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Sam is exceptionally bright; he got to grips with an especially complex insolvency matter in short order. His written work is superb - measured but incisive. All in all, a pleasure to work with — he combines a sharp intellect with a collaborative and approachable manner. We would not hesitate to instruct him again. Legal 500 UK Bar 2027
Samuel's technical knowledge is frightening. His written work is brilliant, and he is incredibly accessible. Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2027
Samuel is extremely knowledgeable about insolvency. His ability to provide creative solutions and alternatives is why he is instructed on complex cases. Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2027
Sam is excellent and has an incredible eye for detail, fantastic written work and is impressive on his feet. He is the whole package. Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2026
Samuel is well-prepared, and very good technically and in terms of his knowledge of the law. His drafting of arguments is impressive and he provides exceptional counsel. Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2025
Samuel is extremely efficient, responsive and user-friendly. Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
Restructuring & Insolvency

Examples of Samuel’s recent and current instructions include:

Re Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) Ltd – an application concerning the treatment of client deposits held by Northstar, an insolvent Bermudian investment business. The issues concerned the interrelationship of Bermuda’s Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000, Investment Business Act 2003, and the Investment Business (Client Money) Regulations 2004. Samuel assisted David Chivers KC, who appeared on behalf of the United Nations Federal Credit Union.

Re Petrofac Ltd [2025] EWHC 859 – assisted Andrew Blake in acting for a group of s. 90A FSMA claimants in the contested Petrofac restructuring plan.

Re Windward Prospects Ltd (formerly Arjo Wiggins Appleton Limited) – instructed on behalf of administrators to pursue claims against the company’s directors for breaches of fiduciary duty and transactions at undervalue, in relation to conduct that post-dated the dividends in BTI 2014 LLC v Sequana SA [2022] UKSC 25 (led by Hugh Sims KC).

ICM SPC v Jarvis VG 2024 HC 3 – assisted David Chivers KC and Jeremy Child (Harneys), who acted on behalf of the successful liquidators in this BVI litigation. The liquidators had made a call on unpaid share capital, in the amount of $40m. The legal issues included the interpretation of the BVI Business Companies Act 2004, and in particular the meaning of ‘consent’ under s. 49 of that Act. Samuel is also involved in the subsequent appeal, and related winding-up proceedings in the Cayman Islands (where the segregated portfolio company is incorporated).

Nilsson v Cynberg [2024] EWHC 2164 (Ch) – an application of trustees in bankruptcy for possession and sale of real property. The appeal concerned the correct interpretation of section 53 of the Law of Property Act 1925, and in particular whether a common intention constructive trust could subvert a prior express declaration of trust.

21st Century Group Holdings Ltd v Turner [2024] – appeared on behalf of the successful appellant creditor in response to an application to set aside a statutory demand. The deputy district judge at first instance erred in holding that mere typographical errors were sufficient to give rise to a triable issue.

Murfet v Property Lending LLP [2023] EWHC 2705 (Ch); [2024] EWHC 2787 (Ch) – represented the successful creditors and respondents to four related applications to set aside statutory demands, and the subsequent appeals. The issues included the interpretation of an ‘on demand’ clause in the context of a property development.

Re Jolly Sailor Private Limited [2022] EWHC 897 (Ch) – acted on behalf of the appellant in this appeal. The issues before Zacaroli J included the evidential weight to be given to company accounts in the context of winding-up petitions, in circumstances where the director’s witness evidence contradicted the accounts he had approved and filed.

Re Bronia Buchanan Associates Limited [2021] EWHC 2740 (Ch) – successfully acted on behalf of liquidators in their claims against the company’s former director for sums withdrawn as ‘drawings’, and also in the prior freezing injunction and subsequent interim receiver and bankruptcy orders.

Re Virgin Active Holdings Limited [2021] EWHC 814 (Ch); [2021] EWHC 911 (Ch) – appeared on behalf of an objecting creditor in this seminal case on cross-class cram down under Part 26A of the Companies Act 2006 (led by Simon Passfield)

Frost v Scott-Hake [2020] EWHC 3677 (Ch) – a seminal case on the principles and procedures for making calls on former partners under the Insolvent Partnerships Order 1994.

Official Receiver v Maguire – instructed by the Official Receiver in this dispute over ownership of property subject to restraint orders made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The issues concerned the probative weight of in civil proceedings of findings made in the Crown Court, and the principles for judicial recusal.

Samuel regularly appears for and advises clients in claims for breaches of directors’ duties, winding-up and bankruptcy petitions, applications to set aside statutory demands, and administration extensions

Company Litigation

Yodel Delivery Network Limited v Corlett [2025] EWHC 1435 (Ch) – acted on behalf of the successful respondent to an application for an interim injunction, pending an expedited trial (led by Andrew Thompson KC). Samuel also assisted with related applications for costs, and security for costs.

Re Windward Prospects Ltd (formerly Arjo Wiggins Appleton Limited) – instructed on behalf of administrators to pursue claims against the company’s directors for breaches of fiduciary duty and transactions at undervalue, in relation to conduct that post-dated the dividends in BTI 2014 LLC v Sequana SA [2022] UKSC 25 (led by Hugh Sims KC).

