Firm Profile > RPC > London, England

Brand management Tier 1

RPC is described as 'the pre-eminent practice' for advertising and brand management work, and is regularly sought after by well-known consumer brands and social media platforms such as Google and Instagram to assist on international campaigns and launches. The practice is spearheaded by Oliver Bray, 'one of the best known figures in the advertising space', with Ciara Cullan and Jeremy Drew advising on contentious and non-contentious IP matters, and recently promoted partner Nicola Cain advising on media regulatory issues.

Commercial contracts Tier 1

The 'very commercial and client-focused' RPC advises on agreements across various industries, from the largest outsourcings to bespoke contracts for start-ups. The firm’s expertise includes technology, IP, marketing, licensing and sponsorship. Practice head Oliver Bray is an 'exceptional partner' and specialises in commercial law, particularly commercial contracts, data protection, and regulatory and content issues. Notable in his team of 'great all-round commercial lawyers' are Mark Crichard, who leads the firm's technology and outsourcing practice; Charles Buckworth, who is a specialist IT, outsourcing and data lawyer; and senior associate Alyson Lloyd, who focuses on supply chain, advertising and sponsorship matters. Commercial, outsourcing and technology specialist Paul Joukador joined in 2018 from Hogan Lovells International LLP and in 2019 commercial partner Simon Edwards arrived from Shoosmiths LLP. Senior associate Andrew Crystal left in 2018 to go in-house at Amazon Web Services.

Education: institutions Tier 1

Education: institutions Tier 1

Education: schools Tier 1

Education: individuals Tier 1

Education: individuals Tier 1

Commodities: physicals Tier 1

Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

Education: schools Tier 1

Insurance: insolvency and restructuring Tier 1

In the insurance restructuring and insolvency space, RPC's team advises on loss portfolio and Part VII transfers (both in the life and non-life, and in the legacy space), run-offs, Lloyd's members restructurings and schemes of arrangement. Matthew Griffith leads the practice; he has compelling transactional experience and carries out Brexit-related work for many broking groups, and the team recently advised Equitable Life on its Brexit-related restructuring. Former insolvency and restructuring head Vivien Tyrell stepped down as partner and now acts as a consultant to the firm.

Education: institutions Tier 1

Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 1

RPC is 'outstanding for publishing work' and it also has expertise across advertising, marketing, IP, data protection, branding, consumer issues, media regulation,  IT, telecoms, digital media, competition and corporate media work. The team acts for some of the largest brands in broadcast, print and digital media. The publishing team, which is led by Keith Mathieson, handles contentious and non-contentious work for national newspapers, publishing houses, media insurance companies and tech giants. The advertising and marketing team, where Oliver Bray who is also active on social media and interactive content mandates is recommended, is instructed by consumer brands, social media platforms and advertising agencies on international campaigns and launches. Bray leads advice for Facebook on its global advertising and marketing initiatives. The team also acts for game developers and gaming and betting platforms, and provides commercial, regulatory, pre-publication and dispute resolution advice to national broadcasters and production companies. Nicola Cain is 'very responsive and good at providing practical advice'.

Reputation management Tier 1

'Go-to firm' RPC stands out for its defendant-focused reputation management practice representing some of the most important national and local newspapers as well as book publishers, broadcasters and online media outlets. In this capacity, the team also offers a round-the-clock pre-publication clearance service to its clients. The team regularly takes on highly sensitive instructions such as representing Christopher Steele in several lawsuits brought against him in relation to authoring and publishing the infamous Trump-Russia dossier. Department head and 'doyen of the media defendant world' Keith Mathieson acts for social media intermediaries, broadcasters, magazines and book publishers. 'Phenomenal talent' Nicola Cain draws on her in-house experience at the BBC to advise household names on contentious and non-contentious defamation, misuse of private information and data protection issues. In addition, senior associate Rupert Cowper-Coles does 'an amazing job' at handling high-profile defamation cases including privacy and misuse of private information claims.

Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 2

RPC's 'depth and availability is superb'. The banking and financial markets disputes team is one of the few City firms that is able to act for European regional banks, pension funds, hedge funds, and the investment vehicles of high-net-worth individuals against investment banks. It is also regularly involved in contentious insolvency and restructuring situations. Simon Hart is head of financial disputes, global head of commercial disputes Tom Hibbert, who is 'heads and shoulders above the rest of the banking litigation community', also leads the banking and financial litigation team, and Andy McGregor has extensive experience of managing banking disputes that arise from structured finance and derivatives. Alan Williams was made partner and Charlotte Henschen and Dan Hemming are experienced senior associates.

