Praised for being able to ‘run blue-chip litigation efficiently and successfully’, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has developed a strong market reputation for handling work such as group litigations, international arbitration and complex energy disputes. Richard Matthews has deep experience in contentious procurement matters. Deborah Polden, who has run the Leeds commercial dispute resolution team since January 2024, is an authority on class action matters. James Hyde’s practice pivots on technology, communications and data-related disputes, while Mark Howarth works extensively on oil & gas and renewables-related disputes and investigations. Matthew Clark has a notable focus on disputes in the consumer sector. Gary Pellow has retired.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent team - hands-on; good value; knowledgeable and able to run blue-chip litigation efficiently and successfully.’

  • ‘Great team, doing high-quality work. Prepared to put in an enormous amount of time and effort when the need arises.’

  • ‘James Hyde is excellent at galvanising and organising the team. Has the guts to fight things when it is necessary to do so.'

  • 'Matthew Clark: technically outstanding and very hard-working.’
  • ‘A client effectively gets the support of an international firm, with local knowledge and a much more personal touch than you get from an equivalent international firm. ’

  • ‘The team at Eversheds are a unique combination of great technical skill but a keen sense of commercial awareness. Every member of the team from associate to partner level keeps this important balance in mind. ’

  • ‘Matt Chapman is a standout lawyer. He has great attention to detail, is on top of the law and technical facts while maintaining a great working relationship with the client. James Hyde is a great partner who has a strong sense of what is happening in the market. Adam Fisher is a winning combination of strong commercial skills with great personal skills for managing a team. ’

  • ‘The Eversheds team are top-drawer. Highly intelligent, incredibly diligent, and astutely strategic. ’

Key clients

  • 7 English water and sewerage companies
  • Johnson Matthey plc
  • DXC
  • McCain
  • WeWork
  • Arco
  • DHL
  • Department for Transport
  • University of Portsmouth

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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Richard Matthews, Deborah Polden

Other key lawyers

James Hyde, Mark Howarth, Matthew Clark