Dispute resolution
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
Profile
Work Department
Litigation and dispute resolution
Position
Matt’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and arbitration, white collar defence, regulatory enforcement and internal investigations.
Matt leads the litigation and dispute resolution group.
He regularly advises global corporations and financial institutions in relation to some of their most significant and sensitive international disputes, investigations and enforcement matters, working frequently with leading independent firms around the world to provide a comprehensive international strategy.
Matt has particular familiarity with litigation, arbitration and regulatory enforcement matters in the US having been seconded to a leading New York law firm and worked extensively on transatlantic cases.
Matt is a member of the firm’s International Committee, the International Bar Association’s Litigation Committee and regularly speaks at international conferences. He is also a Solicitor-Advocate.
Career
Qualified 2003; partner 2011
Memberships
Matt is a member of the International Bar Association’s Litigation Committee. He is also a Solicitor-Advocate.
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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.'
‘Macfarlanes' team is easy to work with, even on the most complex cases. I have worked with Matt Macahearty on high-value financial cross-border litigation, and his answers were clear, efficient, and easy to apply. The firm developed a unique network of excellent independent law firms around the world. The team is full of smart and positive people such as Matt McCahearty, Lois Horne, Simon Day and Chris Charlton.’
'Matt McCahearty is a seasoned and trusted litigator. Lois Horne, Simon Day or Chris Charlton are also excellent. Fred Snowball is full of promises.’
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.