THE BALANCED BARRISTER.
With a tenacious yet calm approach to litigation.
I’m Charlotte Payne. A barrister specialising in commercial law, with a particular focus on insurance, shipping, professional negligence, civil fraud and general commercial disputes.
I’m a tenant at 7 King's Bench Walk, a published author and former consultant in the mining industry. With a range of commercial and in-house experience, you could say that I’ve sat on your side of the table.
Your calm yet passionate guide through litigation
Hard work and persistence in every case
When you have to work with a barrister, it shouldn’t be a stressful experience.
Imagine feeling calm and confident. Knowing you have someone on your team who is going to do everything they can to get you the result you or your client wants. Someone who is going to fight for you or your client, with your best interests in mind, every step of the way.
“...combining excellence and intellectual rigour with a practical and commercial approach to delivering advice and conducting litigation. We understand the importance of a forward-thinking, flexible approach to meeting the needs of solicitors, commercial and individual clients.”
— The 7 King's Bench Walk mission
A career in pursuit of intellectual rigour, mental puzzles and passionate problem solving
How I got here
I decided to do this work simply because I love it. Every time a new opportunity comes along to stretch my mind, I grasp it with open arms.
It started with a degree in Exploration and Resource Geology, and when the chance to study overseas in Vancouver, Canada came up, it was too good to miss. This led to a first class degree and a deep understanding of the role of natural resources in our world.
Then Cambridge University, with an MPhil in Environment, Society and Development, consulting in the mining industry and working as an Assistant Editor of an IHS published coal journal. And inbetween it all, gaining an ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business, enabling me to better understand the mechanics of business.
The ultimate “jigsaw puzzle”
That was until the law came calling. Bringing with it the ultimate “jigsaw puzzle” of commercial law. I love the intellectual rigour and am constantly turning problems over in my mind to see if I can find a new solution or a way through that I haven’t yet thought of.
It is both a joy and an honour that, as a Barrister, I get to make a small contribution to the development of the law. All whilst helping a broad range of businesses tackle a wide range of problems. I know that litigation can be a stressful and a vulnerable time for you or your client. That is why I always make the promise of showing up as my best self, so you have someone who is 100% focused to drive matters forward.
My personal goal?
To always be the calmest person in the room and to think through problems from every angle possible, because experience has shown me that is what gets you the best result
Here’s how I do that
A healthy dose of life experience as a busy working parent of two girls, making me a reassuring presence in any situation
A former life as an internationally competitive rower, instilling me with an unstoppable drive and commitment
A balanced lifestyle, with a heavy focus on wellbeing to ensure that I avoid burnout and bring my full capabilities to the table
The academic experience to create a strong foundation to support you, and your client
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BPTC, BPP University College, Outstanding (ranked no. 10 in year out of over 600 candidates, no. 1 in year in both the ‘International Trade’ and ‘Ethics’ modules)
GDL, BPP University College, Distinction (ranked no. 1 in year)
ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business
MPhil Environment, Society and Development, University of Cambridge
Geology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver (International Year, First Class)
BSc (Hons) Exploration and Resource Geology (International), Cardiff University, First Class (ranked no. 1 in year)
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Mould Senior Scholarship, Gray’s Inn
Lord Justice Holker Award, Gray’s Inn
BPTC Excellence Award, BPP University College
Hebe Plunkett Award, Gray’s Inn
GDL Award, Gray’s Inn
EY Young Tax Professional of the Year UK Winner
Academic All-Canadian Award (for sporting and academic excellence), University of British Columbia
Academic Scholarship, Cardiff University
Thomas Arno Scholarship, Worshipful Company of Haberdashers
Jeston University Scholarship, Worshipful Company of Haberdashers
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COMBAR
LCLCBA
Tenacious, determined and in your corner
A few career highlights so far
Take a look at my latest career highlights below. These come alongside my regular appearances in the County Court, and acting as sole counsel in a wide range of general commercial disputes.
Acting (led by Peter MacDonald Eggers KC) for ship owners in an insurance claim worth c.£60 million for the constructive total loss of a vessel
Acting (led by David Bailey KC) in an international arbitration regarding a €100 million build project for a superyacht
Acting (led by Richard Waller KC) for international private equity funds in YS GM Marfin II LLC and ors v Muhammad Ali Lakhani and ors [2020] EWHC 2629 (Comm), a US$80 million ship financing fraud claim
In pursuit of excellence, because your business or your client deserves nothing less
Excellence
My career isn’t static and I wouldn’t want it to be. Instead, I am always pushing myself to stretch my mind, expand my abilities and soak up all the knowledge I can.
Organisation
I find that, when you are organised, the people around you benefit. Work and life run more smoothly, and you are better prepared to tackle any hurdles that come your way.
Integrity
Doing the right thing isn’t always easy. Sometimes, the right thing is also the hardest thing. I strive to use my integrity in everything I do, so I can always guide you to the best possible outcome.
Respect
You are putting a lot of trust in me. So I do the same for you and your client, respecting you, your opinions and your values. This allows us to work together to find the best approach for your unique situation.
