RPC > London, England > Firm Profile
RPC Offices

TOWER BRIDGE HOUSE
ST KATHARINE'S WAY
LONDON
E1W 1AA
England
RPC > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 1
RPC's substantial standalone commercial team saw notable expansion in 2021 with the recruitment of Tom Purton from Travers Smith LLP, who adds expertise in joint ventures and collaboration agreements. The wider practice handles the full breadth of commercial work for a varied client roster encompassing businesses in the digital, technology, media, retail and financial services industries; notable examples include Google, YouTube and News UK. Oliver Bray heads up the department and recently advised Facebook on the establishment of its independent oversight board, which handles issues relating to content moderation on Facebook's platforms. Other key names include Paul Joukador, who assists with transformational projects; Mark Crichard, who leads the firm's technology and outsourcing practice; Charles Buckworth, who advises on IT transactions and issues in the payment services sector; and branding expert Ciara Cullen.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Bray
Other key lawyers:
Paul Joukador; Mark Crichard; Charles Buckworth; Jon Bartley; Simon Edwards; Ciara Cullen; Josh Charalambous
Testimonials
‘A superb team of lawyers, experts in the Advertising and Marketing sector. A close-knit unit, with robust legal expertise combined with deep industry knowledge. Always happy to go above and beyond to help with any request.’
‘Oliver Bray goes from strength to strength. We were delighted to hear of his promotion to Senior Partner. Incredibly well deserved. We would be lost without him.’
‘The team have extensive knowledge in how to create complex technology agreement for global organisations.’
‘Great experience in the sector, consistently added value beyond just ‘black letter’ issues. Very responsive when needed, but maintains a human touch.’
‘Ciara Cullen is technically excellent and a fantastic client lawyer. Always there when we need her and gives consistently good advice, both legally and commercially. Josh Charalambous has a wealth of knowledge in the sports and entertainment sector and is one to watch.’
Key clients
Google and YouTube
Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus
New Look
News UK (The Times, The Sun)
JUUL
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP)
Crabtree & Evelyn
House of Fraser
Charlotte Tilbury
LINK
Shepherd Neame
Gist
Office Space in Town
BOC Limited
HB Leisure
AB InBev
Work highlights
- Advised Facebook on setting up the much-anticipated Independent Oversight Board, which hears appeals and issues binding decisions about content moderation on Facebook’s platforms.
- Advising Link Scheme, a UK payment system which connects all of the UK’s cash machines, on the provision of its outsourced ATM switching and settlement services.
- Advising Stella McCartney Limited, the fashion designer and retailer, with IT-related issues arising out of its exit from a long-standing joint venture with Kering (an international luxury goods brand).
Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 1
Balancing ‘technical knowledge and approachability’, RPC’s team is recognised as 'outstanding IP specialists with an exceptional knowledge of the retail industry'. Jointly headed by Jeremy Drew and Karen Hendy, the group represents a core pillar of the firm’s overall sector offering, with clients benefiting from an end-to-end approach that encompasses both brick-and-mortar and digital-focused projects. Ciara Cullen, who ‘stands out for being a true business partner’, leads the food and drink retail group alongside Ben Mark, Oliver Bray co-leads the digital retail stream, while Elizabeth Alibhai is noted for advising retailers, corporate investors, property companies and funds on a broad range of real estate matters. Commercial lawyer Tom Purton arrived from Travers Smith LLP as a senior partner in January 2021, bolstering the firm’s commercial contracts credentials.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Drew; Karen Hendy
Other key lawyers:
Ciara Cullen; Oliver Bray; Ben Mark; Elizabeth Alibhai; Henry Priestley
Testimonials
‘I believe the balance between technical knowledge and approachability is what makes RPC unique. I am 100% confident when instructing the RPC team that I will receive sound commercial legal advice whilst also receiving top-tier client service. Getting this balance is often difficult and therefore the fact this has been achieved is what makes the RPC team unique.’
‘The full RPC team are a very friendly and approachable team. The level of service is always appreciated and remembered when it comes to re-instructing.’
‘Efficient and collaborative approach. Willing to give opinions rather than just stating facts like many peers.’
‘A superb team of lawyers, experts in the advertising and marketing sector. A close-knit unit, with robust legal expertise combined with deep industry knowledge. Always happy to go above and beyond to help with any request.’
‘Oliver Bray goes from strength to strength. We were delighted to hear of his promotion to senior partner this year. Incredibly well deserved. We would be lost without him.’
‘Ciara Cullen stands out for being a true business partner. Ciara coordinates the team to ensure the very best client experience, ensuring accurate timely advice on a diverse range of queries. An expert in her field, we have come to rely on Ciara and her team as an extension of the business.’
‘Highly competent, helpful and responsive. Very client-focused and collaborative mindset.’
‘Outstanding IP specialists with an exceptional knowledge of the retail industry.’
Key clients
Sports Direct
Owners of Globe-Trotter (ICBM Holdings)
Halo Group
Azzurri Group (owners of Zizzi, ASK Italian and Coco di Mama)
Stella McCartney
Pernod Ricard
Shepherd Neame (Britain’s oldest brewer)
Frasers Group
New Look
Daks Simpson
Coca Cola European Partners
Charlotte Tilbury
Work highlights
- Advised Brand Max on allegations of trade mark infringement and passing off brought by the owner of high street retailer, TK Maxx, in respect of Brand Max, a discount outlet of designer brands opened by Sportsdirect.com Retail Limited in 2017.
- Advising Azzurri Group on all aspects of the restructuring and renegotiation of its commercial arrangements following its pre-pack administration in July 2020.
- Advising Pernod Ricard on the day-to-day management of their core global brands including Martell, G.H. Mumm, Champagne Perrier-Jouët, Chivas Regal, Absolut and Jameson.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 1
RPC has a strong presence in the publishing, advertising, digital and interaction content arenas. Oliver Bray is a well-known name in the advertising and marketing space, where he acts for household-name consumer brands, social media platforms and leading advertising agencies. In the publishing space, led by Keith Mathieson, the team undertakes a mix of contentious and non-contentious work, which includes advice on pre-publication matters, regulatory issues and commercial agreements. Ciara Cullen, who focuses on branding matters, is another key individual. She provides 'clear, concise support with contract queries’. Henry Priestley made partner in 2020. In a more recent development, Tom Purton joined from Travers Smith LLP.
Practice head(s):
Keith Mathieson; Oliver Bray
Other key lawyers:
Ciara Cullen; Henry Priestley; Tom Purton; Stuart Harris; Rachael Ellis; Rupert Cowper-Coles; Alex Vakil
Testimonials
‘Oliver Bray is incredible. He always makes time and never fails to provide sound, pragmatic advice and solutions.’
‘A superb team of lawyers, experts in the advertising and marketing sector. A close-knit unit, with robust legal expertise combined with deep industry knowledge. Always happy to go above and beyond to help with any request.’
‘Keith Mathieson and Ciara Cullen are great to work with.’
‘Oliver Bray is always available and happy to provide pragmatic commercial solutions, never phased by a wide range of proposals put to him.’
‘Ciara Cullen is equally helpful and provides excellent clear concise support with contract queries across a wide range of potential situations.’
‘The team are all very pragmatic and have spent time in-house, so understand how commercial businesses work. They are open-minded as to approach and happy to work with their clients to find solutions that work.’
‘Oliver Bray goes from strength to strength. We were delighted to hear of his promotion to senior partner this year. Incredibly well deserved. We would be lost without him.’
”Trusted partners’ does not do the RPC team justice. They really dig in to understand our market, our technology, our company, everything.’
Key clients
Google and YouTube
Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp
Jet2 Holidays
Techtonic Industries (Vax and Milwaukee)
JUUL
Pizza Express
Shiseido
Hachette UK Limited
MGN Limited
Bloomberg LP
Associated Newspapers Limited
Times Newspapers Limited
Channel 4
True Vision Productions Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising Google and YouTube on all advertising and marketing issues across their broad range of activities.
- Advising Facebook on its global advertising and marketing initiatives.
- Representing Bloomberg LP in respect of its appeal to the UK Supreme Court in Bloomberg LP v ZXC.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 1
The sizeable team at RPC is the 'top defendant media practice in the country' according to one client, acting for clients across all media sectors, including national newspapers, broadcasters, book publishers and primary media liability insurers. The pre-eminent practice is regularly involved in high-profile litigation and has substantial expertise across the full spectrum of defamation, privacy and related matters. Keith Mathieson heads the practice and is widely recognised as a leading lawyer in this area, focusing on defending freedom of expression. Recently promoted partner Rupert Cowper-Coles is 'first class' and is involved in complex data dispute issues over online publication. Alex Wilson is also recommended, advising on pre- and post-publication issues.
Practice head(s):
Keith Mathieson
Other key lawyers:
Rupert Cowper-Coles; Alex Wilson; Samantha Thompson
Testimonials
‘They are the top defendant media practice in the country, in my opinion, and have maintained that position. They deserve their top ranking in reputational management.’
‘Keith Mathieson is the best media/reputation management partner in London. Rupert Cowper-Coles is first class, very bright with top knowledge of the law in this field, and prepared to roll his sleeves up to get into the detail.’
‘Alex Wilson and Samantha Thompson – Very hard-working with great judgement.’
‘An excellent, hard-working, well-informed team with superb dedication to their clients’ cases. Very good use of e-disclosure platforms.’
‘The pre-eminent defendant-focused firm in the sector with an unparalleled breadth of knowledge and experience on all issues which typically arise. The go-to firm for media publishers.’
‘The stand-out partner is Keith Mathieson. He is the most capable and experienced media defence solicitor in this jurisdiction. He can advise on and litigate all aspects of the law in this area.’
‘Good defendant lawyers in reputation management are hard to find. RPC are still a class above in this field.’
Key clients
Associated Newspapers Limited
Times Newspapers Limited
News Group Newspapers Limited
Reach plc (Mirror Group Newspapers)
Bloomberg L.P.
The BBC
True Vision Productions Limited
Channel 4
Campaign Against Antisemitism
Società Editoriale Il Fatto [publisher of national Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidien]
Work highlights
- Acting for the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and MailOnline in the litigation brought by the Duchess of Sussex following the publication of extracts of a letter she wrote her father shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.
- Representing Bloomberg LP in respect of its appeal to the UK Supreme Court in Bloomberg LP v ZXC, listed to be heard at the end of 2021.
- Acting for MGN Limited in the high-profile civil claims brought against it and its publications (Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and The People) relating to voicemail interception and other unlawful information gathering.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1
RPC's Bristol-based professional negligence team focuses on acting for insurers and insured professionals. The group has 'a vast amount of experience' across professions, with a solid offering for solicitors, accountants, and financial and pensions professionals, as well as construction industry clients. Regulatory and disciplinary work is another key area for the group, which is regularly instructed in investigations by professional bodies. It also advises on coverage issues. The 'entirely switched on' Rhian Howell specialises in claims against lawyers, particularly in fraud and dishonesty cases. Will Sefton represents solicitors, in addition to directors facing claims from liquidators and administrators, and those involved in unfair prejudice proceedings. In 2020, the group was bolstered by the 'excellent addition' of Scott Ashby from Beale & Co, who provides additional expertise in solicitors' and conveyancers' negligence claims, as well as experience in coverage issues. Rachael Healey is praised for her 'ability to quickly interpret a problem, see how it may unfold and explain in clear language the legal process and options to a lay person'. The team sits within the insurance department led by Simon Laird.
Practice head(s):
Simon Laird
Other key lawyers:
Rhian Howell; Will Sefton; Robert Morris; Scott Ashby; Rachael Healey; Simran Khanna
Testimonials
‘RPC’s Bristol team has great knowledge of regulated financial services, including pension transfer matters. Their insight has, quite literally, saved our company millions of pounds.’
‘Rachael Healey has the ability to quickly interpret a problem, see how it may unfold and explain in clear language the legal process and options to a lay person, and is a strong lead to her team. ’
‘They have a vast amount of experience across the board. They have lawyers suitable to all types of claims and professions and provide an excellent service.’
‘Scott Ashby has been an excellent addition to the team in Bristol and has led to an increased instruction on my part for solicitors’ negligence claims. He is always there to assist and nothing is too much trouble – his advice is commercial and cuts through to the key issues in a way which is easy to understand and also cost effective.’
‘Rachael Healey has been an absolute force in terms of us managing a large volume of claims which require some careful thought on strategy across the board rather than on an individual basis. She really is a fantastic partner to work with.’
‘Strength in depth and competitive pricing on all aspects of UK professional indemnity insurance. Credible regional D&O presence too. If you have a book/career-breaking claim and need lawyers who will throw themselves under a train for you then this is the team to pick. Its UK offering, despite being large, feels increasingly like a boutique firm delivering a white-glove, best-in-class service.’
‘Rhian Howell is formidable and entirely switched on. Listens to feedback carefully and delivers exactly what the client wants.‘
Work highlights
- Defending a claim of £46m against solicitors’ firm Higgs & Sons pursued by James Brearley and others.
