Addleshaw Goddard's finance disputes team provides a 'first-class service' to its roster of banking and financial services clients and has particular expertise in pursuing claims and asset recoveries in foreign jurisdictions. The group counts issues relating to asset finance, asset-based lending, secured lending and regulated lending products among its specialisms and is increasingly developing expertise in the digital finance sector and matters involving digital assets. The 'exceptional' Harold Brako specialises in banking, asset-based lending and receivables financing disputes and leads the group, which includes legal director Helen Collinge and managing associate Ashlee Simms.
Banking litigation in North West
Addleshaw Goddard
Practice head(s):
Harold Brako
Other key lawyers:
Helen Collinge; Ashlee Simms; Patricia Elder; Jack McConville
Testimonials
‘Very commercial and insightful advice given to tight deadlines.’
‘What I find most impressive about the practice is the way the team works tirelessly to achieve the best and most commercial outcome for clients.’
‘First class service. Excellent knowledge base, commercial awareness, down to earth, easy to do business with.’
‘The team is well organised and cohesive, with appropriate allocation of work across the various levels of qualification and experience. The team has a commitment to the delivery of high standard work clearly inspired by the effective leadership of Harold Brako.’
‘Harold Brako has a commercial, solution-led approach to complex litigation.’
‘Harold Brako and Patricia Elder are recommended: vastly experienced team, fun, friendly, provide excellent counsel and explanations of legal issues.’
‘Harold Brako – an exceptional lawyer with a wealth of experience. His ability and willingness to put the client first is vital when you need someone to react quickly.’
‘Jack McConville – a young, talented and diligent lawyer who is committed to providing exceptional service to clients. I have no doubt that Jack has a long and successful career ahead of him.’
Key clients
HSBC Bank plc
Paragon Bank plc
Aldermore Invoice Finance
Seneca Trade Partners Limited
Aldermore Bank
Santander UK plc
Amicus Asset Finance Limited
Ultimate Finance Limited
Bibby Financial Services Limited
Praetura Asset Finance Limited
Genser Energy Ghana Limited
Conister Bank Limited
Röwer & Rüb GmbH
Svenska Handelsbanken AB
Dell Bank Interntional d.a.c trading as Dell Financial Services
Ultimate Bridging Finance Limited
G C Capital Limited
Goldcrest Finance Limited
Elevar Finance SPV Photon LLC
Handelsbanken plc
Reward Finance Group
Work highlights
- Advising Genser Energy Ghana Limited and Genser Energy Africa Inc in its defence and counterclaims stemming from a supply and purchase agreement in relation to a contract to supply propane gas valued at $17.6m. The agreement was backed by a security bond from Genser itself secured by a third party guarantor totalling $25m.
- Advising GC Property 3 Limited (a subsidiary of Goldcrest Finance Ltd) on issues of frustration, contractual interpretation, breach of contract and termination and rescission relating to a £5.7m agreement for the sale and purchase of four hotel businesses which were exchanged in March 2020 immediately prior to the onset of the Covid-19 crisis in the UK.
- Acting for Bibby Invoice Discounting Limited and its customer We Recruit SW in a dispute with Thompson Facilities and Management Services Limited and Thompson Power Tool for non-payment of invoices relating to the supply of agency workers.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper‘s ‘excellent‘ litigation and regulatory team ‘has built up a genuine specialism in regulated lending and financial services‘. Stewart Plant leads the team and, according to one client, ‘if you are a bank facing a high-value claim or class action this is the person to ring‘, particularly for retail banking and payment services disputes. Corporate crime and investigations expert John Gollaglee is the name to note for contentious regulatory issues, and legal director Philip Williams is popular among payment services and fintech clients, while legal director David Cook joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP adding cyber and data security expertise. Among the senior associate ranks, Krystle Robinson and Benjamin Fellows have a breadth of financial services disputes experience and Leontia McArdle excels in retail banking issues and class actions.
