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MA (Hons) Cambridge (Double First)
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‘‘A very competent lawyer. Always a pleasure to work with her.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
‘‘She is razor sharp and has excellent judgement in the court and with the client.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
‘‘Focused, committed and hardworking team player. Tenacious advocate in court. A first-class brain and her analysis of the law is also first-class.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
‘‘A robust and forceful practitioner. She is very good in competition law-related matters.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
“An expert in the field,” who “has a lot of experience and is good to work with.” “She is very accurate in all she does and works hard at the detail. Her drafting is good and she knows how to handle complex issues.” – Chambers UK, 2021
“A diligent, hard-working junior who is determined to get the best results for her clients.” “She provides thorough, timely and clear advice.” – Chambers UK, 2021
“She is a thoroughly good barrister and easy to work with.” “A very impressive advocate.” – Chambers UK, 2021
“A really bright and energetic junior.” “She is astute, provides excellent drafting and is very responsive, so it’s been a pleasure to have her in the team.” “Banks is incredibly user-friendly, diligent and thorough in going through material.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Fiona is consistently ranked as a leading junior by the legal directories and has extensive experience across Chambers’ core practice areas with a particular focus on Competition, Commercial, Public Procurement, Telecommunications and Sports law. Fiona has appeared across a variety of courts and tribunals, ranging from ad hoc anti-doping tribunals to the Court of Appeal. She frequently appears as an advocate in her own right but also works very well as a highly valued junior in larger cases. She can accept instructions directly from clients, being direct access qualified.
Fiona is a member of the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel (B Panel) and was appointed in October 2018 as Standing Counsel to the Civil Aviation Authority in respect of procurement law.
Before joining Monckton Chambers, Fiona was a trainee solicitor and qualified at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, giving her an insight into the needs of solicitors throughout the litigation process.
Ranked in Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal, Fiona has extensive experience in procurement law and regularly acts for both private contractors and contracting authorities, across a range of sectors, including construction, healthcare, financial services, education, energy, defence, sport, transport and waste management. Some of her recent work is listed below and includes the recent rail franchise challenges, in which she successfully acted for the Department of Transport in defence of the claims brought by Stagecoach and others. Fiona also has an extensive advisory practice and has repeatedly advised on the ability of contracting authorities to vary existing public contracts and the application of the procurement regime (including the Concessions Contract Regulations 2016) to quasi-public bodies.
Fiona is recognised by the directories as a leading junior in competition law. She is currently acting in a number of private law damages actions, for both Claimants and Defendants, and regularly advises both private clients and regulators on a wide range of competition law issues. Fiona’s considerable experience in competition litigation is not limited to the CAT and the High Court, having also acted in the context of a number of international arbitrations involving competition and regulatory issues.
Fiona has particular strength in the telecommunications sector and is recognised in the legal directories for her expertise in the area. She has acted for both telecoms companies and regulators in regulatory investigations and disputes, appearing in appeals before the Competition Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal. She has a thorough knowledge of the EU Telecoms regime which she has developed across a variety of markets, including fixed and broadband markets. Given her expertise in public procurement and state aid, she is well placed to advise on the interaction of these areas of law.
Her notable clients have included BT and OFCOM.
Recent cases include:
Fiona is regularly instructed in commercial matters, often involving international disputes, before both national courts and arbitral bodies.
Listed as a leading junior in ‘Media, Entertainment and Sport’ in the Legal 500 since 2009 and recommended by Chambers UK (for Sport) and Who’s Who Legal (for Sport and Entertainment), Fiona has acted on behalf of national sports governing bodies, individual players, managers, clubs, event organisers and broadcasters in a variety of forum, including disciplinary, arbitral, High Court and CAT. The breadth of her practice is borne out by the number of different sports she has acted in respect of including football, golf, athletics, rugby league, rugby union, swimming, boxing, Formula 1, Formula E, cricket and cycling. Given her other specialisms, Fiona is well placed to advise on the interplay between sports law, competition law, telecommunications law and procurement law and has an extensive advisory practice alongside her litigation practice. In particular, Fiona has repeatedly advised in respect of dominance issues of governing bodies, salary caps, break-away leagues, funding mechanisms, home grown player requirements, doping, collective and exclusive broadcasting, licensing and valuation of rights and the application of the Concessions Regulations to sports event organisers.
Fiona was also been selected as one of 19 barristers specialising in sports law to participate in the London 2012 pro bono legal advice and representation service.
Fiona is developing a strong public law practice and has had conduct of a number of FOIA cases in her own right. Fiona has also had conduct of cases in her other core areas which have tested key public and administrative law principles.
