THE FIRM The firm impresses with its international reach and breadth of litigation expertise. As a result, it is regularly instructed on high-profile disputes, such as advising RBS in the dispute between Liverpool FC and its US owners, and representing Accenture in a dispute over the design and implementation of the British Gas billing system.

Sources say: "The quality of work from senior partner right down to junior associate is a class apart." "I can't believe how quick, responsive and simple to deal with they are. The lawyers take control of and manage the work very well." "Freshfields impressed me with its ability to take a commercial as well as legal point of view."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say Ian Terry is a "brilliant strategist and an excellent listener." He is currently representing Vasily Anisimov in proceedings brought by Boris Berezovsky in the High Court for breach of trust and breach of contract.

The "sensible, calm and unflappable" Christopher Pugh is "one to have in your corner," according to interviewees. He heads the firm's dispute resolution group and specialises in energy and financial services litigation.

Paul Lomas is "exceptional for international litigation." He is experienced in cases with a strong economic or regulatory aspect.

Raj Parker is "one of the coolest, calmest lawyers around." His broad practice encompasses general and financial services disputes, international regulatory investigations and sports work.

The "incredibly knowledgeable" Ian Taylor is a "real port of call in a storm - he's the person you want when things are difficult," say sources. He focuses on the banking and financial services sectors.

THE FIRM The firm is at the forefront of the London disputes market and earns praise for its teamwork and strategical thinking. Its extensive range of expertise covers contractual disputes, banking litigation and regulatory investigations, and professional liability, among others. Significant work includes advising Qatari Diar on its high-profile contractual dispute with CPC Group concerning the development of the former Chelsea Barracks site. It also represented BSkyB in its action against EDS for deceit, negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract.

Sources say: "If you have a multimillion-pound litigation, you want a heavyweight like Herbert Smith." "They understand exactly what the client wants and needs, and can deliver advice accordingly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Top of the league" Ted Greeno is "tactically astute and completely reliable." He has a particular emphasis in the energy sector, and acted for Chevron in proceedings arising from the Buncefield explosion.

Sonya Leydecker excels in financial services disputes. She is involved in advising RBS on the FSA's supervisory investigations into events leading up to the near collapse of the bank.

Kevin Lloyd is "canny, sensible and keeps a firm eye on the overall strategy for litigation." He specialises in contentious restructuring and insolvency work.

Damien Byrne Hill elicits praise for his "no-nonsense approach." He leads the firm's banking litigation group.

The highly regarded Philip Carrington led the team acting for Qatari Diar. His broad-based practice includes fraud, insolvency-related litigation, professional negligence and shareholder and partnership disputes.

Since publication, Ted Greeno has joined Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

THE FIRM This first-rate group of litigators is impressive across the board. It offers clients specialist experience in financial services disputes, product liability, pensions litigation, professional negligence, fraud, insolvency and contentious projects, engineering and construction matters. It is currently advising BTA Bank on multi-jurisdictional claims concerning a series of allegedly fraudulent transactions through which BTA suffered significant losses.

Sources say: "The lawyers are calm, purposeful, clear-headed and willing to take calculated action."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jon Holland is "always impressive" in banking-related matters. He co-heads the financial services litigation team.

The "affable" Patrick Sherrington heads the group, and also maintains an active practice. He has particular expertise advising on jurisdictional issues and conflicts of laws.

THE FIRM This group impresses clients with its strength in depth and full-service dispute resolution practice. It offers particular expertise in regulatory investigations work and antitrust litigation, and recently advised BAE Systems on its defence to the well-publicised SFO corruption inquiry. Other clients include eBay and Midland Resources Holding.

Sources say: "Allen & Overy is a firm you are keen to have on your side rather than on the other side." "The lawyers are hugely experienced, pragmatic and commercially oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees single out Tim House as a "shrewd and sensible litigator." His commercial disputes practice centres on the banking and finance sector.

THE FIRM Clients appreciate this team's ability to deliver on complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation. It is known for its expertise in the finance sector, and acted for JPMorgan Chase in its long-running dispute with Springwell Navigation concerning the alleged mis-selling of emerging market debt instruments. The group also acts for corporates, government departments and regulators, with notable clients including Raytheon and Siemens.