Re Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) Ltd – an application concerning the treatment of client deposits held by Northstar, an insolvent Bermudian investment business. The issues concerned the interrelationship of Bermuda’s Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000, Investment Business Act 2003, and the Investment Business (Client Money) Regulations 2004. Samuel assisted David Chivers KC, who appeared on behalf of the United Nations Federal Credit Union.

Song v Smith [2025] EWHC 949 (Ch) – acted on behalf of the petitioners in this unfair prejudice petition, which alleged (among other things) diversion of corporate profits and opportunities. An appeal to the Court of Appeal is pending (led by Ben Shaw KC; Samuel acted as sole Counsel at first instance).

1Globe Capital LLC v Sinovac Biotech Ltd [2025] UKPC 3 – successfully appeared on behalf of the appellant shareholder in this appeal to the Privy Council, which concerned a refusal by the board of an Antiguan company to accept the result of votes cast at an AGM, partly by reliance on a poison pill (led by David Chivers KC).

Re Sina Corporation [2024] – assisted David Chivers KC, who acted on behalf of the petitioner company in share appraisal proceedings under section 238 of the Cayman Islands Companies Act. The company met the test in Bank Mellat v HM Treasury [2013] UKSC 38 in relation to its disclosure obligations, as a result of barriers created by China’s Data Security Law.

Allen v Registrar of Companies [2024] UKPC 26 – assisted the Montserrat Registrar of Companies and Financial Services Commissioner in their successful appeal against the order of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. The issues included the interpretation and applicable procedure for the Montserrat director disqualification regime (led by David Chivers KC).

Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy v Fox; Re Rigil Kent Acquisitions [2022] – obtained the maximum 15-year disqualification on behalf of the Secretary of State in relation to Kevin Morris (aka Kevin Sykes), whose company purported to carry on business as an ‘unlicensed insolvency practitioner’, and which subverted and frustrated the insolvency regime.

Samuel is also regularly instructed to advise on unfair prejudice petitions, and accepts instructions in discrete company applications, such as applications to restore companies to the register, and for rectification of the register.

Litigation & Arbitration

Re Storetec Services Ltd (Project Emanuel Bidco Ltd v Robson) – acting on behalf of a claimant purchaser in this breach of warranty claim, against the former directors and shareholders of a commercial scanning company. The directors are alleged to have fraudulently inflated the company’s revenue, and consequently the consideration paid for their shares, by over £17m (led by James Potts KC).

Yodel Delivery Network Limited v Corlett [2025] EWHC 1435 (Ch) – acted on behalf of the successful respondent to an application for an interim injunction, pending an expedited trial (led by Andrew Thompson KC). Samuel also assisted with related applications for costs, and security for costs.

1Globe Capital LLC v Sinovac Biotech Ltd [2025] UKPC 3 – successfully appeared on behalf of the appellant shareholder in this appeal to the Privy Council, which concerned a refusal by the board of an Antiguan company to accept the result of votes cast at an AGM, partly by reliance on a poison pill (led by David Chivers KC).

Re Windward Prospects Ltd (formerly Arjo Wiggins Appleton Limited) – instructed on behalf of administrators to pursue claims against the company’s directors for breaches of fiduciary duty and transactions at undervalue, in relation to conduct that post-dated the dividends in BTI 2014 LLC v Sequana SA [2022] UKSC 25 (led by Hugh Sims KC).

Song v Smith [2025] EWHC 949 (Ch) – acted on behalf of the petitioners in this unfair prejudice petition, which alleged (among other things) diversion of corporate profits and opportunities. An appeal to the Court of Appeal is pending (led by Ben Shaw KC; Samuel acted as sole Counsel at first instance).

Nilsson v Cynberg [2024] EWHC 2164 (Ch) – an application of trustees in bankruptcy for possession and sale of real property. The appeal concerned the correct interpretation of section 53 of the Law of Property Act 1925, and in particular whether a common intention constructive trust could subvert a prior express declaration of trust.

Re Mercy Global Consult Limited – instructed by HMRC to seek freezing orders against the company’s director (led by Christopher Brockman). Substantive relief was granted to the company’s liquidators in [2023] EWHC 3203 (Ch).

NHS East Sussex CCG v SinoCare Group Limited, a claim for £7.5m arising under a parent company guarantee, which the company’s Hong Kong parent entity denied (led by Hugh Sims QC)

International & Offshore

1Globe Capital LLC v Sinovac Biotech Ltd [2025] UKPC 3 – successfully appeared on behalf of the appellant shareholder in this appeal to the Privy Council, which concerned a refusal by the board of an Antiguan company to accept the result of votes cast at an AGM, partly by reliance on a poison pill (led by David Chivers KC).

Re Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) Ltd – an application concerning the treatment of client deposits held by Northstar, an insolvent Bermudian investment business. The issues concerned the interrelationship of Bermuda’s Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000, Investment Business Act 2003, and the Investment Business (Client Money) Regulations 2004. Samuel assisted David Chivers KC, who appeared on behalf of the United Nations Federal Credit Union.

