The Law of Assignment

The Honourable Mr Justice Marcus Smith is a Justice of the High Court (Chancery Division). Prior to taking the bench in 2016, he built up extensive experience of commercial practice as a barrister at Fountain Court Chambers, and he was made silk in 2010.


Nico Leslie is a barrister at Fountain Court Chambers. He is a leading junior in the field of commercial litigation.

The Law of Assignment is the leading text on the law relating to intangible property or choses in action. Its clear and approachable structure covers all forms of intangible property (debts, rights under contract, securities, intellectual property, leases, rights/causes of action and equitable rights), considering the nature of intangible property, how it comes into being and how it is transferred or assigned.

The first part of the book analyses the general principles regarding intangibles and their transfer, and the second examines the practical considerations relating to particular types of intangibles, securities, insurance contracts, leases and intellectual property under the law.

The third edition includes new chapters on powers of attorney and factoring, areas particularly important to legal practice. Other significant developments include the expansion of the chapter on leases to include leasing of chattels, and more material on securities, especially regarding the operation of settlement systems.

The Law of Assignment is the leading text on the law relating to intangible property or choses in action. Its clear and approachable structure covers all forms of intangible property considering the nature of intangible property, how it comes into being and how it is transferred or assigned.