Commercial
Daniel advises and acts in Court Proceedings and Arbitration 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 mergers and acquisitions, 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
- University of the Arts London v Legal & General [2023] EWHC 994 (Ch) – Daniel acted for UAL in relation to the rectification of VAT provisions in a commercial lease.
- Corum XL v Epwin Logistics – Daniel acted for a development financer in respect of the rectification of a commercial lease.
- Confidential arbitration proceedings arising out of a UCITS – Daniel acted in an international arbitration for a UCITS depositary in one EU jurisdiction against a pension scheme in another EU jurisdiction.
- Tindall Riley v Various Underwriters – Daniel acted for Underwriters in respect of a dispute with a coverholder under a binding authority.
- Confidential arbitration arising out of an M&A transaction – Daniel acted for the vendor of a substantial business in respect of disputes under the SPA warranties
- 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 acted 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 dispute concerning the potential creation of a private equity fund.
- The Buncefield Incident – Between May 2006 and February 2011 Daniel was heavily involved in the litigation arising out of the explosion at the Buncefield Oil Terminal in Hertfordshire.. He acted for Hertfordshire Oil Storage Ltd and, later, Total in respect of claims brought by BP, Shell, Blackstone and NPIA, amongst others.
Awards
News
- Members of Crown Office Chambers recognised as Market Leaders in Who’s Who Legal
- Daniel Shapiro KC and Hamish Fraser act for the successful Defendant in a Commercial Court trial
Articles
- W&I: an Obvious Buy for a Buyer, as affirmed by Finsbury Foods
- Defending W&I claims: strategic themes illustrated in Finsbury Foods v Axis & Ors
Events
- Daniel Shapiro KC to speak at the British Insurance Law Association Virtual Lecture
- Daniel Shapiro KC to discuss coverage issues in cyber insurance at Lloyd’s Market Association
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’s cross-examination blows the opposition out of the water.”…”He is extremely approachable and possesses a genuine interest in his clients’ cases.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Daniel is exceptionally intelligent, and is able to cut straight through to the key issues. He has the courage of his convictions but is also pragmatic and commercial when necessary. He is also a delight to work with, and good with clients and experts.”… “He’s a master tactician. He provides excellent analytic and commercial advice. He is formidable on his feet and a great cross-examiner.”
Legal 500, 2025
“”Daniel Shapiro is impressive across the board.”… “Daniel Shapiro’s legal knowledge and technical skills are excellent. We can always trust him to provide an educated, realistic and honest opinion on merits and strategy and deliver the message well to the client.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
‘Danny is bright, exercises good judgement, is approachable, pragmatic and practical where necessary, knows his law and is very easy to deal with. He is liked by clients and his solicitors team and is a fearsome opponent.’
Legal 500, 2024
“Danny is a rising star in this area – he is bright, exercises good judgement, is approachable, pragmatic and practical where necessary, knows his law and is very easy to deal with. He is liked by clients and his solicitors team and is a fearsome opponent.”
Legal 500, 2024
“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.”…”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.”… “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