Elaina Bailes > Stewarts Law LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Representing financial institutions, companies, multi-national corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, Stewarts Law LLP’s ‘dynamic’ banking litigation team advises on disputes related to financial instruments and structures. In addition to its strength in claimant work, the group is also seeing an increase in defence instructions, particularly acting for foreign banks. Lucy Ward and Mo Bhaskaran took over from Clive Zietman, who retired in May 2024, as practice co-heads in April 2023. Keith Thomas is an expert in securities litigation and experienced in advising on shareholder claims. Alex Jay leads the firm’s insolvency and asset recovery team and Elaina Bailes is active, including in offshore jurisdictions, fraud and asset recovery, and financial services and securities litigation. Laura Jenkins’ clientele ranges from individuals to corporations, while Sophie Lalor-Harbord has experience acting both for and against banks.

With ‘great strength in depth‘, boutique litigation and conflict-free firm Stewarts Law LLP is regularly called upon to act against major banks and financial institutions. Lucy Ward leads the team, along with Mo Bhaskaran, while Keith Thomas is head of the firm’s securities litigation practice. Elaina Bailes excels in fraud and asset recovery and financial services and securities litigation, while Lorraine Lanceley has experience acting for both claimants and defendants. Clive Zietman retired in May 2024. Ian Gatt KC left to join Brick Court Chambers.

A leading firm in securities claims and group litigation stemming from the misselling of financial products, Stewarts Law LLP has a successful track record acting for claimants against financial institutions, investment banks and major corporations. Fraud and professional negligence claims are particular areas of expertise, as well as tax disputes and competition litigation. ‘Excellent strategist’ David Pickstone and ‘superb lawyer and litigator’ Kate Pollock lead the firm’s group actions offering, alongside Keith Thomas, who also heads the securities litigation practice. Harry McGowan also specialises in securities claims, while Stuart Carson focuses his practice on competition litigation. Aaron Le Marquer spearheads claims related to COVID-19 business interruption insurance. Alex Lerner boasts particular expertise in group litigation arising from the mis-selling of financial products. Further key names to note include Elaina Bailes, Lorraine Lanceley and Elisa Wahnon.