Justin Higgo KC

: Email Justin
: +44 (0)20 7242 6105
: Contact Practice Managers
: vCard
: Download CV
: Shortlist

Justin Higgo KC is recognised as a leading silk and experienced trial advocate with a broad commercial chancery practice. He has substantial expertise in litigating and arbitrating domestic and international commercial disputes, commercial fraud disputes, domestic and international shareholder disputes, and domestic and offshore trust disputes.

He has been involved in many large-scale, long running and high-profile proceedings including the Jahre Trust disputes, the Fiona Trust litigation, the BTA Bank litigation, Aeroflot v Berezovsky, Bank of St. Petersburg v Arkhangelsky, Glenn v Watson, Berkely Square v Lancer, and the Trafalgar Multi-Asset Fund litigation.

His recent work has included acting for and advising major multinational firms, UK and international companies and individuals based in various jurisdictions in a wide range of legal disputes, and currently involves ongoing claims in the Chancery Division, the BVI Commercial Court, the Royal Courts of Jersey and Guernsey and a substantial LCIA arbitration.

His practice predominantly comprises international and domestic fraud litigation, jurisdiction disputes, commercial arbitration, trust and private client disputes (domestic and offshore), breach of fiduciary duty claims, shareholder disputes, professional negligence, and contractual claims predominantly in the commercial context.

Justin has considerable international experience and has acted and is acting in disputes in various offshore jurisdictions, including Jersey, Guernsey, the BVI, Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands.

Areas of Expertise

Civil Fraud

Justin has extensive experience in litigating and advising on all aspects of commercial fraud, including the grant and maintenance of pre-emptive remedies. He has acted in numerous international cases involving jurisdictional and foreign law issues.

Recent Cases

Glenn & Anor v Walker & Anor [2025] EWHC 1286 (Ch); [2025] EWHC 2747 (Ch) (Indemnity Costs) – Acting for the successful defendants in unlawful means conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty claim following the break-down of a relationship between shareholders in companies involved in a green energy joint venture with a private equity funder
Green v CT Group [2024] 2 All ER (Comm) 342 – Norwich Pharmacal proceedings for disclosure of identity of source of forged banking documents obtained by private investigation company for purposes of harming the interests of the applicant in ongoing proceedings in Jersey and Guernsey
Yuntian Leasing Designated Company v Dream Aircraft & Anor (2024) – Acting for Guernsey company to discharge charging order obtained over substantial central London property to enforce guarantor liability based on alleged constructive trust, agency relationship, alternatively under s.423 of the Insolvency Act 1986. Settled before trial 2024
Equity Real Estate v Patel & Ors (2024) – Acting for ultimately successful claimants in multi-party fraud and unlawful means conspiracy claim against directors of SPV property development companies and third-party beneficiaries of misappropriated investment funds.