Brexit Tier 2

RPC’s cross-departmental group has been notably active in the insurance and financial services sectors. It recently advised RSA Insurance on the Brexit-related restructuring of its European business and assisted The Equitable Life Assurance Society with the transfer of its Irish and German life insurance business  into a newly incorporated Irish subsidiary. Practices that contribute regularly to the firm’s Brexit coverage include the commercial, IP, data privacy, employment, regulatory, tax and corporate teams, and the firm also leverages its position as part of the TerraLex network to enhance its multijurisdictional offering. IP and technology partner Ciara Cullen leads the group, which also fields insurance and non-contentious regulatory expert Matthew Griffith and corporate specialist Neil Brown.

Clinical negligence: defendant Tier 2

RPC offers an umbrella service to insurers, private hospital groups, charities, individual practitioners, clinics and other healthcare organisations in the defence of a whole range of claims and related proceedings. The service offering also encompasses representation at inquests and regulatory body investigations. The 'excellent all-round lawyer, business thinker' and leading practitioner in the field of reproductive medicine Dorothy Flower leads a department that is adept at handling high-profile group actions, cosmetic and general surgery claims, as well as cases arising from mental health care provision and allegations of negligence in the care of detainees. Rowan Brown is regularly involved in the most complex work, including multi-party actions and matters with an international focus.

Commodities disputes Tier 2

Since his arrival at RPC in 2016, Stuart Shepherd has significantly boosted the firm's capability in commodities disputes. The commercial disputes practice already had a track record in this area, but Shepherd's 28 years' experience acting for commodity traders and handling a wide range of contentious physical trading and shipping matters, has helped the firm leverage its global offering through London, working closely with its offices in Singapore and Hong Kong. Shepherd is a vastly experienced international trade lawyer who handles matters related to both soft and hard commodities, including oil and gas, metals and ores.

Corporate governance Tier 2

RPC's cross-firm group is jointly led by Jeremy Drew, Patrick Brodie and Matthew Griffith, who specialise in commercial, employment, and the insurance and financial services sectors respectively. The group primarily draws on corporate, advisory and regulatory practitioners to handle the full spectrum of governance issues including independent reports, remuneration policy advice, modern slavery issues, gender pay gap analysis, and conduct and culture work. Clients include listed companies, financial services, insurance and retail clients, and US-owned corporates. Sports Direct is a noteworthy example, with the team advising on its reporting of Debenhams to the FCA. Sam Tate is a key contact for white-collar crime and regulatory issues.

Health and safety Tier 2

RPC has expertise in cases relating to corporate and gross negligence manslaughter, as well as matters involving serious incidents and casualties. Nick McMahon, 'a calm and reassuring presence for all his clients', is one of two practice heads and advises on pre-emptive and reactive health and safety issues in the healthcare, retail and construction sectors. He works alongside 'brilliant tactician and leader' Gavin Reese, who often advises on high-profile investigations and prosecutions.

Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 2

The 'exceptional' team at RPC has a great reputation in the financial lines sector, spanning financial indemnity, D&O and professional indemnity claims. Practice head Simon Laird specialises in this sector and divides his time between Bristol and London. 'Excellent technical lawyer' Simon Goldring and James Wickes regularly handle D&O disputes. The team is also increasingly instructed on trade credit and political risk matters, often handled by expert Naomi Vary, as well as on cross-border and domestic property claims under the leadership of Victoria Sherratt. Other areas of growth are power generation and energy, for which the 'outstanding' Leigh Williams and Gary Walkling are the key contacts.

Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 2

RPC's transactional insurance practice has had its busiest year ever, advising on a raft of M&A deals, Brexit restructurings, Part VII transfers and Lloyd's of London matters. The team also advises on broker and Managing General Agent Mandates, as well as an increasing volume of legacy business Part VIIs. The transactional and advisory insurance business is headed up by 'real standout' James Mee, who leads on almost all of the firm's insurance M&A mandates, working in tandem with the 'phenomenal' David Wallis. Major matters for the team have included advising RSA on its Brexit-related European business reorganisation.