Sources say: "The firm's ability to co-ordinate international work effectively is very valuable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe Simon Davis as an "exceptional talent who fights for his clients." He recently acted for a major corporate in a high-profile takeover panel inquiry.

Roger Best excels in contentious banking and regulatory financial services work. He advised Citi on claims brought against it by Terra Firma under English law relating to fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation.

The "collected and incisive" Jeremy Kosky is "highly attentive and excellent at managing complex litigation." He is currently acting for Brian Gilbertson in a shareholder dispute brought by Renova.

Iain Roxborough earns praise for his strong pragmatism, with one interviewee noting: "He sees things very clearly and can size up a problem quickly."

THE FIRM This dispute resolution team elicits praise for its tactical and astute advice and user-friendly style. It is renowned for its expertise advising financial institutions, such as PwC and Standard Chartered Bank, on contentious restructuring and insolvency, regulatory investigations and derivatives and structured products litigation. Other strengths include professional negligence, contractual disputes, fraud and asset tracing.

Sources say: "They analysed the matter, effectively identified the commercial points and developed a strategy on how to argue them." "They are available 24/7 and will do their utmost to provide the best service: you don't get the impression you are put in a queue or further down in the pecking order."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christa Band is highly respected for her work on banking and financial services litigation and is "building a big following," according to sources.

Christopher Style QC has a wealth of experience acting for corporates and financial institutions on complex disputes.

"Class act" John Turnbull "has great judgement and great insight." He concentrates on corporate finance litigation.

Solicitor advocate Andrew Hughes is "fantastically energetic," say sources.

Since publication, Christopher Style has joined One Essex Court

THE FIRM The firm attracts praise for its high-quality and thorough lawyers. It has acted on numerous high-profile disputes in recent times: it advised Liverpool FC on its contentious sale to New England Sports Ventures and successfully defended Cable & Wireless against a multimillion-pound damages claim brought against it by Digicel.

Sources say: "A Rolls-Royce service for bet-the-company litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Archer is hugely experienced and inspires confidence in his clients. He has a strong international practice, and is currently advising Japan Tobacco on satellite litigation in Lebanon, Cyprus and Yemen arising out of a distributor agreement with a Cypriot entity.

Elizabeth Barrett regularly handles complex disputes, such as her recent work for British Airways in relation to the OFT’s criminal and civil investigations into alleged cartel activity.

Deborah Finkler impresses clients with her clear communication and timely advice. She primarily acts for banks and financial institutions.

With Sarah Lee "everything is calm - she doesn't get het up and thinks ahead strategically about what the client is facing," say sources. She was a key partner in the Cable & Wireless case.

According to clients, Nick Gray "brings a wealth of experience" and the reassurance that "he has clearly done this before." He recently advised Cadbury on a dispute with its outsourced telecommunications provider BT.

Interviewees note that Richard Swallow "works exceptionally hard." His broad practice spans derivatives and trade finance disputes, fraud, insurance and reinsurance, competition and insolvency litigation.

Group head Richard Clark is currently advising an international electricity supplier on a dispute with an African sovereign concerning ongoing electricity supply contracts.

THE FIRM The team impresses clients with its consistently high levels of service across a range of sectors, such as financial services, energy, transport and infrastructure. Representative work includes defending Woodside against a claim brought by Dana Petroleum and Star Petroleum concerning a dispute over the obligation to carry out oil exploration activities off the coast of Kenya.

Sources say: "Ashurst can cover all aspects of litigation, from county court claims to complex, intricate disputes." "The lawyers are extremely attentive to what we need from a commercial point of view and try to understand all aspects of our business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "committed and diligent" Edward Sparrow "quickly grasps complex matters and makes them readily understandable for the client," comment interviewees. He is acting for Imperial Tobacco in judicial review proceedings challenging the government's intended bans on tobacco vending machines and tobacco displays.

Moving up in the rankings, Ben Tidswell brings a "responsive, user-friendly and business-savvy" approach to complex commercial litigation. His expertise spans restructuring and insolvency and banking disputes as well as competition/antitrust litigation and telecommunications and media cases.

