Myles Wallbank
Myles Wallbank is a senior associate based at Gowling WLG. His experience working with a wide range of clients on all forms of inquisitorial, litigation and dispute resolution means that Myles has a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills to draw on when supporting you.
Inquiry and investigation work
Myles specialises in director disqualification work. He regularly acts for the Secretary of State to bring proceedings against unfit company directors in the public interest. He has extensive experience in investigating the conduct of directors of insolvent companies, and has acted in a number of complex investigations which have resulted in lengthy disqualification orders being made against directors under the Company Directors Disqualification Act.
Myles has worked with the Insolvency Service and the Official Receiver for many years conducting numerous investigations; from straightforward single company failures, to multiple failures with complex allegations including fraud. This has allowed Myles to develop a flexible and efficient working style, and as a result, he is quickly able to identify those issues which are critical to the success of any investigation. His work requires detailed liaison with Insolvency Practitioners, directors (and/or their legal representatives), HMRC, banks, accountants, creditors, enquiry agents and employees.
In appropriate cases, Myles is required to draft lengthy and complex evidence, and as a result, has developed considerable investigative and drafting experience, as well as a deep appreciation of public interest considerations.
Myles also understand the importance of providing exceptional service tailored to the needs of the client, liaising closely with them in respect of their particular requirements. Myles' client-focused approach and varied experience enable him to conduct investigations efficiently and cost-effectively from their outset through to conclusion.
Myles also has experience of acting for a core participant in a high profile statutory public Inquiry assisting with complex internal investigations, disclosure processes and liaising with the Inquiry Solicitors.
Litigation work
More generally, Myles also has experience of working on a broad range of commercial disputes and international arbitration matters having worked with clients involved in proceedings governed by the major arbitral rules.
Experience
- Part of the team supporting a corporate core participant in a high profile public inquiry. Specifically undertaking investigative work, working on complex disclosure projects and liaising with the Inquiry team.
- Conducting an investigation into a company which participated in transactions connected with the fraudulent evasion of VAT. The investigation involved liaising closely with HMRC and drafting detailed affidavit evidence dealing with complex issues relating to missing trader intra-community fraud. This resulted in the disqualification of the director for a period of 12 years.
- Investigating multiple directors of connected companies which owed significant sums to HMRC under the Construction Industry Scheme.
- Investigating the directors of an accountancy practice in respect of significant sums withdrawn from the practice's bank account. Allegations of misconduct centred on the misrepresentation of the company's financial position to fellow directors and Companies House.
- Assisting with proceedings against the director of a debt management company which had breached FCA regulations and from which the director had made significant payments to themselves. This resulted in the director being disqualified for a 10 year period.
- Acting in an ICC State arbitration matter arising out of a breach of contract in which the client was awarded damages in the sum of €172m.
- Working on a significant claim brought by a large housing association relating to the design and implementation of a new IT system to replace legacy systems. This involved working on a large scale disclosure exercise reviewing documents within a relatively short time period utilising both manual and computer assisted reviews.
- Assisting a major UK company in respect of contribution proceedings brought against it relating to the alleged blacklisting of UK construction workers. The proceedings are ongoing in the High Court and have involved a number of interim applications.