Daniel Fox

Professional practice

Daniel has a broad practice in line with Chambers’ profile. He is regularly instructed in a wide range of areas, including commercial litigation and arbitration, sports law, civil fraud, public and human rights law, employment law, financial regulatory law, insurance law, shipping law, and banking and financial services law.

His recent commercial work includes: acting for a consumer group in a high profile fraud claim in relation to a $1 billion margin call made by a bank; acting (as sole counsel) for a businessman in a fraud claim relating to a multi-million-pound waste-to-energy project; advising a telecommunications company on its termination rights (as a result of sanctions issues) in relation to a $100m contract in Myanmar; and acting for the insurer of a shipping agency in a dispute relating to damaged goods.

Daniel is particularly interested in disputes in the sports sector (including anti-doping, safeguarding, and disciplinary matters). His recent sports work includes: acting for a sportswear company in a dispute in relation to its sponsorship of an Italian Serie A football club; acting for Liverpool fans in the group litigation against UEFA arising out of the 2022 Champions League Final; acting for a professional snooker player in match fixing disciplinary proceedings; acting for various sports people in anti-doping matters; sitting as a panellist and chair in various sports disciplinary and safeguarding hearings; acting for an Olympic medalist in a selection dispute; advising former professional rugby players in relation to their life insurance claims following their diagnoses of CTE; advising various NGBs on their rules, policies, and procedures; and acting for a hospitality company in a dispute relating to the Monaco Grand Prix. He sits on various committees and panels in the sporting sector. He accepts Direct/Public Access instructions solely in relation to sports matters.

Daniel is also particularly interested in public law and human rights matters. His recent work includes: advising in relation to possible judicial reviews against the Civil Aviation Authority and regulatory claims under the Transport Act 2000 (relating to over £100m of losses); acting for a Government department in relation to judicial review proceedings arising out of the August 2024 riots; acting in judicial reviews brought against HMRC; advising in relation to possible judicial review (and other) claims in respect of a high-profile development project by a public body; advising a Government department on the commitments made by the UK Government in various trade treaties; acting for the mother of a child with serious medical issues in relation to a judicial review of a housing decision; and acting for a Government department in an unlawful detention case. For several years, Daniel was an Assistant Editor of the European Human Rights Reports, published by Sweet & Maxwell.

Daniel also has an interest in climate change and environmental law disputes, and regularly writes on the subject, including articles on: (i) directors’ duties and climate litigation; (ii) agriculture, flooding, and environmental litigation; (iii) the potential for climate change litigation in the context of ss.90 and 90A FSMA; and (iv) the role of NCPs and the OECD Guidelines. He recently advised an environmental law charity on climate-friendly bond agreements. He is also a founding member of Chambers’ Climate and Environmental Law Group, and Chambers’ Green Committee. And he was part of the organising committee of a conference on Climate Change Law. His science background is particularly useful in this sector.

Daniel also regularly appears in the Courts, the Employment Tribunal, and the Employment Appeal Tribunal in employment disputes. See the “Employment” section below for examples of his recent work.

Before coming to the Bar, Daniel studied physics and philosophy at Durham University, where he graduated with a First-Class degree. He then completed the GDL, BPTC, and an LLM – for which he was awarded multiple scholarships from Gray’s Inn, City Law School, and UCL.

The BSB’s “Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients” can be found here.

Company & Insolvency Law

Much of Daniel’s commercial work involves company and insolvency issues. Recent examples include:

Acting for the minority shareholders in an anti-piracy technology company in an unfair prejudice dispute in Jersey.
Acting (as sole counsel) for the former CFO of a security company accused of a multi-million-pound fraud. The dispute raises issues of agency, directors’ duties, attribution, and piercing the corporate veil.
Advising in relation to an urgent injunction application. The application related to a share purchase agreement in respect of an Icelandic bank.
Assisting during the trial of a half-billion-dollar fraud claim against a major European bank. The dispute raised issues of attribution and corporate personality.
Advising a sports National Governing Body in relation to its powers under its Articles of Association and the Companies Act 2006.