IT and telecoms Tier 2

RPC provides 'a great service' to its impressive client roster, which spans global suppliers, digital technology companies and new media suppliers, as well as customers including financial services and insurance industry clients, and corporates in the retail and media sectors. The team, which is jointly led by commercial law specialist Jeremy Drew and Mark Crichard, who focuses on technology and outsourcing transactions, has been bolstered by the arrivals of outsourcing partner Paul Joukador and senior associate Marlon Cohen from Hogan Lovells International LLP and Addleshaw Goddard respectively. Other names to note include Jon Bartley, who combines digital technology and e-commerce experience with data protection and cybersecurity expertise; Paul Joseph and David Cran, who handle large-scale IT disputes, and recently promoted IT, outsourcing and data partner Charles Buckworth.

Personal injury: defendant Tier 2

RPC has a proven track record of handling complex personal injury cases, that usually involve life-altering injuries, namely amputation and brain injury. Practice co-head Gavin Reese's expertise includes cases involving stress and chronic pain claims. Nick McMahon's specialisms cover health and safety regulation, but he is also experienced across high-value severe injuries and group actions. Catastrophic as well as fatal injury claims are key areas of activity for Steven Aitken.

Product liability: defendant Tier 2

RPC has an experienced team acting for insurers in claims arising particularly in the life sciences area, where Dorothy Flower is a key name, but is also active in the automotive, chemicals, household goods and technology fields. The group regularly acts in disputes which span multiple jurisdictions and works closely together with the firm's Singapore and Hong Kong offices. Gavin Reese took over the practice lead from Flower, and he and consultant Nick McMahon have longstanding experience in the field. Legal director Peter Rudd-Clarke advises on regulatory matters.

Professional negligence Tier 2

The 'well respected' team at RPC is based across its London and Bristol offices and it handles complex professional negligence disputes across the construction, legal, property, technology, cyber and financial sectors. Nick Bird is an 'absolute superstar' and is experienced in claims involving lawyers, architects and accountants, while James Wickes defends high-value and complex claims against financial professionals and institutions. Legal director Tom Green handles complex construction disputes and senior associate Laura Stocks defends leading law firms in professional negligence disputes. The team is representing Sense Network and Arch Insurance (Europe) on a claim brought by 95 individuals alleging that they lost money in a fraudulent investment scheme operated by a director of Sense's appointed representative, without Sense's knowledge.

Tax litigation and investigations Tier 2

The team at RPC has experience in tax litigation before the UK courts and the European Court of Justice, HMRC tax investigations and judicial reviews. It has a particular niche in group litigation, for which it is able to offer third party funding and insurance services. Department head Adam Craggs, is an accredited mediator with expertise in tax enquiries and criminal tax investigations.

Commercial litigation Tier 3

RPC's 'extremely strong commercial litigation team is engaged in some of the most high-profile disputes in the market'. The well-established disputes practice frequently receives referrals from Magic Circle and US firms, and can draw upon its own specialist contentious teams that cover disputes in banking and finance, commodities, tax, employment, real estate, IP, IT, insurance, construction, competition, and media. Geraldine Elliott is commercial disputes head, Tom Hibbert is global commercial disputes head, and Simon Hart is head of financial disputes. Other experienced practitioners are Davina Given and senior associates Daniel Wyatt and Laura Martin.

Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 3

The practice at RPC is jointly led by Jon Bartley, Nicola Cain and Richard Breavington specialising in non-contentious issues, contentious data and enforcement matters and cyber breach responses respectively. The team handles the full spectrum of data issues for a client roster spanning the technology, media, professional services, retail and food and drink sectors; noteworthy examples include Associated Newspapers, McArthurGlen Group and Shiseido Group. In a recent non-contentious highlight, Oliver Bray advised Paddy Power Betfair on its GDPR project; contentious work included defending the author of the ‘Trump dossier’ in a High Court data protection claim brought by three Russian oligarchs, and acting for Refinitiv in multiple data protection claims relating to the inclusion of individuals in its ‘Know Your Customer’ database. Keith Mathieson is also highly regarded in the space and is active in issues involving privacy and the misuse of personal data.

Employment: employers Tier 3

RPC's employment, pensions and incentives team is continuing to grow in prominence on the back of key roles on high-profile court disputes, including the landmark Tillman v Egon Zehnder Supreme Court case concerning restraint of trade. The practice is led by Patrick Brodie, who has a strong track record of big-ticket litigation and led the team acting for executive search firm Egon Zehnder on the aforementioned case. He works alongside 'passionate' and 'approachable' legal director Kelly Thomson, advising an impressive list of household name clients across sectors including insurance, utilities, services and retail.