Practice head(s):
Stewart Plant
Other key lawyers:
John Gollaglee; Leontia McArdle; Krystle Robinson; Benjamin Fellows; Andrew Horton; David Cook; Philip Williams
Testimonials
‘Excellent financial services and banking team.’
‘The DLA Piper team are managing to steer a large portfolio of PPI cases with ease. They are always responsive and on top of the details despite their heavy workload.’
‘The team has built up a genuine specialism in regulated lending and financial services and boasts a number of heavyweight clients in the industry. Despite the pressures inherent in this field, the key individuals at DLA always remain cool and collected.’
‘The individuals go the extra mile, and also repeatedly demonstrate a brilliant balance of commercial pragmatism and in-depth knowledge of consumer credit law. Benjamin Fellows is particularly well-versed in this area, and always comes to cases with practical proposals and great ideas.’
‘Stewart Plant – If you are a bank facing a high-value claim or class action this is the person to ring. Immense experience and knows the field inside out.’
‘Stewart Plant provides targeted cost-effective and practical advice.‘
‘Andrew Horton (legal director) has seen it all and remains unfazed. His approach is always commercial.’
‘Benjamin Fellows and Andrew Horton deserve a specific mention. They are tactically astute and hugely on top of the law. They are able to identify quickly the relevant issues and provide a balanced judgment on the prospects of success in any particular case.’
Key clients
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (incl. NatWest, Lombard, RBS Invoice Finance)
The Co-operative Bank
Close Brothers Group
Elavon Financial Services
First Data Corporation
Worldpay (UK) Limited
Metro Bank
Payvision
Lloyds Banking Group (incl. HBOS and C&G)
Global Payments
NewDay Limited
National Asset Management Agency
Work highlights
- Acted for National Asset Management Agency in claims made under a guarantee and indemnity against two guarantors, a Swiss domiciled individual and UK company.
- Acting for the Co-operative Bank plc in its claim for professional negligence and/or breach of contract against a firm of surveyors which had provided project monitoring surveyor services to the bank at a complex and high-profile hotel an spa development at a sports ground in Hampshire.
- Defending NewDay Ltd in mass claimant Payment Protection Insurance claims brought by customers and former customers of the bank.
DWF
DWF's finance litigation team attracts praise for its 'excellent sector knowledge' with expertise in finance litigation, FCA regulated motor vehicle recoveries work and fraud mandates. The firm recently acquired alternative legal service provider Mindcrest, which adds the ability to offer clients bespoke IT solutions, including handling volume claims, and quantum analytics capabilities. National practice head John Perez and Ritchie Irvine specialise in asset finance litigation and fraud disputes, while the 'outcome-focused' Ben Johnson's practice spans retail banking, payment services and asset finance claims as well as data breach disputes. Associate Mahesh Vara is praised for his 'excellent strategic approach to recoveries'.
Practice head(s):
John Perez; Ritchie Irvine; Ben Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Mahesh Vara; Dominic Jones
Testimonials
‘Excellent service and expertise – industry knowledge is second to none.’
‘The finance litigation and regulation team at DWF LLP has excellent sector knowledge, awareness of regulatory changes impacting the sector and offers practical and cost effective strategies. The individuals we deal with are very accessible and communication is always straightforward and leads to practical outcomes.’
‘Industry awareness coupled with intimate product knowledge and understanding of exactly what is required in the everchanging regulatory environment.’
‘DWF have an excellent knowledge of the industry. Instructions and requests are dealt with punctually. They provide clear and concise advise.’
‘Ritchie Irvine and the DWF team are a pleasure to work with and support my business. Their approach is always aligned to protect the bank with getting successful outcomes while being conscious of cost, time and effort. The relationship we have with DWF is strong and a key enabler for us to keep using them from our legal panel.’
