Raphael Steele is a dependable and highly capable solicitor within the commercial litigation team. He has a proven track record of success, having worked on a number of complex and high-value commercial disputes, consistently securing positive outcomes for clients.
His early experience in criminal law, which led to his previous recognition as a Legal 500 Rising Star (2020), has been invaluable in shaping his approach to litigation. His keen eye for looking at cases from all angles allows Raphael to guide his clients through matters and consider the next steps.
Raphael prides himself on client care, and his ability to build strong client relationships is a key asset. He possesses a natural ability to establish rapport quickly, empathise with clients and is seamlessly adaptable. This diverse skillset allows him to approach cases with a distinctive insight, as his client’s goals are always his top priority.
Discovery Land Company, LLC & Ors v Jirehouse & Ors [2019] EWHC 2249 (Ch)
Davis Woolfe acted for the claimants in successfully securing a contempt judgment against Stephen David Jones. The matters arise from DLC instructing a firm of solicitors in London called Jirehouse in relation to their purchase of Taymouth Castle in Scotland. There was a misappropriation of the purchase funds in excess of USD$20 million and the discovery of a legal charge against the property without DLC’s knowledge. Davis Woolfe successfully secured a contempt judgment against the principal at Jirehouse, Stephen David Jones for his failure to disclose the whereabouts of USD$16,050,000 and obtained judgments in excess of £12 million against Jirehouse and other relevant entities.
Clearcourse Partnership & Ors v Jethwa [2022] EWHC 1199 (QB)
Representing Mr Jethwa in respect of a claim brought by Clearcourse involving allegations of breach of confidence, misuse of private information and breach of the GDPR. The case settled after mediation.
Clearcourse Partnership & Anor v Jethwa & Ors [2023] EWHC 1122 (Ch)
Acting for Mr and Mrs Jethwa, defending a complex claim in respect of a dispute arising out of the sale of their business to Clearcourse Partnership. The case settled after mediation.
Discovery Land Company LLC & Ors v Axis Specialty Europe SE [2024] EWCA Civ 7
Successful acting on behalf of DLC in respect of a declaration sought under the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) 2010. The claim arises out of the misappropriation of the sums in excess of USD$20 million for the purchase of Taymouth Castle. The insurers were seeking to decline coverage based on allegations of fraudulent activity by the principal in the law firm, Mr Stephen David Jones of Jirehouse.
The case involved complex issues of aggregation, dishonesty and policy construction. Davis Woolfe and counsel were able to secure declarations, which meant the primary layer insurers, Axis, were liable to pay £3 million per claim. This was also refused, solidifying the Davis Woolfe track record of success at every stage of proceedings.
Axis appealed to the Court of Appeal, challenging the interpretation of the exclusion and aggregation clauses, but the appeal was dismissed on both grounds. Following this, Axis applied for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court on the point of aggregation but was also refused.
Additional Cases of Note:
- Acting for a multinational media company against a lender, following their refusal to comply with the convertible loan agreement.
- Acting for a successful investment banker in pivotal costs proceedings against a law firm, successfully arguing that fundamental changes to a legal retainer require a clear agreement understood by both sides. The agreement was that fees were not to exceed the cost budget amounts. The case is significant as it provides a new insight into the scope of retainers and fee caps.
- Representing an investment banker in respect of a professional negligence claim brought against his former legal advisors in respect of a high-value dispute with his former business partner.
- Acting for a large property development company in a claim against the excess layer insurer arising out of the misappropriation of funds. The matter involves complex issues of insurance liability.
- Acting for a client, operating a coffee retail and roastery, who was alleged to have breached his employment contract with their former employer. Davis Woolfe managed to successfully settle the matter without the involvement of the Court and avoid providing draconian undertakings.