Trafalgar Multi-Asset Fund v Hadley & Ors [2023] EWCA 1184 (Ch) – Acting for the successful claimant in trial of multi-party bribery, unlawful means conspiracy and professional negligence claims arising out of the misappropriation of pension investments from a Cayman segregated portfolio company
Harrington & Charles & Ors v Mehta & Ors [2022] EWHC 2690 – Acting for third defendant to US$1 billion claim arising from alleged misappropriation of bullion and precious metal facilities granted to Indian public company claimed to have been laundered through multiple companies in multiple jurisdictions.
Trafalgar Multi-Asset Fund v Hadley & Ors [2022] EWCA 2960 (Ch) – Acting for the successful appellant on claims for summary judgment for bribery.
Kea Investments v Watson [2022] 4 WLR 14 (Ch) – Acting for successful judgment creditor on application for indemnity costs of successful committal proceedings for breaches of post judgement freezing order.
UOB v Unique CIC & Anor (2022) – Acting for joint venturer in claims to set aside joint venture agreement on the grounds of payment of secret commissions and to recover loss as a consequence of rescission. Compromised pre-issue.
Berkeley Square Holdings v Lancer Property Asset Management [2021] EWHC 849 (Ch) – Acting for claimant in proceedings to set aside a settlement agreement on the grounds of bribery of the claimant companies’ principal agent. Settled shortly before trial.
Orrick v Abdallah Saad Al-Sareeh Trading Est (2021) – Acting for defendant in proceedings to discharge a freezing injunction obtained in aid of enforcement of an SCAI arbitral award, including on grounds of jurisdiction. Freezing Order discharged by consent.
Kea Investments v Watson [2020] EWHC 2599; [2020] EWH 2769 – Acting for successful judgment creditor in committal proceedings for breaches of post judgement freezing order.
Jakob v Mazur & Ors (2019) – Acting for claimant to set aside transfers of shares in property owning companies under s.423 of the Insolvency Act 1986 ancillary to claim in Cyprus for damages for loss caused to joint venture in Ukraine and Russia. Case settled during hearing.
Schlossberg v Elm International Limited – (2019) – Acting for BVI company to set aside proprietary injunction over shares in claim to trace assets to enforce Avonwick fraud judgment and to challenge jurisdiction. Case settled after service of defence.
Maroil Trading Inc.& Ors v Cally Shipholdings & Ors [2019] EWHC 1912 – Acting for defendants in claim for damages alleged to have been caused by the grant of freezing injunctions against the claimant companies, including on successful application for security for costs
Sir Owen Glenn & Anor v Watson & Ors [2018] EWHC 2016 (Ch) – Acting for successful claimants in claims to set aside shareholders agreement and recover substantial investment in real property investment business on the grounds of deceit, bribery and for want of authority.
SCF Tankers v Privalov [2018] 1 WLR 5623 – Acting for claimants in proceedings for damages under the cross-undertaking following the claimants’ pursuit of certain fraud claims on which they were unsuccessful at trial.
Barker v Winter [2018] EWHC 3669 (Comm) – Acting for successful claimant to recover damages for deceit from former partner.

