Bankruptcy · Insolvency & Dispute Resolution

Director Disqualification Experts

Urgent Director Defence

If you have received a Section 16 letter or been told the Insolvency Service is investigating you, every decision now matters. Speak to a specialist now.

Section 16 response
Your response can decide the outcome.
Director protection
Protect your career, business and personal reputation.
Joined-up defence
One coordinated strategy for every pressure point.

Why You Can’t Ignore A Section 16 Notice

Director Disqualification Proceedings under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 can lead to severe and lasting consequences:

Disqualification

Disqualification for up to 15 years.

Personal liability

Personal liability for company debts.

Compensation orders

Compensation orders for alleged losses.

Criminal offence

Criminal offence if you act while banned.

Reputational damage

Reputational damage that affects every future venture.

The earlier you involve us, the more options we can secure. Your career, business and personal reputation are at stake. You need a specialist director-defence solicitor — fast.

One strategy. One team.

All angles covered.

Received A Section 16 Letter

If you have just received a Section 16 letter, read this first. That letter means the Insolvency Service is considering disqualification action. You have only weeks to respond, and how you reply can decide the outcome.

Your first 7 days plan

  • Do not respond without legal advice.
  • Do not admit “unfit conduct”.
  • Request full evidence supporting the allegations.
  • Let us reply on your behalf — we can negotiate, rebut or settle.
  • Act immediately — deadlines are strict, and silence is taken as consent.

How We Defend Directors

Challenging “Unfit Conduct” Allegations. We build a forensic defence that dismantles the Insolvency Service’s case.

Typical accusations we contest include:

  • Wrongful trading.
  • Preferential payments.
  • HMRC arrears and tax mismanagement.
  • Bounce Back Loan or Covid support misuse.
  • Director mismanagement or failure to keep records.

We expose weak evidence, obtain witness statements and financial analysis, and present a reasoned rebuttal that demonstrates you acted responsibly.

Negotiating Undertakings on Favourable Terms

If an undertaking is unavoidable, we aim to reduce the term, remove admissions and avoid compensation orders. We negotiate directly with the Insolvency Service.

Fighting in Court When Required

If proceedings cannot settle, you need experienced litigators. Swift action, comprehensive evidence and a clear strategy can protect your directorship, reputation and assets.

Section 17 Permission To Act Applications

Even if disqualified, you may be able to manage a business with court permission. This is an often overlooked option.

Qualify and demonstrate public interest

Qualify and demonstrate public interest.

Supporting evidence

Supporting affidavits, business plans and financial evidence.

Court and Insolvency Service

Liaise with the Insolvency Service and court.

Permission to continue

Secured permission for directors to continue post-disqualification.

Compensation Orders — The Hidden Risk

The Insolvency Service, liquidators or HMRC can pursue personal repayment.

Analyse the basis

Analyse the legal basis and financial evidence.

Challenge causation and quantum

Challenge causation and quantum.

Defend or negotiate

Defend or negotiate settlement.

Coordinate strategy

Coordinate with the disqualification defence.

Joined Up Director Protection

No other firm covers every pressure point. One coordinated strategy protecting the director and the business.

  • Director Disqualification Defence.
  • Winding-Up Petitions.
  • Statutory Demands.
  • Personal Liability Claims.
  • Misfeasance & Wrongful Trading.
  • HMRC / Covid Loan Investigations.
  • Section 17 Permission-to-Act.

One strategy. One team. All angles covered.

Why Directors Choose West London Law

We act fast

Same-day defence plan and contact with the Insolvency Service.

We know their tactics

We deal with them daily.

Led by Gurvir Birang

Specialist litigator with years of insolvency and director defence experience.

Personal protection

We protect you personally, not just the company.

High-stakes litigation experts

Not generalists.

Boutique service

Direct access to a senior solicitor, not a call centre.

20+ years of experience

Leading experts in bankruptcy defence.

100s of cases

Proven track record helping clients through difficult times.

Urgent legal support

Immediate assistance to deal with tight deadlines.

First impression, our clients

Client feedback

West London Law’s expertise helped us navigate a tough financial situation with confidence and clarity.

Client feedback

Thanks to West London Law, their advice had a tremendous impact on my financial circumstances.

Client feedback

West London Law guided us through the bankruptcy process smoothly, securing the best possible outcome for our future.

Client feedback

With their strategic advice and dedication, we successfully defended against a bankruptcy petition and regained financial stability.

Director under investigation?

If you are a director under investigation or at risk of disqualification, do not wait. Call West London Law.

West London Law

Bankruptcy, insolvency and dispute resolution information led by Gurvir Birang.

West London Law Limited does not provide reserved services to the public.

Gurvir Birang is a practising solicitor, founder, litigator and bankruptcy expert, authorised and regulated by the SRA. Gurvir Birang practices from Spencer West LLP.  Spencer West LLP is authorised and regulated by the SRA.

West London Law is a trading name of West London Law Limited, registered in England and Wales (company number 06776937).

West London Law was set up in 2003 and became non-regulated in 2020 and is no longer a firm of solicitors. This website is for marketing purposes only.

Disclaimer. Information on this website does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as it does not provide a complete statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be sought and tailored to your particular circumstances.