Arbitration & related court applications

Daniel has extensive experience in relation to arbitrations. Examples include:

Acting in an application before the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands to set aside an enforcement order in relation to an arbitration award on the grounds of public policy.
Acting for a sportswear company in a dispute in relation to its sponsorship of a Serie A football club under the ICC rules. The dispute included an application for an emergency interim injunction, and related to the correct interpretation of a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) clause.
Acting in an $120m claim relating to a construction project in Kuwait under the LCIA rules. The dispute raised complex and novel issues of Kuwait law, including in relation to limitation and decennial liability.
Advising in relation to an urgent injunction application. The application related to a share purchase agreement in respect of an Icelandic bank.
Assisting in an arbitration involving a dispute between a solicitors’ firm and their insurers. The dispute arose out of several withdrawals of cover following investigations by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Acting for a ship owner in a dispute in relation to the application of an off-hire clause.
Advising in relation to several challenges to arbitration awards under s.68 of the Arbitration Act 1996.
Acting in a dispute with a Government department in relation to the building of thousands of schools in a foreign country.
Advising (as sole counsel) in a dispute in relation to the provision of football kits for an African country.

Banking & financial services

Daniel has extensive experience in relation to banking and financial services disputes. Examples include:

Acting for a consumer group in a high profile fraud claim in relation to a $1 billion margin call made by a bank.
Acting for a businessman in a half-billion-dollar fraud claim against a major European bank. The dispute raised complex issues of Georgian law, limitation, and professional negligence.
Acting for the Financial Conduct Authority in an enforcement action against a financial services provider.
Advising in relation to an urgent injunction application. The application related to a share purchase agreement in respect of an Icelandic bank.

Civil Fraud & Asset Tracing

Daniel has extensive experience in relation to civil fraud disputes. His recent instructions include:

Acting for a consumer group in a high profile fraud claim in relation to a $1 billion margin call made by a major global bank.
Acting (as sole counsel) for the former CFO of a security company accused of a multi-million-pound fraud.
Acting (as sole counsel) for a businessman in a fraud claim relating to a multi-million-pound waste-to-energy project.
Acting in a civil fraud claim arising out of the break-up of family businesses.
Acting for a businessman in a half-billion-dollar fraud claim against a major European bank. The dispute raised complex issues of Georgian law, limitation, and professional negligence.
Acting, as sole counsel, for an employment agency in a dispute against a multinational pharmaceutical company. The dispute raised issues of fraud.
Advising in relation to a fraud claim regarding a house purchase.

Climate change and environmental law

Daniel is particularly interested in climate change and environmental law disputes and advisory work. His experience of commercial, public law, and public international law disputes (as well as his science background) leaves him well placed to advise and act in this area.

Daniel recently advised an environmental law charity in relation to climate-friendly bond agreements. He also regularly writes about climate change and environmental law, including articles on: (i) directors’ duties and climate litigation; (ii) agriculture, flooding, and environmental litigation; (iii) the potential for climate change litigation in the context of ss.90 and 90A FSMA; and (iv) the role of NCPs and the OECD Guidelines. He is a founding member of Chambers’ Climate and Environmental Law Group and Green Committee. And he was part of the organising committee on a conference on Climate Change Law.

Daniel is happy to advise, and act, on a pro bono basis in relation to climate change and environmental law matters.

Commercial dispute resolution

Daniel has extensive experience of all aspects of commercial dispute resolution. Examples include:

