully obtaining an award of costs against Exporien. Judgment of the substantive hearing is at [2024] EWHC 1463 (Comm).
Suppipat & Ors v Narongdej & Ors [2023] EWHC 1988 (Comm)
One of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases of 2022”. Instructed (with Derrick Dale KC, previously Ben Valentin KC) for seven out of seventeen defendants in a high-value Commercial Court claim in connection with the ownership of a renewable energy company in Thailand. The claim involved allegations of conspiracy, misrepresentation, inducement of breach of contract, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty made in terms of English and a variety of other foreign laws. There is also a claim for relief under s.423, Insolvency Act 1986 (in relation to transactions entered into at an undervalue). Trial from October 2022 to March 2023.
Stichting Vestia v Société Générale (FL-2020-000034)
Representing (with Richard Handyside KC and Natasha Bennett) the defendant bank in a claim with an estimated maximum value of c.€130m involving alleged bribery and the allegation that several interest rate swaps entered into by the parties were outside the capacity of the claimant, a Dutch social housing association.
Ashley v Jimenez (HC-2017-000156)
Instructed with Richard Lissack KC and James Cutress KC for the claimants in a high-profile fraud claim in the Chancery Division.
Included:
Fundo Soberano de Angola v dos Santos [2018] EWHC 2199 (Comm)
Instructed (with Paul McGrath KC, Alexander Milner KC, Nik Yeo and Samuel Ritchie) for the claimants in the defendants’ application to set aside a freezing injunction and proprietary injunction in relation to assets up to the value of $3 billion (four days in July 2018). Issues included those relating to jurisdiction at common law and under the Lugano Convention in the context of allegations of conspiracy, dishonest assistance and knowing receipt; and proprietary claims.
Instant Access Properties (in Liquidation) v Rosser [2018] EWHC 756 (Ch)
Instructed (with Edmund Cullen KC) for a tax advisor in a £35 million claim by liquidators alleging a diversion of funds to offshore entities. The claim against multiple defendants included allegations of shadow/de facto directorship, breach of fiduciary duty, dishonest assistance, conspiracy, and fraudulent trading under s.213, Insolvency Act 1986, and culminated in a 20-day trial in the Chancery Division.
Gemini v CBRE & King Sturge (CL-2013-000161)
Instructed with Mark Simpson KC, Nik Yeo and Nico Leslie for the claimant in a claim exceeding £200 million, arising out of the alleged negligent valuation of a £1.2 billion commercial property portfolio, one of the The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases of 2016”.
Acting (with Adam Zellick KC) in an offshore claim relating to an indemnity and involving issues of issue estoppel and abuse of process.
Acting with Ben Valentin KC in a high-value and confidential LCIA arbitration involving complex issues of foreign law.
As sole counsel, appeared on behalf of a multinational provider of power solutions in a strike out application (London Circuit Commercial Court).
Instructed (with Bankim Thanki KC and Michael McLaren KC) to advise a commercial client in relation to champerty and maintenance with respect to agreements about litigation.
As sole counsel, advised a client providing postal services in relation to proceedings for alleged breach of contract.
Appeared as sole counsel on behalf of a multinational retailer at a hearing relating to a contractual dispute which involved issues relating to the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2012 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
As sole counsel, advised a client in the petroleum industry in relation to a sales agreement and a guarantee.
Appeared as sole counsel for a commercial client in an application to strike out a claim involving online gaming.
Appeared as sole counsel for a national energy company in applications involving strike out/summary judgment in relation to a claim for injunctive relief based on alleged harassment, the setting aside of judgment in default, and relief from sanction.
Instructed as sole counsel in a case for a commercial client involving alleged breach of contract, negligence and breach of duties of bailee in relation to a dispute about the storage and processing of goods.
Instructed as sole counsel to advise a commercial client on anticipated proceedings in relation to a consultancy services contract.
The Takeover Panel – MWB Group Holdings Plc
Acting (with Richard Coleman KC) for a respondent in disciplinary proceedings against eleven respondents for breach of the Takeover Code arising out of dealings in the shares of MWB Group Holdings Plc in 2009-2010. The proceedings were the most substantial ever brought by the Panel. They concluded with the Hearings Committee of the Takeover Panel ordering sanctions against every respondent and making the first ever award of compensation against participants in an undisclosed Concert Party of a maximum of approximately £33 million plus interest. As regards the respondent, represented by Richard and Joseph, the Hearings Committee dismissed an application by an interested party that that respondent should pay compensation.
Farfetch Limited (in Official Liquidation) (CR-2024-001814)
Instructed (with Ben Valentin KC) in proceedings arising out of the liquidation of Farfetch Limited, a company registered in the Cayman Islands, and the holding company for the Farfetch group, a global fashion enterprise. Joseph acted for the Joint Official Liquidators in their applications to have the Cayman liquidation recognised in the UK, and for relief against members of the senior management of Farfetch. He appeared unled at an expedited hearing on 20 May 2024, successfully obtaining the recognition of the Cayman liquidation ([2024] EWHC 1294) and at an expedited hearing on 7 October 2024, successfully obtaining an order that the substantive hearing of the applications for relief should be listed on an expedited basis.
