Introduction
Simon Clegg has extensive experience of a wide range of commercial litigation. He is annually noted in Chambers and Partners as a leader in commercial litigation. Simon’s principal practice areas are in commercial, business, banking, company, partnership and property disputes. After developing a practice in Birmingham, Simon spent three years working as a solicitor at what is now known as Herbert Smith Freehills, Sydney, conducting high value commercial and insolvency litigation before returning to Birmingham and developing his current practice.
Simon regularly advises and acts in matters proceeding in all divisions of the High Court undertaking both interim applications and trials. He has represented parties in a number of arbitrations and mediations. He is also an accredited mediator and has mediated a number of commercial disputes.
Banking and Financial Services
Simon has extensive experience of banking litigation. He is annually noted in Chambers and Partners as a leader in commercial litigation in which banking litigation undertaken by him is mentioned. Chambers and Partners has described Simon as having “exceptional knowledge” of banking law. After developing a practice in Birmingham, Simon spent three years working as a solicitor at what is now known as Herbert Smith Freehills, Sydney, conducting high value commercial and insolvency litigation before returning to Birmingham and developing his current practice. He regularly appears and advises in relation to banking disputes, on behalf of clearing banks and lending Institutions, both where claimant and defendant. He also acts for individuals and companies in such disputes. Security issues and matters arising are regularly the subject of such advice and litigation. He also has extensive experience of asset finance and issues which arise in relation to it, both outside and within the ambit of the Consumer Credit Act, not only in the context of litigation but also in a more commercial context; he has on many occasions been involved in advising in relation to agreements and other documents and drafted them. Simon is regularly involved in applications for freezing relief and subsequent litigation tracing assets. He is also an accredited mediator and has mediated a number of commercial disputes.
Recent Cases:
- Claim by finance company for £650,000 said to be due on stocking finance agreement.
- Bank claim for £1.5 million with defences including undue influence and duress.
- Claim for possession of in excess of 50 properties and £2.5 million. Defence contending that transaction an unfair credit bargain. Appeal from decision of District Judge who disposed of the matter summarily.
- Claim for sums due under various asset finance agreements with defences including sale at an undervalue.
- Various claims by banks for sums due from customers and for possession of properties both for bank and customer.
- Various claims on guarantees for both guarantors and those with the benefit of the guarantee.
- Claims relating to sale of financial products including issues arising under the Financial Services and Markets Act.
- Issues relating to the appointment of Law of Property Act receivers.
- Issues relating to the construction of security documentation and the enforceability thereof.
Company and Partnership
Recent Cases:
- Advice as to the enforceability of charges over certain assets of a company.
- Advice as to the construction of charges over the assets and undertaking of a company.
- Trial of a dispute between shareholders in which issues as to unfair prejudice arose.
- Advising shareholders in relation to a proposed unfair prejudice claim.
Professional Liability
Recent Cases:
- Various claims against surveyors relating to the negligent valuation of property.
- Various claims against solicitors involving allegations of failures in relation to the conduct of litigation.
- Various claims against solicitors arising from the conduct of property transactions.
Real Estate
Recent Cases:
- Various claims to enforce charges where defences such as undue influence, duress and misrepresentation are advanced.
- Advising in relation to partnership dispute and conducting proceedings where issues as to the ownership of property arise and the basis on which it is held.
- Trial in the Chancery Division at which rectification of contract sought in respect of rights granted under contract.
- Dispute arising out of the agreement by which claim relating to land compromised.
- Contractual claims by developers against purchasers.
- Claims against developers.
- Injunction to restrain obstruction of right of way to land which was the subject of application to develop, involving also issues as to ownership of parcels of land.
Education
LLB (Hons) University College London
Appointments and Memberships
Commercial Bar Association
Midlands Commercial and Chancery Bar Association
Testimonials
“He is a good household name that people trust because of how experienced he is.” Chambers & Partners 2025
“Simon is charming and friendly, and his experience in litigation really holds him in good stead.” Chambers & Partners 2025
“Simon has unparalleled experience in commercial matters and is particularly good on paper while being able to deliver his advice in a client-focused way.” Legal 500 2025
“Simon is an excellent barrister with a strong understanding of the commercial considerations which lie at the heart of cases. His ability to draft concise pleadings is second-to-none.” Legal 500 2024
“Simon is excellent at assessing the commercial considerations of a case and identifying the core legal arguments. His judgement is excellent, and his drafting skills are very good.” Legal 500 2023
“Simon is very efficient.” Chambers & Partners 2023
“I always find him to be very likeable and astute. He is pragmatic in his written advisory work and is a steady guiding hand throughout.” Chambers UK 2022
“Calm, reassuring, and very experienced. Seen everything before and always seems in control. ” Legal 500 2022
“He is both knowledgeable and confident. He puts clients at ease, and we highly value his skills as an advocate.” Chambers UK
“Very good at identifying the key issues and explaining technical matters to clients in a comprehensible, pragmatic and commercial fashion, with a particular expertise in banking work.” Legal 500 2021
“Very much a safe pair of hands.” Legal 500 2020
“He is a very smooth operator who is very sound on the law and is very good with clients.” Chambers UK
“He’s quite a senior junior – he clearly knows his stuff and has very good people skills. You know you’re in safe hands with him.” Chambers UK
“Very calm and client focused.” Legal 500
“He’s very knowledgeable and thorough.” Chambers UK
“Extremely versatile and helpful, with excellent knowledge of banking law.” Chambers UK
“A very solid and unflappable performer who inspires confidence in clients.” Chambers UK
“A very steady performer who doesn’t get fazed in the heat of battle.” Chambers UK
“He is a good advocate, clear and very experienced. He has good client-handling skills.” Chambers UK