Competition: “She shows really good judgement on when to discuss things and when it might be an unnecessary cost for the client.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2023
Public Procurement: “She is a very talented lawyer, who is realistic and in tune with what clients want to achieve.” “Extremely highly thought of, she’s very clever and good to work with.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Sports: “She is very sensible, pragmatic and a considered barrister.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Telecommunications: “She is a very bright barrister and has the intellectual horsepower to handle anything. She has the ability to really get into the details when there are very complex issues and can really cut to the heart of the analysis.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Leading junior in Public Procurement: “Fiona is an outstanding lawyer. Technically excellent and extremely thorough.” – Legal 500, 2023
Leading junior in Sport: “Calm, clear, speedy and efficient.” – Legal 500, 2023
Leading junior in Competition – Legal 500, 2023
Leading junior in Telecoms (regulatory) – Legal 500, 2023
“Fiona Banks is “a very sensible and knowledgeable junior” who impresses sources with her expertise in anti-doping disputes.” – Sports, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2022
“Fiona Banks is a renowned procurement expert in the healthcare, education, energy and construction sectors..” – Government Contracts, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2022
Recommended in Telecoms, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2022
Competition: “She is thorough, diligent and pleasant to work with. She knows when to be aggressive and when to compromise.” “Academic, diligent and clever.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2022
Public Procurement: “Very hard-working, very able and someone who exercises very good judgement.” “She is a class act and produces work of excellent quality.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Sports: “Her work is always clear and thorough, which gives you a huge amount of confidence.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Telecommunications: “She is a very bright barrister and has the intellectual horsepower to handle anything. She has the ability to really get into the details when there are very complex issues and can really cut to the heart of the analysis.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Leading junior in Competition – Legal 500, 2022
Leading junior in Telecoms (regulatory): “Fiona is a brilliant barrister who distills complex information quickly and accurately and helps formulate strong pleadings and strategies.” – Legal 500, 2022
Leading junior in Public Procurement – Legal 500, 2022
Recommended in Sports, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2021
Telecommunications: “An expert in the field,” who “has a lot of experience and is good to work with.” “She is very accurate in all she does and works hard at the detail. Her drafting is good and she knows how to handle complex issues.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Public Procurement: “A diligent, hard-working junior who is determined to get the best results for her clients.” “She provides thorough, timely and clear advice.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Sports: “She is a thoroughly good barrister and easy to work with.” “A very impressive advocate.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Competition: “A really bright and energetic junior.” “She is astute, provides excellent drafting and is very responsive, so it’s been a pleasure to have her in the team.” “Banks is incredibly user-friendly, diligent and thorough in going through material.” – Chambers UK and Chambers Global, 2021
Leading junior in Competition: ‘‘A very competent lawyer. Always a pleasure to work with her.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Leading junior in Telecoms (regulatory): ‘‘She is razor sharp and has excellent judgement in the court and with the client.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Leading junior in Public Procurement: ‘‘Focused, committed and hardworking team player. Tenacious advocate in court. A first-class brain and her analysis of the law is also first-class.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Leading junior in Sports Law: ‘‘A robust and forceful practitioner. She is very good in competition law-related matters.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Fiona Banks “commands respect” as a top name for sports litigation with “ a lovely manner in hearings”. – Sports, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2020
Peers of Fiona Banks are “very impressed with her written skills” and “very good judgement”. She is “extremely practical” and “a delight to work with”. – Government Contracts, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2020
Public Procurement:“Fiona has an exceptional ability to quickly absorb, process and organise a huge amount of information in a very short period of time. Her advice is always considered and accessible. She is excellent on paper and the quality of her drafting sets her apart.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Sports: “A fiercely bright contract lawyer.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Leading junior in Competition: ‘‘A good pleader.’’ – Legal 500, 2020
Leading junior in Telecoms (regulatory): ‘‘She represents both telecoms companies and regulators in disputes and investigations.’’ – Legal 500, 2020
Leading junior in Public Procurement: ‘‘A very personable, approachable and available junior.’’ – Legal 500, 2020
Leading junior in Sports Law: ‘‘A very good pleader.’’ – Legal 500, 2020
“Recognised for her superb government contracts practice. One source remarks that she has “in-depth legal knowledge combined with analytical skills, and the ability to crystallise complicated arguments into clear and sensible advice” – Government Contracts, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2019