- Successfully struck out a claim against BDO LLP in which it was alleged that it had acted as part of an unlawful means conspiracy with Barclays Bank plc.
Corporate and commercial > Customs and excise Tier 2
RPC's customs and excise team is praised as 'one of the best'; clients are advised on work involving customs duties, excise duties, anti-dumping duties, land fill tax and aggregates levies. The team has extensive experience handling HMRC indirect tax investigations and represents corporates and high-net worth individuals. Adam Craggs leads the practice and has particular expertise in handling enquiries and criminal tax investigations, as well as complex group litigation actions. Robert Waterson has an 'outstanding practice' and advises on direct and indirect tax litigation, while Michelle Sloane was promoted to the partnership in May 2020; she specialises in complex tax disputes.
Practice head(s):
Adam Craggs
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The customs and excise team is one of the best there is and able to put their knowledge of this particular area into a broad legal and fiscal context including both civil and criminal law. They are particularly good at utilising judicial review alongside substantive legal remedies when litigating.’
‘Robert Waterson has built an outstanding practice with a wide range of clients. He has a very inspiring client manner which is allied to excellent technical ability and a willingness to go the extra mile.’
‘Michelle Sloane has a particular reputation in relation to matters involved with white collar crime and provides a perspective on client affairs which is much-needed and rarely available.’
‘RPC are an excellent team whose knowledge of their specialist areas is exceptional and reassuring.’
‘Whilst being extremely professional and knowledgeable the RPC staff are friendly and approachable. They provide a very human touch in matters that are both complicated and stressful.’
Key clients
Frasers Group PLC (Sports Direct)
Universal Cycles Ltd
Work highlights
- Representing Frasers Group in a high-profile cross-border tax enquiry involving the Belgian State.
- Representing Universal Cycles in a high-value dispute regarding Anti-Dumping Duty, Customs Duty and VAT.
- Advising the members of the Bonded Warehouse Association on customs and excise duty issues.
Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 2
RPC is 'excellent' at handling a vast variety of VAT issues and displays strong expertise across indirect tax. The team handles high-value tax litigation and both civil and criminal HMRC investigations, and has been increasingly active advising on judicial review cases against HMRC. Practice head Adam Craggs has extensive experience handling enquiries and criminal tax investigations involving alleged VAT fraud, including missing trader intra community (MTIC) fraud, and complex group litigation actions. Robert Waterson has a strong indirect tax litigation practice and Michelle Sloane specialises in VAT disputes and MTIC fraud. Clients praise the team for its 'practical, sensible and commercially sound advice'.
Practice head(s):
Adam Craggs
Other key lawyers:
Robert Waterson; Michelle Sloane; Constantine Christofi
Testimonials
‘The team are very well placed to deal with VAT matters and are able to deal with VAT alongside other duty matters. As well as being excellent at tax, they are able to place it in a broad context which includes white-collar crime. The breadth of ability available is rare and impressive.’
‘Robert Waterson is a fine lawyer who can deal with both the substantive tax matters, judicial review and non-contentious matters. He has, justifiably, a loyal following. Michelle Sloane is another fine lawyer with a particular expertise in white-collar crime which makes her an essential part of the team. Adam Craggs has the gravitas and experience to head a very impressive practice.’
‘RPC is unique in that it has a hands-on approach and always provides practical, sensible and commercially sound advice. They also try hard to understand your specific requirements as a client and add value throughout, contemplating wider issues and ensuring they are dealt with. Everyone on the RPC team is professional, helpful and easy to work with.’
‘Robert Waterson and Constantine Christofi have both always applied sound, realistic judgement to the matters in hand and provided strategic and tactical advice that leads to a successful outcome. They are both prompt to answer questions, turning drafts and responses around quickly. Particularly valued is their ability to explain in layman’s terms the various aspects of VAT, the process and path taken.’
‘Robert Waterson and his team can relate to real-life issues and are concerned about the right outcome for the client, not just racking up fees.’
Key clients
Metropolitan International School Ltd
Newcastle United Football Club
Frasers Group PLC (Sports Direct)
TSB plc
Universal Cycles
Work highlights
- Representing TSB in relation to a VAT dispute regarding a transitional services agreement following the bank’s split with Lloyds.
- Acting for NUFC in HMRC’s investigation into suspected non-payment of VAT in respect of agent’s fees paid by NUFC in relation to the transfer of a number of football players.
- Acting for Metropolitan International Schools Limited in an appeal before the First-tier Tribunal in respect of a VAT dispute with HMRC concerning the supply of blended distance learning courses for the VAT periods 2015-2017, with a value of £10m.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2
The broad practice of RPC is known as a ‘true force in international litigation’, with particular expertise in banking disputes with a fraud element and cases arising out of the CIS and Russia. In addition, the firm is increasingly active in Africa and the Middle East, a notable example being representing the Federal Government of Nigeria (FRN) in its claim against JP Morgan and involving the fraudulent and corrupt acquisition of an oil prospecting licence. Andrew McGregor leads the civil fraud team and is ‘totally unfazed by the twists and turns of oligarch litigation’. Also Notable is the newly promoted partner Dan Wyatt, who focuses on fraud disputes, often with a Russian-FSU element.
Practice head(s):
Andy McGregor
Other key lawyers:
Dan Wyatt; Sam Tate; Christopher Whitehouse
Testimonials
‘From a barrister’s perspective, the RPC fraud team is perfect. They have great experience and so are able to add insight on both the law and on tactics. They are hard-working and easy to get along with. They know when to push counsel to stress test an answer and when to take advice. And they know how to control their (often high profile and demanding) clients’.
‘Andy McGregor, the head of civil fraud, is superb. He’s been around the block and is totally unfazed by the twists and turns of oligarch litigation. He is really bright and he knows how to run a team and get things done’.
‘Dan Wyatt, a junior partner, is responsible for leading cases on a day to day basis. I’d say he is a great all-rounder: clever, insightful, hard-working and easy to get along with’.
‘Brainbox Chris Whitehouse will be a partner before long. He helps extract every drop of juice out of a case and is a joy to work with – despite working harder than Margaret Thatcher!’
‘RPC is capable of dealing with complex, fact heavy and large-scale global disputes. They easily navigate huge volumes of documents/materials and come up with creative and effective solutions/strategies. They pay great attention to details and always know their case from inside out’.
‘This team’s ability to operate at a consistently high level across several significant and high profile cases sets them apart from the rest – they are market-leading in every sense’.
‘The team is led extraordinarily well by Andy McGregor and it is his leadership that allows the team to operate so effectively whilst maintaining and continuing to build their profile in this area. I have no hesitation in recommending Andy and his team to clients safe in the knowledge that they will receive top tier service and advice’.
‘We have had very positive experiences working with Andy McGregor and Dan Wyatt at RPC. The stand out feature of their approach is that they are both capable of delivering proper strategic advice to clients and seeing it through’.
Key clients
Federal Government of Nigeria
Leonid Khanukaev
Ashot Yegiazaryan
Roman Frenkel
Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited
Bank St Petersburg
Work highlights
- Represents the FRN in its claim against JP Morgan (JPM), arising out of the bank’s role in the fraudulent and corrupt acquisition of an oil prospecting licence (OPL 245) by the oil majors Shell and Eni for the sum of $1.3 billion. This is one of the largest fraud cases going through the English courts.
- Act for Mr Deripaska and in a long-running, complex, and very hard-fought fraud-based dispute with a Mr Vladimir Chernukhin and Navigator Equities Limited that arose originally out of joint venture relating to a Russian textiles company.
- Acting for Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, one of 17 defendants in a fraud claim brought by a Thai businessman (and his associated companies), in relation to the sale of the claimants’ majority interest in a Thai group of companies specialising in largescale wind energy projects.
Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 2
RPC‘s banking and financial markets litigation practice is a popular choice for investors and borrowers in claims against investment banks. Led by Simon Hart (who is noted for his ‘first-class customer service‘), the group acts for sovereign states, European regional banks, pension funds, hedge funds, other asset managers and the investment vehicles of high-net-worth individuals in claims. Tom Hibbert is ‘right at the top of his game‘, particularly in capital markets, fund management disputes and insolvency-related litigation; for structured finance and derivatives disputes, ‘class act‘ Andy McGregor is noted. Jonathan Cary also has a breadth of experience acting for large financial institutions against global investment banks; Daniel Hemming is ‘a true superstar in the making‘ including for derivative products, ISDA and GMRA disputes, while associate Charlotte Henschen is building a breadth of experience in this space.Practice head(s):
Simon Hart
Other key lawyers:
Tom Hibbert; Chris Ross; Jonathan Cary; Charlotte Henschen; Andy McGregor; Daniel Hemming
Testimonials
‘If you are an investor or borrower with a large or difficult claim against an investment bank, RPC are the firm for you. They have won many high profile claims in the banking sector that have rolled back the frontiers of what claims might successfully be brought.‘
‘In-depth team with excellent leadership for financial claims, excellent ability to grasp what others miss, for example in insolvency claims.‘
‘Excellent communication across all aspects of the claim.’
‘Tom Hibbert is one of the star partners in this sphere – right at the top of his game. A genius for melding client trust and the killer points into a winning combination. Impeccable judgment. Dan Hemming is a new partner but a true superstar in the making – fantastically clever and hugely perceptive. Chris Ross is a safe pair of hands who never drops the ball – vital in any heavy case. Andy McGregor is simply a class act – unique talent for the work.’
‘Simon Hart, partner – a first-class customer service experience. We particularly value Simon’s ability to look forward and prepare for events before they occur.’
‘They work with diligent, think ahead and well prepared in every angle.’
‘Meticulous attention to detail and round-the-clock attentiveness, regardless of time zones.‘
‘RPC give a professional service with high diligent and expertise. ‘
Key clients
Federal Government of Nigeria
Loreley Financing (Jersey) No 30 Limited
Bank St Petersburg (BSP)
Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited
VIP clients of Promsvyazbank
Work highlights
- Representing the Federal Government of Nigeria in its claim against JP Morgan arising out of the bank’s role in the fraudulent acquisition of an oil prospecting licence by Shell and Eni for US$1.3bn.
- Acting for Bank St Petersburg in a claim against oligarch Mr Arkhangelsky and his wife to enforce a series of personal guarantees given by Mr Arkhangelsky in support of loans made by BSP to companies that were owned/controlled by him.
- Acting for Loreley in a US$100m claim for fraudulent misrepresentation against various Credit Suisse entities in relation to a synthetic Collateralised Debt Obligation sold to our client.
Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 2
RPC has an 'exceptional' tax disputes team with a broad client offering that covers contentious civil direct and indirect tax (including VAT and customs and excise duty) and criminal investigation and defence work. The team has been increasingly advising clients on public law and judicial review issues against HMRC. Practice head Adam Craggs has extensive experience advising on direct and indirect tax dispute resolution, and is also an accredited mediator. Robert Waterson has a broad direct and indirect tax litigation practice and frequently assists clients with cases involving issues of public and EU law. Michelle Sloane specialises in VAT, and customs and excise duty disputes. In 2020, Sloane was promoted to partner, while senior associate Harry Smith joined the team from KPMG Law in the United Kingdom.
Practice head(s):
Adam Craggs
Other key lawyers:
Robert Waterson; Michelle Sloane; Rebekka Sandwell; Constantine Christof; Alice Kempi; Harry Smith
Testimonials
‘RPC LLP has a particularly strong presence in group litigation of tax cases. This is largely down to the personal knowledge and capabilities of partner Adam Craggs ably supported by his talented support team.’
‘Partner Adam Craggs and Associate Rebekka Sandwell – they are experienced, responsive and good to work with.’
‘What sets RPC apart from the competition is that they have real empathy with their clients. You really feel that they are on your side – they listen to your concerns, advise accordingly and expertly manage expectations. They always respond quickly which builds trust and reassurance in what they do and how they do it.’
‘Adam Craggs (partner) and Constantine (Costa) Christofi (senior associate) are an exceptional team. They do genuinely work together for the benefit of clients.’
Key clients
TSB Plc
Frasers Group PLC
Universal Cycles Ltd
Metropolitan International Schools Ltd
Emblin & Reid
Newcastle United Football Club
Steven Hoey
Work highlights
- Representing TSB in relation to a VAT dispute regarding a transitional services agreement following the bank’s split with Lloyds.
- Representing Frasers Group in a high profile cross-border tax enquiry involving the Belgian State.
- Representing Universal Cycles in a high-value dispute regarding Anti-Dumping Duty, Customs Duty and VAT.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 2
RPC's multidisciplinary health and safety team is able to benefit from the breadth of the firm's wider regulatory services and expertise. Gavin Reese leads the team, which advises on high-profile fatalities, including gross negligence and corporate manslaughter, and other catastrophic accidents, such as explosions and building collapses. The practice is well acquainted with insurers, and is often instructed via policies, or through the firm's other departments. Mamata Dutta and Fiona Hahlo are key team members, and have experience handling inquests from the construction, manufacturing, and the leisure industries.