Sources say Ronnie King is "a fighter, and one to have on your side." He focuses on multi-jurisdictional litigation and anti-suit injunctions.

THE FIRM Interviewees describe this team as a class act, housing numerous technically excellent lawyers. It handles the full range of commercial disputes across five core sectors: financial institutions, transport, infrastructure, energy and technology. In recent significant work, the team acted for F&C Asset Management in relation to a long-running limited liability partnership dispute arising from a joint venture managing funds of hedge funds.  

Sources say: "The firm has a complete understanding of both legal and practical dynamics - the lawyers know the people, the players and the issues involved."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sam Eastwood has a strong track record for offering proactive and pragmatic advice. He heads the firm's business ethics and anti-corruption group.

THE FIRM Sources are impressed by this firm's dispute resolution capabilities. It acts for a diverse client base spanning the financial institutions, life sciences, TMT and energy and infrastructure sectors on commercial litigation, arbitration and investigation mandates.

Sources say: "It has a breadth of experience at partner level which means you can construct a team that works well for you." "The firm is outstanding in terms of servicing our needs and very cost-conscious." "The lawyers had a very good understanding of commercial, 'big-picture' issues as opposed to speaking to a specific legal point."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators say Philip Vaughan is "great with clients and really hard-working." He is particularly active in the energy, infrastructure and pharmaceuticals sectors.

Departmental head Colin Passmore "has all the gravitas you could want in an adviser and more." He focuses on retail financial litigation and high-end professional negligence claims. 

Robert Turner excels in contentious financial services work. 

THE FIRM On November 1st 2011, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert merged with Clyde & Co. The merged entity will trade under the Clyde & Co banner. Clyde & Co is at the forefront of the insurance and commodities market, and is also making a name for itself in banking and finance litigation. The firm elicits particular praise for its handling of cross-border disputes. Notable clients include Ericsson, The Bank of New York Mellon and Deutsche Bank.

Sources say: "The lawyers always bear in mind the different cultures and jurisdictions in which we are working and are flexible in understanding our needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Up to date and commercially aware," Paul Friedman is endorsed as "a leader with natural authority." He heads the firm's banking and funds disputes practice.

THE FIRM This practice continues to go from strength to strength, with recent panel appointments including Nestlé and Royal Mail. In the last year, it has advised on financial services litigation stemming from the recession as well as contractual, pensions and construction disputes.

Sources say: “The lawyers are systematic in their analysis of questions and work confidently and operatively in the client's interests.” "Hands-on, commercial advice provided in swift turnaround times."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Liam O'Connell is a standout figure at the practice.

THE FIRM In London, the 11-partner team is able to draw on the firm's international network of offices to advise on a wide range of domestic and cross-border commercial disputes. Representative work includes acting for Sibir Energy on proceedings arising from the multimillion-dollar fraud perpetrated by former directors and shareholders. It is also advising Bombardier on multi-jurisdictional disputes arising out of the sale and purchase of aircraft.

Sources say: "This is a real litigation powerhouse."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Departmental head Craig Shuttleworth is a popular choice for complex litigation. He is the lead partner on the Sibir Energy case.

Stephen Brown acts for a number of major corporates, including GM and Procter & Gamble, on complex disputes.

THE FIRM Alongside this firm's excellent reputation for insurance litigation and construction disputes, it has advised numerous financial institutions and major corporates in the last year on general commercial litigation. It continues to advise the independent valuer appointed by HM Treasury under the scheme to assess any compensation due to former Northern Rock shareholders. Other significant clients are HSBC, UBS, Unilever and Persimmon.

Sources say: "This group has the ability to grapple with the most complex issues." "I think their client handling skills in difficult and tense situations have been excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Allen heads the practice.

THE FIRM This firm is particularly noted for its expertise in private equity and hedge fund-related disputes, and also handles matters across the pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, IT, retail and leisure sectors. A recent notable case is advising Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority on a GBP4 billion dispute for loss of contract.

Sources say: "The lawyers demonstrate strong legal analysis backed up with a commercial understanding of what the client is trying to achieve."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Litigation head Craig Pollack is "incredibly calm and a fantastic helmsman for driving a case forward."

