Regarded as ‘premium quality’, Akin’s civil fraud practice represents a diverse roster of high-profile clients in a broad spectrum of matters, ranging from investment disputes on behalf of investment funds to international asset recovery and enforcement proceedings. The team’s deep strength in the energy sector is additionally bolstered by the expertise of finance lawyers spread across the firm’s vast international network. Practice head Kambiz Larizadeh  is a widely regarded litigator and arbitrator, praised for his ’brilliant tactical mind’, particularly in regard to Russia and Middle East-related cases. Other names to note for civil fraud disputes include newly hired Graham Lovett  and Ing Loong Yang, who joined in March and April 2022 respectively.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘This is a premium-quality civil fraud practice.’

  • ‘Kambiz Larizadeh - excellent for big ticket fraud work.’

  • ‘Real strength in depth and an ability to handle the biggest and most high-profile cases.’

  • ‘Kambiz Larizadeh - possesses a searing insight yet is unassuming with it. Can communicate with ease with clients, other solicitors and counsel alike.'

  • ‘The Akin Gump team has significant experience of dealing with big ticket, commercial disputes including those with serious allegations of wrongdoing, both for claimants and defendants.’

  • ‘Kambiz Larizadeh is an excellent lawyer, highly experienced in commercial fraud cases.’

  • ‘The fraud team at Akin Gump is first-rate. They are experienced litigators who are both efficient and effective, as well as being a pleasure to work with.’

  • ‘Kambiz Larizadeh is a real star in the civil fraud field, with a host of experience, a brilliant tactical mind and a wonderful manner with clients.’

Key clients

  • The administrators of African Minerals Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for the joint administrators of African Minerals Limited (AML). AML was an AIM-listed company that went into administration in 2015 with debts of approximately US$1 billion. At around the same time as entering administration, Shandong Iron and Steel Group, AML’s former joint venture (JV) partner, effected a security enforcement sale process through which the mine and associated infrastructure was sold to a Shandong affiliate for nominal consideration.

Lawyers

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Kambiz Larizadeh

Other key lawyers

Graham Lovett, Ing Loong Yang