Fraud: Civil: London

This litigation powerhouse remains one of the strongest names in the civil fraud market. The team consistently acts on eye-catching matters for an impressive array of high-profile clients. It has developed especially strong ties with clients in Russia, the Middle East and Jersey. The team is currently acting against the former senior management of recently nationalised Latvian bank Parex Banka for alleged breach of fiduciary duty.

Client Service "They are excellent in terms of the service they provide - they work all hours." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Last year's prominent lateral hire from Allen & Overy, Robert Hunter remains the outstanding practitioner in the field. Interviewees were keen to point out that "he combines great commercial acumen and skill, with very strong academic knowledge of the law." His clients include financial institutions and Russian corporates. Simon Bushell co-heads the department. He also leads the Russian disputes team, and his recent Eastern European work includes the Parex Banka matter. Sources rate him "a hard-hitting litigator." Sonya Leydecker is well known for her work on cross-border disputes, and leads the firm's global litigation practice. She counts accountancy firms and financial institutions amongst her key clients. Gary Milner-Moore acted for Tajik Aluminium Plant in a case concerning allegations of international fraud against former directors and trading partners. "He's a very good lawyer and forms a great double act with Simon Bushell," say sources. 

The practice continues to consolidate its position as one of the market leaders in high-stakes fraud litigation. Following one of the most prominent transatlantic law firm mergers of recent times, the scope of the team's practice is greater than ever. The team's head count is amongst the biggest in the London market and, following on from its role in the Fiona Trust dispute, it has figured in the massive multi-jurisdictional BTA Bank litigation.

Client Service "We pick up the phone and have almost immediate access to the right people."

Commercial Awareness "The lawyers are clear-headed and willing to take well-calculated action."

KEY INDIVIDUALS International commercial litigation expert and co-head of investigations and fraud Jeremy Cole is a "calm but robust practitioner." He is considered to be the "star" of the team and played a key role in the BTA Bank litigation. Crispin Rapinet has a formidable international relationship as a result of his years advising on high-stakes litigation in the firm's Hong Kong office. As well as advising on the BTA dispute, he has also acted for Standard Chartered Bank. Sources identify him as "a consummate diplomat." Solicitor advocate Chris Hardman was also involved in the BTA matter, and acts for a number of telecommunications entities. Sources hold him in increasingly high esteem as "a calm and clear-headed litigator." The "calm, cool and collected" Cary Kochberg is an increasingly popular choice for high-level work including BTA Bank and Madoff-related matters. He is admitted to practice in Ontario as well as England and Wales. Hugh Lyons recently advised Dubai Islamic Bank in a substantial fraud involving more than USD500 million.  

The sheer quality of personnel on offer at this top-rank outfit ensures that it remains one of the leading teams in the market. It has forged an outstanding reputation for defending individuals in white-collar criminal matters, including substantial fraud work. The team recently acted for one of the primary defendants in the high-stakes BTA Bank litigation.

Client Service "They looked at all solutions and did what we needed. Very responsive, outstanding interaction with us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior partner Keith Oliver offers clients experience across a range of regulatory and insolvency disputes. "Creativity is a given with him; immediate attention is given to everything that is necessary," according to one highly impressed interviewee. He has acted on the high-profile BTA Bank litigation, along with partner Sarah Gabriel. She also acts for Weavering Capital, and attracts growing market attention for her "extremely thoughtful and analytical approach." Sources say she has "a good commercial nose and knows when to fight hard and when to settle." Jonathan Tickner has recently acted for a former CEO of Intercontinental Bank in a case concerning the alleged misappropriation of approximately £800 million. "He has incredible experience with civil fraud matters," say sources.

Sources agree this magic circle practice has now stabilised, following former practice leader Robert Hunter's move to Herbert Smith. The five-partner fraud department has a particular profile in acting for financial institutions, on account of the firm's strengths in banking. It has advised on matters relating to the Torex Retail director prosecution, as well as acting for members of the Assaubayev family.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mona Vaswani is lauded by sources as "very switched-on," with one interviewee enthusing: "She is very good at marshalling resources and focusing on big points." She has been heavily involved in the multi-jurisdictional High Court fraud litigation in relation to Kazakhgold and the Assaubayev family. Rainer Evers is one of the practice's principal associate solicitors who acts for clients including investment funds. His recent work includes advising on a property ownership dispute arising out of a complex transaction.

