A leading firm in securities claims and group litigation stemming from the misselling of financial products, Stewarts Law LLP has a successful track record acting for claimants against financial institutions, investment banks and major corporations. Fraud and professional negligence claims are particular areas of expertise, as well as tax disputes and competition litigation. ‘Excellent strategist’ David Pickstone and ’superb lawyer and litigator’ Kate Pollock lead the firm’s group actions offering, alongside Keith Thomas, who also heads the securities litigation practice. Harry McGowan also specialises in securities claims, while Stuart Carson focuses his practice on competition litigation. Aaron Le Marquer spearheads claims related to COVID-19 business interruption insurance. Alex Lerner boasts particular expertise in group litigation arising from the mis-selling of financial products. Further key names to note include Elaina BailesLorraine Lanceley and Elisa Wahnon.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Keith Thomas is avuncular but with great strategic insight. Harry McGowan only does securities litigation--he knows everything and was a banker before so can't be beaten for insight into the commercial realities and evidence.’

  • ‘James Le Gallais - thoughtful, commercial, great combination of attention to detail and strategic insight, nimble, a smart operator and a pleasure to work with. Alex Lerner (Partner) - quick, commercial, very good lawyer, unflappable, Adam Jacobs - meticulous, very thorough, excellent drafting.’

  • ‘Alex Lerner, who has recently been promoted to the partnership, is certainly one to watch. He is intellectually excellent, commercially on point, and extremely approachable and easy to work with. I get the impression that the teams who work with him find him to be an excellent team manager. He is certainly very easy to work with from Counsel's perspective.’

  • ‘Keith Thomas is hugely experienced and brings gravitas and wisdom to a claim. Lorraine Lanceley manages the team well.’

  • ‘Harry McGowan, Keith Thomas, Elaina Bailes. All the partners are exceptional in relation to their experience, knowledge, and market access.’

  • ‘Stewarts have consistently been at the forefront of group litigation for a number of years with excellent credentials in securities, competition and tax cases. They are at the top of the market for high value and complex group litigation. They are very knowledgeable about litigation funding and ATE insurance which they use in their cases.’

  • ‘David Pickstone is an excellent strategist. Alex Lerner is an outstanding lawyer. He is always on top of everything and is very hardworking.’

  • ‘Kate Pollock - leader of the competition team - building up the firm's class action practice in the competition space. Superb lawyer and litigator - a real eye for detail and the big picture.’

Key clients

  • The Eclipse Litigation
  • Group action v Glencore Plc
  • ASDA Stores Limited
  • Group action v Petrofac Limited
  • The Scotts Atlantic Group Action
  • The Ingenious Litigation
  • Lancaster & Ors v Jonathan Peacock KC
  • London International Exhibition Centre plc (the ‘ExCeL’)
  • Liberty Retail Ltd and Arena Racing Limited

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Pickstone, Kate Pollock, Keith Thomas, Aaron Le Marquer

Other key lawyers

Harry McGowan, Stuart Carson, Alex Lerner, Inge Forster, James Le Gallais, Elaina Bailes, Laura Jenkins, Lorraine Lanceley, Elisa Wahnon, Grace Spurgeon, Joe Mitchell