Practice head(s):
Gavin Reese
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An exceptionally strong all-round team with unmatched experience across a number of industrial, manufacturing and service sectors.’
‘As a firm, they are adept at providing a premier service to clients large and small and achieve astonishing success in defending health and safety prosecutions.’
Key clients
AXA XL
Work highlights
- Acting for the Architects involved in the Grenfell Tower refurbishment.
- Acting for a Recycling Centre which is being investigated by the HSE after an attachment from a crane fell off and struck a prospective employee who was on site.
- Acted for a company in relation to the tragic death of a child in February 2017 in Top Shop, Reading.
Industry focus > TMT Tier 2
RPC is particularly active in the technology sector, where it assists large traditional and digital media clients with corporate transactions, procurement contracts, insurance issues (particularly cyber risk insurance) and complex disputes. Jeremy Drew has over 25 years' experience in contentious and non-contentious matters involving TMT clients, with a particular focus on the technology and retail sectors, while Oliver Bray specialises in handling commercial contracts for large digital media clients, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp; he is also well-versed in advertising, consumer and data protection law. Mark Crichard stands out for his expertise in outsourcing projects, systems development work, procurements, software licensing issues and cloud computing matters. David Cran is known in the market for his strong reputation in technology litigation.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Drew
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘RPC has one of the best intellectual property practice teams in the UK. They are very collaborative, responsive, and practical. They are well-respected by their adversaries in the UK and by the courts, which is helpful in resolving disputes through negotiated settlements and through litigation when necessary. I continue to believe that RPC is a firm composed of very bright lawyers, each of whom has diverse experiences in different industries. The attorneys are very collaborative and focus on problem-solving whether the matter at hand is transactional or contentious.’
‘The RPC media team is one of the very few media specialist practices that will take on only defence work. As a result, they have formidable expertise in all areas of media defence and a deep knowledge of how the media works and what media clients want.’
‘RPC’s reputation management practice is the best in the sector for defendant/insurance work.’
‘The team is efficient and shows excellent judgment. They are very good at managing long-running, complex litigation and anticipating how decisions may affect the position months or years later.’
‘RPC are leading experts in their field; they regularly partner with our business to help deliver comprehensive new campaigns and technologies, always providing exceptionally clear and considered advice. Trusted partners do not do the RPC team justice. They really dig in to understand our market, our technology, our company, everything.’
‘Oliver Bray is incredible. He always makes time and never fails to provide sound, pragmatic advice and solutions.’
‘David Cran is very personable and tactical in his approach. I really appreciate his creative approach to problem solving and his attention to detail.’
Key clients
Ebury
Dialog Semiconductor
Frasers Group
BetConstruct
Kudan Inc.
eClerx
FeedConstruct
LINK Scheme
GAME Retail
Work highlights
- Supporting Facebook on the setting up of its much-anticipated Oversight Board, which will hear appeals and issue binding decisions about content moderation on Facebook’s platforms.
- Acting for Google in respect of a claim brought by a US technology company relating to one of Google’s major platforms.
- Advised Ebury, the best-in-class trade and foreign exchange facilitator for SMEs, on its £350m strategic investment arrangement with Santander.
Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 2
RPC acts for major insurers and reinsurers in international litigation and arbitration proceedings. The broad practice is noted for its expertise in matters involving financial lines, energy and power generation and cyber risk insurance. Practice lead Simon Laird splits his time between the London and Bristol offices. Key contacts in the team include partners Simon Goldring, James Wickes, who is noted for handling warranty and indemnity insurance claims, and Gary Walkling, who focuses on energy insurance matters. Political risk and trade credit insurance expert Naomi Vary, property team lead Victoria Sherratt and energy specialist Leigh Williams, are also names to note. The firm hired Lucy Dyson from DAC Beachcroft LLP.
Practice head(s):
Simon Laird
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A personal service. I’m updated on matters by phone and timescales for reporting provided which are always met. Friendly and helpful staff and clearly very knowledgeable.’
‘A large team with a great mix of knowledgeable partners and smart associates.’
‘A client friendly, responsive team who are a pleasure to work with. They know the insurance market well and deploy that knowledge to inform their advice which is commercial and pragmatic. It has been very important for us to respond to our policyholders in a clear, consistent and timely way and the team at RPC has worked with us closely to ensure that has been possible.’
‘Friendly staff who clearly know their stuff.’
‘Victoria Sherratt is very responsive, pragmatic and commercial and her advice is well structured and clear. She does not sit on the fence and she seeks to understand the challenges that we are faced with as a business. She is passionate about the work that she does.’
Key clients
Navigators
AIG
Arch
Hiscox
Liberty
Probitas
QBE
Axis
AXA XL
Hamilton
Work highlights
- Acting for various reinsurers in a coverage dispute against ABSA Group Limited, obtaining an anti-suit injunction from the English High Court.
Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 2
RPC's insurance sector clients turn to the firm for advice on the entire ambit of complex transactional, commercial and regulatory issues. The practice is led by Matthew Griffith, whose recent work included acting for both insurers and brokers on Brexit-related restructurings. Also notable is that, in 2020, he led the advice to the shareholders of Thames Underwriting Limited on the sale of the business to the Ardonagh group. Elsewhere, the team advises clients on fundraising and strategic partnerships, as well as regulatory investigations, among other matters. James Mee is another key name in the group, which was bolstered by the arrival of William Hogarth from Clyde & Co LLP in September 2021.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Griffith
Other key lawyers:
James Mee; William Hogarth; Jonathan Charwat
Testimonials
‘Pleasant and competent people.’
‘James Mee – very approachable, collaborative and resourceful.’
‘Responsive and provide commercially realistic advice.’
‘Jonathan Charwat is knowledgeable and very user friendly.’
‘Strong London insurance market understanding/experience.’
‘James Mee – practical, commercial and gets transactions over the line with minimal fuss.’
Key clients
Beat Capital Partners
MS Amlin
Mosaic Insurance
QBE
RSA
AIG
Aviva
Zurich
Howden Group
Assured Partners
Hiscox
AXA Liabilities Managers (AXA LM)
TigerRisk
Snap-on UK Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advising the shareholders of insurance investor Beat Capital Partners on its strategic partnership with Bain Capital Credit, a leading global credit specialist.
- Advising Mosaic Insurance on the establishment of a new underwriting business at Lloyd’s of London.
- Advised TigerRisk Partners on the establishment of the UK branch of its European subsidiary, TigerRisk Partners Europe.
Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 2
RPC has considerable experience in acting for insurers and their insureds. It is particularly active in handling claims arising from clients in the life science, but also represents clients in the automotive, chemical and construction sectors. Practice head Gavin Reese has experience in matters relating to the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and advises on Brexit complications. Legal director Peter Rudd-Clarke has particular know-how in the life sciences and consumer products sectors. Dorothy Flower is an expert in disputes arising from clinical trials.
Practice head(s):
Gavin Reese
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent technical knowledge, effective project management.’
‘Peter Rudd-Clarke stands out for his sector knowledge and expertise, and technical ability.’
‘The RPC product liability defence team brings both strong insurance expertise and a highly commercial approach to product liability disputes. The team has been involved in many leading recent product liability cases.’
‘Dorothy Flower is one of the most experienced product liability specialists in London. She combines a detailed knowledge of the law with an impressive tactical and strategic awareness. Clients appreciate her understanding of their priorities.’
‘My experience of RPC is that they have a good grasp of the life sciences and healthcare industry, including the processes, procedures and nomenclature.’
‘Peter Rudd-Clarke is amenable and knowledgeable. He is capable of putting complex legal arguments into easy-to-understand English. He has the ability to interpret the client’s requirements and compile a robust defence.’
Key clients
Ace Chubb Ltd
AXA XL
Bard Pharmaceuticals Ltd
BSI Group
Clover Leaf Products Limited
Corin Ltd
Heidelberg Engineering Ltd
Make Yourself Amazing (MYA)
Medisoft Ltd
GC Aesthetics PLC
Work highlights
- Advised Augment Bionics on limiting its liability risks when supplying PPE during the Covid-19 crisis.
- Defended manufacturers and clinics against allegations that breast implants are defective.
- Advised a client on an investigation by the HSE following a death in circumstances where there was concern that the client’s product may have been defective.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 2
The 'outstanding' team at RPC is active in defending national and international firms, financial institutions and members of the construction sector on professional negligence claims. An interesting specialism within the team is a focus on the art industry, defending claims against auction houses and art dealers, with Davina Given particular active in these mandates. Head of the London practice, Tim Bull, holds expertise in defending professionals such as solicitors, insurance brokers, trustees and financial services employees and is praised for 'a deep understanding of professional negligence'. Nick Bird represents architects, accountants and lawyers in their professional negligence disputes. James Wickes is involved in claims against financial professionals, while Tom Green , who was promoted to partner in 2020, has substantial expertise in the construction sector.
Practice head(s):
Tim Bull
Other key lawyers:
Nick Bird; James Wickes; Davina Given; Tom Green; Laura Stocks; Alexandra Anderson
Testimonials
‘RPC really knows its stuff in this area.’
‘This is one of the outstanding prof neg teams in the country. It has strength in depth with partners such as Nick Bird and many outstanding associates and juniors.’
‘A highly experienced team at the forefront of professional negligence.’
‘Excellent – full of clever people with great knowledge about the sector and deep expertise.’
‘Tim Bull has a deep understanding of professional negligence and professional indemnity insurance. He is pragmatic, engaging and a pleasure to work with.’
‘ Nick Bird is careful, thoughtful and perfect for the really complex matters.’
‘Laura Stocks is an excellent associate, with high attention to detail. Nick Bird is a very experienced partner who sees the big picture, and quickly.’
Key clients
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
AXA XL
Aviva
AXIS
QBE
Travelers
ALAS
Ernst & Young LLP
Stewarts Law LLP
NHBC
Work highlights
- Advising Bonhams 1793 and Bonhams Auctioneers Corp in a high value, multi-party claim relating to alleged conspiracy, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties.
- Advising Edge Brokers (London) Limited in a multi-party litigation brought by ABN Amro Bank against various marine cargo underwriters at Lloyd’s.
- Advising Stewarts Law LLP regarding its conduct in the high profile Orb v Ruhan litigation.
Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2
RPC's corporate governance work extends from board-level advice and annual reporting issues to complex reputation and media management work, with the firm advising a number of high-profile clients. The team has expertise in sensitive diversity and inclusion work (a key issue for recently-promoted partner Kelly Thomson), human rights and modern slavery work, and broader social issues relating to political upheaval and race relations. The team is led by Jeremy Drew, who has notable experience advising corporate clients on conduct, culture and risk management issues; Patrick Brodie, who advises on sensitive culture issues, investigations and resolution programs alongside an active Covid-19 response practice; and Matthew Griffith, who focuses on governance work in the insurance and financial services sectors. Associate Josh Charalambous is noted for his work on sports regulatory issues, while associate Emily McGregor has a broad emerging corporate advisory practice.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Drew; Patrick Brodie; Matthew Griffith
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Patrick Brodie is brilliant. A joy to deal with.‘
Key clients
Fraser Group (previously Sports Direct)
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dialog Semiconductor Plc
Ceres Power Holdings Plc
Egon Zehnder
ArcelorMittal
Work highlights
- Representing Frasers Group in highly publicised proceedings against the Financial Reporting Council, successfully resulting in an appeal decision with historic implications for the principle of legal privilege in the UK.
- Representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria in its claim against JP Morgan, arising out of the bank’s role in the fraudulent and corrupt acquisition of an oil prospecting licence by oil majors Shell and Eni for the sum of $1.3bn.
- Advised Dialog Semiconductor on its proposed acquisition by Japanese Renesas Electronics Corporation.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
RPC stands out for its expertise in business critical outsourcing projects across numerous industries, including insurance, healthcare, financial services and technology. In addition, the firm is well-regarded for its expertise in litigation around outsourced services, in which it acts for major digital media companies, public sector bodies and retailers, among other clients. In a recent highlight, the team advised two NHS teaching hospitals on the outsourcing of their pathology services, with an estimated value of over £1.5bn. Mark Crichard leads the firm's technology and outsourcing practice, whereas Jeremy Drew heads up the commercial TMT practice. Charles Buckworth is another key partner, known for handling IT, outsourcing and data projects in the financial services industry.
Practice head(s):
Mark Crichard; Jeremy Drew
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Guy’s & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
Link Scheme Ltd and Link Scheme Holdings Ltd
eClerx Services Limited
International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS)
British Veterinary Association
McArthurGlen Group
Google Inc
WNS Global Services
Royal & Sun Alliance
Work highlights
- Advising King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust on their tender for and the negotiations of contracts for the outsourcing of all of their pathology and laboratory services.
- Assisted Link Scheme with its tender process for the outsourced provision of ATM switching and settlement services.
