McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP’s ‘first-rate commercial litigation practice’ is highly experienced in multi-jurisdictional disputes and its wide-ranging expertise extends to insolvencies, privacy, risk management, and arbitration and enforcement matters. ’Unflappable in fast-moving, high-stakes situations’, Andrew Savage represents clients from the financial services, technology, insurance and energy sectors in commercial disputes. China expert Peter Lu, whose industry expertise covers insurance, financial services, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, is a 2023 hire from Baker McKenzie LLP. Jack Thorne is a ‘standout’ commercial litigator. Also key to the group are the ’very technically skilled’ Kimberley Smith, and cross-border disputes practitioner Edward Perkins.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘MWE has a first-rate commercial litigation practice that is active across a wide range of different commercial matters.’

  • ‘Very strong understanding of the requirements for complex English High Court litigation.’

  • ‘A highly-capable and effective practice, and never outgunned in even the most high-value, high-stakes, multi-front and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Recommended without hesitation.’

  • ‘Very strong management skills in relation to large-scale discovery and highly-technical pleadings.’

  • ‘Andrew Savage – hugely experienced, and unflappable in fast-moving, high-stakes situations. Excellent with clients.’

  • ‘Jack Thorne provides extremely clear and comprehensible advice on highly-complex litigation.’

  • ‘Jack Thorne is a standout performer. He has the impeccable judgement that is essential for top litigators and a real ability to connect with clients.’

  • ‘Kimberley Smith is a top-level senior associate - very technically skilled, hard-working, practical, and easy to work with.’

Key clients

  • eir
  • Everbridge
  • Opera Finance International
  • Signa Holdings
  • Community Health and Eyecare
  • Practice Group Plus
  • Petrochemical Holdings
  • HIG Capital
  • AIC
  • Amnesty International

Work highlights

  • Representing the insolvency administrators of Signa Holdings (Signa) in a claim brought against Signa in the Commercial Court for an alleged €15m commission-related oral agreement.
  • Acting for Community Health and Eyecare in relation to the rights of patients to access NHS services and choose their NHS provider.
  • Representing Practice Plus Group in its procurement challenge against NHS England in relation to the procurement of healthcare services for 10 prisons across the South West of England.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrew Savage

Other key lawyers

Peter Lu, Jack Thorne, Kimberley Smith, Edward Perkins, Romilly Holland