Acting for insurers in protective proceedings brought against their brokers in relation to a $90m indemnity claim arising out of an Algerian construction failure.
Acting for a US sportswear company in a dispute in relation to its sponsorship of a Serie A football club. The dispute included an application for emergency injunctive relief, and related to the correct interpretation of a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) clause.
Acting in an $120m claim relating to a construction project in Kuwait. The dispute raised complex and novel issues of Kuwait law, including in relation to limitation and decennial liability.
Acting for a consumer group in a high profile fraud claim in relation to a $1 billion margin call made by a major global bank.
Acting for the minority shareholders in an anti-piracy technology company in an unfair prejudice dispute in Jersey.
Acting for the purchaser of a sports car that has since been claimed by Ferrari as stolen property. The dispute involves questions of applicable law and jurisdiction.
Acting (as sole counsel) for a businessman in a fraud claim relating to a multi-million-pound waste-to-energy project.
Acting (as sole counsel) in a dispute about the importation of rice into the EU. The dispute raised complex jurisdiction and applicable law issues.
Acting (as sole counsel) in a dispute following an online classic car auction. The dispute raised complex jurisdiction and applicable law issues.
Advising in relation to a professional negligence dispute. The dispute raised complex issues of quantum, in particular, the question of whether the claimant would be entitled to “cost of cure” damages.
Advising a multinational telecommunications company on its termination rights in relation to a $100m contract in Myanmar. The dispute raised complex issues in relation to sanctions and the doctrines of foreign and domestic illegality.
Advising, as sole counsel, a hotel in relation to the termination provisions in its contract to provide government covid-19 quarantine facilities.
Acting, as sole counsel, for a school in a dispute in relation to the non-payment of fees during covid-19.
Acting, as sole counsel, for a media and telecommunications company in a dispute about a broadcasting licensing agreement.
Acting, as sole counsel, for the insurer of a shipping agency in a dispute relating to damaged goods. The dispute raised difficult issues in relation to Himalaya Clauses.
Advising in relation to an urgent injunction application. The application related to a share purchase agreement in respect of an Icelandic bank.
Assisting during the trial of a half-billion-dollar fraud claim against a major European bank. The dispute raised complex issues of Georgian law, limitation, and professional negligence.
Acting, as sole counsel, for an employment agency against a multinational pharmaceutical company in a dispute about a “back-door placement”. A jurisdiction challenge was successfully defended.
Acting in a civil fraud claim arising out of the break-up of family businesses. The claim involves allegations of breaches of confidence.
Acting in a dispute with a Government department in relation to the building of thousands of schools in a foreign country.
Advising in relation to the provision of Letters of Request and orders from the High Court in relation to depositions in support of US proceedings.
Advising (as sole counsel) in relation to the commission due under three agency agreements. The matter involved questions of novation, restraint of trade, valuation, and the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.
Acting (as sole counsel) for a well-known hotel chain in an application to set aside default judgement and enter summary judgment.
Advising (as sole counsel) in commercial proceedings against an NHS trust.

Conflict of laws & private international law

Much of Daniel’s work is international, and so issues of conflict of laws often arise. Recent examples include:

Advising a media and telecommunications company in relation to service out of the jurisdiction.
Defending a jurisdiction challenge in a dispute between an employment agency and a multinational pharmaceutical company.
Advising in relation to jurisdiction and applicable law in a dispute about the importation of rice into the EU.
Applying for permission to serve out of the jurisdiction in a dispute following an online classic car auction.
Applying for permission to serve out of the jurisdiction in a dispute in relation to a stolen Ferrari.
Advising on jurisdiction and applicable law in $90m proceedings brought by insurers against their brokers.

Employment

Daniel regularly appears (both led and as sole counsel) in employment disputes. His recent work includes:

Appearing as sole counsel, for the employee, in an appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal in a discrimination claim against an NHS Trust.
Acting for the employer in an unfair dismissal claim – applying to dismiss the claim on the basis of limitation and breach of an unless order.
Acting for the employer in a discrimination, whistleblowing, and unfair dismissal claim against a sports team.
Acting for an employment agency in a dispute against a multi-national pharmaceutical company in relation to ‘back door placements’.
Acting for a former employee in the aviation sector in an unfair dismissal claim.
Assisting in a high-profile High Court claim relating to a ‘team move’. The claim involved novel questions about the appropriate counter-factual for an award of damages.
Acting for a company providing agency workers in a claim for unlawful deductions from wages.
Assisting the Employment Lawyers Association with their response to the Government’s consultation on the Human Rights Act reform.
Chairing a disciplinary panel in a matter involving allegations of disability discrimination.
Acting in commercial-employment proceedings arising out of the sale of several veterinary practices, involving the interpretation of an ‘earn-out’ clause.

Financial Regulatory

Daniel has a particular interest in financial regulatory disputes. He recently acted for the Financial Conduct Authority in an enforcement action against a financial services provider. Much of Daniel’s commercial work involves financial elements, including recent advice in relation to an Icelandic bank. He has recently written an article on the potential for climate change litigation in the context of ss.90 and 90A FSMA.

Human rights & civil liberties

Daniel has a particular interest in human rights and civil liberties matters. His recent work includes:

Acting for a Government department in a human rights claim relating to the August 2024 riots.
Acting for the mother of a child with serious medical issues in relation to a judicial review of a housing decision.
Acting for a Government department in an unlawful detention case.
Advising in relation to Article 6 of the ECHR as a result of delay in Court proceedings.
Appearing in the Employment Appeal Tribunal in a matter involving allegations of a breach of Article 6 of the ECHR.
Acting in the enforcement stage of high-profile modern slavery proceedings.
Assisting with the drafting of the Employment Lawyers Association’s response to the Government’s consultation on the Human Rights Act reform.

For several years, Daniel was an Assistant Editor of the European Human Rights Reports, published by Sweet & Maxwell.

Daniel is happy to advise, and act, on a pro bono basis in relation to human rights and civil liberties matters.

