I offer expertise in commercial and general civil with a particular focus on commercial contracts, insolvency, bankruptcy, company disputes, property matters, debt recovery and enforcement proceedings.
My approach
I am very thorough and well organised, putting in the hard working for my clients. I will always put in the hours when needed.
I am prepared to travel to my clients, although I would charge the costs of travel.
My work
The work that I carry out is wide ranging, but I have specialised in general commercial litigation including, but not limited to:- contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, directors disqualification, insolvency and bankruptcy matters, debt recovery, and contentious insurance actions.
Other areas of work that I have covered recently includes promissory estoppel, consumer law, personal immigration, professional negligence, regulatory work, landlord and tenant, employment matters and general civil law claims. I have defended actions as well as acting for the claimants.
For example, relief from sanction hearings that have extended the time for pursue particular matters. An appeal for a legal argument to decide on licence to occupy versus license. A trial running a defence of proprietary estoppel. Hearings at the Companies Court defending HMRC’s winding up claim.
About me
I have been a barrister for more than 10 years and prior to joining chambers; I worked as an employed barrister and developed my practice in all aspects of professional liability, corporate insurance, restructuring schemes of arrangements of high value and financial services law. I have recently advised on local matters such as family law (divorce issues) and personal immigration.
I lecture at seminars on company law and international contract matters, contract law and corporate finance & acquisitions. I have also taught Legal Principles for Maritime Education & Training Ltd (METL).
My personal interests include cooking, music, theatre and opera. I enjoy reading and I am a member of a book club. I am also a foundation governor of a college.
What my clients say
"We would not have been able to win this case had it not been for the additional evidence that Sandy asked us to obtain in order to support our claim.
Sandy was always very good at explaining the legal issues to us in a user friendly way.
We really appreciated how she explained our chances of success, so as to manage our expectations.
It was hard to settle, but we knew that it was the best possible outcome."
"Hello David,
Hope you are doing great!! Just writing to say thank you for all your help and support throughout the period in which my case was going on in the court. When I spoke to you for the first time about my case, I was in a despondent and desperate position but you gave me so much hope and confidence that to proceed with the case.
I did not even trust my solicitor at that time, but I trusted what you were saying to me because you explained the legal process that we had to go through and arranged for me to talk to counsel Dr Joseph who was very calming and sincere with her analysis and opinion of my chances at success in the court.
It was easier for me to talk to you and discuss any issues that arose during the process and I just want to say a big thank you for listening to me as often as I called and for all that you did for me and I appreciate you. I will certainly be recommending your service and Dr Sandy to anyone that I know because I think that you both form a great and wining team for any legal battle. Thank you.
Regards,
Stella-Maris Lloyd"
"Dr Sandy Joseph-Urquhart has made the Direct Access Barrister process very easy to navigate. It seemed a little daunting before I started, but Dr Joseph has been a delight to talk to and has clearly explained everything I need to know and do.
I very much appreciate the fact that she has obviously worked hard to find solutions to any obstacles I’ve faced in dealing with my complex case."
"We have reached settlement.... Would like to say a huge thank you and Sandy for all your help, professionalism and support in getting it to this place"
Professional & academic
I was called to the Bar in 1998. I was educated in London PhD and LLB (Hons) and I did my masters M.Phil.(Cantab) at Cambridge University. I am a member of the South Eastern Circuit, the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple and a supporting Member of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA).
- Cambridgeshire
- Kent
- London