With an active cross-border disputes practice, Macfarlanes LLP regularly handles global investigations and prosecutions for a diverse clientele across investment funds, corporate, tax, competition, employment, fraud, privacy, data protection, and white-collar crime. Practice head Matt McCahearty maintains a strong track record in high-profile investigations, including LIBOR and anti-money laundering, and brings particular expertise in transatlantic matters and FCA-appointed skilled person reviews. Barry Donnelly is experienced in international financial services disputes and investigations, with noted expertise in transatlantic regulatory enforcement, having advised on high-profile LIBOR matters and acted as an FCA-approved skilled person. Laura Bridgewater is a litigation specialist who excels in sensitive investigations involving market abuse and rogue trading.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has a strong reputation in the City. Very organised, professional and well respected by clients.’
‘Laura Bridgewater is a very strong junior partner, who exhibits energy and good judgement. She is very good at managing cases.'
'Matt McCahearty, very competent and pleasant, good with banks.'
‘Laura Bridgwater is starting to make a name in this area.’
‘I have worked with Matt McCahearty on FCA matters, for high-level strategic advice. His intervention was always straight to the point, efficient, and proactive when necessary.’
'Matt McCahearty proved to be very knowledgeable, curious about the overall case abroad, which overall enriched the advice he was able to provide.'
Key clients
- Macquarie Bank Limited
- The British Bankers’ Association
- NatWest
- Thirteen Bitcoin Developers
- CFE Finance Group
- Revolution Beauty Group plc
Work highlights
Represented Macquarie Bank Limited (London Branch) in an FCA investigation into an unauthorised trading incident, resulting in a resolution with the FCA.
Acting for a number of core Bitcoin Developers in the highly publicised claim by Dr Craig Wright, who claimed to have created Bitcoin and released it publicly in 2009 under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
Defending NatWest in multi £billion collective proceedings relating to alleged FX manipulation. This includes successfully applying to the UK Supreme Court for permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s November 2023 judgment regarding the test of certifying collective proceedings on an opt-in or opt-out basis.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Laura Bridgewater
Practice head
Matt McCahearty
Other key lawyers
Barry Donnelly; Laura Bridgewater; Lois Horne; Simon Day; Chris Charlton