‘Ritchie Irvine is our main contact however the full team including Mahesh Vara & Dominic Jones are fantastic and always available to support. You can always go to them with ‘daft’ questions which they never refer to as daft. Their knowledge and expertise is essential support to my business.’
‘Ben Johnson – very approachable and outcome-focused. Mahesh Vara – excellent strategic approach to recoveries and always very practical in his advice.’
‘Ben Johnson provides fast and pragmatic legal advice. His experience in the financial industry is absolutely essential to solve problematic situations.’
Key clients
Lloyds Banking Group, including Lloyds Bank plc, Bank of Scotland plc and Lloyds Commercial Finance.
Aldermore Bank Plc
Santander Consumer (UK) plc trading as Santander Consumer Finance.
Shawbrook Bank Limited
Metro Bank Plc
RBS Group, including National Westminster Bank Plc
Brown Shipley & Co Limited
PSA Finance UK Ltd
UK Asset Resolution Limited (UKAR), including Bradford & Bingley plc, Mortgage Express and NRAM plc (formerly called Northern Rock plc).
Money Barn
Barclays Partner Finance
NextGear Capital UK Limited (part of the Cox Automotive Group)
Elavon Financial Services DAC
Payvision BV
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Praised for its 'deep understanding of financial services litigation', Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's financial services disputes and investigations practice acts for leading banks and institutions in a range of contentious issues. The group operates as a national practice led by Chris Busby in Birmingham, while Manchester-based James Southworth leads the Northern practice. The group also has 'very good insight into the business and understanding of the in-house role' and several litigators, including Southworth, have previous experience working in-house at banks.
Practice head(s):
Chris Busby; James Southworth
Testimonials
‘Very good insight into the business and understanding of the in-house role and challenges which helps bring commercial solutions – taking the problem away and delivering a solution quickly.’
‘Deep understanding of financial services litigation across whole of UK banking industry – great contacts, approachable style and make effort to feel part of an extended team when working with in-house teams.’
Key clients
Nationwide Building Society
Coventry Building Society
Phoenix Group
Santander
Instant Cash Loans
The Co-Operative Bank
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
HSBC
Starling Bank
Gateley Plc
Gateley Plc is experienced in acting for banks in a range of finance litigation, including asset finance litigation and contentious regulatory issues. Birmingham-based James Baird leads the national team, which has 'the resources to provide an excellent service'. In Manchester, the 'excellent' Andrew Field 'knows all the ins and outs of claims by banks to enforce credit agreements and especially guarantees'.
Practice head(s):
James Baird
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Field
Testimonials
‘Leading national firm that has the resources to provide an excellent service in this competitive sector.’
‘Gateley plc supports us with complex legal matters and goes that extra mile to ensure we get the best results.’
‘The help we receive from Gateley plc and in particular Andrew Field is first-class. Andrew is really helpful in dealing with our litigation cases and is terrific to speak to. Andrew, has been really efficient and knowledgeable which is fantastic.’
‘Andrew Field – great experience of the retail banking industry and client friendly.’
‘My sole contact is with Andrew Field, partner. He is an experienced lawyer and specialist in the field of banking litigation. He is a particularly diligent and thorough lawyer who is extremely careful on matters of detail and extremely prompt in dealing with issues and following up on outstanding issues.’
‘Gateley has a strong relationship with clients in the banking sector. This is a key strength because banking clients in my experience value having a legal team who understand the way the bank operates and the kind of ‘bigger picture’ concerns that affect large retail banks (for example during the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on possession proceedings).’
‘I have worked for a number of years with Andrew Field, who has as much experience of banking litigation as anyone I know. He knows all the ins and outs of claims by banks to enforce credit agreements and especially guarantees. He is thorough and painstaking. He will invariably consider all the angles for his clients so they can stay one or two steps ahead of the other side.’
‘I have worked with Andrew Field for 15 years and have always found him to be an excellent lawyer and litigator.’