Insurance & reinsurance

Daniel has extensive experience of disputes in the insurance sector. Examples include:

Acting for insurers in protective proceedings brought against their brokers in relation to a $90m indemnity claim arising out of an Algerian construction failure.
Acting, as sole counsel, in several covid-19 business interruption insurance claims.
Assisting in an arbitration involving a dispute between a solicitors’ firm and their insurers. The dispute arose out of several withdrawals of cover following investigations by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Acting, as sole counsel, for the insurer of a shipping agency in a dispute relating to damaged goods. The dispute raised difficult issues in relation to Himalaya Clauses.
Advising (as sole counsel) several former professional rugby players in relation to their life insurance claims, following their diagnoses of CTE.
Acting (as sole counsel) for the insurers of a nursing home in a dispute about loss of registration cover.

International trade, transport & commodities

Daniel is interested in international trade and transport matters. Examples of his recent work include:

Advising a Government department on the commitments made by the UK Government in various trade treaties.
Acting, as sole counsel, for the insurer of a shipping agency in a dispute relating to damaged goods shipped across the Atlantic Ocean.
Advising a UK company in relation to sanctions and its assets in Russia.
Acting for a ship owner in a dispute in relation to the application of an off-hire clause.
Acting (as sole counsel) in a dispute about the importation of rice into the EU. The dispute raised complex jurisdiction and applicable law issues.
Acting (as sole counsel) in a dispute following an online classic car auction. The seller was based in the Netherlands, the buyer in the US, and the auction in the UK. The dispute raised jurisdiction and applicable law issues.
Acting (as sole counsel) in a dispute relating to the sale of a Ferrari. The sale had connections to England, Australia, the USA, and Japan.

Media, art & entertainment

Daniel has a particular interest in cases relating to the media, art and entertainment sectors. His recent work includes:

Acting for a media and telecommunications company in a dispute about a broadcasting licensing agreement.
Acting for an individual in relation to claims arising out of an online auction.
Acting for the minority shareholders of a company that provides anti-piracy solutions to media and sports companies.
Acting for a company in a breach of confidence claim.
Acting for a group of retired sportsmen in an application for an anonymity order.

Professional negligence

Much of Daniel’s commercial work involves professional negligence issues. Examples include:

Acting for insurers in protective proceedings brought against their brokers for professional negligence in relation to a $90m indemnity claim arising out of an Algerian construction failure.
Acting (as sole counsel) for a businessman in a fraud/professional negligence claim relating to a multi-million-pound waste-to-energy project.
Acting in a half-billion-dollar fraud claim which was, in essence, a professional negligence dispute.
Advising in relation to a professional negligence dispute, which raised complex issues of quantum, in particular, the question of whether the claimant would be entitled to “cost of cure” damages.
Assisting in a professional negligence insurance claim involving a firm of solicitors.
Advising in relation to a professional negligence claim regarding a house purchase.
Acting for the former CFO of a security company in a multi-million-pound fraud/professional negligence dispute.

Public & administrative law

Daniel has a particular interest in public and administrative law matters. His recent work includes:

Advising in relation to possible judicial reviews against the Civil Aviation Authority and regulatory claims under the Transport Act 2000 (relating to over £100m of losses).
Acting for a Government department in judicial review proceedings in relation to the August 2024 riots.
Acting in judicial reviews brought against HMRC.
Acting for the mother of a child with serious medical issues in relation to a judicial review of a housing decision.
Advising in relation to a high-profile development project that has attracted significant media attention. The issues included general public law principles and procedure, the National Security and Investment Act 2021, public procurement rules, competition rules, and state aid rules.
Advising a Government department of its obligations under various trade treaties.
Acting for a Government department in an unlawful detention case.
Advising in commercial proceedings against an NHS trust.
Assisting the Employment Lawyers Association in drafting their response to the Government’s consultation on the Human Rights Act Reform.
Acting in the enforcement stage of high-profile modern slavery proceedings in the agriculture sector.
Assisting in an advice relating to Article 6 of the ECHR in the context of delay in Court proceedings.

For several years Daniel was an Assistant Editor of the European Human Rights Reports, published by Sweet & Maxwell.

Daniel is happy to advise, and act, on a pro bono basis in relation to public and administrative law matters.

