Andrew Brown

Andrew regularly advises and appears in in all aspects of corporate and personal insolvency. He has extensive experience in contentious High Court trials involving high-value allegations of director misfeasance and breaches of fiduciary duty, reviewable transactions, civil fraud, asset recovery, and validation orders.

Andrew also regularly advises and appears in non-contentious matters such as restructuring plans, administration applications (contentious and non-contentious), and all general office-holder procedural applications such as remuneration approvals or disclosure orders. He has made numerous appearances in high-value bankruptcy petitions and statutory demands involving high net-worth and well-known individuals. Some recent highlights of his experience are:

• Re An Officeholder / Cork v Gully [2026] EWHC 1356 (Ch): Andrew appeared on behalf of the office-holders in this block transfer application concerning the use of A.I. in legal drafting.
• Re Ashwood Home Improvements (SW) Ltd (in liq) [2026]: Andrew appeared on behalf of liquidators, and obtained declarations that sums of over £1.3million misapplied by the director were breaches of his fiduciary duties and those funds capable of being traced through overdrawn bank accounts were held on constructive trust.
• Fletcher & Anor v Desai [2026] EWHC 728. Andrew appeared as sole counsel on behalf of trustees in bankruptcy in this High Court application under s.375 Insolvency Act 1986 seeking to vary an order following trial and a creditor’s attempt to regularise their improperly obtained charging orders.
• Contract Natural Gas (Marketing) Ltd v CNG Ltd v CNG Energy Ltd [2026] EWHC 707 (Ch). Andrew (led by Matthew Weaver KC) appeared on behalf of the liquidators of the Respondents in this three-day High Court trial of an application to challenge the liquidators’ decisions to reject proofs of debt, and issues related to contractual construction, the Commercial Agents Regulations 1993, disclosure in insolvency proceedings, and whether estoppels can bind an office-holder.
• Palmer & Hook v Collins [2026]: Andrew appeared in this multi-day High Court trial on behalf of trustees in bankruptcy seeking to realise real property where a defence of a common intention constructive trust on behalf of third-party minors was raised.
• Armstrong v Harrow [2025] EWHC 1790 (Ch). Andrew acted as sole counsel for the claimant in this successful High Court trial concerning a disputed deed transferring ownership of property and transactions at an undervalue. Andrew forged new ground in circumscribing the applicability of the ‘equity of exoneration’ and competing corporate directorship duties.
• Henderson & Jones v Patel [2025]. Andrew acted as the sole counsel for the claimant in this successful High Court trial concerning breaches of fiduciary duty by directors arising from the investment of over £4million in pension funds held by a corporate trustee into unregulated and undiversified overseas funds in the BVI and Mauritius in breach of the Pensions Act 1995.
• Re Churchgate Ltd (in liquidation) [2025]: Andrew appeared as sole counsel for the claimant in this successful High Court trial concerning void dispositions under s.127 Insolvency Act 1986 and a defence seeking a post-insolvency validation order.
• Re CL Realisations 2020 Ltd [2025] EWHC 796 (Ch): Andrew acted for the directors of a company facing misfeasance proceedings, and successfully opposed an application to amend the misfeasance to claim a loan provided by the company to purchase its shareholding could constitute a disguised dividend under the Companies Act 2006.
• Contract Natural Gas Ltd (in liq) v ZOG Energy Ltd (in liq) [2025] EWHC 86 (Ch): Andrew successfully acted for the liquidators of CNG, a natural gas wholesale provider, in this appeal against rejection of proofs of debt concerning issues of limitation, contractual interpretation, and insolvency set-off.
• Cineworld (UK) restructuring plan, [2024] EWHC 2475 (Ch): Andrew acted (led by Matthew Weaver KC) for a dissenting creditor, and achieved a successful carve out from the plan.
• Fletcher v Razeem [2024] EWHC 2638 (Ch): Andrew acted on behalf of the trustees in bankruptcy in this sham trust and s.339 undervalue claim. He successfully prevented relief from sanction on the eve of trial resulting in the defence being struck-out. He acted from the initial stages to successfully disposing of the claim at trial.
• Worcester (Warriors) Rugby Football Club (in administration): ongoing representation for the Administrators of Worcester Warriors.
• Re NMC Health PLC (in administration): representation for the Administrators of the former FTSE100 company that was delisted following revelations of substantial financial misreporting and misappropriations involving significant allegations of fraud.
