Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie‘s ’excellent litigators’ in London handle complex cross-border fraud investigations and litigation, in relation to conspiracy claims, economic torts, fraudulent misrepresentation and duress. Clients notably benefit from the firm’s enviable global reach (covering 74 offices in 45 countries), and the team is particularly experienced in assisting governments, sovereign wealth funds and international corporations with tracing, freezing and recovering misappropriated assets. It also fields experts in international preservation and disclosure orders, as well as fraud-related insolvency issues. The practice is co-led by ‘wonderful all-round litigator’ Charles Thomson, who additionally leads the business crime unit, and Hugh Lyons, whose wide-ranging caseload encompasses fraud and financial misconduct cases. The next line of experienced practitioners features Henry Garfield, whose career includes being seconded to the UK Serious Fraud Office, and Marc Florent, who acts for clients from the financial, commercial and industrial sectors in multi-party disputes. Other names to note are Kate Geale, whose experience includes representing an international science and chemicals company in an investigation into suspected bribery of foreign public officials; Ben Levitt, who is ’a master of detail’; and Mark Banks, who is experienced in civil fraud, insolvency, sanctions and cross-border enforcements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Excellent litigators who have great judgement generally but particularly in second guessing the other side. They are also the friendliest to work with while retaining their cutting edge.’
‘The key strength of Bakers' civil fraud team is their strategic thinking, something absolutely essential in the huge global disputes they handle. This crucial skill is applied not just to tactical litigation decisions, but also to the incredibly efficient and effective deployment of internal resources.’
‘Charles Thomson is the best of the crop - an excellent strategic brain who can see the wood for the trees. Can sum up a case precisely as no one else can. Really easy to work with.’
‘Charles Thomson is a wonderful all-round litigator. Solid, dependable and knowledgeable.'
‘Hugh Lyons is all over this space - he knows it very well. Excellent with clients and a strong tactician.’
‘Marc Florent is experienced, sensible and knows where he needs to get to. Astute and good to work with.’
‘Henry Garfield is intelligent and a good team player.’
‘Mark Banks stand out for his skill and unflagging determination to tackle the most difficult issues. Ben Levitt writes incredibly well and is a master of detail. He adds real value and delivers excellent service to clients.’

Key clients

Kuwait Department of Legal Advice and Legislation
Kuwait Ports Authority
Kuwait Public Institution for Social Security
Bank of Baroda
Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC

Work highlights

Acting for the Kuwaiti State Legal Department, and two emanations of the State of Kuwait (KPA and PIFSS), in connection with a fraud claim worth over $150m, which is brought by KPA and PIFSS in relation to their $125m investment in The Port Fund, an investment fund based in the Cayman Islands.
Acting for the Bank of Baroda as one of the defendants to claims brought by the administrators of a collapsed private healthcare fund (seeking damages of at least $5bn).
Acted for Abdullah Nasser Bin Obaid (a wealthy Saudi Arabian businessman) in a number of high-value proceedings in the High Court.

Lawyers

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