Composed of ‘outstanding litigators’, Ashurst’s broad financial services disputes practice spans derivatives disputes, contractual and mis-selling claims, breach of confidence, and banking disputes. It is also active in consumer class actions and regularly handles litigation on a multi-jurisdictional basis. Nathan Willmott heads the contentious financial services group, while Tom Connor co-leads the disputes team, playing a key role in wealth management disputes. Lynn Dunne enjoys a successful track record representing financial institutions in litigation and Philip Linton brings to the team particular expertise in global markets close-outs since he joined in May 2023. James Levy leads on Quincecare and fraud claims, and Ruby Hamid is another name to note. Sophie Law boasts an active financial crime practice and Louise Youngman is experienced in unfair prejudice claims, as well as contentious restructuring and insolvency matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent commercial "nous". Outstanding litigators who really know how to make the process work for their clients.’
‘Very well-established team with excellent knowledge of the sector. Real commitment to diversity with women in prominent leadership roles.’
‘Lynn Dunne - brilliant head of EMEA Contentious Financial Services Group, a strong leader who knows how to get results for clients.’
‘Philip Linton's in-house experience is valuable as he has seen the disputes and investigations from my perspective, he is aware of the internal pressures and tensions that can challenge the in-house lawyer running these matters. James Levy is a standout expert in his field. He has an extremely wide range of experience in high profile cases, giving me confidence that my firm is in the absolute best hands.'
'Sophie Law is an extremely effective disputes expert, able to weigh up the pros and cons on tough decision quickly. Provides crystal clear advice as to the pros and cons of the options and advising on the optimal approach, always looking ahead to the next stages of the dispute.’
‘Lynn Dunne is a standout partner. Her insight on how matters will unfold is always useful, and you want her on your side in taking on, or negotiating with, opponents. Louise Youngman is an excellent associate. She has great grasp of the detail, and her drafting is perfect.’
‘Philip Linton, Neil Donovan, Nathan Willmott and Tom Connor particularly strong.’
‘Lynn Dunne is excellent. She has great technical ability, really good management and organisational skills and is super focused on getting the best results for the client. A really good all-around litigator.’
Key clients
- Close Brothers Asset Management
- Daiwa Capital Markets Europe Limited
- Nomura International plc
- Punter Southall Group Limited
- Specialist Lending Ltd t/a Duologi
Work highlights
Advised Daiwa on a contribution claim against Mr Maan Abdul Wahed Al Sanea, following the Supreme Court judgment against Daiwa in a claim bought by Singularis Holding Limited (Singularis).
Advised PSG on all aspects of long-running litigation arising from a claim for unfair prejudice, brought by the former CEO and minority shareholder of a subsidiary company incorporated in Jersey against PSG, the majority shareholder.
Advised Close in defence of claims brought by three individuals who were clients of two independent financial advisor firms in respect of investments made in Ingenious film schemes comprising breach of contract, negligence, negligent misstatement, and breach of statutory duty.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Nathan Willmott; Tom Connor
Other key lawyers
Lynn Dunne; Philip Linton; James Levy; Sophie Law; Louise Youngman; Anna Varga; Neil Donovan; Ruby Hamid