Pépin Aslett

Cases

Farley and Others v Paymaster (1836) Ltd (t/a Equiniti) [2025] EWCA Civ 1117: landmark decision by the Court of Appeal in a claim by hundreds of police officers whose pensions data were sent to out of date addresses. Led by Oliver Campbell KC.

Advice and representation in numerous multi-party actions for losses following breaches of information rights including data breaches concerning:

• the Metropolitan Police
• Liverpool University Hospital Foundation
• JD Sports
• Dixons Carphone (DSG Retail Limited)
• Cambian
• UK Electoral Commission
• Southern Water
• a Major Airline (advice to ATE insurers)
• Bounty
• Loqbox
• LSH Auto
• Optionis Group
• DivideBuy
• South Staffordshire Water.

Defended a data protection claim against solicitors following their client securing a £126m worldwide freezing injunction which subsequently had to be set aside due to erroneous evidence of assets presented by the client.

Tesco Equal Pay Litigation: advice in connection with subject access requests made by litigants concerning the equal pay litigation against Tesco.

Amersi v CMEC UK Ltd and Leslie: acted for former MP, Charlotte Leslie and the Conservative Middle East Council in defending a high-profile claim brought by Mohammed Amersi in relation to a data subject request.

Instructed by a Local Authority to act in the interests of children in restraining the broadcast of a television programme relating to the high-profile murder of their mother by their father.

Advised a non-departmental public body on their response to the Information Commissioners’ Office following data protection and freedom of information requests.

Advised a firm of solicitors following their professional advisers divulging private and confidential financial information online in error.

Acted for an individual in relation to a long-running data protection claim against CAFCASS.

Cases

Numerous claims against financial advisers under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 for substantial losses due to advice given.

Rose v Creativityetc Ltd [2019] EWHC 1043 (Ch): successful representation of the defendant in a heavily contested application to amend a claim to plead fraud in a complex redemption action.

Acted on behalf of multiple claimants in pension mis-selling claims relating to investments in tree plantations in Cambodia and Costa Rica.

Dickinson v UK Acorn Finance Ltd [2015] EWCA Civ 1194; [2014] EWHC 3856 (Ch): whether it was an abuse of process to raise issues under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 rendering a loan unenforceable.

Watchstone (formerly Quindell) Litigation: multi-million pound securities fraud litigation on behalf of hundreds of investors against an AIM listed company. Led by Philip Marshall KC.

Bevin v Datum Finance Ltd [2011] EWHC 3542 (Ch) (Peter Smith J): acted in the leading case on burden of proof in unfair relationship claims in the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (as amended).

Acted for multiple claimants in claims against a bank concerning breach of contract claims in relation to interest rates.

Hodgson v Lipson [2009] EWHC 3111 (QB): acted for a lender in respect of a disputed debt of £36m on the issue of certainty of contractual obligations.

K Ltd v National Westminster Bank plc (HM Revenue & Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency intervening) [2007] 1 WLR 311: led in the Court of Appeal by Barbara Dohmann KC and David Berkley KC in a leading case on the meaning of ‘suspicion’ in s 328(1) Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and whether evidence to be provided by Bank as to ‘suspicion’.

Cases

Acting for a major automotive component manufacturer in a £59m claim against overseas entities for breaches of contract and confidentiality and claims under the Trade Secret (Enforcement, etc) Regulations 2018.

Bharucha v Patel [2025] EWHC 3364 (Ch): application to discharge a freezing injunction and application for a stay of proceedings under section 9 Arbitration Act 1996 in a partnership dispute.

Sahota v Newman [2025] EWHC 3174 (Ch): successful application to commit the defendant to prison for failing to comply with a freezing injunction.

Acting for the petitioner in a multi-million pound section 994 petition.

Hayel v Hayel [2024] EWHC 885 (Ch): partnership action in which the issue was whether accounts should be re-opened.

Obtained a £6.3m freezing order against worldwide assets (including cryptoassets) in a fraud claim.

Costcutter Supermarkets v Vaish [2024] EWHC 152 (KB): appeal concerning liability to pay under a contract and whether a limitation of liability clause related to the obligation to pay for goods itself or just the liability to pay damages for non-payment.

Advice and representation for the supplier of a Covid-19 “smart mask” in a multi-million pound manufacturing dispute.

Multiple Claimants v WSL and Ors [2018]: substantial action by group of disappointed international investors against solicitors for multi-million pound losses following loss of deposits after failure of a Nevis insurer.

Advised significant biscuit manufacturer/supplier on competition law issues.

Obtained summary judgment in the Technology and Construction Court in a product liability claim against a pet food manufacturer for alleged loss of several pedigree animals.

Acted on behalf of international hydraulic pipework supplier in a supply of goods claim concerning alleged metallurgical failure of a hose assembly causing significant losses.