• The Grenfell Tower Litigation: Andrew acted on behalf of the liquidators of Harley Curtain Wall Ltd (in liquidation) in the high-profile litigation concerning the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, and obtained a court order pursuant to s.112 Insolvency Act 1986 staying all claims against the company in favour of proving within the liquidation.
• Khan v Singh-Sall & Habib Bank [2023] EWCA Civ 1119: Andrew (leading Dan Thorpe) successfully appeared on behalf of the respondent bank to this second appeal against a refusal to annul a bankruptcy, which concerned whether a judge had a discretion to refuse annulment even where the initial requirements for an annulment were met.
• Croxen v OFGEM & Others [2022] EWHC 2826 (Ch), (led by Matthew Weaver KC): Andrew and Matthew appeared on behalf of administrators of an insolvency energy supplier in their capacity as intervenors in this multi-million pound energy insolvency directions trial concerning the provability of various statutory debts.
• Khan v Singh-Sall & Habib Bank PLC [2022] EWHC 1913 (Ch): Andrew appeared on behalf of the respondent in this appeal against a judge’s exercise of their discretion to refuse to annul a bankruptcy where the bankrupt had proven the petition debt was disputed.
• Re Rossi [2022] EWHC 1053 (Ch): Andrew appeared on behalf of the Nominee of a proposed IVA that was not approved by creditors in this challenge against the Nominee’s decision not to admit a debt for voting purposes, which was alleged to be a material irregularity.
• Re De Weyer Ltd, Kelmanson v Gallagher & De Weyer [2022] EWHC 395 (Ch): Andrew appeared on behalf of the liquidators of a company in this multi-day High Court trial seeking orders for preferences under s.239 Insolvency Act 1986 and misfeasance under s.212 Insolvency Act.
• Re ASGB Ltd [2022]: Andrew appeared on behalf of the liquidator of a company defending against a strike-out application seeking restitution for a void disposition under s.127 Insolvency Act 1986
• Re Acres, Atkinson v Acres & Dhillon [2021]: Andrew appeared on behalf of a trustee in bankruptcy in this multi-day trial concerning allegations of forgery of a trust deed disposing of the bankrupt’s interest in the marital home.
• Williams v Nilsson [2021] EWHC 3184 (Ch): Andrew appeared on behalf of the trustees in bankruptcy responding to an appeal concerning an alleged common intention constructive trust over a bankrupt’s share of the marital home.
• Re Fowlds, Bucknall v Wilson [2021] EWHC 2149 (Ch), [2022] 1 WLR 61: Andrew (led by James Morgan KC) appeared on behalf of the trustees in bankruptcy in this High Court appeal against refusal to grant relief where a preference had been found at trial.
• Re Manorwood [2020]: Andrew appeared for the Liquidators of a company in the multi-day High Court trial of a claim for misfeasance and unpaid director loans .
• Peter Herbert Fowlds v Sean Bucknall & Mark Roach (As Trustees in Bankruptcy of Peter Fowlds) [2020] EWHC 329 (Ch) [2020] BPIR 541: Andrew appeared for the respondent trustees in bankruptcy in his high court appeal against an income payment order.
• Re Christopher Hill (A Bankrupt) [2020]: Andrew appeared on behalf of trustees in bankruptcy in an application seeking to challenge their conduct in admitting a high-value debt in the bankruptcy.
• Andalusian Stone (In Liquidation) v Barratt & MGMC Ltd [2019]: In this High Court claim involving allegations of misfeasance, Andrew struck-out a claim alleging a dishonest breach of fiduciary duty against his client following a two-day hearing.
• Lygoe v Hunt [2019] EWHC 327 (Ch). [2019] BPIR 650: Andrew appeared on behalf of the appellant appealing against refusal of a strike-out of a trustee in bankruptcy’s claim.
• Re MSD Cash & Carry Ltd [2018] EWHC 4033 (Ch) Andrew appeared (led by Jeremy Cousins KC) in this matter concerning when interest can be awarded in reviewable transaction claims and the rate of interest where the primary debt in an insolvency is unpaid VAT.
• Ingram v Singh & Ors [2018] EWHC 1325 (Ch); [2018] BPIR 1343 – Appearing (led by Jeremy Cousins KC) as junior counsel for the respondents in this ten-day trial, which concerned allegations of de facto directors, misfeasance, preferences, and an account arising from the liquidation of a cash-and-carry business.
• Viscountess St Davids v Chiron Partners FZE & Sigma 8 Ltd [2018] EWHC 3097 (Ch) – Acted for the respondents in dismissing a high-value application to set-aside a statutory demand involving matters of bridging finance and the duty of mortgagees in selling secured property.