Commercial Litigation

Commercial litigation and dispute resolution forms a substantial part of Justin’s court and advisory practice. His recent practice includes multiple successful trials and resolutions before trial.

Recent Cases

Trafalgar Multi Asset Trading Company v D&A Nominees (2025) – Acting for claimant assignee of property special purpose vehicle to recover losses caused as a consequence of breach of duty by professional directors. Settled on first day of trial.
Glenn & Anor v Walker & Anor [2025] EWHC 1286 (Ch); [2025] EWHC 2747 (Ch) (Indemnity Costs) – Acting for the successful defendants in unlawful means conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty claim following the break-down of a relationship between shareholders in companies involved in a green energy joint venture with a private equity funder.
Qatar Investment and Projects Development Holding CP WLL v Elanus Holding Limited [2024] 11 WLUK 87 – Acting for Sheikh Hamad bin Saoud Al Thani in proceedings to compel the sale of an internationally renowned diamond, and related proceedings for breach of warranty of authority. Claim successfully defended at trial [2025] EWHC 303 (Comm)) and breach of warranty of authority proceedings discontinued.
Kulkarni v Gwent Holdings & Ors – [2024] EWHC 1357; [2025] EWCA Civ 1206 – Acting at first instance and for part of appeal for successful defendant to claim for compulsory acquisition of shares held in UK private hospital following repudiatory breaches of shareholders’ agreement.
Yuntian Leasing Designated Company v Dream Aircraft & Anor (2024) – Acting for Guernsey company to resist enforcement of guarantee. Settled before trial 2024
Equity Real Estate v Patel & Ors (2024) – Acting for ultimately successful claimants in multi-party fraud and unlawful means conspiracy claim against directors of SPV property development companies and third-party beneficiaries of misappropriated investment funds.
Trafalgar Multi-Asset Fund v Hadley & Ors [2023] EWCA 1184 (Ch) – Acting for the successful claimant in trial of multi-party bribery, unlawful means conspiracy and professional negligence claims arising out of the misappropriation of pension investments from a Cayman segregated portfolio company
Harrington & Charles & Ors v Mehta & Ors [2022] EWHC 2690 – Acting for third defendant to US$1 billion claim arising from alleged misappropriation of bullion and precious metal facilities granted to Indian public company claimed to have been laundered through multiple companies in multiple jurisdictions.
Trafalgar Multi-Asset Fund v Hadley & Ors [2022] EWCA 2960 (Ch) – Acting for the successful appellant on claims for summary judgment for bribery.
Kea Investments v Watson [2022] 4 WLR 14 (Ch) – Acting for successful judgment creditor on application for indemnity costs of successful committal proceedings for breaches of post judgement freezing order.
UOB v Unique CIC & Anor (2022) – Acting for joint venturer in claims to set aside joint venture agreement on the grounds of payment of secret commissions and to recover loss as a consequence of rescission. Compromised pre-issue.
Berkeley Square Holdings v Lancer Property Asset Management [2021] EWHC 849 (Ch) – Acting in proceedings to set aside a settlement agreement on the grounds of bribery of the claimant companies’ principal agent. Settled shortly before trial.
REBTL v Ingram-Hill (2021) – Acting for defendant in claim for breach of breach of non-disclosure clause in settlement agreement. Compromised following close of pleadings.
Orrick v Abdallah Saad Al-Sareeh Trading Est (2021) – Acting for defendant in proceedings to resist enforcement of an SCAI arbitral award, including on grounds of jurisdiction. Freezing Order discharged by consent.
Kea Investments v Watson [2020] EWHC 2599; [2020] EWH 2769 – Acting for successful judgment creditor in successful committal proceedings for breaches of post judgement freezing order
Munkenbeck v Vinyl Factory Ltd [2019] EWHC 3225 (TCC) – Acting for successful defendant to claim by architect for fees on basis of authorised contractual variation or on the grounds of unjust enrichment.
Jakob v Mazur & Ors (2019) – Acting for claimant to set aside transfers of shares in property owning companies under s.423 of the Insolvency Act 1986 ancillary to claim in Cyprus for damages for loss caused to joint venture in Ukraine and Russia. Case settled during hearing.
Schlossberg v Elm International Limited (2019) – Acting for BVI company to set aside proprietary injunction over shares in claim to trace assets to enforce Avonwick fraud judgment and to challenge jurisdiction. Case settled after service of defence.
Maroil Trading Inc. v Cally Shipholdings [2019] EWHC 1912 – Acting for defendants in claim for damages alleged to have been caused by the grant of freezing injunctions against the claimants companies, including on successful application for security for costs
Mayr & Anor v CMS Cameron McKenna [2018] EWHC 3669 (Comm) – Acting for second claimant in substantial proceedings for breach of fiduciary duty and professional negligence in relation to private equity investment in Turkish healthcare companies. Settled during trial in 2019.
Sir Owen Glenn & Anor v Watson & Ors [2018] EWHC 2016 (Ch) – Acting for successful claimants in claims to set aside shareholders agreement and recover substantial investment in real property investment business on the grounds of deceit, bribery and for want of authority.
SCF Tankers v Privalov [2018] 1 WLR 5623 – Acting for claimants in proceedings for damages under the cross-undertaking following the claimants’ pursuit of certain fraud claims on which they were unsuccessful at trial.
Barker v Winter [2018] EWHC 3669 (Comm) – Acting for successful claimant to recover damages for deceit from former partner.

Trusts & Probate

Justin has acted in and advised in relation to many offshore and domestic trust and traditional chancery disputes, including wills and probate.

