Multi-jurisdictional banking matters are a particularly prolific area for Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s dispute resolution practice. Its ’top-rate’ team of banking litigators represents international financial institutions, bank investors, and trade associations in swap transactions disputes, benchmark investigations, freezing injunctions, and contentious insolvencies. Practice head James Norris-Jones handles cross-border disputes and multi-jurisdictional proceedings, from shareholder and JV disputes to fraud and market manipulation claims. Jonathan Kelly is a go-to representative in fraud, misrepresentation, and negligence claims, as well as breach of contract and mandate claims, market price issues, and derivatives litigation. Sunil Gadhia has retired from the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Key strengths are: (1) combination of associates with confidence and ability to handle a large and complex dispute with relatively little partner supervision - but highly experienced and strategic partner input when required; (2) ability to work seamlessly across jurisdictions, bringing in advice and expertise from Italian offices and external Italian counsel when required.’
‘Jonathan Kelly (partner). Deep knowledge of banking litigation and in particular of disputes concerning interest rate hedging transactions entered into by Italian municipalities. Frances Carpenter (associate) is extremely hard-working, collaborative and easy to work with.’
‘Extremely strong bench in both London and NY for financial services matters. Very commercial and user friendly.’
‘James Norris-Jones: excellent judgement, all over the detail, robust negotiator.’
‘Excellence in ethics, professionalism and expertise, outstanding customer service.’
‘Cleary is a top-rate banking team, one of the best in the City. They are extremely experienced in all aspects of financial services litigation and are a go-to team for the most complex of disputes.’
'James Brady-Banzet is one of the young guns of the London banking litigation world. He has great technical knowledge and a sound tactical sense. He will be a star of the future.’
'James Brady-Banzet - super smart young partner, a star; particularly effective in tactical battles including in relation to disclosure. Kieran Rogan - fantastic senior associate managing cases with great care and skill.’
Key clients
- DEXIA Crediop S.p.A.
- Natixis
- Firth Rixson
- GHF Fund
- Wafra Inc.
- FM Capital Partners Ltd
- Fir Tree Capital
Work highlights
- Representing GHF Fund (formerly Abraaj Growth Markets Health Fund) in three parallel litigation claims arising from the collapse of The Abraaj Group, with an aggregate value exceeding $300m.
- Representing DEXIA Crediop S.p.A. in proceedings concerning derivative products in Italy and the UK, successfully obtaining Summary Judgement for Dexia in December 2023
- Representing Natixis in various disputes concerning a commodities financing issue relating to crude oil.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
James Norris-Jones; Jean-Yves Garaud
Other key lawyers
Jonathan Kelly; James Brady-Banzet; Frances Carpenter; Kieran Rogan