Andrew accepts instructions in all aspects of commercial disputes, and has appeared in numerous trials and appeals concerning contractual interpretation, debt claims, restitution, breaches of fiduciary duties, energy and resources, and the sale and supply of goods and services. A sample of his cases are as follows:

• Lonham Group Ltd v Scotbeef Ltd [2025] EWCA Civ 203. Andrew (led by Christopher Boardman KC) acted on behalf of Scotbeef in this appeal to the Court of Appeal concerning the application of the Insurance Act 2015 and contractual interpretation.
• Contract Natural Gas Ltd (in liq) v ZOG Energy Ltd (in liq) [2025] EWHC 86 (Ch): Andrew successfully acted for the liquidators of CNG, a natural gas wholesale provider, in this appeal against rejection of proofs of debt concerning issues of limitation, contractual interpretation, and insolvency set-off.
• Scotbeef Ltd v D&S Storage [2023] EWHC 341 (TCC): Andrew acted on behalf of the claimant in this High Court trial concerning the applicability of the Insurance Act 2015 and the liability of the insurer to the first defendant.
• Croxen v OFGEM [2022] EWHC 2826 (Ch): Andrew (led by Matthew Weaver KC) appeared in this complex five-day  trial concerning the interpretation of various sections of the Electricity Act and its subordinate regulations as they relate to various contractual / statutory fines and debts.
• Scotbeef Ltd v D&S Storage (In Liquidation) [2022] EWHC 2434 (TCC): Andrew appeared on behalf of the claimant in this High Court trial concerning the incorporation of standard terms and conditions, amendments to contract, and the applicability of a contractual limitation period.
• H Stoll AG & CO KG v Unity Trade Capital Ltd [2021]: Andrew appeared on behalf of the claimant in a High Court application for summary judgment involving letters of credit and international shipping contracts.
• Saffari v Barrett & MGMC Ltd [2021]: Andrew appeared on behalf of the claimant and part 20 defendants in this seven-day trial concerning restitution, breach of contract, and breaches of fiduciary duty.
• Larkfleet Ltd v Ecotecworld Ltd [2021]: Andrew appeared on behalf of the claimant defending against a summary judgment application issued against the claimant’s claim for breach of contract in the international supply of solar panels.
• Andalusian Stone (In Liquidation) v MGMC & Others [2019]: Andrew appeared on behalf of part 20 defendants seeking substantial security for costs in claims involving allegations of misfeasance and breach of contract.
• Snook v Snook [2018] – Andrew appeared on behalf of the defendant in this multi-day trial regarding a constructive trust of joint-owned property.
• Rolle Family & Company Limited v Ena Louise Rolle [2017] UKPC 95;[2018] A.C. 205; [2018] 2 W.L.R. 1 – Appearing before the Privy Council as junior counsel for the appellant (led by Tom Dumont). The appeal was from the Bahamas, and concerned pre-incorporation contracts and contracts of escrow as they relate to the sale of land
• Plant Handling Ltd v Universal Classic Cars Ltd [2017] – Acting as sole counsel for the claimant in a multi-day trial concerning commercial contracts and the sale of goods and services.
• Smith (Personal representative of Hugh Smith (Deceased)) v Molyneux (BVI) [2016] UKPC 35; [2017] 1 P&CR 7 – Appearing before the Privy Council as junior counsel for the respondent (led by David Di Mambro). The appeal was from the BVI, and concerned adverse possession of land and unilateral licences of occupation.
• Hatfield v Probert [2017] – Acting in a appeal against a first-instance decision dismissing a strike-out application involving issues of limitation and unjust enrichment.

