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Dispute Resolution

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A leading team of litigators and arbitrators, resolving complex disputes for businesses and individuals in a challenging commercial environment

The answer to an increasingly competitive and regulated world, in which disputes have become a fact of business life, is one of the largest, most complete and experienced team of Dispute Resolution lawyers in London. It is the reason why half the firm’s lawyers are litigators and we have one of the largest groups of injunction specialists.

As today’s commercial environment becomes tougher and tougher, our clients are forced to deal with more and more difficult and contentious decisions. For example, do you commit to an existing obligation or follow a new venture? Should short-term needs outweigh longer-term plans? Are obligations to current business partners no longer the best way forwards? Invariably, these decisions give rise to disputes that must be resolved.

Of course, while we are equipped to litigate, going to court is never our default response. We start every dispute with a clear, dispassionate overview of your options, and be it personal or commercial, our approach is the same. Assimilate the facts and lay out the options because the means of resolution can be as diverse as the issue themselves. We are ready to be as measured and diplomatic or as aggressive as the situation demands.

Our intention is then not only to arrive at a bespoke solution but a value-based one too. We believe in delivering a return on investment and think that lawyers should not only provide excellent service but take a more pro-active approach to cost than ever before. It is why we have strong links to third party litigation funders who can help manage the risk involved in large-scale litigation.

In these ways we take ownership of your dispute, fight your corner and fiercely guard your interests.

How our disputes lawyers can help you

Commercial Litigation

We are one of the largest litigation teams in London with over 300 litigators. We act for businesses that range from owner-manager operations to multinational entities with disputes which cross several jurisdictions. We are unusual for a firm of our size in that we remain largely conflict free and able to act on large commercial disputes with financial institutions.

Competition

Our competition practice advises claimants and defendants, individuals and institutions, on all aspects of competition law. Our low levels of conflict enable us to act for parties across all sectors. We are experts in managing investigations across a number of jurisdictions; choosing and dealing with overseas professionals on behalf of our clients.

Cyber Security

We understand that managing cyber security will develop and enable your business, protect your customers and build trust in your brand. Our in-house team comprises cyber security specialists, data theft lawyers, reputation management specialists and data protection experts. This multi-disciplinary approach combines business expertise with a deep understanding of cyber risks and how to protect against them.

Finance and Banking Disputes

We are known for our low levels of conflict. We act for all sides of the industry, from banks and other financial institutions, to corporate borrowers and investors. We are able to draw on the expertise of specialists across banking and debt finance, investment funds, regulatory, and insolvency and recovery. Our matters are often high value and involve a number of international jurisdictions. Our particular strength is in the swift resolution of highly sensitive disputes.

Fraud

We have the largest group of dedicated international injunction specialists in the country. Wherever possible we seek pre-emptive relief to locate and freeze assets and preserve evidence. Our international network of fraud specialists The International Fraud Group, gives us a critical edge when securing piggyback injunctions in other countries. Our reputation for negotiating directly with both fraudsters and their lawyers enables us to resolve complex and sensitive cases in ways that protect our clients from endless litigation and mounting costs.

Insolvency and Recoveries

Our ability to home in on the issues and our experience in restructuring and deal making enable us to offer simple and sound advice not just to those facing imminent insolvency but also to those wishing to take proactive measures to capitalise on opportunities.

Insurance

Our insurance litigation team acts predominantly for corporate policy holders on coverage issues across a wide range of industries and lines. Our experience covers the whole process, from advising on risk programmes, mergers and acquisitions and other commercial agreements to litigating on behalf of the policyholder in the event an insurer rejects their claim. Our focus on the policyholder enables us to remain almost conflict free.

Intellectual Property

We deliver a complete range of services with experienced specialists in all aspects of IP helping our clients create, exploit and protect intellectual property throughout the whole life of a brand. Where we detect an infringement, we work swiftly and tenaciously to stop the breach and deliver a significant return on investment.

International Arbitration

Our commercial arbitration experience includes acting for governments, individuals and companies across sectors including energy, national resources, construction, fraud, finance, licensing, real estate and employment as well as general commercial, contractual and shareholder disputes. Our lawyers also have extensive experience in arbitration-related court proceedings, including investigatory and discovery efforts, garnishment, and enforcement of arbitral awards.

Tax

The payment of tax affects every business and individual, but navigating HMRC and its processes can be complicated. Our team have direct experience of working within HMRC and can help you reach a satisfactory agreement for your business and HMRC as well as helping you to build a solid working relationship going forward.

A Guide to Group Actions

Guide

This guide provides an introduction to the various methods of litigating on a multi-party basis, addressing the key legal issues to be considered throughout a claim.

'For the Attention of the Board' series: Tackling today's business challenges

Briefing

Our briefings provide pragmatic guidance, key questions to ask those who report to the board as well as insights from industry experts to ensure you have a 360-degree perspective on these issues.

If I had a case, I would go to Mishcon de Reya. They fight with their whole being and they work hard to achieve the goal of the client.
Chambers and Partners 2022

The lawyers are heavyweights and leaders in this market
Chambers & Partners 2020

They are extremely litigation focused and get involved in many of the most interesting cases
Chambers & Partners 2020

Work highlights

Work highlight

Kingdom of Belgium; Port of Antwerp

Acting for the Kingdom of Belgium in ICSID arbitration proceedings relating to an alleged breach by the Antwerp Port Authority of a concession to operate a container handling terminal in the Port of Antwerp.

Work highlight

Richard Lloyd re Google

Acting for Richard Lloyd, the Claimant, a former executive director of the consumer organization, Which? The case is a representative action brought against the US technology giant, Google LLC. It seeks damages on behalf of 4.3 million UK Apple iPhone users to compensate them for Google unlawfully collecting their internet search history so as to target them with advertising.

Work highlight

AssetCo plc

Acting for AssetCo plc in its claim against its former auditors Grant Thornton UK LLP for the negligent conduct of AssetCo's audits in 2009 and 2010. The decision is a leading judgment in auditor's negligence cases where an auditor has failed to detect that a company is being run fraudulently by management.

Work highlight

Non-performing loan recovery

Acting for a number of European banks to recover tens of millions in non-performing loans across multiple jurisdictions through asset freezing and recovery techniques.

Work highlight

Ocado Group PLC

Acting for Ocado in claims relating to theft and misuse of Ocado's confidential information.

Work highlight

Telefónica

Acting for Telefonica in relation to proceedings brought by Phones 4 U Limited (in administration) alleging conspiracy between EE, Vodafone, Telefonica and their parent companies (at the relevant time).

Work highlight

Sainsburys

Representing Sainsbury's in the Supreme Court in its case against Mastercard. This case is the first substantial competition damages judgment to be handed down in Europe and is the leading case on recovery of interchange fees.

Work highlight

Microsoft Corporation

Representing Microsoft in its cartel damages claim against Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Sanyo and LG Chem arising from a global cartel affecting batteries used in various products including mobile phones.

Work highlight

Gina Miller

Representing Gina Miller, the lead claimant, in her judicial review proceedings against the Prime Minister's decision to recommend to the Queen that she should prorogue Parliament for 5 weeks, reconvening shortly before the UK was due to exit the European Union.