Key clients
Macquarie Corporate and Asset Finance 1 Limited
Propel Finance Plc
Scania Finance Great Britain Limited
Arkle Finance Limited
Tower Leasing Limited
Grenke Leasing Limited
Kennet Equipment Leasing Limited
Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited
Hill Dickinson LLP
Hill Dickinson LLP's finance disputes team is highlighted by one client as 'one of the best in the industry, in particular for asset-based lending litigation'. Practice head Sharon Williamson and senior associate John Quicler are experienced in asset-based lending disputes, while Iain Campbell is strong for consumer credit agreement regulated matters and interchange fee disputes.
Practice head(s):
Sharon Williamson
Other key lawyers:
John Quicler; Iain Campbell
Testimonials
‘This practice is one of the best in the industry and in particular for asset-based lending litigation and law. There is a vast amount of experience within the team and the top lawyers will always put the bank first. Nothing is too trivial for the partner to get involved in with value-added advice and expertise as part of the service and usually at no extra cost. They have an extremely commercial mindset and are empathetic with our customers as we are.’
‘Sharon Williamson and John Quicler are both very intelligent yet relaxed individuals and crucial legal partners to our team. I know that when speaking to them, they will happily cut through the jargon and speak in laymen’s terms when required. They are also happy to introduce us to colleagues that can deal with other legal aspects when required.’
‘Sharon Williamson – a vast amount of ABL expertise and capability, always adding value to the way we deal with litigation. Excellent mediator and commercial mindset.’
‘John Quicler- has gained an immense amount of experience in this field over several years and is empathetic whilst giving the best value a practice could give.’
Key clients
Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Limited
Bibby Financial Services Limited
Bibby Factors Limited
Bibby Factors Scotland Limited
Metro Bank t/as SME Invoice Finance
Hyde Park Finance Limited
Bibby Invoice Discounting Limited
Hitachi Capital (UK) Limited
Bibby Commercial Finance Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Hyde Park Finance in multi-party litigation for recovery of £multi-million sums pursuant to a loan agreement for which the defendants stood as surety.
- Acting for Note Machine UK Limited in a complaint to the Payment Systems Regulator.
- Assisting Bibby Commercial Finance in debt recover matters pursuant to the terms of Deeds of Guarantee and Indemnity, provided by two individuals, in consideration of the client entering into a factoring facility with a company.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs' 'excellent' financial services group includes a 'talented, hard-working and dedicated team of banking lawyers' with particular experience in misselling litigation, contentious regulatory work, professional negligence claims and fraud disputes. 'Highly skilled litigator' Anthony Taylor leads the national team and has a broad contentious banking and financial services practice. Peter Lees is a legal director to note, particularly for professional negligence claims.
Practice head(s):
Anthony Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Peter Lees
Testimonials
‘A talented, hard-working and dedicated team of banking lawyers with fierce self-confidence and determination.’
‘Highly skilled and experienced team allied to a proactive and imaginative approach to litigation management. A traditional approach, but very soundly based and client focused.’
‘The banking litigation team at Squires is excellent – wonderful client service with consistently clear and considered advice that takes into account both success prospects and the commerciality of any claim. The team is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Anthony Taylor consistently provides advice of excellent quality and has a wonderful talent for identifying the best strategies for successful resolution, both on straightforward and complex matters. Always friendly and approachable, a great sense of humour also makes any discussions far more enjoyable.’
‘Anthony Taylor is a highly skilled litigator. In addition to his high levels of technical competence and experience, he is extraordinarily diligent and hard working, determined to get to grips with difficult (non-legal) technical issues in order to understand and progress his clients’ interests.‘
Key clients
Manchester Building Society
Lloyds Banking Group (this includes Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Private Bank, Birmingham Midshires, Intelligent Finance, Colleys, Black Horse, Cheltenham & Gloucester, Halifax, and The Mortgage Business).
Mortgage Express
NRAM Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Manchester Building Society in a £47m professional negligence claim against Grant Thornton heard by a seven-judge panel of the Supreme Court in October 2020.
