Representing financial institutions, companies, multi-national corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, Stewarts Law LLP’s ‘dynamic’ banking litigation team advises on disputes related to financial instruments and structures. In addition to its strength in claimant work, the group is also seeing an increase in defence instructions, particularly acting for foreign banks. Lucy Ward and Mo Bhaskaran took over from Clive Zietman, who retired in May 2024, as practice co-heads in April 2023. Keith Thomas is an expert in securities litigation and experienced in advising on shareholder claims. Alex Jay leads the firm’s insolvency and asset recovery team and Elaina Bailes is active, including in offshore jurisdictions, fraud and asset recovery, and financial services and securities litigation. Laura Jenkins’ clientele ranges from individuals to corporations, while Sophie Lalor-Harbord has experience acting both for and against banks.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have been instructed by Stewarts in a number of different cases over the last 15+ years. The teams I have worked with have always had good lawyers; they have a good understanding of the relevant legal issues, and a commercial awareness of what can and cannot be achieved. They are one of the most tactically astute firms I have come across. I have recommended them to people on numerous occasions.'
‘Lucy Ward is an excellent technical lawyer, has fantastic judgement, and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Excellent contacts with banks and other financial services firms, great track record on topics relevant to the matter, very pleasant to deal with, collaborative and team oriented.’
‘Sophie Lalor-Harbord - very well-organised, always on top of things, commercially minded and resolution-oriented. Keith Thomas - very experienced, gives good strategic advice.’
‘Stewarts is well-known for its banking litigation practice, acting both for and against banks. They have genuine and deep industry knowledge.’
‘Sophie Lalor-Harbord is a partner in the prime of her talents. She is superb at the very middle of a case, managing the team while keeping her eye firmly fixed on her client's commercial objective.'
‘A dynamic team in which the partners and associates work well together. Partners are particularly adept at drawing on the skills of specialist colleagues in other departments (or indeed at firms in other jurisdictions), to deliver sophisticated and well-considered advice.’
‘Sophie Lalor-Harbord - partner - very organised and really excellent at running complex litigation, coordinating input from many different people, and ensuring that the client is properly advised as appropriate, whatever the time pressure she is working under. Good at making strategic decisions in light of complex information. Tom Otter - Senior Associate - diligent and highly intelligent.’
Key clients
- Mark McDonald and Hugh Dickson of Grant Thornton acting as the joint liquidators of Stanford International Bank Ltd
- Kijani Resources Limited (in liquidation) and Ratio Limited (in liquidation) both acting by their joint liquidators Simon Conway and Edgar Lavarello of PwC
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.
Practice head
Mo Bhaskaran; Lucy Ward
Other key lawyers
Keith Thomas; Alex Jay; Elaina Bailes; Laura Jenkins; Sophie Lalor-Harbord; Tom Otter; Harry Spendlove