Sources say Hilton Mervis is an "extremely analytical and cerebral lawyer who brings an incredible clarity of analysis" to complex matters. He often acts on cross-border litigation and represented Tarkin, a Swiss company, in a multimillion-pound dispute arising from the trading of steel.

Solicitor advocate Alex Leitch is "an exceptional litigator and client manager," according to interviewees. His practice focuses on corporate and media-related litigation.

THE FIRM This team has emerged as one of the pre-eminent dispute resolution practices in the London market. It impresses observers with its "responsive and proactive" advice on a broad range of commercial disputes, and offers particular expertise in banking, investment and energy work. It is defending Mukhtar Abkyazon and Roman Solodchenko against High Court actions brought by BTA Bank for alleged misappropriations of funds. Other notable clients are Natixis and Total.

Sources say: "The firm provides thorough legal analysis and also has an excellent understanding of financial products."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group head John Fordham is an "excellent lawyer" who "is diverse in his approach to litigation and understands broader reputational risk." He is representing Rawlinson & Hunter Trustees in claims against Kaupthing Bank relating to certain security agreements entered into with the bank prior to its collapse in 2008.

THE FIRM This team is highly respected for its cross-border expertise, and has particular knowledge of the offshore and emerging markets. The dispute resolution practice covers banking, energy, infrastructure, telecoms and funds-related work. It is acting for Çukurova Group in a long-running dispute with Alfa Group concerning the ownership of a controlling shareholding in Turkcell Iletisim, Turkey's largest mobile phone company.  

Sources say: "The lawyers pull out all the stops to deliver successful solutions in a short space of time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Reynolds heads the commercial litigation group and has a particular focus on banking litigation. He recently represented a British Virgin Islands-registered investment company in relation to a dispute concerning an agreement to purchase shares in a Ukrainian steel producer.

Alistair Graham has an emphasis on regulatory and fraud investigations, white-collar work and international asset tracing work. His clients include Siemens VAI Industries and Henry Brothers.

Since publication, Alistair Graham has joined Mayer Brown International LLP

THE FIRM Despite recent departures from Addleshaw Goddard's litigation department, it remains a major player in the market. Clients particularly value the firm's innovative approach to fee arrangements. It continues to act for Boris Berezovsky on a number of high-value claims, including his multibillion-dollar dispute with Roman Abramovich. Other work highlights include advising Standard Life on a GBP100 million professional indemnity coverage claim against its insurers.

Sources say: "Communication is excellent and you feel that there is very much a team effort. The firm works seamlessly together with its clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Leedham is the lead practice contact. 

THE FIRM With 16 litigation partners based in London and an extensive global network of offices, Baker & McKenzie is well placed to advise clients on both domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters. The disputes practice covers a broad range of work, from contentious trusts and fraud issues to financial services and product liability cases. The team is acting for INEOS in an action against Grangemouth CHP and Fortum O&M to recover carbon dioxide emissions allowances issued under the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2003/2005.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Keltie heads the firm's business crime unit in London and earns praise for his "prompt service and thorough advice."

THE FIRM Clients value DLA Piper's cross-border expertise. The firm regularly handles matters arising within South-Eastern Europe, and recently advised Chaptex Holdings on the recovery of contractual fees following the dissolution of a joint venture in the Republic of Macedonia. Other notable work includes defending EDS in its high-profile dispute with BSkyB concerning claims of fraud, negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract.

Sources say: "The lawyers not only advise on the law but empathise with the implications of litigation on our business position." "What I like about the firm is the amount of partner involvement. The lawyers are very practical and know how to get to the bottom of a problem - they personalise their advice and are responsive to our requests."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry joins from Lawrence Graham and elicits praise for his prompt advice. He is hugely experienced in cross-border disputes, and has a particular emphasis on financial services and natural resources work.

THE FIRM This litigation department has handled numerous financial services disputes and credit crunch-related litigation in recent times, such as advising Sebastian Holdings in claims against Deutsche Bank related to a series of derivatives transactions in which losses of around USD800 million were sustained. Other areas of expertise include breach of contract issues, shareholder claims, fraud, freezing injunctions and professional negligence.