ICM SPC v Jarvis VG 2024 HC 3 – assisted David Chivers KC and Jeremy Child (Harneys), who acted on behalf of the successful liquidators in this BVI litigation. The liquidators had made a call on unpaid share capital, in the amount of $40m. The legal issues included the interpretation of the BVI Business Companies Act 2004, and in particular the meaning of ‘consent’ under s. 49 of that Act. Samuel was also involved in the subsequent appeal, and related winding-up proceedings in the Cayman Islands (where the segregated portfolio company is incorporated).

Allen v Registrar of Companies [2024] UKPC 26 – assisted the Montserrat Registrar of Companies and Financial Services Commissioner in their successful appeal against the order of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. The issues included the interpretation and applicable procedure for the Montserrat director disqualification regime (led by David Chivers KC).

Re Sina Corporation [2024] – assisted David Chivers KC, who acted on behalf of the petitioner company in share appraisal proceedings under section 238 of the Cayman Islands Companies Act. The company met the test in Bank Mellat v HM Treasury [2013] UKSC 38 in relation to its disclosure obligations, as a result of barriers created by China’s Data Security Law.

Memberships & Publications

Memberships:

Chancery Bar Association

Insolvency Lawyers’ Association (ILA)

R3

INSOL International

 

Education:

2016 Harvard Law School, LLM

2015 City Law School, BPTC (Outstanding)

2014 City Law School, GDL (Outstanding)

2013 University of Oxford, BA Music (First Class)

 

Career:

2020 Attorney General’s Panel Counsel (Regional C Panel)

2018-19 University of Bristol, Senior Associate Teacher

2015 Called to the Bar of England and Wales

 

Publications:

Contributor to Insolvency Practitioners: Appointment, Duties, Powers and Liability (Edward Elgar, 2020 and 2024 (2nd ed.))

Contributor to Tolley’s Insolvency Law Service (LexisNexisUK) (Directors’ Disqualification)

Contributor to LexisPSL Restructuring & Insolvency

Contributor to Corporate Rescue and Insolvency

Recognition

“Samuel is extremely knowledgeable about insolvency. His ability to provide creative solutions and alternatives is why he is instructed on complex cases.” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2027)

“Samuel’s technical knowledge is frightening. His written work is brilliant, and he is incredibly accessible.” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2027)

“Sam is exceptionally bright; he got to grips with an especially complex insolvency matter in short order. His written work is superb – measured but incisive. All in all, a pleasure to work with — he combines a sharp intellect with a collaborative and approachable manner. We would not hesitate to instruct him again.” (Legal 500 UK Bar, 2027)

“He explains often technical areas of law in a simple and clear manner and clients often comment on how easy he is to get along with.” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2026)

“Sam is an outstanding junior who displays incredible attention to detail. He is a formidable advocate capable of dealing with a range of disputes.” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2026)

“Very responsive, user-friendly, hands-on and intelligent.” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2026)

“Samuel Parsons is approachable and really client-friendly. He explains often-technical areas of law in a simple and clear manner, and he is always willing to go the extra mile to assist.” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2026)

“Sam is excellent – very good judgement and his drafting is excellent. He is a creative thinker and his advocacy is excellent – concise and to the point.” (Legal 500, 2025)

“Samuel is well-prepared, and very good technically and in terms of his knowledge of the law. His drafting of arguments is impressive and he provides exceptional counsel. ”  (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2025)

“Samuel is totally user-friendly and turns things around incredibly quickly. ” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2025)

“Samuel is clearly bright and capable. He very quickly gets to grip with the subject matter and advises clearly. ” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2025)

“Sam is excellent – very good judgement and his drafting is excellent. He is a creative thinker and his advocacy is excellent – concise and to the point. ” (Legal 500, 2025)

“For a junior at his level of call, Sam always exceeds expectations. He is super bright, highly responsive, and technically without fault.” (Chambers & Partners UK Bar, 2024)

“Brilliant mind and tenacious advocacy. Very user friendly and is clear with his advice and strategy from an early stage in the proceedings.” (Legal 500, 2024)

Samuel was previously recognised as a ‘rising star’ in the Legal 500. Comments in the 2023 edition of Legal 500 described him as “an impressive communicator at every level”, “extremely thorough”, and  “an excellent team player”.

Comments in the 2022 directories described him as “quick-thinking, personable and good with both lay and professional clients” and “one of the best insolvency juniors around” (Legal 500, 2022)

Webinars

10@12 Webinar: Payments to Directors: Challenge and Justification

10@12 Webinar : Desire, Intention, Conflict, Protection: Preferences after Comet

Ranked in

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2027 –
Company, Restructuring/Insolvency

Legal 500 UK Bar 2027 –
Company, Insolvency

Chambers & Partners Global Guide 2026 –
Restructuring/Insolvency

News

10@12 Webinar: Payments to Directors: Challenge and Justification 08/07/22
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Samuel Parsons Joins Erskine Chambers
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