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Dakis Hagen KC

Year of Call: 2002 Year of Silk: 2017

“Incisive adviser and devastatingly effective advocate.” 

Chambers and Partners
Portrait of Dakis Hagen KC
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    Practice Overview

    Dakis Hagen KC specialises in Chancery litigation, both commercial and traditional. His cases usually involve international structures, most often trusts and estates, allegations of fraud or professional negligence and asset tracing. Dakis is ranked in Chambers & Partners for Chancery: Commercial and Chancery: Traditional (Band 1) as well as for Trusts (Band 1), Offshore (Band 1) and Family/Matrimonial: Trusts/Tax Experts (Star Individual). The Legal 500 ranks him for Private Wealth and Probate (Band 1) and Offshore: Trusts and Private Wealth (Band 1) as well as for Civil Fraud. 

    He is named in the Legal Week Private Client Global Elite and is “Top Recommended” in Spears.

    The international nature of Dakis' practice has meant that he is instructed both by London solicitors and also directly by lawyers overseas (including from the USA, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Bermuda, Luxembourg, Switzerland, France, Gibraltar and the Channel Islands). He has appeared as leading counsel in courts in the Cayman Islands, BVI, Bermuda and Gibraltar as well as frequently in London. He is co-chairman of the Legal Week Trusts & Estates Litigation Forum and in 2022 was Citywealth Barrister of the Year.

    • Areas of Expertise
      • Expertise Shortlist Private Client Trusts and Probate

          DUK v UGX  BVIHPB 2024/0170 (10 July 2025) – appeared for the successful parties in applications to have proceedings in the BVI brought on behalf an estate declared a nullity on grounds that the grant of administration was defective and the appointment of an administrator ad colligenda bona should be set aside. 

          ES v SS (No. 2) [2024] EWFC 59 – appeared as leading chancery counsel in proceedings regarding the winding up of an offshore trust in the context of divorce proceedings.

          Volpi v Volpi –substantial international arbitration regarding alleged misapplications of trust property

          Re Alpha, Beta and Delta Trusts [2023] JRC 138 – advised the applicant in complex Jersey trust proceedings regarding the administration of a company in which the trustees owned a minority interest

          Wong & Anr v Grand View Private Trust Company & Ors [2022] Bda LR 59– appeared in the 80-day trial of claims impugning the validity of five very valuable Bermudian purpose trusts (whose appeals were heard in 2025), and successfully in the Privy Council (22 ITELR 190) in connected proceedings.

          Morina & Ors v Scherbakova & Ors [2022] EWHC 609 (Ch)– leading counsel for certain beneficiaries in complex high- value international probate litigation in London (appeared in BVI in earlier related proceedings).

          White Willow (Trustees) Limited v Trilogy Management Limited & Anr [2022] JRC 120 (Jersey) – advised a corporate trustee in connection with Jersey legal proceedings regarding the winding up of a substantial charitable trust.

          Re XYZ Trusts [2022] SC (Bda) 10 Civ (16 February 2022) - appeared as leading counsel for a group of beneficiaries of a suite of Bermuda settlements holding a substantial trading business in proceedings regarding their proposed re-organisation.

          Re Trafalgar Trust [2021] JRC 327 advised a corporate trustee in Jersey-based litigation involving (among other things) the scope of a power of appointment.

          Re Stingray Trust; Geneva Trust Company (GTC) SA v IDF & Anr [2021] 1 CILR 186 (Cayman Islands) – appeared as leading counsel for the successful applicant in obtaining a stay of Cayman proceedings to enable the trial of a challenge to a Cayman trust in Milan. The court construed the Cayman Islands’ “firewall” legislation and gave guidance on the scope of jurisdiction clauses.

          Re B Trust (Cayman Islands) - appeared as leading counsel for a protector committee in connection with a proposed distribution and reorganisation of a very substantial trust holding significant positions in a valuable European enterprise.

          HSBC v Tan Poh Lee & Ors (Cayman Islands) – advised the trustee in complex proceedings concerning jurisdiction challenges and conflict of laws issues arising in litigation straddling Cayman and Singapore.

          Crociani (appeals) - leading English counsel for one of the main appellants in large-scale breach of trust litigation in Jersey.

          Barker v Baxendale Walker [2018] 1 W.L.R. 1905 - appeared for appellant in successful appeal (English Court of Appeal) regarding professional negligence claims in relation to a defective employee benefit trust tax scheme.

