Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s banking litigation practice is prominent in high-profile disputes, including large-scale securities class actions and group claims. The team boasts an impressive roster of clients, ranging from global financial institutions to regulatory bodies. Practice head Rupert Lewis is sought out by clients for his ‘legal analysis, strategy and client management’. Simon Clarke co-heads the firm’s global bank sector group and leads on litigation involving financial products and derivatives. Damien Byrne Hill plays a key role in high-profile litigation, acting for major financial institutions. Chris Bushell represents banks and private capital clients, boasting particular expertise in securities litigation, while Julian Copeman handles commercial litigation for banks. Representing both investment and corporate banks, John Corrie is active in multi-jurisdictional disputes. Emma Deas demonstrates particular prowess in breach of contract and fraud claims and derivatives disputes and has recently increased her focus on sanctions work. Ajay Malhotra is at the forefront of the cryptocurrency space, advising digital assets platforms, and has an active sanctions practice. Nic Patmore plays a key role in group litigation and Sarah Penfold specialises in securities class actions. Charlotte Benton focuses on cross-border disputes, while John Mathew is an expert in wealth management matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rupert Lewis: has every quality of a commercial litigation partner. Great at team management, legal analysis, strategy and client management. Julian Copeman: very experienced litigator. A calm head. Able to cut through difficult issues and produce a good result.’
‘Ajay Malhotra is a fantastic partner. Great strategic insight and a joy to work with. Associate Jonah Oliver is a real wizard with sanctions-matters.’
‘Chris Bushell did a good job for us on a big case. Senior Associate Daniel May was excellent in terms of attention to detail and understanding of complex issues.’
‘The individuals with whom I am familiar are excellent all-rounders. Rupert Lewis - He has it all - superb technical skills, great judgement, a quick thinker, and excellent relationship skills. Mark Tanner - Tenacious and courageous - all over the detail. Chloe Woodward - A future partner in the making. An impressive level of judgement and communication skills for someone of her PQE.’
‘Simon Clarke is the standout individual with a stellar reputation in the market. Senior Associate Nic Patmore is a future star.’
‘First class litigation service. Very experienced at dealing with high-value and complex disputes.’
‘Simon Clarke is first class. He has excellent judgement, works extremely hard and is across the detail. He is also brilliant at working with counsel from other jurisdictions. John Corrie is astute and easy to work with.’
‘Ajay Malhotra is an exceptional disputes lawyer and client relationship partner. He is technically superb, tactically astute (with an eye on the bigger picture), calm and considered, a great clear communicator and very hard-working and responsive.’
Key clients
- UBS
- Bank of England
- National Australia Bank
- BNP Paribas
- Société Générale
- Standard Chartered Plc
- Barclays Bank
- ICBC Standard Bank Plc
- Goldman Sachs
Work highlights
- Acting for National Australia Bank Limited in relation to a group claim brought by over 800 Claimants in eight separate claims, alleging, amongst other things, fraudulent misrepresentation and deceit, which has been widely reported in the press to be worth around £1bn.
- Acting for the Bank of England as a defendant in proceedings issued by the Maduro Board of the Central Bank of Venezuela, which has requested the release of gold deposits exceeding $1bn in value held by the BoE on behalf of the BCV.
- Acting for Standard Chartered plc in relation to a £1.45bn securities class action arising out of certain published findings by US and UK regulators in connection with breaches of US sanctions against Iran and certain anti-money laundering failings.
Lawyers
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Leading associates
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rupert Lewis