Public international law

Daniel is interested in public international law matters. He has recently been instructed by a Government department to advise on the commitments made by the UK Government in various trade treaties (and on how those commitments may impact upon Government policy). He helped the Employment Lawyers Association to draft their response to the Government’s consultation on the Human Rights Act reform – which included issues of public international law. For several years, he was an Assistant Editor of the European Human Rights Reports, published by Sweet & Maxwell.

He has also recently advised in relation to sanctions, including for a multinational telecommunications company on its rights in relation to a contract with a Myanmar company allegedly owned by sanctioned individuals.

See the ‘Public and Administrative Law’ section of Daniel’s profile for more examples.

Daniel is happy to advise, and act, on a pro bono basis in relation to public international law matters.

Shipping & admiralty

In line with Chambers’ profile, much of Daniel’s commercial work has arisen in the shipping sector, including his recent instruction in a dispute for the insurers of a shipping agency in relation to damaged goods on a transatlantic crossing. The dispute, in which Daniel acted as sole counsel, raised complex issues relating to Himalaya Clauses. He also recently acted for the owners of a ship in a dispute in relation to an off-hire clause. See the ‘Commercial Dispute Resolution’ section of Daniel’s profile for more examples.

Sports law

Daniel is particularly interested in disputes in the sports sector (including anti-doping, safeguarding, and disciplinary matters). His recent sports work includes:

Acting for Liverpool fans in the group litigation against UEFA arising out of the 2022 Champions League final.
Acting for a sportswear company in a dispute in relation to its sponsorship of an Italian football club playing in the Serie A league. The dispute related to the interpretation of a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) clause.
Acting for a professional snooker player in match fixing disciplinary proceedings.
Applying for an anonymity order in a high-profile claim brought by a group of retired sportsmen.
Advising several former professional rugby players in relation to their life insurance claims, following their diagnoses of CTE.
Acting for an Olympic medalist in a selection dispute with a National Governing Body.
Advising in a dispute relating to the provision of football kits for an African country.
Advising a National Governing Body in relation to its jurisdiction over spectators at its events who are not members.
Acting for the employer in a discrimination/whistleblowing/unfair dismissal case against a sports team.
Acting for an ice hockey player in an anti-doping matter.
Advising a former England rugby player in relation to an anti-doping matter.
Acting in a dispute relating to the purchase of a Ferrari stolen after a Grand Prix.
Advising an NGB in relation to disciplinary proceedings brought as a result of an attempted sponsorship deal for a ‘breakaway’ competition.
Advising an NGB on how to deal with a grievance brought by a competition organiser.
Acting for the minority shareholders of a company providing anti-piracy technology to sports and media organisations.
Advising Badminton England in relation to various safeguarding cases, as a member of the Safeguarding Case Management Group.
Acting for a hospitality company in a dispute relating to the Monaco Grand Prix.
Hearing cases relating to breaches of the FA Regulations in his role as a member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Suffolk Football Association.
Advising various National Governing Bodies on their rules, policies, and procedures – including a recent advice on the lawfulness of a proposed rule change under company law.
Adjudicating on a dispute in relation to the selection for the GB team for the Canoeing Marathon World Championships.
Sitting as a panelist and chair in various safeguarding hearings for NGBs.
Chairing a sports disciplinary panel in relation to a matter involving allegations of disability discrimination.
Chairing a sports disciplinary panel in relation to a matter involving derogatory social media posts, and alleged breaches of competition regulations.
Advising British Rowing (as a member of the Safeguarding Committee) in relation to its safeguarding policies and procedures.

Daniel also sits on various committees and panels in the sporting sector, including: the Disciplinary Committees of Table Tennis England, and British Triathlon; the Safeguarding Case Management Group of Badminton England; the Safeguarding Committee of British Rowing; the Safeguarding Panel of British Triathlon; and the Governance and Risk Committee of Table Tennis England. He is a member of the Sports Resolutions Pro Bono Panel and the Sports Resolutions Safeguarding Case Management Programme.

Daniel is happy to advise, and act, on a pro bono basis in relation to sports matters. He accepts Direct/Public Access instructions solely in relation to sports matters.

The BSB’s “Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients” can be found here.

Career

2021: Appointed to the Government’s Junior Junior Panel

2021: Tenant at Essex Court Chambers

2020-2021: Pupil at Essex Court Chambers (supervised by David Peters)

2019: Called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn

Education

2019-2020: LLM in International Commercial Law, University College London

2018-2019: BPTC, City Law School

2017-2018: GDL, City Law School

2014-2017: B.Sc. Natural Sciences (Physics and Philosophy), Durham University

2006-2013: The Ashcombe School, Dorking