This team offers "strength and depth" and excellent responsiveness, according to enthusiastic market sources. The London office of this Swiss Verein counts a number of famous entities on its client roster, including Grupo Torras, Kuwait Investment Office and the FSA. 

Commercial Awareness "They are sensible and commercial; not ones to leap to a stance and stick doggedly to it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS London business crime practice head Andrew Keltie wins ever greater praise from the market as a "technically well-versed lawyer, with the ability to assess difficult situations lucidly." He continues to act for Kuwaiti-owned Grupo Torras in the multimillion-dollar recovery of stolen assets, as does partner Anthony Poulton. Sources show admiration for Poulton's substantial trust-slanted practice, and judge him "an excellent litigator" who is "urbane and unruffled and doesn't get fazed." The "sensible, tenacious and responsive" senior associate Charles Thomson is another favourite with interviewees. As well as acting on the Grupo Torras matter, he also counts Saudi Arabian corporations and central banks as clients.

This is a London civil and criminal boutique set up by a number of former Dechert lawyers. "It merits recognition for the high degree of specialist know-how it has in this field," say sources. Its compact size means conflicts rarely arise, making it an instinctive choice in acting against big market names in high-stakes litigation. Following on from the Yukos Capital v Rosneft dispute, it is also acting for secondary defendants in the widely reported BTA Bank litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "bright, capable and praiseworthy litigator" Nicola Boulton remains busy, and continues to advise on disputes emanating from the BTA Bank litigation. She is also a member of the Law Society's Money Laundering Task Force, and her esteem in the market has seen her previously act for fellow solicitors in fraud matters. Bernard O'Sullivan is a frequent sight in regulatory and fraud work. He acted for Yukos Capital in a £425 million multi-jurisdictional freezing order against Rosneft. Sources consider him "a convincing presenter who seizes points, yet maintains a commercially sensible disposition." Singapore-qualified Yvonne Jefferies is another partner with notable experience in insurance and reinsurance as well as general litigation. She also provided input on the Yukos Capital matter.

This magic circle firm is assured a profile here thanks to its international transactional prowess, particularly for clients in the banking sector. It is advising a number of major banks concerning the alleged Algosaibi fraud in the Middle East, and its key clients include Société Générale and Citi. Sources speak of "great depth of knowledge due to its long-term involvement" in the sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeremy Kosky is qualified in Bermuda and Jersey as well as England, and sources reserve special mention for his "clever negotiation" and his ability to "remain very much on top of things while appearing to be very relaxed." Roger Best advised Citi on English law aspects of its high-profile EMI litigation with Terra Firma. According to interviewees, "he provides good analysis of the issues." The "clear-thinking and industrious" Roger Leese is now in his 22nd year of practice and is also recognised as a broad dispute resolution expert.

The London office of this renowned US firm continues to strengthen its profile in this area. Its broad international footprint reassures clients, who beat a path to it for its "ferociously determined lawyers" and "thoroughness and imagination." Its enviable client roster includes such impressive names as Sibir Energy and Langbar International.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Financial disputes expert Sion Richards "goes down every path and leaves nothing unturned," according to sources. He continues to act on marquee matters including the huge Langbar International AIM fraud litigation. Craig Shuttleworth heads up the London litigation group and is a broad-based contentious lawyer. He acted for AIM-listed Izodia on its £33 million fraud recovery. Interviewees describe him as "a determined and massively energetic" litigator.

This magic circle firm maintains a superb reputation in the world of fraud. It continues to act on notable high-stakes litigation in this arena, including the SFO and US Department of Justice corruption investigation into BAE Systems, and Grant Thornton as the liquidators of Saad Investments. Sources recognise the team as being "well regarded in the field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Walls is a senior figure who wins acclaim as "a sensible, astute litigator whose experience gives him the edge in fraud matters." He advised the administrators of Torex Retail in the associated SFO investigation. Christa Band is lauded for her considerable experience of working with financial institutions. She counts a number of large private equity firms amongst her key clients. Satindar Dogra is also admitted to practice in Hong Kong, and leads the London fraud practice. Sources were quick to point to him for his "strategic excellence." He has recently advised on the widely reported BAE Systems investigation, and is a frequent commentator on the imminent (at the time of writing) Bribery Act.

