Rich pickings (Pt II)

Berezovsky’s claims were brought in a variety of commercial court and chancery division proceedings, all started over a two-year period from mid-2007 to mid-2009. The claim forms were famously served on Abramovich outside a Hermès store in Chelsea. The claims were eventually consolidated, and the trial of the main claims was to be heard before Mrs Justice Gloster. Appearing for Berezovsky were an array of counsel (instructed by Addleshaw Goddard), led by Laurie Rabinowitz QC, whose job it was to cross-examine Abramovich. On the other side were several teams. Jonathan Sumption QC (now a Supreme Court judge) led the battle for Abramovich, instructed by Skadden Arps.

During the course of the actions, Berezovsky’s case shifted consistently, and was still being amended right up to the start of the trial. Although late amendments are fairly common, the fundamental allegations usually remain consistent throughout. That was not the case here. However, that has to be seen in the context of pleadings, witness statements and skeleton arguments