Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP Offices
21 LOMBARD STREET
LONDON
EC3V 9AH
England
Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 3
Boutique firm, Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP, boasts a large volume of fraud-related work, handling domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters from corporate and private clients alike. The team is bolstered by the expertise of Sinead O’Callaghan, who specialises in fraud within the financial sector, in addition to Lydia Danon, whose wide expertise extends to crypto. Highly commendable lawyers Natalie Todd and Jon Felce are also integral to the offering.Other key lawyers:
Sinead O’Callaghan; Lydia Danon; Natalie Todd; Jon Felce; Mikhail Vishnyakov; Rosie Wild; Stephen Elam; Sam Roberts; Elizabeth Meade
Key clients
Sovcomflot company defendants: Cally Shipholdings Inc, Vital Shipping Corporation, Dainford Navigation Inc, Tamara Shipholdings SA, Tuscany Maritime SA, Novoship (UK) Limited
Domidias Limited and Merbau Synergy Limited
Jason Cox and Amaury Sechet
ThinkMarkets (FCA and ASIC-regulated online trading broker)
PL Holdings Sarl (PLH)
Investors in Echosense (a med-tech company)
JNFX Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for the defendants in a US $91m matter. Now listed for an 8 week trial in 2024 in relation to an underlying fraud and secret profits dispute concerning sex tapes, secret documents and a Conservative peer.
- Acting for Domidias Limited and Merbau Synergy Limited in a substantial cross-border dispute relating to the shareholding of FESCO, Russia’s largest intermodal transportation company. Claims are hard fought in England, BVI and Russia.
- Acting for two defendants in the £4 billion claim brought by Tulip Trading Ltd in relation to the alleged hack of Dr Wright’s home network and theft of private keys for approximately 110,000 bitcoin and related digital assets.
Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3
Boutique Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP has an established financial dispute resolution team, acting against a wide range of major banks and financial institutions. Crypto-related disputes are a mainstay of the practice, with the team recently representing Bitfinex in a major crypto case. Mis-selling, fraud, and breach of contract claims all serve as further strengths of the practice. Sinead O’Callaghan has particular expertise in financial sector linked litigation, frequently advising retail and investment banks as well as leading domestic and international institutions. Stephen Elam has broad experience in global derivatives, allowing him to act on vastly complex financial disputes. Jon Felce, Lydia Danon, and Natalie Todd are highly active in this space.Other key lawyers:
Sinead O’Callaghan; Stephen Elam; Jon Felce; Lydia Danon; Natalie Todd
Key clients
ThinkMarkets
iFinex Inc (trading as Bitfinex)
TF Global Markets (UK) Ltd t/a ThinkMarkets
S&B Consultancy Services Limited (“S&B”)
Kai Midgley
Kemnal Investments Ltd
Giovanni Rollino
Fantasia Holdings Group Co., Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for ThinkMarkets group companies in Commercial Court proceedings brought by IS Prime Limited.
- Represented Fantasia Holdings Group Co., Limited (“Fantasia”) after it missed a $206m bond repayment in October 2023 and filed a notice with the Stock Exchange indicating it was unable to do so.
- Advising Russian bank National Bank Trust in relation to various significant matters arising from the consolidation of bad debts from other Russian banks.
Dispute resolution > Commodities disputes Tier 3
The disputes practice at litigation boutique Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP is 'a dynamic force able to deliver results for clients'. The firm is increasingly active in commodities disputes, among recent examples being two FOSFA arbitrations, and the defense of an award rendered in an International Cotton Association arbitration. Sinead O’Callaghan and Mikhail Vishnyakov are the key partners, In 2022, the firm hired Jon Felce and Natalie Todd from specialist fraud firm PCB Byrne LLP, who are both 'excellent litigators with a close eye to detail, a strong strategic sense and very strong analytical skills'. Their expertise in civil fraud, enforcement, asset recovery and banking litigation is frequently called upon for commodities cases.Other key lawyers:
Jon Felce; Natalie Todd; Rosie Wild; Mikhail Vishnyakov
Testimonials
‘I have worked with Jon Felce and Natalie Todd. They are both excellent litigators with a close eye to detail, a strong strategic sense and very strong analytical skills.’
‘The CYK team is a dynamic force able to deliver results for clients.’
‘Jon Felce and Natalie Todd stand out as excellent partners. They are both deeply experienced litigators. In the commodities field they have handled very large and complex disputes raising serious allegations of fraud.’
‘Rosie Wild – really good and focussed.’
‘The main strength of the team is client-tailored approach with the thorough understanding of client’s business objectives in the case.’
‘Natalie Todd is quick-witted and client-oriented. Jon Felce offers strategic thinking and creativity.’
‘Niche firm with very talented but small teams of lawyers.’
‘Jon Felce – highly experienced solicitor with great judgement. Natalie Todd – very bright, totally on the ball.’