Sources have considerable admiration for the strength this firm exhibits in its "highly developed fraud group," particularly in aspects of injunctive relief. Its footprint in the major financial centres of London and New York make it an excellent choice for cross-border disputes. It has advised a number of famous names in this area, including Microsoft, Kroll and World Duty Free, as well as a number of banking entities in the UK and beyond. Sources say the team is "great to deal with and shows fabulous knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gary Miller brings substantial overseas experience to bear thanks to his years practising in Hong Kong, and is the founder of the department. Sources note: "He is one of the most tenacious individuals I have come across." He leads a number of high-stakes fraud disputes for entities including international banks and property developers. Kasra Nouroozi now heads up the disputes, fraud and insolvency practices at the firm. His key clients include foreign banking entities. Sources say: "He knows the law inside out."

The firm is a regular sight in fraud work, including notable financial services, fraud investigation, asset recovery and regulatory matters. It continues to advise HRH Prince Jefri of Brunei on his action against his former legal advisers, and counts well-known international financial institutions and private equity funds on its client list.

Client Service "The client service is very good indeed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicholas Benwell leads the practice. Sources hold him in increasing esteem for being "lovely with clients, great to deal with, very shrewd and realistic." He has acted on large fraud and SFO matters for engineering companies and international banking entities.

The fraud disputes practice at this magic circle firm is recognised as a strong player in the market. The superb service on offer and the firm's outstanding reputation ensures a client base that is the envy of many peers. Key client relationships include the resolution committee of Icelandic bank Glitnir, which it assists in various claims including its USD2 billion New York fraud action against former directors.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former dispute resolution lead lawyer Elizabeth Barrett is considered a sound solicitor to have on side, and has notable experience of cross-border litigation. She acted for British Airways in the substantial EC cartel investigation and associated litigation. Sarah Lee is a solicitor and CEDR-accredited mediator who is still active in the general commercial dispute resolution area, with complementary fraud expertise.

The practice is visible for a number of high-stakes fraud disputes that it has acted on of late, including substantial banking-related matters. Sources agree it is a force to be reckoned with. Recent key matters include its acting for Mukhtar Ablayzov, the former owner and chairman of Kazakhstan's BTA Bank. It also advised Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner John Fordham heads up the fraud and asset tracing practice. He is considered to be the team's key practitioner and is praised for his "ability to cut through the rubbish" to get to key points. He is a great choice for FSA-related matters, and he advised former directors of uSwitch in allegations of deceit and conspiracy in the Chancery Division. Solicitor advocate and head of arbitration Louis Flannery is an increasingly favoured choice of solicitor for his "elegant style and efficient organisational skills," according to admiring interviewees. His highlights include advising on the widely reported marquee cases of both the Fiona Trust litigation and the BTA Bank matter.

The seven-partner London fraud practice provides advice to a number of highly confidential clients with fraud issues, including notable banks, professional services companies and energy entities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Sparrow is lauded for his "very commercial" approach when acting for clients including energy entities. He remains an extremely busy practitioner and a key member of the team. Litigator Ronnie King also serves as the firm's lead international arbitration lawyer, and thus is no stranger to multi-jurisdictional disputes. He is well known for his work for energy and insurance companies. The New Zealand-educated Ben Tidswell deals with fraud matters as part of his broader general dispute resolution practice, including insolvency and competition law. Litigator and partner Angela Pearson recently advised a confidential client on an SFO consent application under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The firm's broad international office network is a boon for clients with cross-border issues. The 12-partner specialist litigation team advises on high-profile fraud disputes including acting for EDS in its high-stakes litigation against BSkyB. Other clients include Habib Bank and the government of Georgia.