- Advising eClerx, a listed IT and BPO service provider based in India, on all of their global customer services/outsourcing contracts.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 3
RPC's practice draws on the expertise of contentious and non-contentious financial services specialists, as well as being able to draw on the firm's other departments including tax. Areas of particular expertise include privilege issues and defined benefit pension transfer disputes, as well as insurance sector cases. The group is co-led by Jonathan Cary, who has experience in enforcement actions by English and Hong Kong regulators, and regulatory investigations expert Parham Kouchikali. Davina Given is noted for her expertise in financial criminal investigations, involving issues such as money laundering, bribery and sanctions. Senior associate Lucy Kerr is building a reputation for defending financial services firms and senior managers in FCA enforcement actions.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Cary; Parham Kouchikali
Other key lawyers:
Davina Given; Sam Tate; Lucy Kerr
Testimonials
‘It is an impressive operation, calling on other areas of the firms’ expertise as and when necessary (e.g. contentious tax). A very efficiently run operation (small teams but focused and well managed) and the individuals displayed excellent judgement in some tricky situations.’
‘Jonathan Cary is an impressive individual, with very sound judgement. He was very good at handling what can a very difficult and extremely demanding client, including giving them the advice they need (even if they don’t want it); he manages to tread the line of ensuring the client knows that as their lawyer he is entirely on their side, but also the objectivity to give them unvarnished advice. He is a clear thinker, calm and collected.’
‘Lucy Kerr is a stand-out associate; very clever, produces good drafting and very efficient. Also exhibits the much needed client-handling skills for difficult clients. I expect she will have a very successful career ahead of her.’
‘Collaborative attitude, in depth subject knowledge, concern for the client situation and very reasonable billing.’
‘Knowledgeable and approachable, valued advice.’
‘RPC is renowned for its brilliant client care coupled with sound legal judgment. I would say that the firm is better than most and the equal of any in that sector.’
Key clients
Frasers Group Plc (formerly Sports Direct International Plc)
Work highlights
- Represented Frasers Group in the Court of Appeal in its successful challenge to the Financial Reporting Council, reinstating limitations on the use of privileged material in its investigations.
Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 3
Active across the contentious and non-contentious spheres, RPC advises international professional services firms on LLP structuring and transactional matters, as well as subsequent terminations and reorganisations. Patrick Brodie leads the practice, while Geraldine Elliott brings further contentious expertise to the team, acting on breach of covenant disputes, discrimination claims and dissolutions. Legal director Graham Reid is singled out as the go-to regulatory expert for clients in the legal services sector facing SRA investigations.
Practice head(s):
Patrick Brodie
Other key lawyers:
Geraldine Elliot; Graham Reid
Testimonials
‘High-calibre partners and associates within a cost-effective firm.‘
Key clients
Egon Zehnder
Thomas Miller
Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 3
RPC's 'excellent' betting and gaming team has particular strength in the sports and esports space, advising an impressive client base of sports betting brands, social media platforms and sports data content providers on a wide range of regulatory, commercial, IP, data and disputes matters. Jeremy Drew, who heads up the firm's gaming and betting group, is particularly active in contentious matters, but advises on a variety of licensing, sponsorship and sports data issues. He receives strong support from senior associate Joshua Charalambous, who has considerable expertise in inter-connected sports, betting and video gaming matters. Other key contacts include commercial contracts and technology licensing specialist Paul Joukador.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Drew; Josh Charalambous
Other key lawyers:
Paul Joukadour; Oliver Bray; Paul Joseph
Testimonials
‘The gaming team at RPC are excellent, with a solid client focus and sector-specialist knowledge.’
‘They know when to take the initiative and demonstrated good positive team spirit even in the midst of heavy and stressful litigation when others would have suffered a sense of humour failure.’
Key clients
Flutter Entertainment (owner of PaddyPower Betfair)
LeoVegas
BetConstruct
VBet
FeedConstruct
Work highlights
- Acting for Soft Construct in relation to High Court proceedings brought by Genius Sports concerning live sports data.
- Advising a leading esports platform provider on gambling licensing requirements for free to play watch-along prediction games for competitive gaming competitions.
- Advising Game Digital in relation to the sale of the gaming arena BELONG brand to US esports business Vindex.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 3
RPC's commercial disputes team counts insurance, technology, media, financial services and retail among its sector specialisms. The 'very experienced and superbly equipped' Geraldine Elliott leads the team and has particular expertise handling warranty claims, shareholder and joint venture disputes and asset and financial recovery matters. Other key contacts include Simon Hart (who is experienced in disputes involving restructuring and asset tracing); the 'genuinely outstanding' Davina Given and Rupert Boswall, who both have broad commercial litigaiton practices; financial services disputes expert Parham Kouchikali and Daniel Wyatt, who is active in civil and cyber fraud, financial services, and shareholder disputes.
Practice head(s):
Geraldine Elliott
Other key lawyers:
Simon Hart; Davina Given; Rupert Boswall; Parham Kouchikali; Tom Hibbert; Chris Ross; Andy McGregor; Daniel Hemming
Testimonials
‘RPC are at the forefront of the new wave of commercial litigation outfits, which combine the traditional jurisprudential excellence with the incision and savviness that is now needed to handle the huge volume of material in big cases, the ever more complex procedural rules and the demands of high profile and high net worth clients. They use the Bar adroitly, thus saving clients money and getting the best result in Court.’
‘Geraldine Elliot is a very experienced and superbly equipped litigation partner. Practical and very effective. Parham Kouchikali is a rising star banking partner. Very sharp on the law and flexible in terms of finding fees solutions.’
‘Davina Given is a genuinely outstanding solicitor. She is extremely clever; works ferociously hard; and has a superb 360 degree vision on her cases. I would say she is the best out there at the moment for accountancy cases, just way ahead of the competition.‘
‘Tom Hibbert – true Titan in the field. A real heavyweight commercial litigation partner who has seen it all before. Worth his weight in gold in a big case. Daniel Hemming – talent and experience way beyond his years. Destined to be one of the most influential commercial litigation partners in London. Andy McGregor – class act. Chris Ross- expert, clever and tenacious with plenty of charm to boot.‘
‘The team provides high-quality services for a competitive price.’
Key clients
Lancer Property Asset Management
Ingenious Media
Triumph Group Inc
EY
Oleg Deripaska and Filatona Trading Limited
Federal Government of Nigeria
Google Inc
Direct Line Group
Work highlights
- Acting for Lancer Property Asset Management, its four directors and holding company in a dispute with 24 BVI-based companies in relation to £30m worth of payments allegedly made under a dishonest scheme.
- Defending Ingenious Media in £350m claims relating to alleged losses said to arise from investments into various film production partnerships.
- Represented Google in a US$100m breach of confidence claim brought by a US technology company relating to one of Google’s major platforms.
Employment > Employers Tier 3
Marrying ‘the proven ability to litigate with equal adeptness in the employment tribunal and the High Court, with the guts to take difficult cases to the Supreme Court and win’, complex litigation forms the bedrock of the RPC employment group. Many cases are overseen by practice lead Patrick Brodie, ‘an unsung hero of the employment law world’ who commands a reputation nationally for his record in Supreme Court cases, namely in restrictive covenants, diplomatic immunity and unfair dismissal right disputes. Elsewhere in the group, the ‘outstanding’ Kelly Thomson, who was promoted to partner in May 2020, focuses on diversity, inclusion and equality work. The group is also adept at handling large restructurings and outsourcings.
Practice head(s):
Patrick Brodie
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They marry the proven ability to litigate with equal adeptness in the employment tribunal and the High Court, with the guts to take difficult cases to the Supreme Court and win.’
‘Patrick Brodie is, quite simply, an unsung hero of the employment law world. I do not think that there is anybody better than Patrick. He hides his extraordinary intelligence behind a jovial exterior, but when it comes to getting the job done there is nobody better.’
‘Very satisfied by the support provided by RPC. Have provided effective written responses to support local communications on volatile situations.’
‘Kelly Thomson is a very capable, highly professional and responsive individual. Provides timely and clear strategies to employment issues raised.‘
‘This team is excellent for innovative thinking and solutions.’
‘Kelly Thompson is outstanding – her very thorough understanding of the law, combined with empathy and pragmatism, give me complete confidence in her advice and guidance.’
‘RPC has a great employment team that has substantial expertise in working for both employers and individual employees. I really rate their abilities – both in terms of their knowledge and their practical skill.’
‘They are excellent lawyers, skilled tacticians, always on top of their cases at a macro and micro-level and charming to their clients and counsel.’
Key clients
ArcelorMittal Group
Virgin Media
Frasers Group, including House of Fraser, Sports Direct etc
NCP
Coca Cola European Partners
Royal and Sun Alliance
Associated Newspapers (Daily Mail etc)
Egon Zehnder
Essity (a Swedish headquartered global consumer goods company)
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Work highlights
- Supported the boards of major name clients (covering tens of thousands of employees) on the design, implementation and communication of their employment strategies to address the financial pressures of lockdown with an emphasis on furlough and new ways of working.
- Advising The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Supreme Court on a case that will define the reach of diplomatic immunity in respect of employment.
- Advising financial services clients, with an focus on the insurance markets, on the restructuring and relocation of businesses within the European Union
Insurance > Clinical negligence: defendant Tier 3
At RPC, 'superb tactician' Dorothy Flower 'runs a very tight ship with hand picked juniors of extremely high calibre'. A wide range of notable clients from the independent sector instruct the team to act in the full cycle of issues that can face healthcare organisations and practitioners. Areas of particular strength for the firm include group actions, cases concerning reproductive and fertility services, mental health matters and claims involving international issues. Senior associate Sian Morgan is among the team's recommended lawyers, with one client singling her out as a 'rare gem'.
Practice head(s):
Dorothy Flower
Other key lawyers:
Sian Morgan; James Davies; Natalie Drew; Emma Kislingbury
Testimonials
‘Sian Morgan is a legend. I have never come across anyone who comes close to her skill and ability. I never have to worry that she hasn’t thought of something. She always goes the extra mile. Her thought processes are impressive. I don’t even have to worry about her invoices. I wish I could instruct her on every claim. She understands the balance between insurance commercial considerations and legal battles. She’s a rare gem.’
‘Dorothy Flower, head of department, is a titan in the world of clinical negligence defence. A superb tactician with a mastery of many briefs. She runs a very tight ship with hand picked juniors of extremely high calibre – there are no weak links in the chain. A consistently high standard provided whether for an individual or an organisation.’
‘Emma Kislingbury was helpful and friendly.’
‘Dorothy Flower is the very experienced and respected partner in charge and has a solid team working with her.’
‘Sian Morgan has a wealth of knowledge, is pragmatic and considers all angles. Emma Kislingbury is extremely experienced and hard working.’
Key clients
Spire Healthcare plc
Royal Sun Alliance
QBE
British Pregnancy Advisory Service
AXIS
Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability
MYA Cosmetic Surgery Ltd
Chubb
Corvelia
Enstar
Renaissance Re
CNA Hardy
Work highlights
- Representing the Capital Air Ambulance and Corvelia at an inquest in defence of a high value claim with multiple defendants and complex jurisdictional and cross-border issues.
- Successfully opposed a misguided costs claim against the client, who was a joint expert, in a case where a powerful global company misled him as to his role and turned ‘hostile’.
- Represented Spire Healthcare and Royal Sun Alliance in the defence of potential group litigation against a private hospital arising from the actions of single urologist.
Insurance > Personal injury: defendant Tier 3
At RPC, 'totally unflappable' practice head Gavin Reese's expertise in general and product liability, as well as health and safety investigations, illustrates the firm's commitment to offering an expert service at the intersection of these issues. Reese takes on a broad range of claims, focusing particularly on stress, catastrophic injury and chronic pain matters. Another key member of the team is legal director Mamata Dutta, who is regularly instructed to act on high-value and complex personal injury cases; she has particular expertise in issues relating to psychiatric injury and somatoform disorders.
Practice head(s):
Gavin Reese
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent client base of public and employers’ liability insurers.’
‘RPC’s insurance team stands out for its attention to detail and its pragmatic approach to the litigation process. Their cases are excellently researched and prepared. They never lose sight of the commercial view, making early offers of settlement where appropriate in order to protect their clients’ positions.’
‘There is a relatively small team but they are all absolutely first rate.’
‘Gavin Reese is totally unflappable – a seasoned pro.’
Key clients
Faraday
AXA XL
Hiscox
Work highlights
- Defending a claim brought by a claimant who allegedly sustained a traumatic brain injury when he hit his head at work, leaving him unable to continue working as an IT consultant.
- Defending a claim brought by a claimant who suffered a traumatic amputation of his right dominant forearm when he reached into machinery, on behalf of a waste and recycling company.
- Representing the manufacturers of a sprinkler system against a claim in which the claimant sustained catastrophic injuries which rendered him paraplegic on a construction site when a large, heavy sprinkler manifold fell onto him.
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 3
The RPC team ‘straddles the media and technology departments, and as such is able to offer its defendant clients expertise across these related fields’. It is well versed in GDPR compliance issues, SARs, data sharing work, data breaches and international data transfers. Jon Bartley, Richard Breavington and David Cran jointly head up the team.