Acted for a director on an appeal to the Court of Appeal against a finding of breach of fiduciary duty on the basis that there was no causation of loss.

Mehta v J P Fernandes S.A [2006] 1 WLR 1543: Acted in the leading case on e-mail signatures in guarantee cases.

Advising insurer on grounds to avoid and/or repudiate a D&O policy following a BIS and SFO investigation and the failure to disclose prior litigation.

Blockchain Technology

Pépin has a particular interest in the difficult and complicated issues surrounding the use of smart contracts on a blockchain and how any disputes that do arise may be resolved.

Group Litigation/Procedural Law

Particular expertise providing advice and representation in relation to complex disputes involving multiple parties.

Cases

See the various multi-party claims in the Data and information law section.

Advice to claimants in the ‘diesel-gate’ emissions claims in the Mercedes-Benz NOx Emissions Group Litigation, VW NOx Emissions Group Litigation, Vauxhall NOx Emissions Group Litigation and the Peugeot / Citrëon / DS NOx Emissions Group Litigation.

The Sonae Group Litigation [2015] EWHC 2265 (QB): 18-day trial of 20 test cases (over 18,000 claimants in total) for damage caused following a serious fire. Led by Michael Redfern KC and Nick Bacon KC on costs points.

Acting for multiple claimants in claims against a bank concerning breach of contract claims in relation to interest rates.

BF & M Litigation: acted (as an attorney) in Bermuda for 17/1000 shareholder defendants sued by the liquidators in Bermuda Fire & Marine Insurance Company Limited (in Liquidation) and Others v BF & M Limited and Others, a multi-million dollar reinsurance insolvency case following the collapse of BF & M owing $450m, ultimately settled mid-trial for $35m.

Dickinson v UK Acorn Finance Ltd [2015] EWCA Civ 1194; [2014] EWHC 3856 (Ch): important Court of Appeal authority as to whether it was an abuse of process to raise issues under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 rendering a loan unenforceable.

Nolan v Davenport [2006] EWHC 2025 (QB): application to strike out an application to set aside judgment brought very late in the day.

Cases

Acting for the defendants in a multi-million pound proprietary estoppel claim.

Lomax v Dimelow [2024] EWHC 3625 (TCC): successfully acted for the claimants at trial in a dispute over land option agreements.

Acting for a sub-contractor in a multi-million pound dispute concerning the laying of high voltage cables at a Scottish windfarm.

Quilter v Hodson Developments Ltd [2016] EWCA Civ 1125: whether, following misrepresentation inducing a contract a vendor or purchaser should benefit from a later increase in value.

West v Sunset Close Management Ltd: Seven day trial before the Chief Justice in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar (followed by a two-day appeal to the Court of Appeal for Gibraltar) relating to the enforcement of breaches of covenants in a residential lease.

Recently acted for a public figure claimant in a substantial claim against a developer for defective property works to a multi-million pound residential property.

Presently defending an architect’s negligence claim in respect of a £3.6m private residence.

Dignan v Watt [2016] EWCA Civ 235: appeal following trial as to whether an estoppel operates in relation to a predecessor in title.

Oakglade Investments v Dhand [2012] EWCA Civ 286: readiness to complete upon serving a notice to complete. Led in the CA by Christopher Nugee QC.

Acted for multiple claimants in the TCC in an action for recovery of land deposits in relation to substantial delays in the construction of a city centre development.

Pépin has considerable experience in Intellectual Property disputes, including copyright, trade mark, design rights and associated torts of passing off or infringement. This experience extends into his knowledge of data breaches and using illegally obtained information.

Among this experience, he acted for the market leader in the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes in a breach of trademark and passing off claim in the High Court, including various domain name issues.

Re Idessa (UK) Ltd [2011] EWHC 804 (Ch); [2011] B.P.I.R. 957: Secured judgment of over £1.4m at trial against a director and de facto director guilty of misfeasance and wrongful trading.

Advice and representation on a £3m misfeasance claim against a former director following the sale of a property.

Tatch & Anor v Claughton (CA) [2007] EWCA Civ 559: led by Clive Freedman KC in the Court of Appeal in a case on jurisdiction in insolvency appeals where a High Court Judge sits in the County Court.

Bradburn v Kaye [2006] BPIR 605 (Ch): acted for debtor on an appeal against a bankruptcy order due to a failed IVA.

Acting for the claimants in a widespread commercial fraud claim valued at £7m, as part of which a worldwide freezing injunction was secured, including over crypto-assets.

Watchstone (formerly Quindell) Litigation [2017-]: multi-million pound securities fraud litigation on behalf of hundreds of investors against an AIM listed company. Led by Philip Marshall KC.

Advice and representation in relation to a wide range of company law issues.

Regularly acts in relation to shareholders’ petitions. The last one that went to trial involved a company with assets worth £15m-£22m and settled half way through an eight-day trial.

