Hugo  has many years experience of dealing with insolvency related matters including those with an American and cross border element. He also deals with a broad range of company, partnership and commercial matters. Hugo previously worked as a solicitor in a City firm which has given him an insight into the demands and expectations of business clients. Hugo’s approach to problem solving is both practical and commercial, which has given him the reputation of being both user friendly and responsive to client demands. Hugo is recommended as a leading junior in both the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories (North East and London tables).

The Directories 

"has an air of authority" in the courtroom

(Chambers UK 2013)

Hugo Groves is "good on the law," "excellent in court" and "good with clients"

(Chambers UK 2013)

"very talented, very strong and a delight to be against"

(Chambers UK 2013)

Hugo Groves is "technically very able, particularly with regard to matters that either have a foreignelement, or are injunctive"

(Legal 500, 2012)

Hugo Groves is prized by some sources as a "fantastically knowledgeable and intelligent barrister who cross-examines brilliantly."  He is also considered to be "down-to-earth" and have "the common touch" 

(Chambers & Partners 2012)

Enterprise Chambers' Hugo Groves is "incredibly bright, an insolvency encyclopaedia and a tough opponent."  He is "down to earth and measured" and "clients love him," say sources.

(Chambers & Partners 2012)

Hugo Groves - the "very able, approachable and commerical" Hugo Groves

(Legal 500, 2011)

Hugo Groves is a "calm and measured advocate" who is noted for "his pre-eminence in the insolvency field and his ability to inspire confidence"  (Chambers & Partners 2011)

"King of insolvency" Hugo Groves is the region's outstanding individual.  Sources rate him "head and shoulders above the competition; he's utterly dependable, outstanding on his feet and is clearly the number one choice in the North East."  His comprehensive practice has a notable international focus, with his thorough understanding of EU regulation and status as a New York Attorney both contributory factors to his mastery of cross-border matters.  Particular areas of expertise include misfeasance, claw-back claims and wrongful trading disputes.  One instructing solicitor considers him to be "a real sage when it comes to insolvency; he has the gravitas to handle the most complex cases." 

(Chambers & Partners 2010)

Hugo Groves is one of the outstanding names and has an immense reputation in the market.  His wide-ranging experience encompasses warranty claims under share sale and asset sale agreements, partnership disputes and high-value contract disputes.  He is a revered opponent whose "no-nonsense, combative and tenacious approach" is welcomed by clients. 

(Chambers & Partners 2010)

Hugo Groves is "client friendly and good on his feet" 

(Legal 500, 2009)

The hugely knowledgeable Hugo Groves is "always first choice for difficult cases."  "Commercially focused and frighteningly astute," his advice inspires "supreme confidence" and he is appreciated for being "incredibly personable." 

(Chambers & Partners 2009)

Hugo Groves has "mountains of experience"

(Chambers & Partners 2009)

Enterprise Chambers' insolvency star Hugo Groves "is laid back, approachable and knows his stuff" 

(Legal 500, 2008)

Widely regarded as "the king of insolvency" in the North East. 

(Chambers & Partners 2008)

Sources heaped praise on set luminary Hugo Groves, an "affable, first-class thinker."  According to interviewees, he has an "unsurpassed knowledge of insolvency law," and is a "brilliant and hard-working communicator."  Clients appreciate his "fantastic ability to demystify complex technical issues."  Commentators were particularly impressed by his determination to be "at the forefront of developments in the law."

(Chambers & Partners 2008)

Insolvency star Hugo Groves "has the intellectual capacity to get to the heart of the problem rapidly"

(Legal 500, 2007)

...Hugo Groves, who is "immensely commercial and really understands what the clients want".  As an advocate, he is "very decisive and trusted by judges"

(Chambers & Partners 2007)

The "bright and straight talking" Hugo Groves is a "real star of the market."  His "Superb technical knowledge" is coupled with "a practical and commercial approach" which many see as a winning combination.  Interviewees report that "what he doesn't know about insolvency law isn't worth knowing."

(Chambers & Partners)

Publications

Co-author of ‘Corporate Insolvency – Law and Practice’ published by Butterworths
General Editor of Enterprise Chambers Annotated Guide to Insolvency Legislation and Practice published by Butterworths.

Areas of Emphasis

Insolvency - All aspects, corporate and individual, including all stages of the winding up and bankruptcy process, disputed debts and insolvency appeals. Also EC Regulation cases and Chapter II cases

Company/Partnership - Including directors duties, directors’ disqualification and shareholder litigation; and partnership disputes

Commercial - Litigation for and against banks involving securities, mortgages and guarantees. Breach of share sale and asset sale agreements

Career & Associations

University of Leicester, LLB, 1976-1979

Called to the Bar 1980

University College London, LLM, 1980-1981

New York State Bar 1989

Previously worked as a solicitor in the corporate department of a City law firm specialising in insolvency

Senior Lecturer in Law, Polytechnic of Central London, 1984-1988

Visiting Lecturer in Law, Cleveland Marshall School of Law, Cleveland State University, 1987-1988

Qualified as a New York Attorney