Simon Duncan Consultant Solicitor

Dr Simon Duncan is a Consultant Solicitor specialising in insolvency law, acting for insolvency practitioners, creditors and other stakeholders in relation to complex insolvency disputes and claims.

He has particular expertise in the law of set-off, having recently completed a Doctorate in this subject at the University of Oxford. In addition to his doctorate, Simon has been awarded four further degrees, including a BA, LLB, BCL and MSt.

Before qualifying as a solicitor, Simon worked as an interest rate trader. He completed the Diploma in Legal Practice with Distinction in 2007 before undertaking his Training Contract in 2009. He subsequently spent 15 years as a Legal Director in the insolvency team of a City law firm, developing extensive experience in contentious and advisory insolvency matters.

Areas of expertise 

• Insolvency litigation and dispute resolution
• Advising insolvency practitioners, creditors and stakeholders
• Assessing and evaluating insolvency claims
• Issuing and defending insolvency proceedings
• Complex insolvency advice, including insolvency set-off
• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution

Approach to work and clients

Simon is frequently instructed to provide written advice on complex legal issues, particularly in relation to insolvency set-off and related claims. He is known for his analytical, commercially focused approach, helping clients understand complex legal issues while identifying practical solutions to disputes. He particularly enjoys reviewing technically difficult cases and finding efficient ways to resolve disputes at an early stage. Simon has extensive experience in mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution and prides himself on delivering clear, strategic advice in challenging situations.

Alongside his legal practice, Simon has published widely within the insolvency field and was a Guest Lecturer in Corporate Insolvency at Queen Mary University of London for five years. In 2018, he was invited to address a World Bank-sponsored symposium for Saudi Commercial Court judges on the subject of set-off.

Outside of practice, Simon is currently writing what will be the first dedicated book on insolvency set-off, further reflecting his specialist expertise and academic contribution to the field.