• Northern Circuit
• Business & Property Courts Forum Committee
• Northern Business and Property Bar Association Committee
• Law Society Civil Litigation Committee

• You can’t be serious: assessing triviality in data breach claims. Communications Law: Comms. L. 2023, 28(1), 9-15
• The destruction of commercial documents. Company Lawyer: Comp. Law. 2003, 24(12), 357-361
• Cross-border asset protection: an offshore perspective. Journal of Financial Crime: J.F.C. 2003, 10(3), 229-245

Strengths: “He is highly regarded in unfair relationship-type cases.” “Pépin’s presence in court is compelling. He maintains an air of calm whilst making the strongest of arguments, and he is persuasive.” “He provides excellent advice that is very practical.” Chambers UK Bar 2025 (Commercial Dispute Resolution)

Strengths: “Pépin is a strong finance and banking junior who produces great written work.” Chambers UK Bar 2025 (Banking and Finance)

“Pépin has detailed knowledge of data protection litigation. He is also a very precise and persuasive advocate, the type of advocate judges trust.” Legal 500, 2025 (IT, Telecoms and Data Protection)

“Pépin has an ability to foresee potential issues in complex data matters and provide practical and insightful solutions to secure the best possible outcome for his clients. He has a calm yet compelling presence in court and delivers a high standard of representation at every attendance.” Legal 500, 2025 (Commercial Litigation)

Strengths: “Pépin Aslett has KC-level ability. Instruct him now before he becomes a silk!” Chambers UK Bar 2024 (Banking and Finance)

Strengths: “Pépin is a really good, technical lawyer.” Chambers UK Bar 2024 (Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“Pépin has considerable knowledge and experience in the data protection field. A persuasive advocate who has the trust of the court.” Legal 500 2024 (IT, Telecoms and Data Protection)

“Pépin is very strong technically and gives good, clear advice in the difficult work of structuring group litigation. He is a leading light.” Legal 500 2024 (Commercial Litigation)

“Pépin has a very sharp mind and he is a master tactician. He is able to provide first class advocacy and legal advice as well as ideal strategic and commercial advice. He is one of the best senior junior barristers, he never backs down and he is happy to take on silks when required. His rapport with clients is excellent and he always fits right into a team. His rapport with clients is perfect: charming and professional at the same time.” Legal 500 2023

Strengths: “Pépin is a really good, technical lawyer.” Chambers UK Bar 2023

Strengths: “He is very forensic and detailed in his approach.” “He is a very sharp advocate and a very proficient senior junior. He is hugely confident and formidable in court.” Chambers UK Bar 2022

Strengths: “I regard Pépin very highly. He has a phenomenal ability to deal with property and insolvency cases and produces very detailed skeleton arguments. He is very sensible and bright and doesn’t take bad points.” “He is a very sharp advocate and a very proficient senior junior. He is hugely confident and formidable in court.” Chambers UK Bar 2022 (Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“Recommended Expert” Legal 500 2022

Strengths: “His knowledge is encyclopedic.” “Absolutely excellent: very thorough, totally unflappable and a very tough opponent.” “His attention to detail stands out. He is good at thinking ahead of the game and leaves no stone unturned.” Chambers UK Bar 2021 (Banking & Finance)

Strengths: “He has a good command of the law and great attention to detail, and his skeleton arguments are very persuasive and concise.” “He is an articulate and experienced senior junior. He has great tactical skills and good commercial judgement.” “He is very knowledgeable, thorough and authoritative.” Chambers UK Bar 2021 (Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“He is a formidable advocate and very skilled on his feet. His professionalism is second to none and having worked very closely with Pépin on heavy matters his ability to understand every detail of a complex case is very impressive.” Legal 500 2021 (Commercial Litigation)

Strengths: “An exceptional junior advocate.” Chambers UK Bar 2020 (Banking & Finance)

Strengths: “He’s a smooth and polished advocate.” “He’s skilled, personable and dedicated to achieving the best result possible.” Chambers UK Bar 2020 (Commercial Dispute Resolution)

“Technically superb and a great advocate.” Legal 500 2020

“He is a joy to work with – he is very thorough and very, very good at the paperwork.” Chambers & Partners 2019

“Extremely bright and an exceptional advocate.” Legal 500 2019

Strengths: “He is a good draftsman and has a very good eye for detail.” “He has very good technical knowledge and an ability to adapt that knowledge to specific cases.” Chambers & Partners 2018

“An experienced and forceful advocate.” Legal 500 2017

“Recommended for commercial and traditional Chancery matters.” – Legal 500 2016

“In conference, he has an excellent manner with clients.” – Legal 500 2015

Pépin has previously been described by the Legal 500 as having “an excellent legal brain“, “an excellent eye for fine detail” and being “a star in the making; very bright and clear on paper as well as being a clever advocate.“