Practice head(s):
Jon Bartley; Richard Breavington; David Cran
Testimonials
‘They have a great and deserved reputation for this work in the industry’.
‘Specialists in data protection claims with a clear strength in strategy and clear, concise language’.
‘Richard Breavington is very strong in data protection litigation matters’.
‘Clear and concise in their strategic advice and assistance’.
‘Jon Bartley is approachable, pragmatic and very knowledgeable both with respect to data privacy and the technology sector’.
Key clients
Facebook Inc.
MGN Limited
Board Intelligence
McArthurGlen Group
Bloomberg LP
Hachette UK Limited
MGN Limited
Frasers Group
Work highlights
- Acted for techUK in its role as intervening party in the Supreme Court case of Richard Lloyd v Google LLC (on appeal from the Court of Appeal).
- Acted for ANL, publisher of the Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, in the litigation brought by the Duchess of Sussex following publication of extracts of a letter she wrote to her father shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.
- Advised longstanding technology client and the world’s largest social network, Facebook, on the setting up of its much-anticipated Oversight Board, to hear appeals and issue binding decisions about content moderation on Facebook’s platforms.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 3
Retained by a continually expanding roster of well-known brands in media, retail, fashion, technology and sports, RPC regularly acts on headline contentious IP instructions. Jeremy Drew, David Cran and Ben Mark have recently been working on a high volume of trade mark and copyright infringement actions before the High Court. Litigator Ciara Cullen has a focus on the food and drink industry, and is also defending design rights infringement proceedings in the IPEC on behalf of a well-known swimwear brand.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Drew; David Cran
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Ben Mark is super-responsive; he has extensive knowledge with respect to IP matters; and he is very pragmatic. I think his greatest strength is his ability to understand the business needs of our mutual clients. He also is very bright and strategic with a focus on long-term goals.‘
‘Ben Mark – excellent. Responsive, efficient and consistently provides sound advice and decisive opinions.‘
‘Ciara Cullen – Outstanding service levels and very client-friendly. Clear and concise vision of all the issues.‘
‘Jeremy Drew is always very responsive, goes to the point and has a very practical view to solving legal issues.‘
‘Stand-out partners: Ciara Cullen and Ben Mark are both excellent. Ciara is very commercial and pragmatic and a skilled strategist. Ben is technically sound and very knowledgeable.‘
‘David Cran is brilliant.‘
‘Ciara Cullen and her team, from the very start of the process, were professional, approachable, friendly and quite clearly expert litigators. The sheer wealth of experience they have between them reassured us and we very quickly had every confidence that they were working in our best interests and would prove to be formidable adversaries for their counterparts at our competitor.‘
‘We had 100% confidence in the advice that we were given and never once thought twice about following it.‘
Key clients
Associated Newspapers Limited
Sports Direct
Google LLC
Pernod Ricard
Brand Max
Emily Ratajkowski & Inamorata Swim
BetConstruct
Frasers Group / GAME Retail
Kout Food Group
Training Qualifications UK Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Associated Newspapers in its high-profile copyright infringement and privacy dispute with Meghan Markle, regarding the publication of a letter written to her father shortly after her marriage to Prince Harry.
- Acting for Sports Direct in connection with a trade mark infringement and passing off claim brought by TK Maxx, in respect of Brand Max, a discount outlet of designer brands opened by Sportsdirect.com Retail Limited in 2017.
- Advising Pernod Ricard on the day-to-day management of their core global brands including Martell, G.H. Mumm, Champagne Perrier-Jouët, Chivas Regal, Absolut and Jameson.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 3
RPC fields an ‘excellent team headed by the talented and charming' Jeremy Drew; his work includes disputes, licensing and sponsorship deals, gaming and epsorts, regulatory and sports retail matters, principally due to his longstanding representation of Sports Direct. The wider team is also adept in sports data and content matters, including contentious issues, and is also engaged on branding, IP and tax-related mandates. The ‘brilliant’ Josh Charalambous serves as associate lead for the group and has already carved out a track record in prominent disputes including claims relating to football kit supply, sport database rights and football transfers.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Drew
Other key lawyers:
Josh Charalambous; Oliver Bray; Adam Craggs; Michelle Sloane; David Cran
Testimonials
‘The team is efficient and shows excellent judgement. They are very good at managing long-running, complex litigation and anticipating how decisions may affect the position months or years later.’
‘Their uniqueness was the understanding of the client – a professional sportsperson – and the way in which they tailored how they went about dealing with him in a very personal way’
‘Josh Charalambous was brilliant. Personable in a sphere where that is not a standout – he showed real understanding of the player and what he did which brought about an immediate connection.’
‘Josh Charalambous has ability beyond his years and is a very safe pair of hands to take responsibility for the detail.’
‘David Cran is the complete package, easy to work with, responsive, authoritative and completely reliable. Josh Charalambous is a standout at the junior level who has everything you want in a litigation lawyer.’
‘An excellent team headed by the talented and charming Jeremy Drew who offers important strategic insight.’
‘Josh Charalambous has excellent judgement, both commercially and as to what will matter in court.’
Key clients
Sport England
Simon Kerrod (Harlequins FC)
Newcastle United Football Club
Sports Direct
BetConstruct
Andy Carroll (former Newcastle United FC footballer)
Dreams
Mike Ashley
England Lacrosse
GAME Retail
Work highlights
- Acted for Harlequins player Simon Kerrod in proceedings brought by the RFU against 12 Barbarians’ players relating to the breach of Covid-19 regulations.
- Acting for Soft Construct in relation to High Court proceedings brought by Genius Sports concerning live sports data.
- Advising Game Digital in relation to the sale of the gaming arena BELONG brand to US esports business Vindex.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 3
Internationally renowned for its insurance expertise, RPC's health and safety team offers its clients support across multiple high profile matters. It has significant experience dealing with cases involving fatalities, including corporate manslaughter and gross negligence, and provides regulatory support. Gavin Reese leads the liability team, splitting time between Bristol and London, while senior associate Fiona Hahlo manages the Bristol0based team.
Practice head(s):
Gavin Reese; Fiona Hahlo
Testimonials
‘The level of expertise in this field is exceptional, coupled with very high levels of attention to detail and first rate client care.’
‘Fiona Hahlo is a delight to work with and for. Knowledgable and passionate about her clients and work.’
‘A very strong team, particularly adept at the mastery of complicated expert evidence and the defence of prosecutions arising from catastrophic injury and fatal accidents. Clients also value the strong personal support and practical advice on crisis management and minimising reputational damage.’
‘Fiona Hahlo is a superb lawyer with an astonishing attention to detail in complicated cases, combined with wonderful client skills which means that she is able to establish a winning rapport from everyone from the managing director of a large multinational corporation to the most nervous, junior employee.’
Key clients
AXA XL
Work highlights
- Advising client with regards to HSE investigation into accident whereby a visiting contractor suffered injuries when he fell from the bed of a trailer he was netting.
- Advised client in respect of HSE investigation into accident where a prospective employee suffered serious injuries when he was struck by a large metal brush which fell from the crane to which it was attached.
- Representing specialist contractor in respect of HSE prosecution into incident where another contractor on site suffered life changing injuries when a large installation fell onto him.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m Tier 4
RPC's corporate and M&A team specialises in the tech, retail and insurance sectors, representing numerous blue-chip domestic and foreign players on various corporate transactions. Practice head Karen Hendy is routinely sought out by clients for assistance on takeover bids, restructurings, and private company deals. James Mee specialises in insurance matters, leading on the vast majority of the firm's broader financial services instructions. The team's public M&A and equity capital markets offering was in early 2021 bolstered with the hire of Connor Cahalane from Latham & Watkins - he is also a former partner at Mayer Brown International LLP. Nigel Collins is particularly well-regarded for deals involving Japanese companies, heading up the firm's dedicated Japan desk.
Practice head(s):
Karen Hendy
Other key lawyers:
James Mee; Connor Cahalane; Tim Anderson; Neil Brown; Peter Sugden; Nigel Collins; Chris Brierley
Testimonials
‘Karen Hendy and Emily McGregor are extremely knowledgeable in M&A field, very responsive, pleasant to work with and with a very practical and business oriented approach. They have been invaluable helping our company in acquisition activity in the UK.’
‘Peter Sugden is outstanding. He combines exceptional legal skills with a practical approach, and to top it all off, he’s a pleasure to work with.’
‘Nigel Collins has a strong affiliation to Japan, its enterprises and its culture. He knows how to interact with Japanese clients, which requires a lot of reading-between-the-lines due to the entirely different communication culture.’
‘Chris Brierley: attentive to client needs, careful, sharp, quick and efficient, easy-going.’
‘Nigel Collins – everyone who does Japan-UK deals know him as one of the star individuals; he is surprisingly approachable and friendly, and most importantly, truly understands how Japanese company M&A works in foreign jurisdictions, especially in the UK.’
‘Neil Brown – outstanding, calm, engaging, very bright, no-nonsense, really fights for the client, very commercial approach.’
‘Peter Sugden offers a superb level of balanced advice and service.’
‘Neil Brown combines extensive knowledge with a calm and rational approach.’
Key clients
Ernst & Young
Stella McCartney
Frasers Group (including Sports Direct, GAME Retail)
Zebra / Flying Tiger
AXA LM
Ebury
Globe-Trotter
AIG
NCP (Car Parks)
Aviva
Hanzo
HG Ventures
Azzurri Group (owner of Zizzi and ASK Italian)
Work highlights
- Advised Ebury Partners on its strategic investment arrangement with Santander.
- Acting for Dialog Semiconductor on its proposed acquisition by Japanese Renesas Electronics Corporation.
- Advising the shareholders of Beat Capital Partners on its strategic partnership with Bain Capital Credit.
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 4
RPC‘s London private equity practice is headed by David Wallis and James Mee and has a particular focus on the insurance industry. While insurance and financial services continues to make up a significant proportion of the group’s work, the practice has started to broaden out its offering to handle PE work in tech and retail, both of which are core sectors for the wider firm. Partners Jeremy Cunningham and Peter Sugden both work in the VC/growth capital field.Practice head(s):
David Wallis
Other key lawyers:
James Mee; Chris Brierley; Karen Hendy
Key clients
Ebury
Shareholders of Beat Capital Partners
Mosaic Insurance Holdings Limited
JRJ Group
Mobeus Equity Partners
Food Freshness
Comhar Capital Limited
Sole Shareholder of Supreme Corporation
Azzurri Group (owner of Zizzi and ASK Italian)
The Japanese owner of Globe-Trotter
Svenska Cellulosa AB (SCA)
Work highlights
- Advised Ebury, the best-in-class trade and foreign exchange facilitator for SMEs, on its £350m strategic investment arrangement with Santander
- Supported a significant insurance transaction advising the shareholders of insurance investor Beat Capital Partners on its strategic partnership with Bain Capital Credit, a leading global credit specialist.
- Assisted in advising Mosaic on the establishment of a new underwriting business at Lloyd’s of London.
Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 4
RPC's group operates on a cross-practice basis and assists clients with a range of follow-on claims, regulatory challenges and abuse of dominance proceedings. The team received a number of significant new instructions in 2020, most notably from Google, which it is assisting with defending a claim brought by Epic Games. Lambros Kilaniotis leads the competition team, advising on both contentious and non-contentious issues.
Practice head(s):
Lambros Kilaniotis
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Percy; Chris Ross; Melanie Musgrave
Testimonials
‘RPC are able to field an excellent team for competition litigation. They are able to combine well their competition expertise and general disputes expertise to great effect.’
‘Lambros Kilianotis is an excellent competition litigator.’
Key clients
Frasers Group plc
LINPAC
LINK Scheme
NHS Scotland & DHSSPS and RHSCB in Northern Ireland
Telefonica UK
Soft Construct (Malta)
Work highlights
- Advising Google on the defence of the claim brought by Epic Games against both Google and Apple.
- Acting for NHS bodies, NHS Scotland and DHSSPS & RHSCB, in an action for damages against Servier, the manufacturer of the Perindopril cardiovascular drug.
- Advising Telefonica UK on their competition damages claim following the European Commission’s cartel decision in relation to the supply of smart card chips.
Dispute resolution > Professional discipline Tier 4
RPC's professional practices group generally acts for clients who are regulated (rather than the regulators), with the team particularly focused on the legal services, architectural, healthcare and accountancy sectors. Recently promoted partner Graham Reid is a legal services industry expert, while Robert Morris in Bristol provides further partner-level support.
Practice head(s):
Graham Reid; Robert Morris
Testimonials
‘RPC is our go-to-firm.‘
‘They are unfailingly accessible, responsive and to the point.‘
‘Thorough, detailed, and with careful legal analysis.‘
‘Graham Reid is fantastic – thorough, thoughtful and mindful of the commercial as well as the legal issues.‘
Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 4
RPC is particularly recommended for life sciences product liability work, especially relating to medical devices, and advises on regulatory matters including clinical trials, marketing approval and product recall requirements. Team lead Dorothy Flower has experience defending liability claims, acting for manufacturers and suppliers; she also has a strong track record of handling disputes arising from clinical trials.