Recent Cases

Stewart v Suntera & Ors (ongoing) – Acting for family beneficiaries in proceedings to challenge the restructuring of substantial Guernsey trusts on the grounds of improper purpose, failure to take into account all relevant considerations and irrationality.
Re the Valentine Trust (ongoing) – Acting for settlor in claim for declaration that a power of revocation of a Guernsey trust was validly exercised giving rise to multiple undecided issues in Guernsey law including the enforceability of an alleged contractual fetter on a power of revocation and the applicability of the Guernsey firewall provisions.
Re the D Settlement (ongoing) – Acting for excluded beneficiaries challenging the exercise by the trustee of a power to exclude beneficiaries of a Jersey Trust.
Helen Stewart v Oak Trust (Guernsey) Limited [2025] GCA 102 – Construction proceedings relating to the scope of a power of appointment, and the power of a Third-Party Consent Holder in grantor trust.
Dorset v Triantafyllidis [2024] EWHC 1583 (Ch) – Acting for successful trustee in claim to indemnity for costs of defending an application for summary judgment seeking mandatory transfer of trust property to the claimant beneficiary.
Re the M Trusts (2024) – Guernsey Court of Appeal claim for disclosure of documents by one beneficiary against another under s.69 of the Trusts (Guernsey) Law 2007 in context of Public Trustee v Cooper application.
Patra v Patra (2023) – Acting for defendant trustee and managing director of trust’s principal asset in proceedings to remove claimants as trustees of family trust, and resist removal as trustee. Settled before trial.
Re the J Trusts (2023) – Acting for next friend of minor beneficiaries in substantial reorganization of BVI trusts in context of Public Trustee v Cooper application.
Re the A trust (2022) – Acting for adult beneficiaries of substantial Jersey Trusts in contested Public Trustee v Cooper proceedings settled shortly before trial.
Molard International (OTC) Limited v Rusnano [2019] GCA077 – Assisting respondent to appeal in relation to correct interpretation of s. 53 of the Trusts (Guernsey) Law 2007.
Roadchef (Employee Benefit Trusts) Ltd v Hill [2015] 1 P. & C.R. DG 15 – Acting for judgment debtor in the settlement of a claim for breach of fiduciary duty; settlement agreement approved by the court in a confidential hearing.
Labrouche v Frey & Ors – Proceedings in Chancery Division for breaches of trust arising out of an English Will trust. Acted in CA [2012] EWCA 881; [2012] 1 WLR 3160 on appeal for serious procedural irregularity.
Church Street Trustees Limited v Capita Trustees Limited & Ors – Acting for successor trustees in complex recovery proceedings arising from dishonest breaches of fiduciary duty by former trustee.
Re Nemni (2012) – Jurisdiction to make claims against protector of Guernsey law trust.
Wahr-Hansen v Compass [2007] CILR 55 – Substantial proceedings ($250m +) in the Cayman Islands to recover assets misappropriated from the Estate of a Norwegian national and a charitable trust. Instructed by BAHR, Norway.

Arbitrators

Justin is regularly involved in commercial arbitration proceedings and in Court applications related to arbitration proceedings.

Recent Cases

DD v GG (2026) – An ongoing substantial LCIA arbitration relating to the sale and purchase of a gaming business and entitlement to earn out consideration following forced exit.
Re L Limited (2025) – ACICA arbitration relating to the distribution of funds derived from the compulsory acquisition of mining investments in East Africa.
L v B (2021) – LCIA claim for breach of non-disclosure terms of settlement agreement and misrepresentation. Settled shortly before final hearing.
Orrick v Abdallah Saad Al-Sareeh Trading Est (2021) – Acting for defendant in proceedings to resist enforcement of an SCAI arbitral award, including on grounds of jurisdiction. Freezing Order discharged by consent.
EG v Mazur & Anor (2016) – Acted for successful applicant in LCIA arbitration by private equity funder for liabilities under a ‘see to it’ guarantee having obtained freezing injunction under s.44 of the Arbitration Act 1996 prior to constitution of tribunal.
Aeroflot v Forus Group [2013] EWCA Civ 784 [2013] 2 Lloyds Rep 242 – Application of the correct legal tests under s.9 of the Arbitration Act 1996 in context of arbitration agreements in contracts governed by Swiss law.
M International v K Ltd & DG Ltd (2013) – An LCIA reference in respect of share sale and management agreements relating to a Zimbabwean Gold Mine
IM v AM (2013) – An ad hoc arbitration arising out of a disputed settlement agreement and raising issues on true interpretation of Heads of Terms
Waterway Petroleum v Forsby Management (2012) – Acting for claimant in claim for delivery of oil in Latvia; application made for freezing injunction under s.44 of the Arbitration Act 1996 in support of ad hoc arbitration (with no convened panel)
Cora SA v Casino SA – French arbitral proceedings requiring expert evidence on creation of equitable interest in shares in a private English Company by rights of pre-emption.
Fiona Trust & Holding Company v Privalov & Ors – LMAA arbitration clauses culminating in HL decision on competenz-competenz and scope of arbitrations clauses [2007] UKHL 40.