          Hagen v Hagen - appeared as leading Chancery counsel for the respondent in this substantial and much- publicized divorce involving the family behind Viking River Cruises (settled confidentially).

          AAZ v BBZ [2017] W.T.L.R. 765 (Akhmedova v Akhmedov)— appeared as Chancery counsel for applicant. Largest financial remedy award on divorce in English history (£453m). Case involved Bermuda trust, Manx and Panamanian companies.

          Wooldridge v Wooldridge (2016) [2021] WTLR 755— among largest Inheritance Act cases to come to trial in England. Represented a successful defendant at trial. In a separate reported judgment ([2016] 3 Costs LO 531; [2021] WTLR 777) client awarded costs on the indemnity basis.

          High Commissioner for Pakistan v National Westminster Bank & Ors [2015] EWHC 3052 (Ch). Case concerning ownership of disputed fund frozen in a London bank since 1948.

      • Expertise Shortlist Civil Fraud

          DUK v UGX BVIHPB 2024/0170 (10 July 2025)  - appeared for the successful parties in proceedings to have a BVI worldwide freezing order and proprietary injunction discharged and an application for permission to bring a derivative claim making various serious allegations struck out on grounds of lack of standing.   

          Volpi v Volpi –substantial international arbitration regarding alleged misapplications of trust property

          St John's Trust Company (Pvt) Ltd v Tamine [2018] EWHC 3629 (Ch) – appeared as leading counsel for the corporate applicant in successful injunction proceedings in London against a former director which sought to freeze property subject to proprietary claims and the summary delivery up of documents.

          Akhmedova v Akhmedov [2018] EWFC 23 - appeared as leading counsel for judgment creditor on enforcement application, regarding ownership of a superyacht allegedly worth $487m, where court pierced corporate veil of a Liechtenstein anstalt, set aside a number of dispositions under s. 423 of Insolvency Act 1986 and extended a worldwide freezing order.

          Kerman v Akhmedova [2018] 4 W.L.R. 52 - appeared in Court of Appeal with Hodge Malek KC in case regarding

          witness summons of a solicitor ordered to give evidence on whereabouts of client's assets (following a failed assertion of privilege). Case considered fraud exception and scope of LPP.

          Officeserve Technologies Ltd (In Liquidation) v Anthony-Mike [2017] B.C.C. 574 - represented former Executive Chairman of a failed tech company accused of misapplying corporate funds for his own benefit.

          UL v BK [2013] EWHC 1735 - key case on freezing injunction principles and without notice applications.

          CR v MZ & Ors [2013] EWHC 295 sham trust/forgery case relating to the ownership of a substantial London property and its holding company. Appeared for the successful claimant. Claimant won with indemnity costs.

          Bagus Investments Limited v Kastening [2012] W.T.L.R. 1675 (Jersey). Rejection of an attempt to introduce into asset tracing proceedings, arising from a criminal fraud, a claim in knowing receipt (rejected on grounds of limitation and a failure properly to plead the relevant cause of action). English counsel for successful respondent.

      • Expertise Shortlist Professional Negligence

          Barker v Baxendale Walker [2018] 1 W.L.R. 1905 - appeared for appellant in successful appeal (English Court of Appeal) regarding professional negligence claims in relation to a defective employee benefit trust tax scheme.

          Liberation Management v Rothschild — leading English counsel for corporate trustee in alleged investment management negligence claim in Guernsey (settled confidentially).

          First Names v Zedra - leading English counsel for corporate trustee in alleged investment management negligence claim in Jersey (settled confidentially).

          Rothschild Trust Guernsey Limited v Novatrust Limited - advised Rothschild in a substantial trustee investment negligence case in the Royal Court of Jersey (settled confidentially).

      • Expertise Shortlist Commercial Litigation

          DUK v UGX BVIHPB 2024/0170 (10 July 2025)  - appeared for the successful parties in proceedings to have a BVI worldwide freezing order and proprietary injunction discharged and an application for permission to bring a derivative claim making various serious allegations struck out on grounds of lack of standing.  

          Volpi v Volpi –substantial international arbitration regarding alleged misapplications of trust property

          Wong & Anr v Grand View Private Trust Company & Ors [2022] Bda LR 59– appeared in the 80-day trial of claims impugning the validity of five very valuable Bermudian purpose trusts (whose appeals were heard in 2025), and successfully in the Privy Council (22 ITELR 190) in connected proceedings.