Practice head(s):
Dorothy Flower
Other key lawyers:
Peter Rudd-Clarke; Natalie Drew
Testimonials
‘A strength of the RPC team is the breadth of its life sciences, healthcare and biotech client base. The team can offer support for clients across all areas of contentious, non-contentious and regulatory work and excels at offering a “joined up” provision of services.’
‘Peter Rudd-Clarke is amenable and knowledgeable. He is capable of putting complex legal arguments into easy to understand English. He has the ability to interpret the clients’ requirements and compile a robust defence.’
‘Dorothy Flower has great experience in the sector and really knows her clients and their priorities. She stands out for knowledge of how the claims landscape in the sector is developing.’
‘Peter Rudd-Clarke is well versed in getting on top of the complex expert evidence that must be considered in life sciences cases. He is skilled in applying that to the legal context and is also adept at considering the insurance aspects of life sciences disputes.’
Key clients
Make Yourself Amazing (MYA)
Corin Ltd
Nagor Limited
Augment Bionics
GR Lane Health Products Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Augment Bionics on limiting its liability risks and complying with regulations when supplying PPE during the Covid-19 crisis.
- Defended Make Yourself Amazing against allegations that a claimant was due damages following implantation with breast implants and a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL (breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma).
- Advised various clients on the classification of tobacco products, as well as regulatory compliance.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4
RPC's team is noted for its ‘commercial-led approach’ in matters such as the establishment of company headquarters, office relocations, sale and leasebacks, portfolio management and the full array of landlord and tenant matters. Practice head Elizabeth Alibhai, who is ‘exceptionally knowledgeable of property matters’, excels in transactions involving offices, as well as healthcare, hotel and logistics sites. The retail sector is another area of strength for the firm.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Alibhai
Other key lawyers:
Karen Hendy; Sukh Ahark
Testimonials
‘Great teamwork and negotiation skills in a very complex situation.’
‘Elizabeth Alibhai provides excellent knowledge of property issues and managed the case with an excellent outcome.’
‘In our experience, RPC’s real estate team genuinely cares about gaining an understanding of its clients’ business so that it can provide an appropriate, tailored level of service. There is a real desire to collaborate and add value. The new billing portal makes it very easy to monitor and agree progress charges against each instruction.’
‘I appreciate the balance in the team between both corporate and property specialists, and that both types take a commercially led approach to the job in hand. The team as a whole is made up of pleasant and easy to deal with individuals.’
‘Elizabeth Alibhai manages an effective and highly disciplined team that consistently keeps on top of considerable detail.’
Key clients
St Modwen
Essity
Kout Food Group
Lifeways Group
Adderstone Group
Zebra/Flying Tiger
Spinnaker Capital
Frasers Group
Triumph Group
SCA Group
Lockguard Limited
Triumph Group
NASUWT
AVIVA
Hasib Holdings
NCP
Work highlights
- Acted for Svenska Cellulosa (SCA Group), a Swedish timber, pulp and paper group, on the restructuring of its property interests of its UK timber business to prepare for the sale of one of their UK subsidiaries to BSW Timber.
- Acted for Dellner Romag Limited on the negotiation of new leases of its main operating sites at the Hadrian Building and surrounding Compounds on Leadgate Industrial Estate, Durham, as well as options to acquire the sites in whole or part.
- Acting for longstanding client NASUWT on the transfer of 18 freehold properties from the ownership of individual trustees to two specially incorporated companies limited by guarantee as part of a portfolio reorganisation.
Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 4
Offering 'particular expertise in insured matters', RPC acts for both insurers and insureds, and is also well regarded for representing international contractors in high-value domestic cases. It has been heavily involved in matters relating to the Grenfell Tower inquiry, acting most frequently for architects. Alan Stone and Ben Goodier lead the practice, providing broad dispute resolution experience. The recently promoted Tom Green is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Alan Stone; Ben Goodier
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A very strong construction practice led by Alan Stone and Tom Green, with particular expertise in insured matters and taking joint instructions from insureds and insurers.’
‘Tom Green and Alan Stone are excellent. Both are very incisive and detail focused, and have participated in some very high-profile industry cases.’
‘RPC is a high-quality contentious construction practice. Their advice is always timely, accurate and extremely good value.’
‘Alan Stone is extremely astute and a fierce negotiator.’
Key clients
Studio E Architects
NHBC
Clague Architects
CBRE
Vinci
Gleeds
White Ink Architects Limited
Broadway Malyan Limited
Urban Innovations Limited
EPR Architects Limited
Ridge & Partners
NMCM
Work highlights
- Advising Studio E Architects with regard to events post-Grenfell concerning potentially systemic issues with building regulations and the regulation of building products.
- Defending Clague Architects against claims concerning the defective design and installation of fire stopping measures on a housing development.
- Defending Gleeds Costs Management against claims that its fire protection system malfunctioned and caused damage to Ministry of Defence property.
Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 4
Highlighted by clients for its growing presence in this space, RPC secured a major instruction in a high-profile SFO investigation and has continued its activity in matters involving HMRC, the NCA and the FRC. In addition to regulatory investigations, the team also provides comprehensive advice on internal investigations, large due diligence exercises and compliance counselling. The practice group is led by Sam Tate, ‘an expert in the field’ who is highly regarded by clients. Clients include domestic and multinational corporates from a range of industries.
Practice head(s):
Sam Tate
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Cary; Davina Given
Testimonials
‘Their team is professional and client-oriented. They are trying to place the best talents into the project which makes good result.’
‘The entire team are excellent. The practical examples and experience of the entire team make their advice, suggestions and contributions extremely valuable. There is a great breadth of knowledge in terms of their specialisms in financial crime, but also from the various sectors team members have worked in, as well as different jurisdictions which brings a great dimension to their work.’
‘They behaved as an extension to our team and worked seamlessly with our business on a large global project, working with different personnel from different backgrounds, for whom english is not their first language and for who the subject matter of the project was often quite alien and intimidating. However, the whole project progressed smoothly and on time, with a fantastic end product for the group.’
‘Sam Tate is clearly an expert in his field and instils you instantly with confidence. Even though I know he must be extremely busy and on more complex and urgent matters than ours, he always found time for us, and made us feel like he was in it with us, and was invested in the project and the right outcome for us as a client.’
‘Sam Tate provides insightful and pragmatic solutions and advice.’
‘This firm appears to be growing in strength in the corporate crime field. I have worked with them on one big case, and been really impressed by their dedication to the client, their practicality and their realism. They are very client focused.’
‘RPC has grown over the last few years in stature and client-base. They are now known for excellence in conducting complex investigations and financial crime prevention programmes across the globe. As well as global investigations and helping corporates comply with our laws, wherever they are based, they are currently involved in a significant SFO investigation.’
Key clients
The Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Financial Times Limited
InterContinental Hotels Group plc
Compass Group
Warner Music
Bonhams
Santander
Oleg Deripaska / Filatona Trading Limited
Work highlights
- Representing a Fortune 500 multinational corporation in a complex, high-value and multi-year bribery investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.
- Conducted a high-profile internal investigation for the Financial Times into allegations that its reporters colluded with short sellers and engaged in market manipulation in relation to the paper’s coverage of Wirecard.
- Acting for Newcastle United Football Club in respect of the HMRC’s criminal investigation.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 5
RPC's financial services regulatory team is most known for its expertise in the insurance sector, but it also has a thriving payments and consumer credit practice. The group is led by Matthew Griffith, an expert in both insurance sector and financial services-related regulation. Griffith is supported by senior associates Whitney Simpson and Jonathan Charwat, who specialise in payment services and consumer credit, and insurance regulation respectively.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Griffith
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is always approachable and makes itself available. They take a brief and have a good understanding of our business so can deliver to that brief in a way that will suit the way we operate. ‘
‘Whitney Simpson and Jonathan Charwat are both great individuals to work with, dedicated and focused on the deliverables. They making talking about difficult and technical subjects easier.’
‘The RPC team offers insightful advice on insurance regulatory issues, and really understands how our company works. Webinars on a very interesting range of topics (including Women in Insurance) are very interesting and attract a high calibre of speaker. ‘
‘In my view what makes this practice unique is that it has a practical approach to regulatory compliance (i.e. beyond the theoretical application of legislation, statutory instruments and FCA rules and guidance). This makes this practice stand out to other firms in the area of regulatory compliance. ‘
‘Jonathan Charwat has spent time within our company and as a result offers tailored advice that cuts straight to the point. This saves our time and the business owners are able to have strong direct relationships in some instances. He really knows how our business works and this is reflected in the high standard of advice. ‘
Key clients
AIG
LINK Scheme
Ebury Partners
Frasers Group / SportsDirect
Direct Line Group
Hiscox Syndicates
TigerRisk Partners (UK) Ltd
TigerRisk Capital Markets & Advisory (UK) Ltd
Sompo International
QBE
Zurich
RSA Insurance Group
Work highlights
- Advising Ebury, a global fintech payment solutions company offering a global currency platform, on general corporate and regulatory advisory and insurance matters including its £350m investment by Santander.
- Advising a global risk and capital management advisory firm on the impact and application of the Senior Managers & Certification Regime as well as conduct rule training for Senior Managers and Certification Staff.
- Advising a global social media company on the rules and requirements of the financial promotion regime surrounding regulated and non-regulated financial services products.
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5
RPC‘s arbitration expertise covers IP, technology, insurance and reinsurance, construction and engineering, international trade, finance, energy and transport matters. The practice also acts in claims involving Russia and the CIS region, proceedings against sovereign states, and public international law disputes. With longstanding experience, Jonathan Wood heads up the international arbitration practice, which includes commercial and investor-state arbitration expert Tatiana Minaeva, IP and technology disputes specialist David Cran, Russia expert Andy McGregor, and experienced of counsel Paul Baker.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Wood
Other key lawyers:
Tatiana Minaeva; David Cran; Andy McGregor; Paul Baker; Kirtan Prasad; Suzie Kurdi
Testimonials
‘A very effective international arbitration team.‘
‘RPC was very resourceful in quickly sourcing an appropriate expert in the law of foreign jurisdiction to aid our claim. This was no mean feat given the number of dead ends and conflicts of interest we encountered along the way.‘
‘RPC are more efficient in their work than a number of other firms I’ve worked with.‘
‘Their invoices represent better value for money than most.‘
‘A knowledgeable team with a strong arbitral practice led by Jonathan Wood, who is hugely experienced in international arbitration.‘
‘Jonathan Wood stands out. His judgement is very sound and his breadth of experience means that there is not much he has not seen or dealt with before.‘
‘Jonathan Wood is a seasoned veteran who has seen it all – safe hands and a shrewd operator.‘
‘Of counsel Paul Baker is a formidable worker who knows his way round his cases incredibly well.‘
Key clients
Filatona Trading
Octopus Consulting & Trading
London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation
Saif Energy
Singapore Commodity Exchange
Work highlights
- Acting for Oleg Deripaska and his company, Filatona, in a long-running dispute with Vladimir Chernukin and Navigator Equities, in relation to a joint venture concerning Russian textiles company, TGM.
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 7
The 'consummate professionals' at RPC are well-versed in issues relating to merger clearance, commercial agreements and investigations. The group's longstanding relationship with Fraser Group has yielded some high-profile work in 2021, as the firm advised on the competition aspects of the client's potential acquisition of Debenhams. Lambros Kilaniotis leads the team.
Practice head(s):
Lambros Kilaniotis
Other key lawyers:
Melanie Musgrave
Testimonials
‘RPC have a strong and very busy team, led by the redoubtable Lambros Kilianotis.‘
‘Lambros Kilaniotis is very good to work with, is commercially astute and is focused on achieving results for clients. Melanie Musgrave is a very good competition lawyer and good to work with.’
‘Lambros and Melanie are first-rate. Would positively recommend them to anyone. They are practical, pragmatic and perceptive.’
‘Lambros and Melanie are both highly experienced competition lawyers.’
‘Lambros Kilaniotis and Melanie Musgrave are excellent. They are consummate professionals. They approach matters in a very low professional and “can-do” way. Nothing is too much bother and they punch at Magic Circe level. A great team that become part of your team.’
‘Lambros offers genuine litigation expertise. He knows his stuff and is an excellent communicator.’
‘Lambros Kilianotis really stands out as an great competition litigator. He is charming, diligent and pragmatic – willing to go the extra mile for his clients and really fight their corner. ‘
Key clients
Frasers Group plc
LINPAC (now part of Klöckner Pentaplast)
LINK Scheme
NHS Scotland & DHSSPS and RHSCB in Northern Ireland
RSA (Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc)
Telefonica UK
Zurich plc
Pizza Express
Ernst & Young LLP
Work highlights
- Advised Frasers Group plc on the competition and merger control aspects of its attempt to save Debenhams after the latter went into administration.
- Providing competition law advice to the Board of LINK.