Company

Shareholder disputes, claims against company directors and internal management disputes have been a regular feature of Justin’s practice and he regularly advises on company law issues.

Recent Cases

Trafalgar Multi Asset Trading Company v D&A Nominees (2025) – Acting for claimant assignee of property special purpose vehicle to recover losses caused as a consequence of breach of duty by professional directors. Settled on first day of trial.
Glenn & Anor v Walker & Anor [2025] EWHC 1286 (Ch); [2025] EWHC 2747 (Ch) (Indemnity Costs) – Acting for the successful defendants in unlawful means conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty claim following the break-down of a relationship between shareholders in companies involved in a green energy joint venture with a private equity funder.
Kulkarni v Gwent Holdings & Ors [2024] EWHC 1357; [2025] EWCA Civ 1206 – Acting at first instance and for part of appeal for successful defendant to claim for compulsory acquisition of shares held in UK private hospital following repudiatory breaches of shareholders’ agreement.
Patra v Patra (2023) – Acting for defendant director of trust’s principal asset in proceedings to remove defendant as trustee of family trust on grounds of breach of fiduciary duty as director. Settled before trial.
Westbrook Dolphin Square Ltd v Friends Provident – Instructed by Maples Teasdale on corporate issues relative to proceedings for the collective enfranchisement of Dolphin Square.
Lexi Holdings Plc v Luqman & Ors – Acting for company administrators against the former officers to recover assets which were misappropriated or transferred in breach of the Companies Act.
Cora SA v Casino SA – French arbitral proceedings requiring expert evidence on creation of equitable interest in shares in a private English Company by rights of pre-emption.

International

Justin regularly advises on and acts in offshore proceedings, in particular in the BVI, and on trust claims in Jersey and Guernsey.

Recent Cases

Stewart v Suntera & Ors (ongoing) – Acting for family beneficiaries in proceedings to challenge the restructuring of substantial Guernsey trusts on the grounds of improper purpose, failure to take into account all relevant considerations and irrationality.
Re the Valentine Trust (ongoing) – Acting for settlor in claim for declaration that a power of revocation of a Guernsey trust was validly exercised giving rise to multiple undecided issues in Guernsey law including the enforceability of an alleged contractual fetter on a power of revocation and the applicability of the Guernsey firewall provisions.
Re the D Settlement (ongoing) – Acting for excluded beneficiaries challenging the exercise by the trustee of a power to exclude beneficiaries of a Jersey Trust.
Helen Stewart v Oak Trust (Guernsey) Limited [2025] GCA 102 – Construction proceedings relating to the scope of a power of appointment, and the power of a Third-Party Consent Holder in grantor trust.
Re the M Trusts (2024) – Guernsey Court of Appeal claim for disclosure of documents by one beneficiary against another under s.69 of the Trusts (Guernsey) Law 2007 in context of Public Trustee v Cooper application.
Re the J Trusts (2023) – Acting for next friend of minor beneficiaries in substantial reorganization of BVI trusts in context of Public Trustee v Cooper application.
Re the A trust (2022) – Acting for adult beneficiaries of substantial Jersey Trusts in contested Public Trustee v Cooper proceedings settled shortly before trial.
Molard International (OTC) Limited v Rusnano [2019] GCA077 – Assisting respondent to appeal in relation to correct interpretation of s. 53 of the Trusts (Guernsey) Law 2007.