“Always inspires utter confidence in her knowledge, approach and work” say peers who commend her “clarity of thought and pragmatism” – Sports, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2019
“An excellent barrister in the field” who is well versed in acting for telecoms providers and regulators in a range of tribunal and court proceedings” – Telecoms, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2019
Public Procurement: : “A very tenacious advocate” who is “incredibly responsive, very impressive in terms of her attention to detail and someone who drives matters forward.” – Chambers UK, 2019
Sports: “Impressive and eloquent, and she identifies the key points quickly. Provides sage, pragmatic advice.” “Extremely user-friendly.” – Chambers UK, 2019
Leading junior in Telecoms (regulatory): ‘‘Her knowledge and experience of the regulatory environment is impressive and she deploys this skilfully in her work.’’ – Legal 500, 2018
Leading junior in Public Procurement: ‘‘A fantastic knowledge of procurement law and a startling ability to get on top of the papers.’’ – Legal 500, 2018
Leading junior in Sports Law: ‘‘Very personable, approachable and available.’’ – Legal 500, 2018
Public Procurement: “Fiona has a quite startling ability to get on top of a set of papers with remarkable speed and pick up all the issues. Lay clients fully understand her pleadings and the advice she has drafted.” – Chambers UK, 2018
Sports: “A superb lawyer who can grasp technical and complex matters quickly and provide clear, practical advice.” “She is personable, very intelligent and insightful. She is very user-friendly as well and has an excellent bedside manner.”- Chambers UK, 2018
Leading junior in Public procurement: ‘‘A real expert, whose authoritative manner is backed by experience.’’ – Legal 500, 2017
Leading junior in Sports Law: ‘‘She is very supportive and responsive, and able to absorb a huge amount of detail very quickly.’’ – Legal 500, 2017
Public Procurement: “An able barrister with a far-reaching client list. As well as having a flourishing practice, she also contributes pieces on public procurement to various law publications.” ..“Fiona has an exceptional work ethic.” – Chambers UK, 2017
Sports: “Fiona is an extremely safe pair of hands. She is responsive and thorough and thinks strategically.” “A strong junior who is extremely user-friendly.” – Chambers UK, 2017
Ranked in Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2017 for Sports, Telecoms and Government Contracts.
Government Contracts: “…recognised as a leading junior and is well-versed in representing clients before all levels of the English Courts, including successfully acting for Counted4 in the High Court in relation to resisting the lifting of the automatic suspension of a public contract for substance misuse treatment services in Sunderland.” WHO’S WHO LEGAL (WWL) UK BAR 2017
Leading Junior in Sport: ‘‘She is very responsive and has good attention to detail.’’ – Legal 500, 2016
Government Contracts: A highly rated junior with an excellent track record in procurement cases. She is “charming and works extremely well with clients”, according to respondents. – WHO’S WHO LEGAL (WWL) UK BAR 2016
Sports: “A standout sports junior” with “a growing reputation in the field”. She represents governing bodies, individual players, clubs and broadcasters and has appeared in a number of high-profile arbitrations. – WHO’S WHO LEGAL (WWL) UK BAR 2016
Sport Law: “She is very highly regarded and is a very safe pair of hands. She is very accessible and amenable.” – Chambers UK, 2016
”She has experience acting for governing bodies, players, clubs, agents and broadcasters.” Leading Junior in Sport Law. Legal 500, 2015
Sport: “She picked up doping issues very quickly and really understood the issues and background of a case.” “She is really something – she’s very bright and able to absorb huge quantities of information very quickly and pick out the salient points.” – Chambers UK, 2015
‘Extremely personable with great enthusiasm.’ Fiona is recommended as a leading Junior in Sports Law – Legal 500, 2014
Sports Law: Has represented governing bodies, clubs, and individual sportsmen and women across a variety of sports matters. She has also been regularly instructed to act on media rights cases for broadcasters. “She is a very able barrister.” “She puts everything into context and clients really appreciate her.” Chambers UK, 2014
Fiona Banks is listed under Sports & Entertainment. Who’s Who Legal 2013
Fiona Banks is recommended as a leading junior in Media, Entertainment and Sport Law. Legal 500, 2013
Sport: “She has been instructed by a broad range of clients, including sportsmen and women, clubs, governing bodies and major broadcasters. She is increasingly being hailed as a future star of the Sports Bar, and has been instructed in some major issues, including disciplinary hearings, sports arbitrations and High Court cases. Clients have huge confidence in her abilities, noting occasions when she has excelled despite having been thrown in at the deep end: “When you take a young barrister from London and parachute her into a typical Yorkshire sporting dispute, you might have concerns – but not with Fiona. Her knowledge of the sport was tremendous, she knew the market inside-out, and the clients were won over in an instant.”” Chambers UK, 2013
Media, Entertainment and Sport Law: “Fiona Banks is ‘bright, responsive and understands the sporting context’.” – Legal 500, 2012
Fiona Banks is recommended as a leading junior in Media, Entertainment and Sport Law. Legal 500, 2012
Media, Entertain & Sports states that Fiona Banks “is ‘a star of the future’ and ‘definitely one to watch’.” Legal 500, 2011
“Fiona Banks has ‘a forensic eye for detail’.” Legal 500, 2010
Education & Prizes
2002-2003
1998-2001
2001
2000
Professional Memberships
Fiona is qualified to undertake direct access work through the public access accreditation scheme.