Financial services: contentious Tier 3

Traditionally known for acting for banks and individuals within banks, RPC has increasing experience in the insurance space. On the contentious side, In addition to being on the FCA's Skilled Persons Panel for Conduct, the firm has expertise in crime and corruption matters. In a recent example, the practice represented Sports Direct in relation to a privilege dispute with the Financial Reporting Council. Jonathan Cary and Parham Kouchikali lead a team that has added white collar crime expert Sam Tate and managing consultant Toby Lamarque, who has particular experience with the SFO. Also notable in the team is associate Lucy Kerr, who focuses on defending financial services firms and their senior management in FCA enforcement actions.

Partnership Tier 3

RPC advises professional service firms, as well as funds, on a range of matters, including the establishment of partnerships and LLPs, mergers and dissolution, as well as contentious partnership issues, with recent experience in cases arising out of the MeToo movement. The group is jointly headed by experienced litigator Geraldine Elliott and Patrick Brodie, who handles high-value partnership terminations, re-organisations and mergers. In February 2019, Anthony Shatz left to join Fladgate LLP.

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology Tier 3

RPC's 'razor sharp and thoughtful' team is headed by Dorothy Flower who specialises in product liability defence cases relating to medical devices and pharmaceutical products. She acts for a range of manufacturers and suppliers, often on the instructions of insurers, and also handles claims arising from clinical trials. The team is entrusted with some high-profile work including actions relating to breast implants and 'metal hips on metal' disputes; Peter Rudd-Clarke specialises in cases involving orthopaedic implant litigation. Rowan Brown  is also experienced in these areas and Genevieve Isherwood assists on medical malpractice and product liability claims.

Professional discipline Tier 3

RPC's 'strengths are its depth of cover and number of exceptional individuals'. The practice is focused on the legal services, accountancy, healthcare and construction sectors. Legal director Graham Reid is regularly instructed on disciplinary proceedings, and Robert Morris in Bristol handles claims against accountants, financial professionals and insurance brokers. Former EMEA anti-corruption head for a global financial crime consultancy Sam Tate, who divides his time between the London and Bristol offices, was hired, while Richard Burger and former legal director Amy Gallimore left for DWF and Ashfords LLP, respectively.

Regulatory investigations and corporate crime Tier 3

RPC advises on multijurisdictional internal investigations involving financial crime, corruption, sanctions, bribery and money laundering issues. It often deals with regulators including the SFO, FCA and NCA. Other areas of expertise include compliance, risk mitigation plans and deferred prosecution agreements. Sam Tate joined as a partner from Exiger and now heads the team. He has experience in cross-border investigations, private prosecutions, reporting advice, compliance reviews and money laundering issues. Toby Lamarque joined as a managing consultant from Exiger. Richard Burger left the firm for DWF.

Sport Tier 3

RPC's sports group takes a commercial approach to the sector, advising sports retailers, betting companies and major household names invested in sports on a wide range of matters covering IP, sponsorship, joint ventures, licensing and acquisitions. Outside of these core areas the practice is known for its disputes work, representing football clubs and players in HMRC disputes and investigations, and advising on tax compliance and online disputes concerning copyright and trademark issues. The practice, which is led by 'force of nature' Jeremy Drew, was boosted in 2018 by two additions - Paul Joukador, formerly of Hogan Lovells, and associate Rachel Pates-Jones, who previously worked in-house for the Welsh Rugby Union.

Commercial property: retail Tier 4

RPC’s practice provides clients with a ‘very commercial and obliging approach’ and is headed by the ‘outstanding’ Elizabeth Alibhai. It is active on the investment, development and corporate occupier fronts, and is particularly recommended for its work in the retail space where it represents landlords and tenants alike, including several household brands. Recent work in the sector has included lease renewals, portfolio management and neighbour issues, among others.

Competition litigation Tier 4

Acting on both the claimant and the defendant side, RPC’s cross-practice competition litigation team has extensive experience advising on follow-on damages actions concerning food packaging, heavy-duty trucks, and interchange fees. The team has attracted praise by clients for its work in the pharmaceutical sector (which is a particular field of expertise for Catherine Percy), but also acts in the telecoms, insurance, and retail sectors. Lambros Kilaniotis advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters and heads the practice, where Chris Ross is another key figure.

