Macfarlanes LLP ‘can combine expertise in both civil and criminal fraud at the highest level’, focusing exclusively on big ticket, complex cases that can involve freezing orders, discovery applications, and parallel civil and criminal proceedings in numerous jurisdictions. Clients admire the ’masterful leadership’ of renowned practice head James Popperwell, who has extensive experience in seeking and challenging freezing orders and other urgent forms of relief. Nik Ireland has a particular specialism in obtaining and opposing interim relief and freezing orders sought in support of court or arbitral proceedings. The team’s go-to senior associate Alex Douty is often employed in matters crossing multiple jurisdictions and coordinates foreign counsel.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘James Popperwell is a Rolls Royce partner. He delivers the very highest quality legal advice and litigation strategy.’
‘Macfarlanes is our first choice in civil fraud or broader commercial litigation.’
‘Nik Ireland is an outstanding operator and strategic thinker.’
‘This is a team with a wealth of experience which flies under the radar. The disputes team has grown significantly in size over the years. They can combine expertise in both civil and criminal fraud at the highest level, offering a superb one-stop solution for clients. They also enjoy strong international connections with other independent law firms around the globe.’
‘James Popperwell - For masterful leadership in this practice area and his unmatched extensive experience in fraud, in the UK and globally, is recommended. As a client of his, you are in excellent hands.'
'Nik Ireland is consistently impressive and highly responsive.’
Key clients
- OWH SE iL
- AlixPartners
- Primekings Limited
- British Bankers’ Association
Work highlights
Acting for corporate lenders in obtaining a worldwide freezing order against the former owner of a major Eastern European bank and pursuing an arbitration concerning the enforcement of financial instruments.
Acting for two businessmen in defence of a €100m multi-jurisdictional and multi-party fraud claim including complex issues of Polish, Cypriot, and English law.
Acting for a state-owned energy company in a dispute with its joint venture partner worth hundreds of millions of dollars arising out of high-value intergroup loans and guarantees.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
James Popperwell
Other key lawyers
Nik Ireland; Alex Douty