England - London • Dispute resolution
Astraea Group
'A dynamic and innovative boutique disputes firm', Astraea Group was launched as an alternative business structure in 2021. The firm‘s multi-disciplinary team features the 'immensely experienced strategist' James Ramsden KC (previously at 39 Essex Chambers), whose expertise covers crypto asset claims in the UK, Cayman, BVI, Singapore and New York; and Robert Bedford, who was promoted from legal director to partner in July 2023. At associate level, Lisa McCreath has 'an amazing ability to handle complex and factually-voluminous cases'.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A dynamic and innovative boutique disputes firm.'
- 'Has the ability to handle the most complex and high-value cases in the areas of civil fraud, investor-state arbitration, general commercial disputes, and sanctions.'
- 'The firm offers an excellent and highly personal service for competitive fees.'
- 'It is an ideal choice for high-net worth individuals and smaller corporates looking for the private client touch.’
‘James Ramsden KC is a veteran courtroom and arbitration advocate, equally at home in the High Court and before major international arbitral tribunals.'
‘James Ramsden KC is an immensely experienced strategist who is able to extract settlements where others have failed.'
- 'Robert Bedford is a very adept litigator.’
- ‘Robert Bedford is brilliant, who cuts to the core of the case in no time; and Lisa McCreath is a rising star with an amazing ability to handle complex and factually-voluminous cases.’
Key clients
- Bitcoin Association & Ors
- BTC Core & Ors
- Viegas and 1,516 Ors
- Anatoli Stati & Ors
Work highlights
- Acting for the defendants in a $4bn action in which Dr Craig Wright (a high-profile figure claiming to be Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous inventor of bitcoin) alleges hackers stole the key to a number of wallets.
- Representing a group of over 1,500 Brazilian orange growers, who successfully contended that the English courts has jurisdiction to hear their claims concerning a purchase cartel.
- Acting for investors in ongoing, multi-jurisdictional proceedings to enforce a $500m SCC arbitral award, resulting from Kazakhstan’s breaches of the Energy Charter Treaty.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
James Ramsden KC, Robert Bedford