Banking litigation: investment and retail

Hausfeld & Co LLP

Hausfeld & Co LLP has a strong background acting against large banks and financial institutions, including in group actions. The ‘fearless’ team is also adept at handling disputes related to loan financing, derivatives transactions and banking misconduct claims. Lucy Pert plays a lead role in key disputes, including a high-profile LIBOR manipulation claim along with Simon Bishop, who also brings in-house expertise in derivatives and structured products. Clients praise David Lawne for his ’exceptional legal prowess, strategic acumen, and steadfast dedication’. Ned Beale also boasts a strong track record in banking disputes, including in the retail banking sphere. Former practice head John McElroy left to join Fieldfisher in July 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I worked with a Partner (Simon Bishop) and an Associate (Chrysanthi Bampali) at Hausfeld. They were both brilliant. There were times when I needed to listen to their advice, which was given professionally, courteously and in a simple but effective way.'
‘Hausfeld is fearless in taking on the establishment in difficult and interesting cases. They fight extremely hard for their clients and have a unique ability to find a way through the trickiest of cases to achieve great outcomes. They are also a pleasure to work with and take a collaborative approach to a case, working closely with experts and counsel.’
‘Simon Bishop: technically brilliant and a great strategic brain - he is simultaneously on top of every detail of the case and also has an excellent understanding of the big picture and how the case is likely to play out. Has a skill for identifying and leveraging the other side's weaknesses. He is also a real pleasure to work with.'
‘Hausfeld & Co LLP's Banking Litigation: Investment and Retail Practice distinguishes itself through its unwavering dedication to representing clients in complex and high-stakes banking disputes. Potential clients would be drawn to the team's strengths in navigating the intricacies of investment and retail banking law, supported by a deep bench of experienced litigators and industry experts.'
‘David Lawne shines for his exceptional legal prowess, strategic acumen, and steadfast dedication to achieving favourable outcomes for clients. What distinguishes him from his peers is his profound expertise in banking law and his knack for crafting innovative legal strategies tailored to the specific nuances of each case.'
‘Hausfeld has an unparalleled understanding of claimant-side competition litigation. They are commercially and strategically astute.’
‘Anthony Maton - a star. He is a real class act. He understands exactly what is happening in any case but has a professional level of circumspection and detachment when things don't work out perfectly. David Lawne - a delight to work with. I enjoy working with David immensely, since I can just pick up the phone and chat things through with him.’
‘Ned Beale, Lucy Pert and Anthony Maton - the best in the market.’

Key clients

Mr Phillip Evans, former Inquiry Chair at the Competition and Markets Authority
Mr Ardeshir Naghshineh
Mr Alaistair Rush
All Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Business Banking

Work highlights

Representing Philip Evans in a collective action following the manipulation of the FX market by 6 major global banks: in November 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the Tribunal’s decision, finding that the claims should proceed on an opt-out basis and confirming its decision to grant carriage to Mr Evans.
Advising Ardeshir Naghshineh on a high-profile LIBOR manipulation claim against a well-known commercial bank, in relation to his property portfolio which was worth over £1bn at its peak in 2007, claiming damages for misrepresentation in respect of certain loans and interest rate hedging instruments agreed with Leading Bank plc in 2007 and 2008.
Representing the All Parliamentary Party Group on Fair Business Banking in its application to judicially review the Financial Conduct Authority’s decision not to act following the outcome of the Swift Review published in December 2021; this claim seeks to remedy the denial of justice to thousands of bank customers because of the actions of the FCA.