Patrick Swain
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Client SatisfactionParent company liability disputes are a key focus for Debevoise & Plimpton LLP; the firm often leads the defence of mass claims. It has continued to develop its company and private equity-focused practice, representing clients in various M&A disputes. Lord Peter Goldsmith KC jointly chairs the team, alongside the ‘strategically brilliant’ Patrick Swain, who handles significant shareholder disputes, and boasts particular expertise in the private equity and insurance sectors. ’Standout partner’ Christopher Boyne enjoys a successful track record in commercial claims, working with a host of private equity firms and companies. Promoted to partner in 2023, Conway Blake focuses his practice on disputes related to parent company liability and corporate social responsibility. Other key figures include international counsel Natasha McCarthy; Hugo Farmer, who advises a deep roster of private equity and fund clients; and Julia Caldwell.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Christopher Boyne - Commerciality, clear, concise advice, speed of response, detailed understanding of law, but how to get best result. Hugo Farmer - In-depth knowledge of law and issues. Commercial approach to getting best result.’
‘Debevoise specialises in a very broad range of high stakes commercial disputes. Peter Goldsmith’s reputation, and the firm’s reputation generally, together with their place in the market mean that they are particularly well-suited to handling very complex, high-value and high-profile disputes of all kinds for clients ranging from ultra-high-net-worth individuals to multinationals, state entities and sovereign states. ’
‘Chris Boyne is excellent. He is a trusted commercial advisor to a number of high-profile in-house counsel. He is also a brilliant commercial litigator who punches well above his weight in terms of seniority. As well as being super bright and very sensible in his judgment, he is an exceptional team leader who commands loyalty from his juniors and respect from both senior partners and opponents.’
‘They are a first-class commercial litigation outfit, taking on the biggest and most complex disputes, often with an international angle.’
‘Chris Boyne is a standout partner. He is incredibly smart, commercial and an astute tactician. He leads his team brilliantly from the front and is a pleasure to work with. Luke Duggan is an associate to watch. He is very bright, diligent and sees the heart of the case.’
‘The team is relentless and without peers. You really want them in your corner on the toughest big ticket commercial disputes as they know what it takes to win and they consistently deliver excellent results.’
‘Christopher Boyne is absolutely superb. He is finely attuned to his clients' commercial objectives and delivers high quality results every time. He has built a wonderful and diverse team of associates that handles huge complex commercial cases with real expertise and common sense. Hugo Farmer is a huge asset to any team. He pays attention to the details and drives innovative strategies to obtain consistently excellent results for his clients. Luke Duggan is a gifted strategic and creative thinker and develops often nuanced and effective approaches to overcome challenges in a case. Catalina Diaconeasa is one to watch. She is an excellent associate.’
‘Patrick Swain - very experienced; strategically brilliant.’
Key clients
- Shell Plc
- Shell International Trading and Shipping Company
- Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited
- The Shell Petroleum and Development Company Limited
- Neoma Private Equity Fund IV L.P.
- Gedeon Richter PLC
- XiO Fund 1 LP and other PE Funds forming part of the Xio Group
- Blasket Renewable Investments LLC
Work highlights
- Acting for Shell Plc and various other Shell entities in a variety of litigation matters in the English High Court.
- Acting for Neoma Private Equity Fund IV L.P in connection with a number of disputes arising out of the collapse of the Abraaj Group.
- Acting for XiO Fund 1 LP and associated Fund entities in connection with a dispute concerning entitlement to significant carried interest payments.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Christopher Boyne
Debevoise & Plimpton LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Lord Goldsmith KC, Patrick Swain