Drawing on the firm’s international platform, A&O Shearman remains at the ‘top of the pack’ and a go-to choice for global financial institutions. The litigation team works in tandem with the firm’s transactional practices to represent clients in matters ranging from high-profile disputes to regulatory investigations. Arnondo Chakrabarti leads the team, representing major financial institutions not only in litigation, but also in regulatory, criminal, and internal investigations. Alex Chenery excels in multi-jurisdictional proceedings, from derivatives, syndicated lending, and structured finance disputes, to contentious insolvencies. An expert in fraud and mis-selling claims, as well as derivatives and structured finance litigation, Mahmood Lone is praised for his ’great attention to detail and high analytical skills’. Michael Godden represents a diverse range of banks, funds dealers, and corporate trustees, often in parallel proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, as well as internal investigations, asset tracing and enforcement, and restructurings and insolvencies. Susanna Charlwood also demonstrates particular prowess in disputes involving distressed or insolvent companies. Experienced in mis-selling, misrepresentation, breach of contract, and negligence claims, Juliet de Pencier is another name to note. Andy McGregor left the firm in October 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Mahmood Lone: very hard working, practical, great attention to detail and high analytical skills. Arnondo Chakrabarti: highly experienced, great strategist, excellent at client management.’
‘Arnondo Chakrabarti displays all the qualities one could seek in a partner at a law firm: empathetic, with a sharp mind and great technical expertise, commercial acumen, and a real understanding of his client's needs. One additional aspect that is very valued is his support for his team, which shows and creates a great dynamic, providing even better quality services to his clients.'
‘They are a "go to" team for financial services-related disputes, having expertise and breadth of practice that few others in the market can match.’
‘Mahmood Lone is a stand-out partner in this practice area. His advice is always spot-on. His technical expertise is first rate, but his ability to apply that advice in a commercially sensible manner and to explain in a straightforward manner what are often complex concepts is particularly impressive.’
‘The A&O banking litigation team has long been top of the pack when it comes to industry knowledge but it is also excellent at knowing the specifics and intricacies of us as a client.’
‘The whole team is great but we have very close relationships with Calum Burnett, Sarah Hitchins, and Mahmood Lone. Mahmood is an absolute pleasure to work with and has regularly stepped in at short notice to help us out of a tight spot. He has a great client manner and always calm under pressure.’
‘Mahmood Lone - clever and strategic. Andrew Denny - very experienced in banking litigation.’
‘Michael Godden is a top-notch litigator in banking and finance disputes with an international angle.’
Key clients
- Citi
- Madison Pacific Trust Limited
- Commerzbank
- Cassini SAS
- MGT Teesside Limited
- Vroon Holding
Work highlights
Acting for Citi in long-running and highly publicised litigation based on the EC’s decision that Citi and certain other banks infringed competition law in relation to conduct in the spot foreign exchange markets.
Advising Madison Pacific Trust Limited on a Part 8 Application for trustee directions regarding the distribution of funds under Bond Trust Deeds.
Acting for Commerzbank in a dispute with an Italian local authority (Provincia di Catanzaro) regarding a derivative transaction entered into in 2007.
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.
Andrew Denny
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Arnondo Chakrabarti
Michael Godden
Mahmood Lone
Practice head
Calum Burnett; Arnondo Chakrabarti
Other key lawyers
Andrew Denny; Mahmood Lone; Michael Godden; Susanna Charlwood; Sarah Hitchens; Juliet de Pencier; Mohamed Sacranie; Nicholas Gomes; Alex Chenery