Michael Burd > Lewis Silkin > London, England > Lawyer Profile

The LLP and partnership group at Lewis Silkin has amassed an impressive client roster consisting of clients from the legal, accounting, and financial services sectors due to its strong partnership offering which includes contentious and non-contentious assistance. The team is experienced handling domestic and cross-border matters ranging from expulsions, investigations, and team moves, to mergers and acquisitions, compliance, and agreements. Heading up the practice is Clive Greenwood, described as having the ‘safest pair of hands in this sector’ and specialises in disputes and litigation within the financial services sector and frequently litigates before the courts in London and Belfast. The capabilities of the department have been bolstered by the arrival of Chris Hallinan who joined in July 2023 from Addleshaw Goddard. He brings with him a wealth of experience handling non-contentious and professional services regulatory matters including transactions, restructuring, regulatory approval, and governance matters. Michael Burd concentrates on contentious matters including litigation, arbitration, and agreements, while head of the investigations team Karen Baxter focuses on allegations of wrongdoing and professional misconduct. Other key practitioners include Frances Simm, Eleanor Diamond, Nicholas Hadaway, and Fergus Payne.

Clients of Lewis Silkin remark that ‘no other firm comes close in terms of the number of brilliant and pragmatic partners’. Under the excellent direction of Richard Miskella, the team provides a ‘platinum service’ on issues as diverse as redundancy and restructuring exercises (particularly in the tech sector), and dealing with industrial action. It particularly excels in advising on trade union recognition. The group has been described as the ‘crème de la crème of employment practices‘. It has been busy advising on conflicts of belief in the workplace, and on other matters relating to diversity, equality and inclusion. Michael Anderson is a key member of its High Court employment litigation practice. Karen Baxter is known for her extensive investigations experience. Michael Burd covers an array of high-value disputes, and other issues relating to senior terminations. Shalina Crossley has particular expertise in advising on racial and socio-economic discrimination and cultural change. James Davies is well-regarded. Toni Lorenzo, David Hopper, Carla Watling are among the other highly recommended members of the team.