Suppipat & Ors v Narongdej & Ors [2023] EWHC 1988 (Comm)
One of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases of 2022”. Instructed (with Derrick Dale KC, previously Ben Valentin KC) for seven out of seventeen defendants in a high-value Commercial Court claim in connection with the ownership of a renewable energy company in Thailand. The claim involved allegations of conspiracy, misrepresentation, inducement of breach of contract, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty made in terms of English and a variety of other foreign laws. There is also a claim for relief under s.423, Insolvency Act 1986 (in relation to transactions entered into at an undervalue). Trial from October 2022 to March 2023.
Entertainment Partners LLC v Sargent [2019] EWHC 3718 (Ch)
Acting (with Ben Valentin KC) for the Petitioner, a minority shareholder, in application for an interim injunction restraining the sale of shares which involved allegations of unfairly prejudicial conduct.
Instant Access Properties (in Liquidation) v Rosser [2018] EWHC 756 (Ch)
Instructed (with Edmund Cullen KC) by a tax advisor in a £35 million claim by liquidators alleging a diversion of funds to offshore entities. The claim against multiple defendants included allegations of shadow/de facto directorship, breach of fiduciary duty, dishonest assistance, conspiracy, and fraudulent trading under s.213, Insolvency Act 1986. 20-day trial in the Chancery Division, late 2017.
Acting (with Ben Valentin KC) in relation to a derivative action on behalf of the shareholders of a company in relation to climate change risk management.
Acting (with Ben Lynch KC) in a confidential matter regarding the transfer of shares in an investment vehicle.
Instructed (with Stuart Ritchie KC and David Lascelles) in a shareholders’ dispute in the Commercial Court relating to a drag-along right and involving allegations of fraud, procurement of breach of contract and unlawful means conspiracy.
Advising in relation to unfair prejudice and dividend entitlement (in the context of a shareholders’ dispute) (assisting Stuart Ritchie KC).
Instructed (with Michael Green KC) in a dispute involving allegations made by a minority shareholder.
Appeared as sole counsel for the Petitioner at a hearing on the Petitioner’s application for (among other things) the stay of a costs order (underlying claim was an unfair prejudice petition under s.994 of the Companies Act 2006).
Acting as sole counsel for the claimant in a dispute in relation to alleged breach of a share purchase agreement.
Advising as sole counsel on a claim involving the alleged conversion of a bankruptcy asset.
Appearing as sole counsel for a financial services client at a hearing dealing with the costs of an application under Insolvency Act 1986, s.236.
Appearing as sole counsel for a commercial client at a hearing dealing with the costs of an application to restrain the presentation of a winding-up petition.
Instructed (with Anneliese Day KC and Calum Lamont KC) on behalf of a contractor in relation to a significant construction dispute (overseas adjudication (2019); LCIA arbitration (three week hearing in April 2021)).
Acting (with Anneliese Day KC) for a party involved in a construction project in a potential claim for professional negligence.
Advising an individual in relation to an FCA investigation (with Richard Lissack KC).
Solicitors Regulation Authority v Robinson [2019] 4 WLR 162
Instructed as sole counsel for the SRA in an application in the High Court under the Solicitors Act 1974 relating to the costs of an intervention. The application resulted in a full day’s hearing (which included extensive cross-examination of the respondent).
Solicitors Regulation Authority v Leigh Day
Instructed with (Patricia Robertson KC, Paul Gott KC and Tetyana Nesterchuk) for the respondent solicitors in a 21-day hearing in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The case involved allegations of breaches of a number of conduct rules, and allegations of lack of integrity and dishonesty.
Appeared as sole counsel for a professional body in a hearing to resist the discharge of a charging order, which involved cross-examination of the applicant on the validity of a trust deed.
Assisted Tim Dutton KC in the preparation for disciplinary proceedings before the SDT involving allegations relating to accounts rules (among other matters).
Instant Access Properties (in Liquidation) v Rosser [2018] EWHC 756 (Ch)
Instructed (with Edmund Cullen KC) for a tax advisor in a £35 million claim by liquidators alleging a diversion of funds to offshore entities. The claim against multiple defendants included allegations of shadow/de facto directorship, breach of fiduciary duty, dishonest assistance, conspiracy, and fraudulent trading under s213, Insolvency Act 1986. 20-day trial in the Chancery Division, late 2017.
Gemini v CBRE & King Sturge (CL-2013-000161)
Instructed (with Mark Simpson KC, Nik Yeo and Nico Leslie) for the claimant in a claim exceeding £200 million arising out of the alleged negligent valuation of a £1.2 billion commercial property portfolio, one of the The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases of 2016”.
16 Fountain Court members are instructed in three of The Lawyer’s ‘Top…
Mark Simpson KC and Christopher Langley acted for the Takeover Panel in…
Season 3: Episode 5
This episode is hosted by Joseph Farmer and explores unlawful means conspiracy within civil…
Adam Collins
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3798
Click here to email
Alfie Sweeney
Team Leader Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6855
Click here to email
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