Testimonials

“His written submissions are clear and chronological, and guide the judge to the issues at hand. At trial, Justin is both a persuasive and powerful advocate.”

Chambers & Partners 2026

“Justin is a very creative advocate who is very responsive.”

Chambers & Partners 2026

“Justin had the ear of the judge, and the clients really liked him. He's charming, very good at cross-examining, but also a bit of a scrapper who really fights his corner.”

Chambers & Partners 2026

“Justin is very hands-on, prepared to get involved in the detail and very good on strategy.”

Chambers & Partners 2026

View all quotes

Latest

Recent Cases

Re Fifty Asset Management Ltd [2025] EWHC 1286 (Ch)

Justin Higgo KC and Andrew Gurr acted for the successful defendants in Re Fifty Asset Management Ltd, defeating a multi-million pound conspiracy claim following a ten-day trial.

Judgment handed down in High Court case Kulkarni v Gwent Holdings Ltd & Anor [2024] EWHC 1357

Justin Higgo KC and Tom Braithwaite appeared for the successful First Defendant, Gwent Holdings Ltd, in […]

Recent News

: Email Justin
: +44 (0)20 7242 6105
: Contact Practice Managers
: vCard
: Download CV
: Shortlist

For general enquiries and instruction advice, please contact our Practice Management Team:

Call: +44 (0)20 7242 6105
or email: clerks@serlecourt.co.uk

Recommendations

Chancery: Commercial (Chambers UK)
Commercial Dispute Resolution / Commercial Litigation (Chambers UK, The Legal 500 and Chambers Global)
Dispute Resolution [Commercial Chancery] and Dispute Resolution [Commercial] (Chambers Global)
Fraud: Civil (Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers)
Fraud / Asset Recovery (Legal Experts)

Memberships

Chancery Bar Association
Commercial Bar Association
Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association

Education & Qualifications

Dip Law, City University, London
BA (First Class) Christ Church, Oxford

In the Press

Can a repudiatory breach be remedied? UK Contract Law explained, The Lawyer 20 October 2025
Qatari Royal loses lawsuit after bitter fight over 17th century diamond, The Independent 13 February 2025
Lynton Crosby’s CT Group accused of supplying forged records in court disputes, Financial Times, 23 February 2024
Secret Commissions, hidden self-dealing, and what next for Cayman Trafalgar case?, Investment International
Family wanted over $1bn gold and gems scam ‘enjoy expensive London lifestyle’, Evening Standard, 19 July 2022
The QCs who handed Eric Watson his head, Lawfuel NZ 20 October 2020
Divorcee who fell for silver-tongued ‘conman’ who claimed he was a cancer-stricken millionaire sues him for more than £600,000, The Daily Mail, 1 May 2018
CMS faces ‘breach of duty claim’ in investment dispute, The Law Gazette, 17 June 2017

BSB Registration

Justin Beresford Higgo KC

VAT Number

667900801

Areas of Expertise

Civil Fraud

Recent Cases

Commercial Litigation

Recent Cases

Trusts & Probate

Recent Cases

Arbitrators

Recent Cases

Company

Recent Cases

International

Recent Cases

Testimonials

Latest

Recent Cases

Re Fifty Asset Management Ltd [2025] EWHC 1286 (Ch)

Judgment handed down in High Court case Kulkarni v Gwent Holdings Ltd & Anor [2024] EWHC 1357

Recent News

Serle Court achieves outstanding results in The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026

Serle Court Excels in Chambers Global Guide 2025

Who’s Who Legal publishes its rankings for Asset Recovery – England for 2024

Informa Connect 6th Annual Asset Recovery International Conference 2024

Recommendations

Memberships

Education & Qualifications

In the Press

BSB Registration

VAT Number