          Akhemdova v Akhmedov [2018] EWFC 23 - appeared as leading counsel for judgment creditor on enforcement application, regarding ownership of a superyacht allegedly worth $487m, where court pierced corporate veil of a Liechtenstein anstalt, set aside a number of dispositions under s. 423 of Insolvency Act 1986 and extended a worldwide freezing order.

          LWR Nominees v Aziz (24/11/2017 Gibraltar) - successful application for a stay of a claim for a declaration of non- enforceability in Gibraltar of future judgments in English proceedings. Appeared as leading counsel alongside Prof Jonathan Harris KC (Hon.) (general editor of Dicey & Morris).

          Officeserve Technologies Ltd (In Liquidation) v Anthony-Mike [2017] B.C.C. 574 - represented former Executive Chairman of a failed tech company accused of misapplying corporate funds for his own benefit. Case turned in part on construction of a commercial settlement agreement.

          Liberation Management v Rothschild — leading English counsel for subsidiary of a major bank in alleged investment management negligence claim in Guernsey (settled confidentially).

          First Names v Zedra - leading English counsel for former subsidiary of major bank in alleged investment management negligence claim in Jersey (settled confidentially).

          Rothschild Trust Guernsey Limited v Novatrust Limited - advised subsidiary of a major bank in a substantial trustee investment negligence case in the Royal Court of Jersey (settled confidentially).

      • International and Offshore
      • Chancery
      • Matrimonial Finance: Trusts and Company law
    • Recommendations

        Private Client Global Elite Directory

        Top Recommended Contentious Trust Lawyers - Offshore and Trusts (Spears 500, 2025)

        Chancery: Commercial; Chancery: Traditional; Trusts; Offshore; Family/Matrimonial: Trust Tax (Chambers UK)

        Chancery: Traditional (Chambers HNW)

        Private Wealth and Probate; Civil Fraud; Offshore: Trusts and Private Wealth (Legal 500)

        Dispute Resolution: Commercial Chancery, Offshore, Private Wealth: Trusts (Chambers Global)

        Private Client (Who's Who Legal)

        Chambers & Partners: UK Bar 100 2014

        Future Stars of the Bar 2008, The Times (online)

    • What the directories say

        "Dakis has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law and works exceptionally well with offshore lawyers in London." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis Hagen is just incredibly knowledgeable on the trusts side of things." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis is excellent: he thoroughly understands the law, but is tactically flexible and pragmatic with it." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis Hagen is a perfect combination of being a pleasure to deal with and strong both on his feet and on paper." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis Hagen is phenomenally hard-working, remarkably thorough and enthusiastic about the area. He is a very skilled advocate and applied individual." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "He is pre-eminent. His reputation precedes him. Dakis is phenomenally bright but so pragmatic. He is really nice to work with and responsive as well." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis is probably one of the best, strongest all-rounders you will find. He is such a charming and effective advocate but with unbelievable intellectual power which he wears quite lightly." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis Hagen is a joy to behold." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis is fabulous and a go-to for trust and family matters. He has a brain the size of a planet - he sees round corners and always has a solution." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis remains our first choice for complex commercial chancery work." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis is first-class." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis is excellent. He thoroughly understands the law, he's pragmatic and he's tactically flexible." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis is such a charming and effective advocate, and has unbelievable intellectual power which he wears quite lightly. He's able to lead judges through analysis like others really can’t." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "A measured and considered barrister, who has a wonderful manner with clients and is a delight to work with." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis' command of case law is unparalleled. He knows all the authorities backwards and judges really listen to him. When he speaks he carries a lot of weight, as he has a thorough command of the area." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        "Dakis is very thoughtful about cases and analyses them well. He always gives clear advice." (Chambers & Partners, 2026)

        “Incredibly bright and knowledgeable. Masterful and captivating as an oral advocate.” (Legal 500, 2025)

        "Dakis is phenomenally hard-working, remarkably thorough and enthusiastic about the area. He is a very skilled advocate." (Chambers & Partners HNW, 2025)

        "Dakis Hagen is probably one of the best, strongest all-rounders you will find. Such a charming and effective advocate but with unbelievable intellectual power." (Chambers & Partners HNW, 2025)

        "He is pre-eminent, his reputation precedes him. He is phenomenally bright but so pragmatic. He is really nice to work with and responsive as well." (Chambers & Partners HNW, 2025)

