Commercial
Daniel advises and acts Court and Arbitration proceedings in relation to commercial agreements and disputes for commercial clients both within and outside the jurisdiction. Daniel regularly advises and litigates in claims arising out of SPAs, joint venture agreements, distribution agreements, commission agreements, agency agreements and agreements in relation to business start-up. Daniel acts in financial disputes for banks and other entities providing financial services. Daniel regularly acts in respect of agreements between insurers and/or insurance brokers.
Selected Cases
- Confidential arbitration arising out of a UCITS – Daniel acts for a UCITS depositary in an international arbitration in respect of alleged losses to a pension scheme.
- Tindall Riley v Various Underwriters – Daniel acts for Underwriters in respect of a dispute under a binding authority
- Confidential arbitration arising out of an SPA – Daniel acted for the vendor of a substantial business in disputes, including warranty disputes, arising out of the SPA.
- AmTrust v TRG [2014] EWHC 3912 (Comm) & [2014] EWHC 4169 (Comm) & [2015] EWCA Civ 437; [2015] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 154 – Daniel acted for an Italian insurance broker in a dispute concerning brokerage commission.
- Grup v Philips – Daniel acted for Grup, a Turkish distributor of baby products, in relation to the termination of an exclusive distribution agreement for baby feeding products.
- Paratus v Connells – Daniel acted for Paratus in this matter concerning the proper construction or rectification of a settlement agreement.
- LCP Holdings v Hombergh Holding BV – Daniel acted for the Defendant in the dispute in relation to the acquisition of a global steel business.
- Zoran Stoyanovich v Brompton’s Auctioneers Ltd – Daniels acts for the defendant in this dispute concerning the sale of fine musical instruments.
- RRT Holdings Establishment v Shafique [2012] EWHC 860 (Comm) – Daniel acted for the successful claimant in this dispute between two Formula 1 Agents in relation to driver fees.
- Dhanani v Crasnianski [2011] EWHC 926 (Comm); [2011] 2 All ER (Comm) 799 – Daniel was instructed for the successful defendant in relation to a significant dispute concerning the potential creation of a private equity fund which was the subject of a two week trial before Teare J. Daniel was led by Roger Ter Haar QC.
- Ogilvie v Hiscox (2010) – Daniel acts for Ogilvie in a claim against insurers. He successfully resisted an application to stay a Commercial Court claim under the Arbitration Act notwithstanding an express arbitration clause.
- The Buncefield Incident – Between May 2006 and February 2011 Daniel was been heavily involved in the litigation arising out of the explosion at the Buncefield Oil Terminal in Hertfordshire. With Michael Harvey QC, Daniel advised Total UK Ltd and Chevron, the shareholders in a joint venture, Hertfordshire Oil Storage Ltd, in relation to issues where there was no conflict between them. Latterly, when Total was found to be liable, he continued to be instructed to advise Total on such issues.
- BP v Total UK Ltd – Daniel acted, with Michael Harvey QC, for Total in relation to a claim in excess of £30,000,000 brought by BP arising out of the Buncefield explosion.
- Shell v Total UK Ltd – Daniel acted, led by Michael Harvey QC, for Total in relation to a claim in excess of £200,000,000 brought by Shell arising out of the Buncefield explosion.
- Blackstone v Total UK Ltd – Daniel acted, with Michael Harvey QC, for Total in relation to a claim in excess of £75,000,000 brought by part of the Blackstone property group in relation to a private equity investment in a large regional distribution centre, known as “Mammoth”.
Awards
News
- Summary judgment – no real prospect of establishing the MMR vaccine was unsafe
- Spire Healthcare Ltd v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc [2020] EWHC 3299 (Comm)
Articles
- Covid-19: Business Interruption insurance, an FCA class action, and the long-tail risks to insurance brokers
- Covid-19 package holiday cancellations: a clear contractual entitlement to a 14 day refund ignored by most tour operators
Events
Qualifications
- CPE / Diploma in Law (Distinction – Inner Temple Bursary 1997), City University (1997 – 1998)
- BA Hons, Merton College, University of Oxford (1994 – 1997)
- George Webb Medley Prize in Economics, Oxford University (1996)
- Merton College Exhibition (1995 & 1996)
Memberships
- COMBAR
- PNBA
- TECBAR
Rankings
- Daniel is recommended by Chambers & Partners as a leading silk for Professional Negligence, Insurance, and Property Damage.
- Daniel is recommended by Legal 500 as a leading silk for Professional Negligence and Insurance & Reinsurance.
- Daniel is a recommended silk in Who’s Who Legal, for both Professional Negligence and Insurance and Reinsurance.
- Winner: Insurance Junior of the Year, Chambers & Partners Bar Awards 2016.
- Shortlisted: Professional Negligence Junior of the Year, Chambers & Partners Bar Awards 2018 and 2012.
Recommendations
“Daniel is very user-friendly, bright and commercially minded. He gains a detailed understanding of large volumes of documentation quickly. He is always practical and to the point.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“An extremely impressive all-rounder. Intellectually very strong, he writes thorough and detailed advice, but in a writing style that is nevertheless engaging and accessible. When advising in conference, his ability to set out complex legal arguments and strategy for clients is a particular strength and one that sets him apart from his contemporaries.”
Legal 500, 2022
“A very impressive and persuasive advocate who is completely dedicated to getting the right result for his clients. He is very proactive and user-friendly.” “He’s very popular, effective and produces learned opinions.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Daniel has a very sharp intelligence. His drafting is thorough, and he is very robust in putting forward the best case/defence possible.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is extremely knowledgeable and is not afraid to make a call and stand behind it.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is working far beyond his call and seniority.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“Good on his feet, good with clients and able to turn things round efficiently.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He is really sharp-witted and excellent in conference; he’s great on the black letter law but has an excellent balance of strategic legal advice and commercial advice.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He is very down to earth and sensible in how he approaches cases, and is persistent in court, in a good way.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He has an excellent sense for strategy and great client handling skills.”
Legal 500, 2019
“Daniel Shapiro is “a very impressive and experienced advocate” recognised for his “calm and authoritative court presence”.”
Who’s Who Legal UK Bar, 2018
“A barrister already working at silk level, he is extremely quick and very bright, and has an extraordinary courtroom presence. He is a very skilled presenter and cross-examiner.”
Chambers & Partners, 2018