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 4
Boutique firm Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP leverages its well-established reputation for acting in commercial and financial disputes to represent corporates, regulated firms and approved persons across a range of sectors in complex supervisory and enforcement proceedings. Recently, the team has seen a notable increase in cryptocurrency-related work. Stephen Elam is the key senior contact.Practice head(s):
Stephen Elam
Other key lawyers:
Sinead O’Callaghan
Testimonials
‘The team we work with has a demonstrated desire and ability to learn new technologies and take positions in a difficult and uncertain field. They are excellent advisors.’
Key clients
ThinkMarkets
iFinex Inc
TF Global Markets (UK) Ltd
TF Global Markets (Aust) Pty Ltd
S&B Consultancy Services Limited
JNFX Limited
Work highlights
- Defending ThinkMarkets group companies in proceedings brought by IS Prime relating to the basis upon which IS Prime provided matched principal brokerage services to ThinkMarkets on exclusive terms.
- Acting for cryptocurrency exchange platform Bitfinex in proceedings brought by an anonymous insurer in relation to a cyberattack committed by unknown fraudsters against the insurer’s customer.
- Acting for two defendants in the £4bn claim brought by Tulip Trading in relation to the alleged hack of Dr Wright’s home network and theft of private keys for approximately 110,000 bitcoin and related digital assets.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5
Boutique firm Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP specialises in commercial, corporate, and financial related litigation, acting for a roster of clients which includes a number of FTSE 100 companies. Tech related work is an increasing focus for the team, including many high-profile matters in the fintech and cryptocurrency area. The practice has continued to grow on the back of the arrival of Jon Felce and Natalie Todd from PCB Byrne LLP in April 2022. Other key practitioners in the team include Sinead O’Callaghan, Lydia Danon and Stephen Elam.Other key lawyers:
Sinead O’Callaghan; Lydia Danon; Stephen Elam; Natalie Todd; Jon Felce; Sam Roberts; Rosie Wild; Elizabeth Meade
Testimonials
‘A very practical and knowledgeable team. CYK has a reputation, which I have seen from working with them in practice, of delivering clear, practical and tactical advice to those working with cutting edge technology.’
‘Sam Roberts is an industry leader. He is very practical but also knowledgeable. Both combine to mean that he inspires confidence in clients and really does have a very good technical knowledge of the underlying technology that his clients were working with.’
‘Jon Felce is an outstanding partner with a wealth of experience.’
‘During my long professional career, they have been one of the best law firms I have deal with, worldwide.’
‘Natalie Todd and Jon Felce really stand out as both technically excellent and very approachable.’
Key clients
Domidias Limited and Merbau Synergy Limited/ Sian/Merbau
Jason Cox and Amaury Sechet
Olga Scherbakova and Alexander Scherbakov
PL Holdings Sarl (PLH)
ThinkMarkets (FCA and ASIC-regulated online trading broker)
Topalsson GmbH
iFinex Inc (trading as Bitfinex).
Investors in Echosense, a MedTech business
Medhat Hanna
S&B Consultancy Services Limited (“S&B”)
Sovcomflot company defendants: Cally Shipholdings Inc, Vital Shipping Corporation, Dainford Navigation Inc, Tamara Shipholdings SA, Tuscany Maritime SA, Novoship (UK) Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for defendants in a $91m matter relating to an underlying fraud and secret profits dispute concerning sex tapes, secret documents and a Conservative peer.
- Acted for Topalsson GmbH in its claim for breach of contract against Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd relating to a failed software project
- Acting for the defendants in substantial cross-border dispute relating to the shareholding of FESCO, Russia’s largest intermodal transportation company.
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5
Commercial and financial disputes boutique Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP routinely acts against major financial institutions and sovereign states, being generally free of conflicts of interest. Sinead O’Callaghan specialises in disputes emanating from Africa, South and Central America, and Russia and former CIS countries; Mikhail Vishnyakov is 'capable of resolving exceptional cases'; and associate Tulsi Bhatia has significant international arbitration expertise. In 2022, Jon Felce and Natalie Todd joined as partners from PCB Byrne, while former partner Daniel Burbeary joined Gresham Legal.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘CYK’s ability to manage projects efficiently, diligently and cost effectively makes this firm truly outstanding, and a primary choice when choosing a co-counsel for English law-governed disputes.‘
‘Mikhail Vishnyakov offers exceptional expertise, a hands-on approach, and very flexible fee arrangements, making him a primary choice for clients.‘
‘The team is highly professional and Mikhail Vishnyakov is an excellent lawyer who is capable of resolving exceptional cases.‘
‘Natalie Todd provides excellent legal advice and her light-touch approach allows the client to save funds, but, at the same time, secure remarkable results.‘
‘Cooke Young & Keidan is a very entrepreneurial law firm with young and energetic partners.‘
‘They are flexible when it comes to billing as it is a nimble firm.‘
‘Jon Felce is a brilliant advocate and very easy to work with.‘
‘Jon Felce impressed with his ability to understand quickly the basic principles of civil procedure in Nigeria, as it related to the use of Nigerian judicial decisions in UK court enforcement proceedings.‘
Key clients
MXV
PL Holdings
Work highlights
- Successfully defended MXV against Section 68 challenges to two arbitral awards, arising out of a bitterly-fought LCIA arbitration.