        "Dakis Hagen KC is exceptional." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "I don't know anyone that knows more law than him." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "Dakis is a pleasure to work with. He is a team player with a first-class mind and encyclopedic

        knowledge." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "Dakis is one of the brightest stars. He is hard-working, enthusiastic and easy to work with." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "He is just a fascinating, hard-working and brilliant lawyer. You just sit and listen to him and enjoy the way he phrases his submissions. Judges adore him." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "Dakis is brilliant. He is intellectually excellent on the black letter law and his oral advocacy is engaging." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "Dakis is an incredibly strong advocate who handles the courtroom and clients with the same high degree of skill and grace." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "He is very good. Very formidable as an advocate, he's very sharp in his thinking and also a pleasure to work with." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "What stands out about him is his towering intellect and brilliant advocacy. He's a devastatingly effective advocate, who's across the detail in a way that takes your breath away." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "He's unrivalled in this area in terms of his knowledge of onshore trust litigation." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "He quickly gets to the nub of the most technical of issues, whilst ensuring that he communicates them in a way that is easily digestible. He's empathetic with clients and brilliant to work with." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "He is the perfect trifecta – he's excellent on his feet, highly technical in his advice, and really responsive and user- friendly." (Chambers & Partners, 2025)

        "Dakis is an excellent advocate, incredibly bright and articulate. He can simplify the most complex of cases, always one step ahead. He is a go-to trust barrister." (Legal 500, 2025)

        "What stands out about him is his towering intellect and brilliant advocacy. He's a devastatingly effective advocate. He's across the detail in a way that takes your breath away." (Chambers & Partners HNW, 2024)

        "He's unrivalled in this area in his knowledge of onshore trust litigation." (Chambers & Partners HNW, 2024)

        "He quickly gets to the nub of the most technical of issues while ensuring that he communicates them in a way that is easily digestible. He's empathetic with clients and brilliant to work with." (Chambers & Partners HNW, 2024)

        "Dakis Hagen KC is an exceptionally well-respected silk who is regularly instructed in the largest and most complex matters, particularly those with international or matrimonial finance aspects." (Chambers & Partners, 2024)

        "He's extremely pleasant to work with and clients love him." (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2024)

        "Absolutely brilliant and extremely well respected. Everyone wants to instruct him." (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2024)

        "Dakis is a standout intellect whose advocacy skills are way beyong his years. He is an incredibly thoughtful, cultured, interesting and entertaining advocate. You can see judges eating out of his hands. A delightful man, who's very expressive and thoughtful, he comes up with some of the most remarkable arguments." (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2024)

        "Dakis is extraordinarily fantastic. He ticks every box and is marvellous with clients." (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2024)

        “The consummate advocate. He is excellent with clients” (Legal 500, 2023)

        “One of those rare KCs at the London Bar who is approachable, a pleasure to deal with and responsive, whilst also being technically the best there is. His advocacy is a true delight to listen to, he is not afraid to think outside the box in the interests of the client and to find a commercial solution” (Legal 500, 2023)

        "The best trust litigator in London." "He's exceptionally bright but also very hardworking. Unlike with some other siks, when you instruct Dakis you get his full attention and you know he'll give the case his all." (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2023)

        “A standout intellect whose advocacy skills are way beyond his years” – Chambers UK 2023

        "He's extremely pleasant to work with and clients love him" – Chambers UK 2023

        “An eminent offshore silk” – Chambers UK 2023

        “A great advocate, who's highly responsive and great at the paperwork” – Chambers UK 2023

        “An incredibly persuasive advocate” – Chambers UK 2023

        "Dakis possesses the most remarkable flair and his intelligence is simply unrivalled”; "He brings his cases together in the most compelling and masterful ways" – Chambers High Net Worth 2022

        “Brilliantly intelligent, very personable and also a superb advocate who is very agile in his thinking”. – Chambers Bar UK 2022

        “beautifully persuasive on his feet and remains calm under pressure” – Chambers Bar UK 2022

        “A superb practitioner” – Legal 500 2022

        "He's a phenomenal silk, he's such a bright and able and hard-working character, and incredibly knowledgeable and articulate." Chambers High Net Worth 2021

        "He is absolutely outstanding, in a class of his own, technically unparalleled. From a strategic point of view, the ultimate planner." Chambers High Net Worth 2021

        A "go-to QC for trusts disputes." Chambers High Net Worth 2021

        "Just fantastic to work with - he's highly responsive, clear, and an amazing advocate."- Chambers UK 2021