- Advised Frasers Group on the merger control aspects of its acquisition of assets relating to the fitness and gym business of DW Sports.
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 8
Co-headed by Finella Fogarty and Paul Bagon, RPC's 'approachable' three-partner team 'benefits from deep subject matter knowledge', including in core areas of focus for the firm as a whole such as insurance, as well as across other sectors, from both a formal insolvency and restructuring perspective. As well as handling a considerable volume of domestic mid-market work, the firm is also increasingly active handling cross-border contentious mandates - including as they relate to enforcement matters.
Practice head(s):
Finella Fogarty; Paul Bagon
Other key lawyers:
Tim Moynihan; Danielle Bennett
Testimonials
‘The team is very knowledgeable on insurance matters.’
‘They are approachable and benefit from deep subject knowledge.’
‘Collaborative attitude, concern for the client situation, good grasp of the case and reasonable billing.’
‘Paul Bagon is an absolute joy to work with.’
‘Tim Moynihan is commercially-minded.’
Key clients
FRP Advisory
Dr Vijay Mallya
Ernst & Young
Amigo Loans
Kroll
Frasers Group
Work highlights
- Acting for Dr Mallya in defence of multibillion-pound bankruptcy proceedings and litigation brought against him by a consortium of Indian banks
- Acting as Independent Scheme Assessor in respect of the scheme of arrangement being proposed by the Amigo Loans group of companies
- Acting for the Frasers Group on various high-profile acquisitions
Public sector > Education: individuals
Public sector > Education: institutions
Public sector > Education: schools
South West > Insurance > Professional negligence
RPC's Bristol-based professional negligence team focuses on acting for insurers and insured professionals. The group has 'a vast amount of experience' across professions, with a solid offering for solicitors, accountants, and financial and pensions professionals, as well as construction industry clients. Regulatory and disciplinary work is another key area for the group, which is regularly instructed in investigations by professional bodies. It also advises on coverage issues. The 'entirely switched on' Rhian Howell specialises in claims against lawyers, particularly in fraud and dishonesty cases. Will Sefton represents solicitors, in addition to directors facing claims from liquidators and administrators, and those involved in unfair prejudice proceedings. In 2020, the group was bolstered by the 'excellent addition' of Scott Ashby from Beale & Co, who provides additional expertise in solicitors' and conveyancers' negligence claims, as well as experience in coverage issues. Rachael Healey is praised for her 'ability to quickly interpret a problem, see how it may unfold and explain in clear language the legal process and options to a lay person'. The team sits within the insurance department led by Simon Laird.
Practice head(s):
Simon Laird
Other key lawyers:
Rhian Howell; Will Sefton; Robert Morris; Scott Ashby; Rachael Healey; Simran Khanna
Testimonials
‘RPC’s Bristol team has great knowledge of regulated financial services, including pension transfer matters. Their insight has, quite literally, saved our company millions of pounds.’
‘Rachael Healey has the ability to quickly interpret a problem, see how it may unfold and explain in clear language the legal process and options to a lay person, and is a strong lead to her team. ’
‘They have a vast amount of experience across the board. They have lawyers suitable to all types of claims and professions and provide an excellent service.’
‘Scott Ashby has been an excellent addition to the team in Bristol and has led to an increased instruction on my part for solicitors’ negligence claims. He is always there to assist and nothing is too much trouble – his advice is commercial and cuts through to the key issues in a way which is easy to understand and also cost effective.’
‘Rachael Healey has been an absolute force in terms of us managing a large volume of claims which require some careful thought on strategy across the board rather than on an individual basis. She really is a fantastic partner to work with.’
‘Strength in depth and competitive pricing on all aspects of UK professional indemnity insurance. Credible regional D&O presence too. If you have a book/career-breaking claim and need lawyers who will throw themselves under a train for you then this is the team to pick. Its UK offering, despite being large, feels increasingly like a boutique firm delivering a white-glove, best-in-class service.’
‘Rhian Howell is formidable and entirely switched on. Listens to feedback carefully and delivers exactly what the client wants.‘
Work highlights
- Defending a claim of £46m against solicitors’ firm Higgs & Sons pursued by James Brearley and others.
- Successfully struck out a claim against BDO LLP in which it was alleged that it had acted as part of an unlawful means conspiracy with Barclays Bank plc.
South West > Employment > Health and safety
Internationally renowned for its insurance expertise, RPC's health and safety team offers its clients support across multiple high profile matters. It has significant experience dealing with cases involving fatalities, including corporate manslaughter and gross negligence, and provides regulatory support. Gavin Reese leads the liability team, splitting time between Bristol and London, while senior associate Fiona Hahlo manages the Bristol0based team.
Practice head(s):
Gavin Reese; Fiona Hahlo
Testimonials
‘The level of expertise in this field is exceptional, coupled with very high levels of attention to detail and first rate client care.’
‘Fiona Hahlo is a delight to work with and for. Knowledgable and passionate about her clients and work.’
‘A very strong team, particularly adept at the mastery of complicated expert evidence and the defence of prosecutions arising from catastrophic injury and fatal accidents. Clients also value the strong personal support and practical advice on crisis management and minimising reputational damage.’
‘Fiona Hahlo is a superb lawyer with an astonishing attention to detail in complicated cases, combined with wonderful client skills which means that she is able to establish a winning rapport from everyone from the managing director of a large multinational corporation to the most nervous, junior employee.’
Key clients
AXA XL
Work highlights
- Advising client with regards to HSE investigation into accident whereby a visiting contractor suffered injuries when he fell from the bed of a trailer he was netting.
- Advised client in respect of HSE investigation into accident where a prospective employee suffered serious injuries when he was struck by a large metal brush which fell from the crane to which it was attached.
- Representing specialist contractor in respect of HSE prosecution into incident where another contractor on site suffered life changing injuries when a large installation fell onto him.
RPC > Firm Profile
The firm: When you face significant risk, or are presented with major opportunity, you need strong advisers to support you. Strong advisers who have a deep understanding of your company — your industry — and who can apply their legal expertise to the commercial context in which you operate. You also need people you can trust. And, when all else is equal, people you get along with. That’s RPC. Recognised as leaders in industries ranging from retail to insurance, technology to media, and well beyond, we have the expertise to handle bet-the-business litigation, complex regulatory challenges, transformational transactions and so much more. As part of the TerraLex network we have access to over 150 law firms in 100 jurisdictions across the globe.
Principal areas of work
Advertising and marketing: Some of the biggest names in advertising rely on us to keep their brand communications above board. Our capabilities span advertising regulation, data collection/exploitation, consumer regulation, digital/new media, sponsorship, licensing, agency agreements, UK and international copy clearance and brand-protection strategies.
Banking and financial markets disputes: One of the leading conflict-free banking litigation practices, specialising in the investment banking and funds management arena, particularly the capital markets. The firm can act against the large investment banks and also ‘off-panel’ in disputes between banks where one party’s usual firms are not able to do so.
Civil fraud: We help clients take urgent action to investigate the cause and scope of the wrongdoing, mitigate the damage, pursue the wrongdoers and trace the assets.
Commercial contracts: Dedicated contract specialists skilled in maximising the value from your agreements. We advise on drafting and negotiating a broad range of industry agreements. These range from the largest outsourcing deals to smaller, yet business-critical, supply contracts and consumer-facing terms and conditions.
Commercial disputes: Litigation is at the heart of our business. We know it inside out. At any one time, more than half our lawyers are handling complex, large-scale global disputes.
Competition: We provide smart, commercial advice on a full range of EU and UK competition law services, including merger control, compliance, cartels, antitrust and competition litigation for both claimants and defendants.
Construction: Expert, experienced and resourceful, we resolve complex construction disputes cost-effectively. Insurance plays a big part in the management of construction risk. We defend negligence claims against engineers, architects, designers, contractors, mechanical and electrical engineers, and quantity surveyors.
Corporate/M&A: We have won prestigious awards for the quality of our transactional and advisory work. Whether a national or global business, we’ll support your growth and development through industry-best corporate transaction advice, be it M&A, private equity investments, refinancing or joint ventures.
Employment, engagement and equality: Advises on the full range of employment matters with a reputation for significant restructuring and workforce alignment programmes, drawing on experience navigating TUPE and large-scale redundancy programmes, including collective consultation.
Finance: From advice on leveraged and acquisition facilities, to commercial loans and banking facilities, RPC offers a full range of banking and lending services. We advise on all aspects of corporate funding, and support growing corporates, start-ups, funds, and private equity clients.
Insurance and reinsurance: For more than 70 years we’ve been helping insurers do business across the globe. From handling complex claims to advising on high-stakes transactions, our expertise ranges from insurance disputes, coverage, defence and monitoring across all business lines, to recoveries, policy wording and a range of insurance products and services.
IP, technology and outsourcing: Technology drives all businesses. Our dedicated technology team provides technology-specific advice when you work with us on intellectual property, outsourcing, data protection, M&A, regulatory matters and dispute resolution.
Media: Defendant-focused we handle all manner of disputes involving media companies from defamation and privacy complaints, to data protection, contempt and reporting restrictions issues. We provide advice on content risks and relating to the various press regulators.
Real estate: Commercially astute and experienced in transactions, we act on investment purchases and sales (both on direct and “wrapper” basis), sales and leasebacks and development projects. If you’re in the market for new premises or wish to dispose your former property or review the rent guide, you are well placed to speak to us.
Regulatory: We have built a regulatory team of 60+ lawyers to meet the growing need for joined-up advice across regulatory regimes. We help the world’s largest financial, corporate and professional services firms implement robust compliance strategies and respond effectively to a regulatory change or incident.
Retail: Retail is in our blood. Our dedicated 70+ award winning retail team advises retailers throughout all stages of their lifecycle by genuinely understanding how to help turn challenges into opportunities. RPC’s market-leading retail team: a preeminent and long-standing advisor to many of the leading retailers in the world.
Restructuring and insolvency: Our team is recognised for its work in financially distressed and insolvency situations. We provide expert advice and wide-ranging expertise to all affected stakeholders.