Client Service "The lawyers have shown clearly that they have what it takes to conduct and co-ordinate difficult and complex cases." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Janet Legrand continues to rise through the ranks, and now serves as senior partner and firm board chairman. She continues to act for a number of key banking clients including RBS, in between her high-level management duties. The "substantially skilled and proficient" solicitor advocate Nick Marsh uses his fluent Spanish, French and German to great effect in the frequently multilingual aspects of fraud. He is a regular sight in banking fraud work including associated arbitration as well as litigation. He acted for HSBC Private Bank in connection with an alleged USD400 million money laundering matter. Matthew Saunders is noted for his enviable arbitration profile, and heads the specialist litigation practice here. He recently advised on a hotly contested Stockholm arbitration concerning energy supply.

This esteemed magic circle firm has built upon its notable transactional relationships to great effect in developing its profile in the fraud arena. Sources speak of "a strong team with great capabilities," particularly where there is a strong banking or insolvency connection. Highlight work includes acting for Cattles in an ongoing forensic accounting and fraud investigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Key fraud lawyer and solicitor advocate Raj Parker is considered to be a "quality professional with a long-standing reputation in this field," according to sources. He is also an accredited mediator and arbitrator.

This firm's eight-partner fraud team maintains a solid presence in this area thanks to some high-profile work, including trust fraud litigation and director fraud issues. One of its most prominent instructions is from the Saad Group, for whom it acts in a multibillion-dollar fraud claim on the Algosaibi family. Other key clients include private equity firms and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Client Service "They are always available. They never seem to stop!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Witts heads up the firm's wider dispute resolution practice, but has built an impressive profile for himself in fraud work including substantial asset tracing experience. "At both the professional and personal levels, he is excellent," sources enthuse. He advised the Federative Republic of Brazil concerning alleged frauds involving British Virgin Islands (BVI) companies and the former mayor of São Paulo.

This US firm's London fraud group is comparatively new, but it is already noted by sources for its "marketplace expertise." The firm's wide geographical coverage equips it to handle substantial cross-border matters. Principal clients of the practice include the winding-up committee of Icelandic banking entity Landsbanki.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Wheeler is the lead dispute resolution lawyer at the firm. "His client handling and commerciality strike the right note," according to enthusiastic interviewees. His highlights include advising Nautilus Fiduciary Services and Keith Eden on a £30 million alleged fraud dispute with Lord Milford Haven. Kevin Roberts acts on a number of high-stakes matters, including advising the winding-up committee of Landsbanki. Market sources describe him as "young and dynamic and an extremely able negotiator." Felicity Potter is a younger associate in the practice. Market sources describe her as a hard-working team member with "excellent organisational skills."

There is a notable reserve of talent available here, and the firm can call upon the support of a number of international offices. Its dedicated business ethics and anti-corruption department is recognised for its staunch efforts especially in the corporate compliance and pre-dispute training area, helping clients avoid costly situations with pre-emptive action. Banks, oil companies and offshore contractors form the backbone of its clientele.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sam Eastwood heads up the firm's business ethics and anti-corruption practice and has a broad practice including banking and disputes work. He inspires confidence in clients by being "always proactive and well informed on the latest developments." His key clients include energy joint venture entities. Commercial, real estate and dispute resolution lead partner Deirdre Walker is a regular sight in fraud-related work. Clients speak of her "innovative approach and ability to think about the issue from many different angles." She continues to advise on a confidential fraud matter arising from an M&A deal.

An impressive array of clients beat a path to this fraud litigation boutique. Although not the largest practice in the market, it is an attractive proposition by virtue of its keen commitment to, and fine results in, this field. Significant work for the practice includes acting on the high stakes fraud and conspiracy litigation of Jenington International Inc & Others v Assaubayev.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Philippsohn is the lead lawyer here. Sources say he is "an experienced specialist" who is "deserving of recognition." He played a key role in the Jenington v Assaubayev dispute, including substantial asset tracing work. Trevor Mascarenhas wins plaudits for being "very hard-working" and having "very good judgement." In addition to advising on the multimillion-dollar Jenington v Assaubayev dispute, he also acts for the largest Ukrainian gas and oil company, Ukrnafta, in a high-value Stockholm arbitration. Anthony Riem also acted on the Jenington case, and is lauded by notable market sources: "He is efficient and is doing well."

