Heather Rankin
Herbert Smith Freehills LLPWell known for handling complex and high-profile fraud investigations, legal actions and proceedings across different jurisdictions, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‘s ’fraud practice is second to none’. The London team’s experience covers heavyweight commercial and corporate litigation involving allegations of dishonesty, as well as the locating, freezing and recovery of assets. Heading up the practice, Jeremy Garson is ‘a go-to partner for high-value commercial fraud, asset tracing and high-stakes shareholder disputes’, and Natasha Johnson’s expertise encompasses claims of fraudulent misrepresentation and deceit, alleged financial misstatements, financial and consumer mis-selling, and director misfeasance. The team also includes ‘highly capable fraud litigator’ William Turner, whose track record includes several significant asset tracing and fraud cases; Heather Rankin, who is experienced in proceedings involving allegations of fraud against banks; and Dave Phillips, who focuses on CIS and offshore litigation-related civil fraud matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Herbert Smith remains one of the leading litigation firms in the City. Its fraud practice is second to none.’
‘A standout firm in this area. They have incredible strength in depth both horizontally (lots of very talented and successful partners) and vertically (the associates at all levels of seniority are of the highest calibre). Their experience in this area is unrivalled.’
‘Jeremy Garson is an exceptional partner. He is always available, has great commercial acumen, and offers clear advice.’
‘Jeremy Garson is a go-to partner for high-value commercial fraud, asset tracing, and high-stakes shareholder disputes. A superb combination of technical ability and strategic insight.’
‘Jeremy Garson has a huge amount of experience, which means that he knows exactly which points to take, and which not to take. He gives sensible, realistic advice but is not afraid to take on difficult cases.’
‘Jeremy Garson and William Turner are very careful with the details, hands on, knowledgeable, and always meet deadlines.’
- ‘William Turner is a highly capable fraud litigator.’
- ‘Dave Phillips is assured and understated, but with an incredible work ethic, producing work of the highest calibre.’
Key clients
- Jinxin
- Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Corporation
- Standard Chartered
- Westpac Banking Corporation
- TPG Group Holdings
- Mercedes-Benz Group
Work highlights
- Acting for Jinxin in ongoing fraudulent misrepresentation claims, which were brought in connection with its $661m acquisition in 2016 of a majority stake in Media Partners & Silva, a sports rights media business that went into insolvency shortly after its acquisition.
- Acting for Standard Chartered in high-profile and high-value claims brought under s.90A and s.90 FSMA by 250 claimants, involving allegations of dishonesty and misrepresentation.
- Acting for TPG Group Holdings (SBS) (and other TPG entities) in a $13.8bn claim which was filed by a jailed Russian oligarch against TPG defendants (and 15 other defendants), involving allegations of unlawful means conspiracy.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
William Turner
Herbert Smith Freehills LLPLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jeremy Garson