• “Andrew is a consistent, capable advocate and a considered safe pair of hands. He demonstrates commercial awareness and is able to apply appropriate risk management to his client’s corporate reality.” (Restructuring/Insolvency, Chambers UK Bar 2026)
• “He is very user-friendly, accessible and feels like you have another member of the team.” (Restructuring/Insolvency, Chambers UK Bar 2026)
• “Andrew is so easy to get on with and he is very pragmatic and gets to the point quickly. He is somebody you can absolutely rely on.” (Restructuring/Insolvency, Chambers UK Bar 2026)
• “He is great to work with because he is really bright and super responsive.”(Restructuring/Insolvency, Chambers UK Bar 2025)
• “Andrew instils confidence in clients and solicitors alike. He is technical and thorough.” (Restructuring/Insolvency, Chambers UK Bar 2025)
• “Andrew is effective in marshalling complex insolvency claims and advising in challenging circumstances. He is impressive with tactics and able to keep calm in stressful situations.” (Restructuring/Insolvency, Chambers UK Bar 2025)

Andrew contributes to seminars in his practice areas both internally and externally, and has recently given talks concerning insolvent administration orders for deceased persons, litigation funding in the BVI, security for costs, and reviewable transactions. He has published a specialist text on void dispositions and validation orders, and regularly publishes articles, chapters on insolvency law, and case updates.

Books

• A Practical Guide to Void Dispositions and Validation Orders, Law Brief Publishing [July 2025]
• The Old Law and the Sea [Forthcoming]

Book Chapters

• Butterworth’s Civil Court Precedents – Insolvency (editor)
• Tolly’s Insolvency Law Service, chapter – ‘Bankrupt’s Spouse’ (forthcoming)
• Tolley’s Insolvency Law Service, chapter – ‘Moratorium’ (Issue 155, January 2024)
• Chapter 57 Gore-Brown on Companies, “Voluntary Liquidation”
• “Reviewable Transactions in Corporate Insolvency,” Chapter 14 in Insolvency Litigation: A Practical Guide 3rd Ed. (2022)
• “Reviewable Transactions in Personal Insolvency,” Chapter 15 in Insolvency Litigation: A Practical Guide 3rd Ed. (2022)
• “Annulment of Bankruptcy,” Chapter 16 in Insolvency Litigation: A Practical Guide 3rd Ed. (2022)
• “Applications to Extend or End Administrations,” Chapter 26 in Insolvency Litigation: A Practical Guide 3rd Ed. (2022)
• “Litigating against Insolvent Entities,” Chapter 27 in Insolvency Litigation: A Practical Guide 3rd Ed. (2022)

• 2000 – 2005 BA, History, University of Washington
• 2000 – 2005 BA, Classical Studies, University of Washington
• 2005 – 2007 M.phil, Ancient History, University of Oxford (Wadham College)
• 2007 – 2012 D.phil, Ancient History, University of Oxford (Wadham College)
• 2012 – 2013 GDL, Oxford Brookes University
• 2013 – 2014 BPTC, BPP

Prior to coming to the Bar Andrew earned a Masters and Doctorate in Ancient Greek History at the University of Oxford. He also lectured on Ancient History and Numismatics at Oxford before finding his calling as a barrister. Andrew was awarded the Lord Denning Scholarship by Lincoln’s Inn for the study of the BPTC. Andrew is a keen rower, and has coached rowing in both the United Kingdom and the United States at university and club level. He recently coached the novice squads at Furnivall Sculling Club.