- Acting for PL Holdings in a landmark case concerning the impact of the infamous Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) decision in Achmea v Slovak Republic, and a significant matter in the context of intra-EU investment arbitration and enforcement.
- Acting for a Middle Eastern insurance group that is opposing the exercise of a put option by a minority shareholder (a global financial institution).
Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP > Firm Profile
Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP is a leading specialist firm of commercial disputes lawyers. We specialise in undertaking substantial English Court litigation, international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, working for businesses in the UK and abroad as well as for high-net-worth individuals.
We are known for outstanding successes in complex cases thanks to our experience, innovation and tenacity. Our specialist focus assists us to remain free of conflicts of interest, meaning that we can act fearlessly against most financial institutions and substantial multinational companies.
The firm: Since our foundation in 2009 we have built a formidable reputation for achieving results for our clients in high-value commercial disputes, including both court litigation and international arbitration cases. Offering a combination of commercialism, strategic thinking and tenacity, we are also able to act creatively and flexibly in a way that sets us apart from our competitors. We offer exceptional, personalized service.
We are known for our adroit handling of complex cases, and our specialist focus assists us to avoid the conflicts of interest often experienced by larger firms with transactional departments, meaning that we can act fearlessly against financial institutions and substantial multinational companies.
Our reputation was built initially on landmark high-profile cases against major UK banks, but we now offer a broad range of commercial dispute resolution expertise.
CYK is a destination of choice for referrals from leading domestic and international law firms and barrister chambers, as well as from elsewhere in the professional services sector. CYK is proud of its reputation for being a tenacious firm, helping clients to achieve significant success in high-value, (and sometimes high-profile) claims.
Types of work undertaken: CYK undertakes a range of complex and high-value commercial and corporate litigation and international arbitration for domestic and international corporates, private equity houses, hedge funds, professional services firms and high-net-worth individuals, as well as various forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation.
We have significant expertise in international arbitration, banking and financial services disputes, civil fraud, enforcement and asset recovery, partnership, company and shareholder disputes, private wealth disputes, professional negligence, regulatory disputes, sanctions and technology across a wide range of markets and industry sectors. A significant proportion of the firm’s work has an international element and the firm has particular experience and connections with the following jurisdictions: USA, EU, India, Russia/CIS, The Middle East, Offshore, Africa and Latin America.
CYK has acted in a number of ground-breaking cases. The work of the firm has been praised in the main legal directories and its lawyers have been named as some of the top legal professionals in the UK.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial services disputes | Sinead O'Callaghan | ||
| Financial services disputes | Stephen Elam | ||
| Financial services regulatory | Stephen Elam | ||
| Fraud and corruption | Lydia Danon | ||
| Fraud and corruption | Jon Felce | ||
| Insolvency | Jon Felce | ||
| Insolvency | Natalie Todd | ||
| Insurance and reinsurance disputes | Stephen Elam | ||
| Insurance and reinsurance disputes | Lydia Danon | ||
| Private wealth disputes | Sinead O'Callaghan | ||
| Private wealth disputes | Natalie Todd | ||
| Professional negligence | Sinead O'Callaghan | ||
| Professional negligence | Stephen Elam | ||
| Technology | Sinead O'Callaghan | ||
| Technology | Sam Roberts |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ms Lydia Danon | Partner | View Profile |
|
Mr Stephen Elam | Partner | View Profile |
|
Mr Jon Felce | Partner | View Profile |
|
Ms Sinead O’Callaghan | Managing, Partner | View Profile |
|
Mr Sam Roberts | Partner | View Profile |
|
Natalie Todd | Partner | View Profile |
|
Mr Mikhail Vishnyakov | Partner | View Profile |
|
Ms Rosie Wild | Partner | View Profile |
|
Mr Philip Young | Consultant and co-founder of CYK | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK lawyers : 19Languages
English French Greek German Gujarati Hindi Italian Romanian Russian SpanishMemberships
IBA London Solicitors Litigation Association ThoughtLeaders4 FIRE and Disputes Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association RAIIDAR IWIRC Tech Disputes Network Financial Services Lawyers Association Professional Negligence Lawyers Association Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers Association of Partnership Practitioners Society of Computers and Law AIJA CIARB ICC YAF LCIA YIAGDiversity
The firm is proud of the diversity across all levels of its fee earners. One third of the firm’s fee earning partners and about half of its associates are female. A partner and a number of associates are in the LGBT community and we have five BAME associates. We are also very international with associates and paralegals from India, Russia, Greece, Romania, New Zealand and Australia to name but a few and speak a wide range of languages.