Tom Ellis > Osborne Clarke LLP > Bristol, England > Lawyer Profile

Osborne Clarke LLP is differentiated by its equal split between claimant and defendant-side work, and has a stellar track record in both areas; in the latter space, the firm’s client base comprises national and international lenders, high-profile funds and their trustees, major building contractors and developers, and other financial services institutions. Commercial litigator Charlie Wedin is the key senior contact. Tom Ellis regularly defends accountancy firms, while Katherine King has particular expertise in pensions-related cases.

Housing a team of ‘experienced partners and associates, with a collaborative and enthusiastic approach’, Osborne Clarke LLP handles financial services litigation, contentious data protection and cybersecurity mandates, shareholder disputes, contractual claims and technology cases. With demonstrable experience in domestic and cross-border disputes, the team is led by Charlie Wedin, who is ‘hugely experienced’ in technology, cyber and data-related claims and investigations. Peter Clough boasts an enviable track record in handling high-stakes disputes in the energy, technology and financial services sectors, while Tom Ellis is noted for his expertise in corporate investigations and fraud-related mandates. Charles Crowne, who focuses on financial services litigation, including pensions disputes, is another key contact in the group. Clare Robinson has retired.

Appreciated for its ‘strategic litigation nous’, Osborne Clarke LLP excels in handling regulatory investigations, as well as commercial litigation, impacting traditional financial services companies, alternative lenders and fintech providers. ‘Excellent’ team head Rachel Couter provides ‘practical, clear and responsive’ advice to clients defending themselves against allegations of market abuse and insider dealing, AML and market manipulation claims. Couter also handles some regulator-side work as a result of the firm’s recent addition to the FSCS’ legal panel. Other key practitioners include Nick Price for crypto matters; Benedicte Perowne, who specialises in representing individuals facing regulatory scrutiny; and Bristol-based Tom Ellis, who has a niche focus advising accountancy firms.

Osborne Clarke LLP is particularly noted for disputes related to technology, financial services, and the energy and natural resources sectors, and boasts an impressive record in high-stakes, cross-border litigation. Tom Ellis heads the practice from Bristol, while Charlie Wedin regularly managing major cases. Senior partner Peter Clough focuses on large-scale commercial and contract disputes, while Andrew Bartlett is frequently called upon for cases involving complex jurisdictional, governing law, and international enforcement challenges. Jane Park-Weir is a highly regarded litigator in corporate and commercial disputes. The firm’s next tier of expertise includes CIS disputes leader Artem Doudko and legal director Alfred Church , who often advises on jurisdictional and procedural matters. Nick Price, who handles disputes in the payments, crypto assets, and fintech sectors, and Nina Lazic , a specialist in complex commercial litigation, round out the team.