Dechert LLP excels in disputes with cross-border complexities, including offshore structures and fraud allegations. The practice regularly handles disputes related to corporate transactions and breach of contract, as well as ownership conflicts. Dorothy Cory-Wright leads the ‘clever and dedicated’ team, which clients rate for its ’excellent and pragmatic litigation nous.’ Stephen Surgeoner brings cross-border experience to the team, with a focus on the energy and telecoms sectors. Adam Silver handles contentious insolvency matters, while John Bedford focuses on the financial services and technology sectors. Other key names include Daniel Natoff, who represents a range of global financial institutions, and Abdul Azeem, who is active in multi-party disputes and international disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team at Dechert have been immensely hard-working and dedicated to their clients, despite challenging deadlines. They've handled complex issues on a high value, multi-party case with impressive skill.’
‘Daniel Natoff: a relatively junior partner, but all over the detail, constantly available, and showing good judgment.’
‘Clever and dedicated team with excellent and pragmatic litigation nous.’
‘Adam Silver is highly experienced and no-nonsense senior figure. Ricci Potts is energetic and capable new partner.’
‘You very much get big-firm service: there is always a team member available, able to respond at short notice. The team never sleeps. There are certainly no makeweights, each member of the team being able to work out the issues for him/herself.’
‘Abdul Azeem is calm, understated, but a very sharp thinker. Good sense of humour with it (a rarity at big law). Richard Herstell is also immediately impressive. Both of them are fluent in Arabic.’
‘They are a fantastic, driven and incredibly well-oiled machine. What makes them standout is their incisive strategic thinking; excellent client management; and outstanding work ethic. A top, top team.’
‘Adam Silver is a stand-out partner and at the top of his game. He is a brilliant leader and well-loved by clients for his keen legal instincts and strategic acumen. Abdul Azeem is a future partner, with meticulous eye for detail, a tenacious approach to litigation, and excellent communication skills. We would have no hesitation on working with him on the most complex and high value claims.’
Key clients
- Nikolay Falin
- Credit Suisse Asset Management (Switzerland)
- Pizza Express Group Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Nikolay Falin in a Russian oligarch dispute concerning the ownership of two Russian railway freight companies.
- Supporting Credit Suisse in £2bn insurance claims linked to the financial aftermath of the collapse of Greensill Capital.
- Represented Pizza Express in a £140m claim over a business interruption insurance policy triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Dorothy Cory-Wright