        "He is brilliant at tailoring his approach to the offshore courts - he really knows how to deal with each jurisdiction individually." – Chambers UK 2021

        "Excellent to work with: approachable, responsive and always adds value to the case." – Chambers UK 2021 "Delightful and hugely capable young silk – brilliant with clients and very hard working” – Legal 500 2021

        "just fantastic to work with - highly responsive, clear, and an amazing advocate," Chambers High Net Worth 2020

        "friendly, bright and good with clients" Chambers High Net Worth 2020

        "he is one of the finest barristers I've ever come across - he understands and empathises with clients." Chambers High Net Worth 2020

        “You don't always get the combination of technical legal knowledge and excellent oral advocacy, but he has both. He is wonderful to watch, an excellent oral advocate who completely charmed, amused and entertained the judge.

         

    • Client Testimonials

        "Serle Court is a market leader and a go-to set for contentious trust and offshore work. Over the years, we have worked with a number of different silks and juniors on both litigation and arbitration matters, often with a cross jurisdiction aspect. This has included Alan Boyle KC, Dominic Dowley KC, John Machell KC, Richard Wilson KC, Dakis Hagen KC, Sophie Holcombe, and Oliver Jones. The quality of their work has been consistently excellent, and their commercial nous and practical advice certainly sets them out from the pack. Head Clerk, Steve Whitaker, runs a tight ship and is always a pleasure to deal with."

        Jeremy Kosky and Maxine Mossman (Clifford Chance LLP)

    • Publications

        'No, the Norway option won't turn Britain into a vassal state' (March 2019) CityAm

        Void vetoes and judicial discretions: recent developments in the law of disclosure in private trust administration (J.I.T.T.C.P. 2015, 22(1), 5-12)

        What's past is prologue or is it? Re the Representation of BB and its consequences (T.&T. 2013, 19(5), 469-474)

        Judiciously encouraging: the advantages, disadvantages and scope of the Thomas principle (Trusts & Trustees, 17(9): 840-845)

        Former editor of the Practical Law Company's online guide to the rule in Re Hastings-Bass

        The unruly rule in Re: Hastings-Bass: are the limits still unclear? (Trusts & Trustees 2007 13(7): 238-241)

    News & Events

    • News

      Richard Wilson KC and Dakis Hagen KC featured among Spear’s Magazine ‘the best tax and trust barristers in 2025’

      Serle Court is proud to announce that Richard Wilson KC and Dakis Hagen KC have been featured among... Read More

      News

      Serle Court Achieves Outstanding Results in The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026

      We are delighted to announce another year of outstanding rankings and testimonials in The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026. Serle Court has... Read More

    • Events Hub

      Serle Court Client Party 2025

      Location:
      Read More

      Events

      Trust & Estates Litigation Forum 2025

      Location: La Mamounia, Marrakesh, Morocco
      Read More

    View all news & events

    • "Dakis is excellent. He thoroughly understands the law, he's pragmatic and he's tactically flexible."

      Chambers & Partners, 2026

    • “He is pre-eminent. His reputation precedes him. Dakis is phenomenally bright but so pragmatic. He is really nice to work with and responsive as well.”

      Chambers & Partners, 2026

    Education & Qualifications

    MA (double first) - Peterhouse, Cambridge

    University GDL - City University

    Lord Mansfield, Lord Bowen and Hardwicke Scholar - Lincoln’s Inn

    Memberships

    Chancery Bar Association

    Commercial bar Association

    Languages

    French (good working knowledge)

    BSB Registration

    Dakis Steven Hagen

    VAT Number

    821059847

    Awards

    City Wealth Magic Circle Awards

    Barrister of the Year Gold Award

    Chambers UK

    Junior of the Year: Chancery

    News & Events

    • News

      Richard Wilson KC and Dakis Hagen KC featured among Spear’s Magazine ‘the best tax and trust barristers in 2025’

      Serle Court is proud to announce that Richard Wilson KC and Dakis Hagen KC have been featured among... Read More

      News

      Serle Court Achieves Outstanding Results in The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026

      We are delighted to announce another year of outstanding rankings and testimonials in The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026. Serle Court has... Read More

    • Events Hub

      Serle Court Client Party 2025

      Location: Read More

      Events

      Trust & Estates Litigation Forum 2025

      Location: La Mamounia, Marrakesh, Morocco Read More

    View all related news & events