Sidley Austin LLP boasts a highly competent multijurisdictional banking litigation team, with expertise handling high-profile mandates. Leadership of the team consists of a number of impressive individuals, including Matthew Shankland, Andrew Fox, Alastair (Al) Hopwood, and Sarah Lainchbury. Shankland works for many leading names in the field, while Fox’s practice focuses on complex financial derivative products. Clients with matters with a structured and leveraged finance angle, or contentious restructuring issue, frequently turn to Sarah Lainchbury.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘An excellent team of experienced, professional and pragmatic legal advisers. We have worked with them for many years and greatly appreciate their sensible, solution-oriented approach and industry expertise. They are happy to take a view on issues (i.e. not fence-sitting), and have a great understanding of our business and priorities.’

  • ‘In London, Matt Shankland and Sarah Lainchbury are particular stand-out partners with excellent legal and commercial instincts and great client-management skills. They are intelligent, unflappable, available and great fun to work with as well.’

  • 'The Sidley team has a proven track record of delivering quality service while advising on complex matters; their approach and level of knowledge is second to none.'

  • 'Sarah Lainchbury’s industry knowledge, experience and commercially-minded approach make her a fantastic partner.'

  • 'In my experience, this is one of the best litigation teams in the market—composed of top-quality lawyers who combine meticulous preparation with a practical and highly effective approach.'

  • 'Matthew Shankland is an exceptional litigator—one of the very best solicitors I have encountered. His judgment, expertise, and commitment are second to none. Sarah Lainchbury is a truly impressive practitioner—exceptionally well-prepared, clear-sighted, and an asset to any case.'

Key clients

  • Genworth Financial, Inc.

Work highlights

Representing leading U.S. insurance firm Genworth in a major PPI mis-selling-related litigation worth over £600 million.

Practice head

Matthew Shankland

Other key lawyers

Andrew Fox; Alastair (Al) Hopwood; Sarah Lainchbury