Louis Doyle

Practice:

Commercial chancery with a particular emphasis on;

insolvency
company law
shareholder
financial disputes

Profile:

Louis’ practice encompasses all aspects of bankruptcy, liquidations, administrations, voluntary arrangements, corporate restructuring, informal workouts, receiverships, schemes of arrangement and related litigation. His practice also encompasses contractual and commercial disputes, company law (including capital reconstructions, shareholder disputes, s459 petitions, directors duties and director disqualification), injunctions, interim and equitable remedies (including freezing and search orders), banking law (including guarantees and security) and partnerships. He also has experience in professional negligence work relating to the above, disciplinary tribunal work on behalf of insolvency practitioners, regulatory appeal within his practice area and Treasury work.

He is the author of three books in his field of practice, a member of the Advisory Editorial Board of Insolvency Intelligence and a very experienced and regular speaker to professional audiences.

Co-author (with Professor Andrew Keay) of “Insolvency Legislation: Annotations and Commentary” (2^nd edn, 2007, Jordans)

Significant Reported Cases:

Kingsley IT Consulting Ltd v McIntosh [2006] All ER (D) 237 (directors’ duties; secret profits; quantification of director’s liability to account to complainant company)

Smurthwaite v Simpson-Smith [2006] All ER (D) 368 (IVA; meaning of “reputed wife”; treatment of creditor by chairman; setting aside of arrangement; personal costs liability of office-holder)

Stanley J Holmes & Sons Ltd v Davenham Trust plc [2006] All ER (D) 110 (administration; proper basis for valuation of third party hp goods on application for sale by administrators under Schedule B!, para 71)

Re Ultramotorhomes International Limited [2006} All ER (D) 227 (EC Regulation; applicable law; proper construction of CVA; delivery up of arrangement assets)

Rio Properties Inc v Amer Mouaffac AI Midani [2003] BPIR 128 (bankruptcy; whether $2.8m gaming debt incurred in US capable of founding English bankruptcy petition)

Commissioners of Customs & Excise v Allen [2003] The Times, 20 March (disputed block transfer orders)

Doyle v Saville [2002] BPIR 947 (successful appeal against findings of transactions-at-undervalue and preferences)

Ord v Upton [2000] 2 WLR 755, CA (bankruptcy; vesting of personal injury claim)

Re Salmet International Ltd (in administration) [2001] BCC 796 (ranking of office-holder’s remuneration as expense in administration where shortfall)

Industrial Diseases Compensation Ltd v Marrons [2001] BPIR 601 (charging orders; setting aside; CPR r.40.9)

Harris v Gross [2001] BPIR 586 (IVAs; standing of supervisor to petition after expiration of fixed term arrangements)

Re Julie O Sullivan [2001] BPIR 534 (jurisdiction of court to interfere with nominee’s fee as fixed by creditors)

Fuller v Cyracuse [2001] 1 BCLC 187 (striking out just and equitable winding-up in the face of complex offer to buy-out petitioner)

Cork v Rawlins [2001] 3 WLR 300, CA (bankruptcy; vesting of contractual claim)

Lombard North Central plc v Brook [1999] BPIR 710 (CVA; liquidated damages/penalty clause; treatment of creditor for voting purposes

Recommendations:

Chambers UK 2008:
Louis Doyle has "a growing profile in the area" and is best known as an insolvency expert, although this part of his practice feeds into more "classic" company and chancery areas.

Louis Doyle has been ranked as a leading junior variously in corporate recovery/insolvency, chancery and commercial litigation in Chambers guide to the legal profession and in the Legal 500 since 1999. Those recommending him suggest:

"His intellectual capability makes him a match for any London barrister"

"Great on his feet, a good supply of experience and advice, a direct and straightforward approach, and clients love him"

"Well read, well informed and very thorough in court"

"Widely regarded as sensible and client friendly with a winning combination of ability and common sense"
"The extremely busy ex-solicitor receives much positive peer comment"

"Great technical brain"

"A safe pair of hands"

Legal 500 2007:
"is extraordinarily bright but clear and direct too"

Memberships:

Insolvency Lawyers Association
R3
Chancery Bar Association
Northern Chancery Bar Association
Professional Negligence Bar Association
North Eastern Circuit

Panels:

Provincial Panel, Treasury Counsel (Civil Litigation) (Appointed 2000, re-appointed 2003)