Sources admire the firm for its "expert handling of fraud work, and its focus on the commercial rather than the dry legal aspects of the matter at hand." Clients are highly confidential, but include notable foreign banks and hedge funds.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hilton Mervis is acclaimed for his "thoughtful, problem-solving approach." He is a key figure for the firm in the international litigation and fraud arenas. His work highlights include advising on a highly confidential alleged illegal computer system access dispute. Tim Beale has earned a reputation which sees him act on high-value disputes including LCIA arbitrations. His clients include the Bank of Abu Dhabi, and he recently advised a firm of financial advisers in its pursuit of ex-managers in connection with an alleged multimillion-pound fraud. Craig Pollack heads up the litigation and disputes team at the firm, and is considered to be "hands-on" and "calming for clients." His clients include hedge funds and entities from Eastern Europe.

The loss of Pietro Marino and Simon Twigden to Enyo Law is a blow to the practice, but there remains a reserve of talent to ensure Addleshaws will remain a sound choice for clients. The team's most significant instruction sees it acting for high net worth Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky in his widely reported, multi-jurisdictional litigation. Its client list also includes HSBC and AstraZeneca.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Hargreaves is lead solicitor of the firm's fraud and regulatory practice. He gains market recognition as "a well-trained, astute and measured communicator," and is also an accredited ICC and UNCITRAL arbitration professional. His clients include private equity funds. Jon Tweedale is a younger Cambridge-educated and magic circle-trained disputes partner who maintains a high profile in this area via his freezing, litigation and arbitration work.

This group has a distinct financial and regulatory flavour to its work, and combines magic circle-trained expertise with broad international experience. Key clients include Chartis International and Intercontinental Bank. Sources are quick to praise the team's "strength and depth."

Commercial Awareness "They have given us excellent service in relation to corporate governance and business ethics issues." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commercial litigation lawyer Segun Osuntokun is a popular choice for bank-related work, and recently acted for Nigerian institution Intercontinental Bank in a claim for over £700 million against a former director. Aaron Stephens recently made partner at the firm; he is also US qualified and a solicitor advocate. Observers say: "He is a rising star" who gives "concise advice and is easy to get along with." 

The firm is well known for its technology and IP prowess, but also has a presence in fraud and asset freezing work via its dispute resolution practice. High-stakes work includes acting for the claimant in the high-value Haji-Ioannou v Frangos dispute. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ludovic de Walden is joint head of dispute resolution at the firm. He advised Jonathan Phillips as administrator of the estate of Christo Michailidis in a money laundering and dishonest assistance dispute. Senior disputes counsel Sophie Eyre's international practice has taken her to a number of jurisdictions including the BVI and Jersey. She advised on the USD100 million Haji-Ioannou v Frangos dispute.

This is considered a proficient choice of firm in fraud and corruption matters, and it has built a sound name in Proceeds of Crime Act work also. It acts on some hotly contested disputes for entities including Barclay Pharmaceuticals, Central Bank of Bahrain and Awal Bank.

Client Service "The lawyers are prompt and impressively well informed." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stewart Hey enjoys the main profile at the firm for this work. "He gets to the crux of the problem without bluster," according to sources. Following on from the Awal Bank matter, he advised the London Philharmonic Orchestra in its alleged fraud dispute with its former finance director. John Sykes acts for a range of entities including charitable organisations and educational establishments. Clients say he is a "very personable and down-to-earth chap. He treats us with respect."

The firm continues to expand its repertoire successfully outside its traditional strengths of shipping and insurance, allowing it to gain a respectable showing in fraud disputes. It acts on the multimillion-pound Royal Liver Assurance Limited v Utility Capital Management dispute, which concerns allegations of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. On November 1st, 2011 Barlow Lyde & Gilbert merged with Clyde & Co. The merged entity will trade under the Clyde & Co banner.

Client Service "A sound and effective all-round service ethic." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS International trade disputes lawyer Stephen Tricks is now in his 26th year as a partner at the firm. He has a contentious practice that frequently sees him appearing in High Court disputes, and his client roster includes banks and insurers. Julian Connerty is "confident and knows how to defend and protect" his clients' interests, according to impressed interviewees. He acted for Utility Capital Management in connection with a £15 million breach of fiduciary and fraud claim. Solicitor advocate Paul Friedman acts for numerous high-level clients, including international investment banks.

