Deputy Head of Clerking
Practice Manager
Assistant Practice Manager
Edward Knight’s practice centres on commercial, company and insolvency disputes, both in litigation and arbitration.
Edward has particular skill in dealing with fraud cases and financial issues, having formerly qualified as a chartered accountant in 1995. His expertise enables him to approach matters with an understanding of the practical realities of business and is applicable to a wide range of commercial disputes. Legal 500 recommends Edward for commercial litigation, fraud, insolvency and professional negligence calling him “very bright”, “with a keen eye for detail and … able to marshal a morass of evidence” and “a formidable cross-examiner”.
In addition to appearing in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, Edward has appeared in the High Court in Anguilla, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal and the Privy Council and in the DIFC Courts in Dubai. He has also been involved in litigation in other off-shore jurisdictions and in Africa.
Edward has also acted as lead counsel in an ICSID Investor-State arbitration in Paris and previously in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, both in claims relating to the expropriation of foreign investments by state organs.
Edward is a DIFC (Dubai) Part II registered practitioner and is ranked as a leading junior in The Legal 500 EMEA Guide.
Edward’s core litigation practice centres on commercial contract disputes, whether domestic or international. In addition to appearing at all levels of the English Courts and the Privy Council, he has appeared before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, the Dubai International Financial Centre Court and has advised on claims in the Channel Islands and Africa. He has substantial experience where matters coincide with fraud and/or insolvency. Edward is recommended in this area in Legal 500. Recent cases include:
Edward acts regularly in company disputes, including the removal of directors, disqualification under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 and just and equitable petitions, both in the English courts and overseas. His recent cases include:
Edward’s principal focus is on the identification and pursuit of assets and their recovery under company and insolvency legislation, particularly with respect to prior transactions. He has recently been active in the liquidation of a leading Caribbean hotel resort in protecting the interests of a major investor. He is recommended in this area by Legal 500. His recent cases include:
As a chartered former accountant and auditor, Edward has specialist skill in the recognition, investigation and prevention of fraud. His knowledge of accountancy is also invaluable in the tracing and recovery of assets. He is recommended in this area by Legal 500.
Recent cases include:
Edward is recommended by Legal 500 for his professional negligence work. As a former chartered accountant and auditor, he has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of both accounting standards and audit practice. His accountancy background makes him a natural choice for related negligence disputes. His recent cases include:
International arbitration work represents an increasingly significant proportion of Edward’s practice. His experience includes subsequent enforcement of awards. His recent cases include:
Insolvency
Legal 500
‘Pragmatic and highly capable. An excellent advocate.’ (2023)
‘Incisive with forensic attention to detail and great with clients.’ (2022)
‘Extremely bright and being a qualified accountant, he brings an unmatched level of forensic analysis to complex insolvencies, especially where the company has tried to mask its dishonesty.’ (2021)
Commercial Litigation
Legal 500
‘A pleasure to work with. He has a very calm manner even when under pressure and puts client’s worries at ease.’ (2023)
‘He has a gravitas and presence that demands attention. His brain is the size of a planet.’ (2022)
‘His judgment is always very reliable and he has the intellectual clout to intimidate most opponents.’ (2021)
Professional Negligence
Legal 500
Leading junior (2023)
Leading junior (2022)
‘A very able junior barrister.’ (2021)
Fraud: Civil
Legal 500
‘Pragmatic and highly capable. An excellent advocate.’ (2023)
‘Incisive, with forensic attention to detail and great with clients.’ (2022)
‘Edward gives decisive advice which engenders confidence.’ (2021)
Middle East: The English Bar – Commercial
Legal 500
Leading junior (2024)
‘Edward is excellent and very good on his feet.’ (2022)
Leading junior (2021)