Giles Maynard-Connor KC named as Barrister / KC of the Year

June 9, 2023

Giles Maynard-Connor KC from Exchange Chambers was last night named as Barrister / KC of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards 2023.

Giles collected the prestigious award in front of over 600 guests at Manchester’s Midland Hotel.

Giles has enjoyed a wide range of career highlights since taking Silk in 2021 including a number of international arbitrations, and the first case in the Patents Court to be held in Manchester.

Most recently, he was Leading Counsel (instructed by TLT Manchester) representing Adam Frisby, the high-profile fashion and internet entrepreneur of ‘In the Style’. Giles led Stephen Connolly in successfully defending a claim brought against Mr Frisby valued at £125 million for allegedly stealing and exploiting the Claimant’s confidential business plan for ‘In the Style’ at the time of its establishment in 2013. Mr Frisby’s defence was that the claim was entirely fraudulent, that the Claimant was advancing the claim dishonestly, knowing full well that he had played no role at all in the establishment, development or success of ‘In the Style’, and that that he had no cause of action against Mr Frisby.

By a preliminary Judgment handed down last December on a disclosure application made by Giles and Stephen for Mr Frisby, the Court agreed that the Claimant, in his trial witness statement, had waived privilege in respect of communications with his former solicitors.

Subsequently following a liability trial in January, HHJ Cawson KC, dismissed the claim finding the Claimant to be a dishonest and unreliable witness, and that his claim was based on a false narrative. Indemnity costs in respect of the proceedings were also ordered in Mr Frisby’s favour.

At Exchange, Giles is Head of Chambers’ Business & Property Department and the Head of the Insolvency Team.  He is particularly passionate about the need for greater diversity and inclusion at the Bar and he regularly acts as a mentor to aspiring barristers from all backgrounds.

Commenting on his award, Giles Maynard-Connor KC said:

“I am really proud to collect this award and would like to thank all the fantastic solicitors who instruct me.

“Of course, nothing would be possible without the support of my family and Chambers, in particular our great clerks. At Exchange, I work in an enabling atmosphere which places a high priority on career development for everyone. I hope my success can in some way inspire others to achieve their career dreams.”

Concluded Giles:

“The overall strength of the Northern Circuit has also contributed to the success of my practice. It is now clear that no case is too big or complex to be tried here as has been repeatedly affirmed by the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Justice Fancourt, and other senior members of the judiciary.  As a Manchester Silk, I am proud to be part of the City’s thriving legal community.”

Congratulating Giles, Jonathan I’Anson, Chief Executive at Exchange Chambers said:

“As Head of our Business & Property Department, Giles is a passionate supporter of the Northern Bar and leads by example with his outstanding practice and commitment to equality and diversity.  On behalf of everyone at Exchange, I would like to congratulate him on this well-deserved award.”

Added Nick Buckley, Chambers Director for Exchange in Manchester:

“Since I joined Chambers in 2007, I have seen Giles’ practice grow and flourish.   He is an outstanding barrister and we are thrilled he has won this award.”