Sources say: "You get the silver service - the lawyers are personable and you end up working with the person you consulted with initially rather than getting passed on to others."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Leslie is the main contact for the practice.

THE FIRM Clients call upon this litigation team for a wide array of matters, including contractual disputes, professional negligence claims and contentious restructuring issues. The practice is burgeoning both domestically and abroad and has added new clients such as Morgan Stanley and Arab National Bank to its portfolio. It recently advised Oceanbulk Shipping & Trading on its dispute with TMT Asia relating to forward freight derivatives contracts under the International Swaps and Derivatives Association.

Sources say: "A pragmatic, efficient and learned team." "The firm is never caught short technically and is first-class at understanding our commercial drivers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Sacher is the key practice contact. 

THE FIRM Clients are full of praise for Bird & Bird's sector-based dispute resolution practice. Representative work includes advising BayernLB in Commercial Court proceedings involving allegations of fraud, and defending PayPal in High Court proceedings relating to breach of contract and negligence.

Sources say: "These smart, attentive and service-oriented lawyers have specific industry knowledge in addition to the legal skills required." "They really understand business and so offer both legally and commercially sound advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jane Player and Ludovic de Walden lead the practice.

THE FIRM This highly regarded disputes group is best known for its strength in the insurance sector. It represented Total in all civil claims brought against it in relation to the Buncefield fuel depot explosion. The group also regularly handles broader commercial disputes work, including derivatives litigation, mis-selling claims and allegations of fraud.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Bramhall is one of the lead lawyers at the practice.

THE FIRM Dechert handles a wide array of contentious work, from complex litigations to arbitrations and investigations. Clients call upon the firm for cross-border disputes, praising its skilled handling of work in different jurisdictions. Recent work includes representing Michael Cherney in his ongoing dispute with Oleg Deripaska. The team has also been advising NML on claims relating to defaults in payment of bonds issued by Argentina.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Big-ticket litigator" Andrew Hearn has the "ability to discern what is relevant from a mass of information and provide straight-to-the-point advice," say sources. His diverse client base encompasses hedge funds, travel companies and manufacturers in the food, drink and retail sectors.

Antony Dutton recently joined the firm. Sources say he is "really excellent." He regularly advises on international banking, corporate and insolvency disputes.

THE FIRM This seven-partner team advises on securities and shareholder litigation, IP disputes, energy litigation and general commercial litigation, both domestically and across the world. It is popular with clients due to its strategic advice and excellent responsiveness. Notable work includes advising Cadogan Petroleum in a complex fraud case involving allegations of bribery and secret commissions.

Sources say: "We trust them as we would our in-house counsel. They have been very committed to us as a client." "It is a large firm and can bring in specialist expertise as we require it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Deborah Ruff and David Waldron lead the practice.

THE FIRM The firm is able to field teams in London, cross-nationally and internationally, so is well placed to handle a wide array of commercial disputes. It is acting for a group of electronic equipment companies, including Recolight, on claims brought in the High Court alleging breaches of EU/UK competition law. Other clients include ADT, Transport for London and Tyco.

Sources say: "The lawyers are responsive and approachable, and give practical advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly regarded Andrew Legg has recently joined the team from Mayer Brown International LLP. His practice covers M&A, outsourcing, trust, professional negligence and insolvency disputes.

THE FIRM This approachable and user-friendly team is composed of hard-working and highly skilled litigators. Alongside its well-established reputation in the shipping and insurance sectors, the firm also handles disputes work for finance, energy and aviation clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ben Ogden is a standout figure at the practice.

THE FIRM Clients commend this team's excellent accessibility and strong organisational skills. Financial services disputes and contentious regulatory work remain at the heart of the practice, which also covers competition and contractual litigation and insolvency matters.

Sources say: "These lawyers are very responsive and will be incredibly honest with you about chances of success. They won't hedge their bets."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients have "nothing but praise" for Jonathan Warne. He is currently acting for Mercedes-Benz in relation to the OFT investigation into the commercial vehicle market.