Fraud: civil Tier 4

RPC has particular experience of fraud cases with connections to Russia and the CIS, as well as a strong track record on bank litigation. Clients include European regional banks, pension funds, hedge funds, other asset managers and the investment vehicles of high-net-worth individuals. Team Andy McGregor - who 'never puts a foot wrong' - focuses on high value fraud disputes and is adept at handling issues arising out of US sanctions. Sam Tate joined the firm as partner in 2018 from financial crime consultancy Exiger, where he had worked closely with new SFO director Lisa Osofsky.

Intellectual property Tier 4

The 'extremely capable' intellectual property group at RPC is 'strong all round', with capabilities across a range of disputes and transactional work and particular experience in the retail, food and drink, technology, media and sport sectors. The 'dedicated and hard-working' team is led by Jeremy Drew, who handles both contentious and non-contentious matters; and includes the 'very clever, thorough and thoughtful' David Cran, food and drink sector specialist Ciara Cullen, and Paul Joseph, who 'provides clear targeted advice, which is delivered quickly even in complicated situations with many uncertainties'. The team has further strengthened its practice with the addition of commercial technology and IP lawyer Paul Joukador, who joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP. Legal directors Ben Mark and Georgia Davis are also highlighted; Mark specialises in trade marks and passing off issues, while the 'conscientious and detail-oriented' Davis has a particular focus on trade mark and design litigation.

M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m Tier 4

RPC's corporate team  primarily acts across three key sectors: retail, insurance and technology. In the insurance sector, the firm has seen notable growth in private equity-driven deals, and the growth of the corporate practice has mirrored that of the private equity practice. With four offices across Asia and the UK, the London team closely collaborates on domestic mandates with the Bristol team, as well as working in conjunction with the Hong Kong and Singapore offices, particularly in technology sector M&A. In addition, the firm offers a dedicated due diligence team focusing on corporate transactions. Corporate head Karen Hendy has expertise in private M&A, joint ventures and listed company work, in addition to handling complex restructurings.

Construction: contentious Tier 5

RPC's recent contentious construction work has included Technology and Construction Court cases and disputes relating to final accounts, payment notices and allegations of defective workmanship. Alan Stone acts for clients involved in disputes against construction professionals, while Rhian Howell handles professional negligence claims in the sector and senior associate Jonathan Carrington advises on all types of construction claims and contracts. Former practice head Dan Preston took a team of lawyers to Fieldfisher in May 2019.

International arbitration Tier 5

RPC 'has a very able mix of partners and associates'. The practice has specialisms in construction and engineering, international trade, finance, transport, IP, energy and insurance and reinsurance. Jonathan Wood heads the international arbitration group and has handled numerous institutional and ad hoc arbitrations as counsel; Stuart Shepherd is a commodities disputes expert; and David Cran specialises in IP and technology matters.

Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 6

Traditionally known for acting for banks and individuals within banks, RPC has increasing experience in the insurance space. On the contentious side, In addition to being on the FCA's Skilled Persons Panel for Conduct, the firm has expertise in crime and corruption matters. In a recent example, the practice represented Sports Direct in relation to a privilege dispute with the Financial Reporting Council. Jonathan Cary and Parham Kouchikali lead a team that has added white collar crime expert Sam Tate and managing consultant Toby Lamarque, who has particular experience with the SFO. Also notable in the team is associate Lucy Kerr, who focuses on defending financial services firms and their senior management in FCA enforcement actions.

EU and competition Tier 7

The competition and competition litigation team at RPC functions in an integrated manner and, as a result, obtains instructions from clients on both contentious and non-contentious issues. In the non-contentious space, the team advises on merger control, investigations, commercial agreements, and competition law compliance. The firm's practice covers a wide range of sectors including retail, media and telecoms, insurance, financial services, healthcare, and the public sector. Highly praised by clients, Lambros Kilaniotis heads the department, where associate Melanie Musgrave is also recommended.

Professional negligence Tier 1

RPC acts for both insurers and their insured clients in defending claims involving professionals such as: solicitors, insurance brokers, accountants, financial professionals and pension experts, as well as surveyors and construction professionals. The firm’s advice to construction professionals involves defence in relation to cladding systems. The team also has expertise in defending fraud and dishonesty cases as well as regulatory and disciplinary investigations. Legal director Rachael Healey regularly handles disputes involving pensions issues, including providing advice on solicitor errors and negligent investment decisions.