Richard Clayton
Addleshaw GoddardWith a robust cross-border offering, Addleshaw Goddard excels in financial disputes with foreign law elements and parties based in different jurisdictions. The team of ‘knowledgeable and capable lawyers’ continues to grow and diversify its clientele, noting a recent influx of fintech and cryptocurrency disputes. Boasting extensive experience in the financial services market, ’hugely experienced and knowledgeable’ practice head Richard Clayton represents a diverse mix of financial institutions from banks to asset managers and hedge funds. James Herring excels in fraud, mis-selling and derivatives claims and leads the fintech disputes team, spearheading the firm’s work for payment institutions and digital asset organisations. Also playing a key role in the firm’s digital assets work, Sivan Daniels specialises in fintech and financial crime litigation, while David Wigg advises on card payment scheme disputes. Promoted to partner in May 2024, Alex Unger is a ‘star’, focusing his international practice on fraud and financial crime, commercial lending and restructuring and insolvency cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Clayton is a great partner who manages his teams effectively and leads from the front, with great client skills and a keen commercial acumen. Alex Unger, a new partner this year, is exceptional. He is clever and canny and has an eye for the details that can change the course or complexion of cases.’
‘Alex Unger is a particular star.’
‘Sivan Daniels has good commercial judgment and mastery of the detail of a case. James Herring thinks through the ramifications of every point and is a careful and shrewd litigator.’
‘James Herring was the lead partner on this enormous, high-profile fraud claim. It was a very significant case for the bank and James calmly guided the client through all stages of the case, including taking the lead in settlement negotiations at the end. He has a brilliant touch with clients, giving them clear legal advice but also invaluable strategic input.'
'David Wigg - a senior member of AG's team. He was highly effective at addressing knotty problems and finding solutions at times of particular pressure. Jonny Mitchel - a rising star in the AG team. He had a great eye for detail and was engaging throughout.’
‘Addleshaw Goddard’s proactive approach to relationship building, team culture, and knowledge of the wider market sets them apart in this space. They act for every single retail bank you would want to work for as well as an increasing number of emerging market financial institutions. They therefore have the ability to genuinely opine on how competitors and peers of their clients are responding to and mitigating risk.’
‘Without fail, all at Addleshaw Goddard who I have interacted with are knowledgeable and capable lawyers but their ability to think strategically to protect their client’s interests is under appreciated. Their ability to foster relationships from a standing start and quickly build trust is also something not commonly replicated across the market. Alex Unger, a new partner, is formidable.'
‘Richard Clayton is hugely experienced and knowledgeable in banking and finance matters. Ensures the firm punches above its weight in some very large disputes. Very strong on the law as well as a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Alex Unger is highly experienced in the day-to-day running of large-scale, high-value international banking litigation.’
Key clients
- Unitel S.A.
- British International Investment plc (formerly CDC Group Plc) and Michael Turner
- Barclays Bank Plc
- Ahli United Bank (UK) PLC
Work highlights
- Acting for Unitel S.A. in its £580m+ claims for repayment of funds and enforcement of security and/or damages followings a series of events of default against a Dutch company owned by Isabel dos Santos.
- Acting for British International Investment Plc and Michael Turner defending a $200m Commercial Court claim brought by Crane Bank Limited and a number of its former shareholders for unlawful means conspiracy, dishonest assistance and knowing receipt alleged to arise from the acquisition of Crane Bank's assets by DFCU Bank Limited (DFCU).
- Acted for Barclays Bank in successfully defending a claim by litigation funder Henderson & Jones against the Bank for £46m, brought through an assignment by a former corporate customer, alleged that the Bank colluded with the company's former directors and solicitors to defraud the company and its creditors.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Alex Unger
Addleshaw GoddardSivan Daniels
Addleshaw GoddardPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Richard Clayton