• “The Cardinal Rules of Law and the Costs of Part 26A Restructuring Plans,” in Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal (October 2025)
• “The Deloreon Verses the Polo: the respective impacts (or non impact) of 2020’s introduction of the Corporate Moratorium under Part A1 and the Mental Health Breathing Space Moratorium,” in Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal (August 2025)
• “Make-Whole clauses under Chapter 11 and Part 26A Restructuring Plans,” in The Journal of International Finance and Banking Law (July 2025) [with Matthew Weaver KC]
• “To release or Not to Release: recent trends in restructuring releases from Thames Water and the Americas,” in Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal (July 2025) [with Matthew Weaver KC]
• “‘The Greatest Barrister of All Time was an American,” in The Barrister, Issue 103 (January 2025)
• “ATE, Anti-Avoidance, and Security for Costs,” in Litigation Funding, Issue 154 (December 2024)
• “The Adoption of the new moratorium under Part A1 Insolvency Act 1986 three years on” in Gore-Browne On Companies Special Release 2024 (March 2024)
• “A Trial of Tragedy: Underwood v Wing [1854], who died first?” (link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/trial-tragedy-underwood-v-wing-1854-question-who-died-andrew-brown)
• “A Darkness at the Edge of Town: Bad News for Litigation Funders?” (with Jamie Cockfield), Insolvents’ Row (v.1), (Autumn 2022)
• “Sharpening the Corporate Restructuring Tool,” (with David Moyhuddin KC), Recovery (Winter 2021)
• “One year of the profession’s new power tool: restructuring plans,” (with David Moyhuddin KC), Recovery (Summer 2021)
• “Litigating American Elections: Coleman v Franken (2008) and the case of the Lizard People” (link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/litigating-american-elections-coleman-v-franken-case-lizard-brown/)
• “Headhunting: The Legal Aftermath of the Battle of Trafalgar and the case of El Rayo” (link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/head-hunting-legal-aftermath-battle-trafalgar-case-el-andrew-brown/)
• “History v the modern world: the latest on e-filing and administrators’ appointments,” (with Tina Kyriakides) Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal (2019) vol.12(3)
• “Unbending the Insolvency Rules 2016,” Recovery (Spring 2017)
• “Unbending the Insolvency Rules 2016 – part 2,” Recovery (Summer 2017)
• A Note of Caution: S.873 and extensions of time to register legal charges under the Companies Act 2006 (link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/note-caution-extensions-time-register-legal-charges-under-brown/)

• Apollo XI ltd v Nexedge Markets Ltd [2025] EWHC 1488 (KB) & Hunt v Oceana Capital Reserves Ltd v IPS Law Ltd & Farnell [2025] EWHC 837 (CH), in Recovery (September 2025)
• Contract Natural Gas Ltd v ZOG Energy Ltd [2025] EWHC 86 (Ch) & Re Stacks Living Limited [2025] EWHC 9 (Ch), in Recovery (March 2025)
• “Standard Chartered PLC v Guaranty Nominees Ltd & Ors,” Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal, vol.17(6) (Dec 2024)
• “Kireeva v Kedzhamov,” Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal (2022) vol.15(1)
• “Official Receiver v Deuss & Goknur v Aytacli,” Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal (2021) vol.14(5)
• “Re Tokenhouse VB Ltd,” Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal (2020) vol.13(6)
• “Burden Holdings UK Ltd v Fielding,” Corporate Rescue and Insolvency Journal (2019) vol.12(4)

• The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
• Chancery Bar Association
• COMBAR
• R3
• IWIRC

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