THE FIRM Although there have been departures from this practice in recent times, it has retained a significant presence in the London market. The practice covers breach of contract, fraud and shareholder disputes across a range of sectors, and is particularly noted for its expertise in media-related work.

Sources say: "A young and dynamic team that punches above its weight."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market observers say Richard Bamforth has "stepped up to the plate" as head of the practice. He is currently advising the chairman of the Saad Trading Group in several High Court litigation proceedings.

THE FIRM The practice has expanded in recent times and now comprises 16 partners able to handle a wide range of commercial disputes, from complex banking and shareholder litigation to professional negligence and fraud matters. 

Sources say: "The lawyers were keen to listen to our concerns and what we wanted to achieve. We were impressed with how quickly they grasped the issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Spafford is recognised as a strong opponent with excellent client-handling skills. He leads the firm's commercial disputes group in Europe and the Middle East.

THE FIRM This impressive team is in growth mode following lateral hires at partner level. Whilst the firm is perhaps best known for its insurance and professional negligence expertise, it has remained busy over the last year advising on credit crunch-related litigation. The practice also regularly handles contractual disputes, joint venture and shareholder disputes, breach of confidentiality and asset freezing and tracing. Notable clients are Sports Direct International and HMV Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Wood is the main practice contact.

THE FIRM Sources commend the advice on offer from Bristows' five-partner dispute resolution team. The practice has grown consistently in recent years and now covers technology disputes, insolvency and restructuring, civil fraud and financial litigation. Notable clients include SAS Systems, GE Healthcare and Capgemini. 

Sources say: "Careful and circumspect advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Geoffrey Gauci is highlighted as an "effective implementer of strategy" due to his strong communication skills and user-friendly style.

"Top-class intellect" James Irvine "can break a problem down so that everyone understands what the issues are," say sources. He is particularly experienced in civil fraud, asset tracing and insolvency matters.

Under the "meticulous and diligent" guidance of Charles Pugh, clients feel that they are "well counselled and can avoid unnecessary surprises along the way."

THE FIRM Though this London team may be smaller than some of its competitors, it is regularly instructed on complex domestic and international litigation. The practice centres on commercial disputes and regulatory investigations, and has a strong emphasis in the financial services sector. Notable clients include ARM Asset-Backed Securities, Nationwide Building Society and Dragon Oil.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say Lista Cannon is "incredibly reassuring to have in your corner - she understands the client's position comprehensively and leaves no stone unturned."

THE FIRM The London team of this major US firm may be relatively compact but it regularly handles significant, cross-border disputes in partnership with its extensive network of international offices. As an example, it represented Accor in a jurisdiction dispute related to a multimillion-pound commercial claim. Other clients include Deutsche Bank and The Investment Dar.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Clifford is a leading member of the practice. 

THE FIRM This firm has remained busy over the last year advising on multi-jurisdictional litigation arising from the financial crisis. It has handled numerous commercial fraud and investment-related disputes, and continues to advise the Belmont claimants under the USD2 billion Lehman Brothers-sponsored Dante Notes Programme.

Sources say: "These lawyers are always available and provide detailed information."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Dobson is the main practice contact.

THE FIRM Notable work for this team from the last year includes defending Trafigura against a GBP48 million claim brought by a former management consultant for repudiatory breach of contract. It also recently advised two Norwegian municipalities on claims made against DEPFA BANK concerning certain swap transactions.

Sources say: "It is incredibly responsible, meticulous and pragmatic - the lawyers are excellent managers of litigation work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe Iain Mackie as a "brilliant technical lawyer" who "isn't mindlessly aggressive but really understands a case and when to run with it." He is acting for Salford Capital Partners in relation to litigation between Boris Berezovsky and the estate of Badri Patarkatsishvili. 

THE FIRM The firm recently bolstered its dispute resolution team with the arrival of three new partners. It is now well placed to advise on a wide array of contentious matters, from banking, financial services and insurance disputes to fraud and asset tracing, product liability and professional negligence. Clients include Hewlett-Packard, Independent Trustee Services and PwC.

Sources say: "This proactive team is always looking to find solutions to problems and offers articulate and detailed advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "dynamic" Andrew Howell is "on top of the law and a real pleasure to work with."