Noted for its position in banking work, Baker McKenzie is praised for its wide-ranging experience, including in international matters. Fraud, financial crime, and regulatory investigations are all strengths of a team that is also noted for its public law expertise. Practice head Hugh Lyons is praised as ‘always available and willing to go the extra yard on behalf of client’. Marc Florent is skilled at handling structured finance disputes and litigation related to restructuring. Francesca Richmond focuses on class actions, with expertise in antitrust, consumer, and human rights law, while Charles Thomson is regarded as ’formidably intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, and a fantastic strategic thinker’. Marc Thorley left the practice in January 2025 to join Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is totally dedicated to its clients, capable of managing the considerable demands of complex commercial litigation whilst delivering advice in the format best suited to its clients' needs. The partners contribute an impressive level of expertise within dispute resolution, as well as commercial awareness, whilst the associates are enthusiastic and diligent.’
‘Kate Corby as the matter partner has been particularly impressive: calm amid the pressures of high-value litigation, capable and absolutely focussed on achieving the client's objectives.
- 'Lauren Owide is also worthy of mention. She has efficiently managed the day-to-day tasks on the case, coordinating a large team across continents and ensuring that work is delivered on time and to the high standard necessary.’
‘The partners are ferociously intelligent and real team players. With a fleet of very bright associates who turn around tasks quickly, this is a very formidable practice. Teams are very efficiently resourced, wholly responsive to the needs of the case from time to time, giving better results (and value for money) for clients.’
‘In Charles Thomson, the team has the consummate leader; formidably intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, a fantastic strategic thinker, and an absolute joy to work with. Mark Banks is a standout senior associate, headed right for the top.'
‘Anthony Poulton: he’s a first-rate litigator; an outstanding team leader; an excellent lawyer; and the best-of-the-best when it comes to trust litigation.’
Key clients
- Abdullah Nasser Bin Obaid
- Bank of Baroda
- Barclays
- BNP
- Dr Winston Wong
- James Palmer/ Eve Connect
- Kuwait Department of Legal Advice and Legislation (DLAL), the Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) the Kuwait Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS)
- TBC Bank
- Virgin Media
Work highlights
Acting for BNPP in connection with a bond claim against Uro.
Acting for the Kuwaiti State Legal Department (DLAL), and two emanations of the State of Kuwait (KPA and PIFSS) in connection with a claim worth in excess of USD 150 million brought by KPA and PIFSS relating to their USD 125 million investment in The Port Fund, an investment fund based in the Cayman Islands.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Hugh Lyons
Other key lawyers
Marc Florent; Francesca Richmond; Charles Thomson; Kate Corby; Ben Ko; Lauren Owide; Anthony Poulton; Ed Poulton, Carinne Kamdar, Ben Levitt, Gareth Roberts, Owen Wilkinson, Phoebe Bruce