Tax: Our highly-experienced team consists of specialist lawyers who deal with the tax aspects of all corporate and commercial transactions; including tax enquiries, tax litigation, criminal investigations/ managing dawn raids and defence of prosecutions for tax fraud.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing partner | James Miller | ||
Senior partner | Oliver Bray | ||
Advertising & Marketing | Oliver Bray | ||
Banking litigation | Tom Hibbert | ||
Civil Fraud | Andy McGregor | ||
Commercial disputes | Geraldine Elliott | ||
Competition | Lambros Kilaniotis | ||
Construction | Alan Stone | ||
Corporate/M&A | Karen Hendy | ||
Corporate and Insurance | Matthew Griffith | ||
Corporate and business crime | Sam Tate | ||
Employment, Engagement and Equality | Patrick Brodie & Kelly Thomson | ||
Food & Drink | Ciara Cullen & Ben Mark | ||
Finance | Sukh Ahark | ||
Insurance and reinsurance | Simon Laird | ||
Intellectual property, technology and outsourcing | Jeremy Drew | ||
International arbitration | Jonathan Wood | ||
Media | Keith Mathieson | ||
Real estate | Elizabeth Alibhai | ||
Regulatory | Gavin Reese | ||
Retail | Jeremy Drew & Karen Hendy | ||
Restructuring and insolvency | Paul Bagon & Finella Fogarty | ||
Sports & Entertainment | Jeremy Drew & Josh Charalambous | ||
Tax | Adam Craggs & Ben Roberts |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Sukh Ahark | Sukh heads RPC’s banking and finance team and handles a wide variety… | View Profile |
![]() | Elizabeth Alibhai | Partner and head of Real Estate. Elizabeth advises a wide variety of clients including… | View Profile |
![]() | Mike Allan | Partner. Mike Allan acts for property and casualty insurers, advising on coverage… | View Profile |
![]() | Alexandra Anderson | Alexandra is an insurance lawyer with particular expertise in both construction and… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Anderson | Corporate Partner: M&A in media; technology and retail sectors; corporate governance. Cases… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Bagon | Paul is a restructuring and insolvency partner and has extensive experience advising… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Baker | Legal Counsel. Paul advises London and overseas insurers in the political risk… | View Profile |
![]() | Jon Bartley | Partner Jon Bartley specialises in digital technology and e-commerce, data protection, cybersecurity… | View Profile |
![]() | Will Beck | Will is an Of Counsel in the Restructuring and Insolvency team at… | View Profile |
![]() | Nick Bird | Professional liability defence litigation. Acts for magic circle and leading firms in… | View Profile |
![]() | Rupert Boswall | Partner; commercial litigation and arbitration; corporate and regulatory investigations. | View Profile |
![]() | Oliver Bray | Senior Partner. Oliver is a highly experienced commercial, IP and technology lawyer… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Breavington | Partner. Richard is a highly experienced insurance and reinsurance lawyer who has… | View Profile |
![]() | Chris Brierley | Legal director. Chris is an experienced lawyer, advising clients on private M&A,… | View Profile |
![]() | Patrick Brodie | Head of RPC’s Employment, Pensions and Incentives practice, Patrick Brodie is often… | View Profile |
![]() | Neil Brown | Partner. Neil is an experienced corporate lawyer, advising on M&A, joint ventures… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Brown | Partner with specialism in commercial contract disputes and arbitration. Tim has recognised… | View Profile |
![]() | Charles Buckworth | Partner. Charles is an experienced non-contentious technology and outsourcing lawyer within the… | View Profile |
![]() | Tim Bull | Tim is a partner in the Professional and Financial Risks team of… | View Profile |
![]() | Connor Cahalane | Connor is a partner who advises listed and pre-IPO companies on M&A,… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Cary | Jonathan is a Partner specialising in banking and financial markets disputes and… | View Profile |
![]() | Alison Clarke | Alison is a Legal Director who specialises in Insurance (Directors & Officers, Professional… | View Profile |
![]() | Marlon Cohen | Senior Associate. Marlon is an experienced transactional lawyer specialising in complex commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Nigel Collins | Partner, Head of Japan Desk. Nigel is a senior corporate lawyer with extensive… | View Profile |
![]() | Edward Colville | Ed is a Legal Director in the RPC corporate team, specialising in… | View Profile |
![]() | Rupert Cowper-Coles | Partner in the media team, specialising in media litigation, most often in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Adam Craggs | Adam is a partner and head of RPC’s tax disputes group. He… | View Profile |
![]() | David Cran | Partner in the Technology, IP and commercial group. David specialises in technology,… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Crichard | Partner and lead technology lawyer within the IP, technology and outsourcing group.… | View Profile |
![]() | Ciara Cullen | Partner. An IP and technology litigation specialist, Ciara is dual qualified in… | View Profile |
![]() | Jeremy Cunningham | Partner Jeremy Cunningham is a corporate transactional lawyer focused on delivering commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Georgia Davis | Georgia is a Legal Director in RPC’s IP & Technology group and… | View Profile |
![]() | Jeremy Drew | Partner and Head of RPC’s IP and Technology Group and the Retail… | View Profile |
![]() | Mamata Dutta | Mamata is a Legal Director specialising in defending health and safety investigations… | View Profile |
![]() | Lucy Dyson | Lucy Dyson is a partner and insurance and reinsurance lawyer who specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Edwards | Simon is a Partner in RPC’s Commercial team, with over 15 years’… | View Profile |
![]() | Geraldine Elliott | Partner and leader of the commercial disputes group of the firm. Practises… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Evans | Senior Associate specialising in heavy contractual disputes and issues of contractual interpretation. | View Profile |
![]() | Dorothy Flower | Partner specialising in clinical negligence claims, health law advice and representation, and… | View Profile |
![]() | Finella Fogarty | Partner. Finella specialises in advising banks, insolvency practitioners, funds, corporates and all… | View Profile |
![]() | Davina Given | Davina advises corporates, financial institutions and individuals on a range of complex… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Gold | Partner specialising in directors’ and officers’ liability and financial institutions and professional… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Goldring | Advises London market insurers on all issues arising out of claims against… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Green | Partner. Tom typically defends construction professionals, with a particular emphasis on architects,… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Griffith | Partner. With a wealth of experience gained over more than 20 years, Matthew… | View Profile |
![]() | Jake Hardy | Partner. Experienced banking and financial services litigator, with a particular focus on… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Hart | Simon is a litigation partner and Head of Financial Disputes. He specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | Daniel Hemming | Daniel is a litigation partner with a particular focus on banking and… | View Profile |
![]() | Karen Hendy | Partner and Head of Corporate, Karen’s practice spans international and domestic transactions… | View Profile |
![]() | Charlotte Henschen | Charlotte is a Senior Associate in RPC’s Commercial and Banking Litigation Group.… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Hibbert | Tom Hibbert is Global Head of RPC’s Commercial Disputes practice and a… | View Profile |
![]() | Toby Higginson | Partner. Toby has extensive experience of advising insurers on a variety of… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Hillman | Legal Director Ben is a litigator with particular expertise in property-related disputes.… | View Profile |
![]() | Rhian Howell | Partner Rhian Howell is a leading professional negligence expert with significant experience… | View Profile |
![]() | Genevieve Isherwood | Associate. Genevieve defends medical malpractice and product liability claims and has experience… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Joukador | A leading partner in commercial, outsourcing and technology matters who delivers pragmatic… | View Profile |
![]() | Lucy Kerr | Lucy Kerr is a senior associate in the Regulatory and White Collar… | View Profile |
![]() | Simy Khanna | Simy Khanna is a Partner in the Professional Indemnity team. She specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | Lambros Kilaniotis | Lambros heads the competition team at RPC and also leads the cross-practice… | View Profile |
![]() | Parham Kouchikali | Parham is a litigation partner specialising in banking disputes, financial markets litigation… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Laird | Head of Insurance. Partner dealing with insurance, professional negligence and commercial litigation.… | View Profile |
![]() | Toby Lamarque | Toby is a Managing Consultant in RPC’s Regulatory and White Collar Crime… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Mark | Ben is a Partner in RPC’s Intellectual Property and Technology group and… | View Profile |
![]() | Keith Mathieson | Partner. An expert in defamation and privacy law, Keith Mathieson has been… | View Profile |
![]() | Andy McGregor | Andy McGregor is RPC’s Head of Civil Fraud and specialises in complex,… | View Profile |
![]() | James Mee | Partner and head of corporate insurance and financial services. Practice areas include… | View Profile |
![]() | James Miller | Managing Partner. An international property and international casualty insurance lawyer by background,… | View Profile |
![]() | Tatiana Minaeva | Partner Tatiana Minaeva specialises in complex international commercial and sovereign arbitrations. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Karen Morrish | Partner. Karen is a highly regarded insurance lawyer specialising in the defence… | View Profile |
![]() | Catherine Percy | Partner. Insurance lawyer and commercial litigator. Expertise in property insurance, casualty claims… | View Profile |
![]() | Henry Priestley | Partner Henry Priestley advises across contentious and non-contentious IP matters, with a… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Purton | Partner Tom Purton combines over 25 years of experience, business acumen and… | View Profile |
![]() | Gavin Reese | Gavin has been advising insurers and corporates for over 30 years. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Graham Reid | Partner who specialises in all aspects of legal services, lawyers and law… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Roberts | Ben is a partner in the RPC Corporate team. He advises clients on… | View Profile |
![]() | Chris Ross | Partner. Chris Ross is a litigator specialising in commercial, banking and finance… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Rudd-Clarke | Legal Director. Peter specialises in defending manufacturers of complex products against liability… | View Profile |
![]() | Toby Savage | Partner. Toby is a dispute resolution and litigation lawyer based in London. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Victoria Sherratt | Victoria leads the UK Property & Casualty Group. She specialises in property… | View Profile |
![]() | Michelle Sloane | Michelle Sloane is a Partner specialising in the resolution of tax disputes.… | View Profile |
![]() | Laura Stocks | Partner specialising in defending claims against leading law firms and other professionals in… | View Profile |
![]() | Alan Stone | Partner. Alan is an insurance lawyer specialising in construction disputes and professional… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Sugden | Peter is a partner in RPC’s Corporate/M&A group. Peter has a broad… | View Profile |
![]() | Sam Tate | Partner. Sam is a highly experienced white-collar crime lawyer and is a… | View Profile |
![]() | Kelly Thomson | Partner. Kelly advises on complex international and national employment matters, with particular… | View Profile |
![]() | Naomi Vary | Partner. Naomi Vary specialises in resolving political risk and trade credit disputes. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Gary Walkling | Position: Partner specialising in onshore and offshore losses and liabilities of all… | View Profile |
![]() | David Wallis | Head of private equity. Corporate partner with particular expertise in private equity,… | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Waterson | Robert is a Partner in RPC’s tax disputes group. He is a… | View Profile |
![]() | James Wickes | Partner in RPC’s insurance group; specialising in financial risks. Advises London market… | View Profile |
![]() | Leigh Williams | Partner Leigh Williams is a commercial dispute resolution lawyer who deals in… | View Profile |
![]() | Alan Williams | Commercial disputes partner with a particular focus on banking and finance disputes.… | View Profile |
![]() | Nigel Wilson | Nigel is a senior lawyer, Of Counsel, specialising in IT, technology projects,… | View Profile |
![]() | Dan Wyatt | Partner Dan Wyatt is an experienced commercial litigator with particular expertise in… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Wyles | Legal Director specialising in claims against professionals – legal, financial and construction. | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 93 Number of other UK fee-earners : 254Memberships
Terralex NetworkDiversity
At RPC, people are at the heart of everything that we do. And that is critical to our success.
We’ve put into place a number of initiatives and development programmes to not only support our people as they progress through their careers, but to also ensure that our population and our culture is as reflective of society as possible.
Internally, our all-encompassing allies network, allies@RPC, spans our UK and Asia offices and underpins our eight I&D networks (we call them “Work Streams”) covering gender, ethnicity, disability, social mobility, faith, mental health, LGBT+ and caring responsibilities. The firm runs a particular Work Stream spotlight every six months. Meanwhile, RPC RAIN, the firm’s LGBT+ network, spans the firm’s London and Bristol offices and supports and advocates for the LGBT+ community (both within the firm and externally).
Externally, we partner with a number of different networks and organisations, including the 30% Club, Cityparents, Stonewall, Business Disability Forum, Aspiring Solicitors and SEO. We are also a signatory of the Race at Work Charter, the Law Society’s Women in Law Pledge, the Mindful Business Charter and Rare’s Race Fairness Commitment.
We also have an established CSR Taskforce, our governing body overseeing our three separate Work Streams for Pro Bono, Charity & Community and Environment.
Our Pro Bono Work Stream, which is made up of members from across our four offices, focuses on working with a range of underprivileged groups, financial crime and student pro bono outreach and training. Our lawyers also volunteer their time and expertise on a range of other projects including Launch It, Justice Without Borders and Liberty Advice Line.
They anticipate there will be more requests for pro bono support later in the year and are considering whether there is appetite to support or join an additional pro bono focused project in an area significantly impacted by Covid-19, eg legal advice for the newly homeless or those being removed from rented accommodation.
Our Charity & Community Work Stream have narrowed down a proposed shortlist of new charity partnerships for our London office, for consideration by our Executive Committee, following which it will be put out to the firm for a vote. The Work Stream have previously been organising charitable fundraising on an ad hoc basis, arranging for the firm to participate in initiatives such as Jeans for Genes and the National Macmillan Coffee Morning. Our Bristol office has partnered with Duchenne UK and have participated in a number of fundraising activities over the past year – including a lockdown version of the ‘Duchenne Dash’ (a 300km cycle ride from London to Paris) and an Insurance Partner dyeing her hair pink to raise money for the charity.
The Environment Work Stream have teamed up with the Planet Mark which has carried out a review of our practices and has produced a report for us with recommendations on additional things the firm can do to minimise its environmental impact. The Work Stream are in the process of considering the findings, actions and next steps.
Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
‘Interesting work, including lots of litigation experience’ plus ‘friendly people and a supportive culture’ describe RPC. The firm’s litigation and corporate/ commercial expertise is top notch and highly praised by its trainees. As a City firm, RPC stands out for its smaller intake size, progressive attitude and breadth of seat opportunities. As one trainee comments, ‘the firm is progressive, and much smaller, allowing for more meaningful work and contact as a part of a smaller cohort. The firm also specialises in areas where I want to potentially work’. Another added that ‘RPC seemed to go against the grain in terms of traditional corporate City law firm culture and values’. The vacation scheme was also praised: ‘the culture was head and shoulders above the rest. I felt as though I was treated with a lot of respect and given proper responsibility during my vacation scheme on live matters’. Negatives mentioned include the pay (compared with other City firms) and the IT systems, but overall there is lots of positivity. Highlights of training demonstrate the firm’s approach being experiential, as a trainee emphasises: ‘my training contract is more hands on and I've been given more responsibility than peers at other firms'. Trainees say the best thing about the firm is ‘the people and culture’; ‘virtually everyone from all levels I have met and worked for has been approachable and have been reasonable about things like deadlines and will try to help you manage your capacity as a trainee, especially at the start of a seat’. If looking for stellar contentious expertise, impressive client list and a City experience with a smaller intake, RPC is worth a serious look.- Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts
- Industry focus > Retail and consumer
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance)
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management
- Insurance > Professional negligence
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Customs and excise
- Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil
- Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail
- Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations
- Employment > Health and safety
- Industry focus > TMT
- Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation
- Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory
- Insurance > Product liability: defendant
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Risk advisory > Corporate governance
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious
- Corporate and commercial > Partnership
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium
- Employment > Employers
- Insurance > Clinical negligence: defendant
- Insurance > Personal injury: defendant
- Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
- Employment > Health and safety
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m
- Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m)
- Dispute resolution > Competition litigation
- Dispute resolution > Professional discipline
- Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- Real estate > Construction: contentious
- Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates)
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory
- Dispute resolution > International arbitration