For one client, Macfarlanes LLP is ‘unsurpassed in the depth and breadth of its quality’, with an established practice acting for leading banks, funds, and corporates on the full range of commercial disputes. Post M&A disputes, fraud, shareholder disputes, and complex negligence matters are all strengths of the practice, headed up by ’superb leader’ Matt McCahearty. Lois Horne is ‘technically brilliant’, and specialises in disputes, particularly in the private equity, financial services, and crypto sectors. Christopher Charlton stands out for his ’first-rate legal mind’, while Iain Mackie is regarded as ‘hugely experienced, has excellent judgement and utterly unflappable’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Iain Mackie: hugely experienced, excellent judgement and utterly unflappable.'
‘Chris Charlton is a stellar, go-to lawyer. The very best that London has to offer. He is the perfect combination of legal excellence, procedural nous and strategic skill. I would place Chris in the top echelon of Partners in commercial dispute resolution.
Key clients
- Thirteen Bitcoin Developers
- NatWest (formerly Royal Bank of Scotland)
Work highlights
Acting for a number of core Bitcoin Developers in the highly publicised claim by Dr Craig Wright, who claimed to have created Bitcoin and released it publicly in 2009 under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
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.
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
Matt McCahearty
Other key lawyers
Lois Horne; Christopher Charlton; Iain Mackie; Fred Snwoball; Laura Bridgewater