TLT
TLT's financial services disputes and investigations team attracts praise for its 'specialist knowledge and sector-specific experience'. It acts for a range of major leading UK and international banks, as well as alternative lenders, fintech companies and building societies and has a 'particular strength in the secured lending sector and property disputes'. 'Acute tactician' James Chadwick leads the team and has the full range of expertise in litigation, contentious regulatory issues and risk management advice. 'Very knowledgeable and experienced' legal director Roisin McGlinn is another name to note, particularly for secured recoveries work.
Practice head(s):
James Chadwick
Other key lawyers:
Roisin McGlinn; Chantal Peters; Heff Heathcote; Paula Twist;
Testimonials
‘Exceptional work and commercial solutions always provided. They go above and beyond without the client having to ask.’
‘We view TLT as leaders in the field in respect of retail banking litigation. They hold particular strength in the secured lending sector and property disputes. I have a confidence in handing a matter to TLT’s Manchester team and knowing that it will be run well, diligently, within budget and in accordance with our business’ principles of conduct.’
‘They have specialist knowledge and sector-specific experience, together with a pragmatic and collaborative approach to working with their in-house clients.’
‘I know from experience that TLT (Manchester) is the ‘go to’ for most major lenders and banks; both for complex title rectification work and also regulatory advice.‘
‘James Chadwick – at the top of his game. Simply tireless, and an acute tactician.‘
‘Roisin McGlinn is legal director and an excellent deputy for Chadwick. Very knowledgeable and experienced. Client friendly.’
‘Chantal Peters is a great up-and-coming lawyer. Spot on legal advice and a great manner with clients.’
‘Heff Heathcote – a real star of the future. Has a great sense of the big picture in litigation.’
Key clients
Nationwide Building Society (The Mortgage Works (UK) plc)
Aldermore Bank
Bank of America, ML
Capita/Link
Computershare
The Cooperative Bank plc
FRP
Handelsbanken
Lloyds Banking Group plc
NatWest
Santander
Seneca
Templeton
UKAR
Unicredit, Redstone Mortgages Ltd
Bexley Beaumont
Led by Phil Sheard, who joined from Brabners LLP, Bexley Beaumont's banking litigation team acts for banks and financial services clients in commercial debt recovery work and invoice and asset-based financing litigation.
Practice head(s):
Phil Sheard
Kennedys
Kennedys' 'fantastic' commercial litigation team acts for SME companies, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals in banking and finance disputes and regulatory investigations. Commercial litigator Alison Loveday leads the team and counts financial and banking disputes among her areas of expertise. Reuben Berg and 'outstanding' senior associate Ian Mendelsohn are also key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Alison Loveday
Other key lawyers:
Reuben Berg; Ian Mendelsohn; Geraldine Wharton
Testimonials
‘Excellent coverage of technical issues and banking relationships in relation to disputes with excellent transfer of information between colleagues during Covid working restrictions.’
‘Well connected in commercial litigation circles. Highly experienced lawyers who listen to the client.’
‘A fantastic team with absolutely stellar commercial dispute capabilities, a down-to-earth and practical approach to complicated problems and a can-do and constructive attitude.’
‘Ian Mendelson – outstanding individual.’
‘Reuben Berg is a real doyen of commercial litigation.’
‘Ian Mendelsohn – has a quiet confidence, is always firmly on top of the detail, but not afraid to make strategically brave decisions.’
‘Very effective in investigating and taking on banking issues of general market importance.’
‘Reuben Berg – totally committed to the client’s cause, inspires confidence. Ian Mendelsohn – an astute lawyer who leaves no stone unturned. Geraldine Wharton – an assiduous lawyer who can be trusted to know the case inside out.’
Key clients
Together Money
Aston Management
Julian Hodge Bank
Metro Bank
Begbies Traynor Group plc
Duff & Phelps
City of London Group plc