Travers Smith LLP is active in key areas of the dispute resolution market, from crypto disputes and class actions to parent company liability cases. The tea, which ‘punches well above its weight’, coordinates with the firm’s transactional and regulatory practices to provide a full-service commercial litigation offering. ’Star litigator’ Heather Gagen became head of the dispute resolution team in January 2024, taking over from Rob Fell, who continues to handle contractual and tort disputes and investigations. Caroline Edwards focuses on financial services and corporate clients, while Huw Jenkin plays a key role in litigation related to corporate transactions and commercial agreements. From post-M&A disputes to fraud claims, Stephanie Lee boasts a broad domestic and international commercial disputes practice. Alexa Day is active in multijurisdictional litigation, and Alice Childs’ practice spans shareholder and commercial disputes and breach of warranty claims. John Lee specialises in disputes related to cryptoassets, blockchain and smart contract technologies. Andrew King retired in 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Travers Smith commercial dispute resolution practice punches well above its weight. The team is stacked with outstanding litigators whose attention to detail is second to none. They are all devoted to their clients and their cases whilst remaining wonderful people to work with. ’
‘Huw Jenkin - a fantastic lawyer, hugely able and with a work ethic that cannot be surpassed. His dedication is legendary, and he remains an extremely easy person to work with. Quite brilliant. You would always want him in your corner. Alexa Day - a very bright and able lawyer who has a keen eye for detail and is excellent with clients. Jan-Jaap Baer - intelligent and charming, he can work with anyone, and will never let a good point pass him by.’
‘Stephanie Lee is a star. She's knowledgeable and is very good with working both with other lawyers and with business executives.’
‘I consider Travers Smith litigators to be some of the best litigators in the market. They combine legal expertise, commercial nous; creativity, and are the consummate team players, making everyone feel valued and achieving great results for their clients.’
‘Heather Gagen is a total star litigator, who is already a big name in the market but will go far. She is razor sharp, steely when needed, commands the total confidence of her clients and a complete delight to work with. There is no one better. Other star partners are Alice Childs (unparalleled commitment to her clients), Polly Richards, Stephanie Lee and Caroline Edwards. The department is crammed full of brilliant female partners. But excellent male litigators too - Rob Fell and John Lee being 2 of them. ’
‘Caroline Edwards and Rob Fell are undisputed leaders, each deserving of their places in the Hall of Fame. Under the capable leadership of Heather Gagen, the Commercial litigation team continues to flourish. With her expanded role encompassing both Head of Disputes and ESG, Heather's impact on the firm's success is undeniable. We have worked extensively with Alexa Day and feel that she very much deserves her ranking as a Next Generation Partner. We have also worked with Polly Richard who is not yet ranked, but we feel should be for her ability to deal with the most complex and high value commercial disputes with skill and precision. Collectively, the team demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence in Commercial litigation and are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Heather Gagen has substantial experience in ESG-related litigation. Her leadership is felt all over the firm. Stephanie Lee, Partner is an experienced commercial litigator who goes out of her way to make sure clients are looked after. Alice Childs, partner dispute resolution is often in engaged in parental company liability disputes and knows her stuff.’
‘John Lee is an exceptional partner - highly intelligent, hard-working, calm, measured and practical, with excellent client-handling skills, even with the most difficult clients. He is more involved and hands on than most partners and certainly one to watch.’
Work highlights
- Representing Hewlett-Packard group companies, the claimants in proceedings arising out of HP's $11bn acquisition of Autonomy Corporation plc in 2011.
- Acting for European truck manufacturer, DAF Trucks, defending multiple damages claims brought before the English courts (both as individual claims and as collective proceedings) arising from the European Commission's Trucks decision.
- Defended two separate sets of proceedings against Camellia plc and two of its English subsidiaries by groups of individual claimants involving parent company liability claims concerning alleged human rights abuses in the operations of two overseas subsidiaries of the Camellia group in Kenya and Malawi respectively.
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
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Heather Gagen