Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP boasts a ‘very focussed, dynamic team’ in the banking litigation sphere, that is ’responsive, lucid and innovative in their approach’. The practice leverages its conflict-free nature to act against notable financial institutions, and often works on disputes involving leading international banks. Team head Sinead O’Callaghan is ‘top-tier’, and has expertise in bond-related disputes and high-value freezing injunctions. Financial services specialist Stephen Elam is an ’excellent partner who knows the industry’, and is skilled at handling crypto-related disputes. ‘Astoundingly good lawyer’ Jon Felce focuses on fraud and sanctions mandates, and has significant cybercrime expertise, while Sam Roberts is an ’astute strategic thinker’. Natalie Todd is key to the team, and is ‘experienced at guiding a team through difficult cases’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘CYK have carved out a real niche for themselves. They are able to provide commercial law expertise to rival any of their larger competitors. They are a true boutique outfit.’
‘Sam Roberts is a star. He has a brain the size of a planet and is an astute strategic thinker. Top drawer material.’
‘Sam Roberts is very engaged and interested in the law, with consummate client-skills. Elizabeth Meade works ferociously hard without ever losing her calm, confident exterior.’
‘CYK is highly specialised in disputes, with a highly qualified team at all levels. Even the junior members of the team have great depth of knowledge and experience of high level litigation and arbitration. ’
‘Jon Felce is an astoundingly good lawyer. Natalie Todd is a great leader, experienced at guiding a team through difficult cases.’
‘The team is professional yet very approachable and flexible. Willing to accommodate clients' needs and trying to be innovative and strategic. They are not only offering legal advice but also having commercial and business sense.’
Key clients
- Melville Consulting Partners Limited
- Melville Consultancy Ltd
- Regal Consultancy International Ltd
- JNFX Limited
- Tether
- Pump Court Chambers Ltd
- Durnont Enterprises Limited
Work highlights
Acting for Tether, the issuer of the largest stablecoin cryptocurrency globally (USDt) in relation to a number of cryptoasset claims and recovery proceedings in which relief is sought from Tether.
Acting for Durnont in relation to a €100m claim arising out of the alleged expropriation of an interest in a fund investing in real estate in Poland, the first stage of which involved the early redemption of bonds subscribed to by a Polish bank.
Representing five parties to proceedings brought by MultiBank Group (self-described as one of the world’s leading Forex and CFD (Contracts For Difference) financial institutions which has evolved into one of the largest online financial derivatives providers worldwide) in which damages are claimed in respect of the postponement of a bond issue.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sinead O’Callaghan
Other key lawyers
Stephen Elam; Jon Felce; Sam Roberts; Natalie Todd; Elizabeth Meade