England - London • Dispute resolution
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is the ‘leader of the pack in commercial litigation’ with wide ranging experience defending securities class actions and related group claims, advising leading domestic and international banks. Rupert Lewis is ’strategically aware and client-friendly‘, and sits at the helm of the team, with a practice regularly acting for banks and financial institutions in high-profile, complex disputes. Damien Byrne Hill, global co-head of dispute resolution at the firm, also regularly acts for major financial institutions, alongside ’excellent litigator’ Chris Bushell and Simon Clarke who has a ‘encyclopedic knowledge of banking law’. Nic Patmore is another name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Rupert Lewis: the perfect litigator. Hands on, a good team manager, strategically aware and client friendly. Julian Copeman: very experienced, calm and skilled at managing large cases.’
‘Chris Bushell and Jon Ford - deep experience in FS contentious work, and both very nice guys to work with.’
‘Simon Clarke has an encyclopedic knowledge of banking law and is ready to engage with and resolve knotty academic law questions which may arise in a case. He has great attention to detail and cares passionately about achieving the best outcome for his clients.'
'Rupert Lewis has a great manner with clients and is able to present advice in a clear, readily understandable way.'
'There are many impressive associates including Nic Patmore, Scott Warin, Mark Tanner, Sarah Penfold, Catherine Bagge and Tom Wyer who are given quite a bit of responsibility in running day-to-day matters and perform their roles to the highest standard.’
‘A standout team acting in many of the largest and most important banking cases in the UK for a range of the very best clients.’
‘Chris Bushell is an exceptional litigator who combines excellent client management skills with strong strategic judgment, backed by a very strong team of associates.’
‘Leader of the pack in commercial litigation.’
Key clients
- UBS
- Bank of England
- National Australia Bank
- RSA Insurance Group
- BNP Paribas
- Société Générale
- Standard Chartered plc
Work highlights
- Advising National Australia Bank Limited ("NAB") in relation to a group claim brought by over 800 Claimants in 8 separate claims, alleging, amongst other things, fraudulent misrepresentation and deceit.
- 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 four securities class actions arising out of certain published findings by US and UK regulators.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Next Generation Partners
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Chris is a dispute resolution partner and solicitor advocate based in London.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Ajay is a Partner specialising in financial services litigation and investigations.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rupert Lewis