This compact commercial litigation boutique opened for business in October 2010. Market sources are watching its continued development with interest, but the recognised quality of the partners - some of whom acted on the high-profile Berezovsky litigation - means the prognosis is highly positive. Moreover its manageable size sees it positioned to pick up substantial conflict work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Pietro Marino enjoys a great reputation in the market thanks to the quality of his fraud work, including notable successes in multi-jurisdictional and appellate matters. Sources laud him as "proactive and analytical, with great judgement." His highest-profile work to date is arguably advising Boris Berezovsky. Simon Twigden is noted in the market for his "keen client-handling skills," and he also has capabilities in insurance and international arbitration work. His highlights include the USD52 million appeal in North Shore v Anstead, and he has also advised on the Berezovsky work.

This firm is traditionally recognised for its private client work, and its key client relationships include the UK royal family. Sources say: "It acts on ever more significant and interesting disputes," many of them connected with trust fraud. The firm has committed additional resources in this area with the recent hire of Gavin Bacon from Simmons & Simmons to further bolster its disputes practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dispute resolution team leader Jeremy Gordon wins acclaim for being "completely attuned to commercial realities and the client's best interests, even when litigation becomes complicated." Key highlights for the year include advising Cedar Capital Partners on a EUR10 million claim for alleged secret profit and fraud.

This team benefits from the firm's broad US and international footprint, and its dedicated global disputes department. It handles a variety of work including bribery, corruption and SEC matters. In addition to its work for Nationwide Building Society, it also acts for a number of entities affected by the Madoff fallout.

Commercial Awareness "The lawyers really understand the detail." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner in charge Lista Cannon is also qualified in New York, and is recognised in the market for "quality regulatory and investigation work," according to sources. Her key clients include energy companies and military equipment suppliers. Chris Warren-Smith is also admitted to practice in Australia, and counts banking entities and investment managers on his client list. Sources consider him "refreshingly personable and knowledgeable." He advised Nationwide Building Society in a mortgage fraud judgment worth over £11 million.

The civil fraud capabilities of this shipping and insurance stalwart are a fine complement to the firm's commercial practice group. It has advised on a number of disputes involving banks and overseas trusts. Clients of the practice include Grant Thornton.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commercial disputes lead partner Noel Campbell counts Grant Thornton amongst his clients, whom he advised in a Bahamian bankruptcy and alleged creditor fraud dispute. His practice includes substantial cross-border and mediation work.

This US firm counts a number of international offices, including London. It has a high profile in related banking work, and is involved in high-value fraud matters including multi-jurisdictional contentious liquidations, some of them with an offshore nexus. Key clients of the practice include the Republic of Kazakhstan, which it advises on a matter related to the BTA Bank litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Belinda Paisley leads the commercial disputes practice for Europe and the Middle East. She is considered by sources to be "a savvy and experienced professional, be it in litigation or arbitration." Highlights include advising commodities trader Noble Group in an aluminium trading dispute worth USD38 million.

"Practical and common-sense advice, and great value for money" is what attracts clients to this multi-skilled firm's commercial dispute group when a fraud problem arises. Its client list includes Independent Trustee Services, PwC and Hewlett-Packard.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David De Ferrars serves as the key fraud lawyer at the firm. He is acclaimed for "superb ability to get into the detail, whilst maintaining a practical distance," according to market sources. Highlights include advising Independent Trustee Services in a complex international pension fraud.

The six-partner team has consistently shown that it has what it takes to manage a fraud dispute successfully. Sources agree: "There is significant litigation experience on offer." It counts a number of household-name banking entities on its client roster, and has also advised on various SFO-related matters.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Paget-Brown is lead litigation partner for Santander and RBS, and acted for the latter in a £10 million fraud-related dispute with Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich. He is considered "a senior and accomplished operator," whether in litigation, mediation or arbitration.

The firm's profile in fraud emanates in large part from its relationships in the banking, taxation and international trusts fields. Its most high-profile work includes advising the Algosaibi Group on its multibillion-dollar banking litigation actions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dawn Goodman is qualified in the BVI as well as England and Wales. She serves as firm head of contentious trusts, where she has a notable reputation. Andrew Ford continues to act on marquee matters including the high-profile Algosaibi litigation. "He manages briefs effectively and is always tuned into the commerciality of any dispute," according to sources.