Jonathan Wheeler
Morrison FoersterRegularly working on a cross-border basis, Morrison Foerster represents multinational public companies in high-value litigation. Demonstrating particular prowess in disputes in the technology and finance sectors, the team is praised for its ‘technical excellence and responsiveness’. The practice was strengthened by the addition of Ben Summerfield in October 2023, who joined the firm as head of the London litigation office. Julius Handler also joined the team the same year. Working with a roster of international clients, Jonathan Wheeler is often engaged in multijurisdictional litigation, while Chiraag Shah is noted for their active sanctions practice. Other key figures include Richard Jerman and Laura Steen, who was promoted to Of Counsel in July 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is incredibly well-staffed. The associates are much cleverer and more engaged than the average, and the partners are uniformly outstanding.’
‘Ben Summerfield is a genuine superstar - the complete package of legal knowledge, experience and judgment. You would always want him on your side in a difficult case. Julius Handler deserves special praise amongst the associates. He is ambitious, switched on and will go very far.’
‘We have used Ben Summerfield for many years, and so our knowledge of the firm is through our work with Ben. He is a sensational litigator and always on call for us, whatever the issue. He knows our business, our business model and our people. He is a tenacious fighter and amazing strategist. He puts us first. He will lift the team up at MoFo which I understand is already top class.’
‘The standout characteristics of the MoFo team are approachability, openness to collaboration, technical excellence and responsiveness.’
‘The standout partner is Jonathan Wheeler, who exemplifies all of the characteristics noted above. He is hands on partner, which is an approach welcomed by clients and colleagues alike. Jonathan is supported by the very talented Of Counsel Richard Jerman, who is technically very strong and great person with whom to work.’
‘We work with Ben Summerfield at Morrison Foerster. Ben is very capable commercial litigation lawyer. He has ability to pierce through opposite party's defense and shoot them down on all counts. At the same time, Ben would give very pragmatic advice to clients and clear picture about where the client stands in the litigation.’
‘A standout team for the largest and most complex of cases. Marvelous from top to bottom.’
‘Jonathan Wheeler - one of the finest commercial litigators in London: experienced, enormously dedicated and great tactical sense. Richard Jerman - super bright but with a hands-on approach and down-to-earth attitude.’
Key clients
- Louwman Group
- Fujitsu
- TP ICAP
- Al Othman Group
- Wirex Limited
Work highlights
- Defended one of the Louwman Group’s holding companies against an English High Court claim brought by MRL, now in administration, and currently seeking recovery of costs and assets from third parties.
- Representing Wirex Limited in a long-running dispute against Cryptocarbon Global Ltd, its director and related group companies, in respect of their unauthorised use of Wirex’s registered trade mark, CRYPTOBACK.
- Acting for Al Othman in Commercial Court proceedings against another prominent Saudi family-owned company relating to a joint investment in a Texas energy company.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Ben Summerfield
Morrison FoersterPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ben Summerfield