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Dirk van Heck

Dirk van Heck

  • Called to BAR: 2001
  • Company & Corporate
  • Contract Law
  • Defamation
  • Insolvency & Bankruptcy
  • Money Claims & Debt
  • Property, Chancery & Trusts

Summary

Dirk has a broad business law practice, with a particular emphasis on commercial, company law and cross-jurisdictional disputes. He previusly worked at an international law firm for 3 years before returning to the English Bar in 2012, and used this experience to qualify to act in a "dual capacity", meaning that he can offer a true "one stop shop" service to clients, with no need for a solicitor.

Specialist areas of law include

  • Company & Corporate
  • Contract Law
  • Defamation
  • Insolvency & Bankruptcy
  • Money Claims & Debt
  • Property, Chancery & Trusts

Profile description

Background

Dirk is an experienced lawyer who can carry out all the functions of solicitor as well as barrister (having a litigation extension to his practicing certificate), and regularly runs disputes from their inception to their conclusion. He previously worked in full time employment for a law firm overseas.

Throughout his career, Dirk has been required to turn his hand to a variety of different areas, which has led to his having exceptionally broad experience and knowledge of the law.

In addition to his core areas of practice, namely the full range of commercial and chancery, he has significant experience of employment and planning law (including a reported case in each of those areas), personal injury, defamation and matrimonial law. He also has particular expertise in the law of the British Virgin Islands, having practised in that jurisdiction for 3 years, and has undertaken work of an offshore/international flavour ever since.

Cross-jurisdictional practice

The breadth of Dirk’s practice has seen him carry out work for clients ranging from sovereign wealth funds and investment banks to private individuals, and from high profile cases such as Madoff funds litigation and the Grenfell Enquiry to small claims.

He is as comfortable with cross-jurisdictional work as with purely domestic, and is equally at home working in a team of lawyers as acting without any support. He can tailor his level of involvement in a case to a client’s requirements and is able to instruct other lawyers and/or agents as appropriate.

Reported cases:

  • Cowley v L.W. Carlisle & Company Limited [2020] EWHC Civ 227 (CA). Civil Procedure and jurisdiction: whether jurisdictional issues may be addressed by the court under CPR r3.4 when no application has been made under Part 11.
  • Hyslop v 38/41 GHC Residents Company Limited [2018] EWHC 3893 (QB). Civil Procedure:  need for a formal application for relief from sanctions when claim struck out under the terms of an unless order.
  • Bowring v The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government & Anr [2015] EWHC 1027 (Admin). Planning:  definition of “single household” in the context of HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation))
  • World First (UK) Limited v Chemistree Homecare Limited [2014] EWCA 2840 (QB): Defence to summary judgment application based on anticipatory breach of foreign exchange contract; whether to adjourn to permit defendant to adduce further evidence.
  • Relfo Ltd (in Liquidation) v Varsani, [2012] EWHC 2168 (Ch); LTL 20/7/2012: Trial involving equitable tracing, knowing receipt and unjust enrichment
  • Cukurova Finance International Limited & anr v Alfa Telecom Turkey Limited, HCVAP 2010/18 & 2010/24: Application for relief pending appeal to Privy Council: inherent jurisdiction of Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to stay execution and make declaratory orders and/or grant or continue an injunction.
  • Commercial Bank-Cameroun v Nixon Financial Group Limited, BVI Civil Appeal No. 5 of 2011: Application to set aside leave to serve claim out of the jurisdiction.
  • Tarquin Ltd v Telltop Ltd, BVIHCV No. 279 of 2009: Construction of loan facility agreement.
  • Pioneer Freight Futures Co Ltd v Map Marine Ltd, BVIHCV No. 308 of 2009: Effect of premature service of statutory demand vis-a-vis futures contract.
  • Pioneer Freight Futures Co Ltd v Worldlink Shipping, Samoa, BVIHCV Nos. 135 & 152 of 2009: Proper jurisdiction for resolution of dispute over debt.
  • Professional Offshore Opportunity Fund Ltd v Daiwa Securities and Banking (Europe) plc as Custodian for KBCZAF, BVIHCV No. 6 of 2009: Distressed hedge fund; whether dispute over debt substantial.

Qualifications

  • MA (Cantab.) – First Class
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Law (City University)
  • Bar Vocational Course (Inns of Court School of Law) – Very Competent
  • Jules Thorn & Astbury Scholar of the Middle Temple
  • 2001 – Called to the Bar of England & Wales
  • 2009 – Called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (British Virgin Islands)
  • 2014 – Attained the right to conduct litigation

Testimonials

Ruth Clark

“I called Clerks Room Direct in February and two days later one of their barrister’s Stephen David, was representing me in court. From my first phone call to Rory I felt that I was in safe hands.” “I called Clerks Room Direct in February and two days later one of their barrister’s Stephen David, was representing me in court. From my first phone call to Rory I felt that I was in safe hands.” Read more Read less

Natalie Ryan

“The speed and quality of the service was astounding. I was recommended two extremely qualified, competent experts to discuss my matter with and had a telephone consultation within 24 hours.” “The speed and quality of the service was astounding. I was recommended two extremely qualified, competent experts to discuss my matter with and had a telephone consultation within 24 hours.” Read more Read less

Saleem

“The clerks were promptly aware of my requirements and were able to recommend a number of specialist barristers at competitive prices.” “The clerks were promptly aware of my requirements and were able to recommend a number of specialist barristers at competitive prices.” Read more Read less

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