The ‘depth of knowledge and experience in international matters’ differentiates the financial services litigation practice at Dechert LLP, with expertise handling ’bet the company’ litigation. The ‘seriously impressive’ practice is renowned for its cross border work, particularly its expertise acting on matters with a Middle Eastern nexus. Team head Dorothy Cory Wright has expertise handling disputes related to complex financial products, while ’standout performer’ Adam Silver focuses on capital markets related disputes and enforcement actions. Ricci Potts has ‘wide experience in commercial and banking matters and solid commercial sense’, while Daniel Natoff focuses on civil fraud and regulatory matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Dechert team is extremely impressive. I have worked for a number of years with the individuals below, predominantly supporting their work for international, particularly Lebanese, banks. The cases have raised complex jurisdictional, legal and tactical issues, which the team have dealt with extraordinary skill.’
‘The stand-out partner is without doubt Adam Silver: Adam is simply one of the best solicitors I have dealt - he is extremely clever, entirely commercial and realistic in his approach, is able to anticipate developments in the litigation, and has a really good sense of what will and will not work in Court.'
‘They are an excellent team with huge amounts of experience and knowledge, adept at handling the procedural challenges and strong and creative on the law. The Dechert teams I've worked with have had consistently excellent output with legal and strategic advice, drafting, and case management.’
‘Adam Silver is the standout performer. He is an excellent strategist with very good commercial instincts, along with being knowledgeable, clever and creative on the law. A great manager and easy to work with. Ricci Potts is a new partner and rising force. Richard Herstell is a rising star, a polyglot with truly impressive language skills along with strong drafting and legal advice.’
‘The Dechert team were seriously impressive. They dealt with a complex, high value, multi-party banking dispute skilfully and efficiently and in the best interests of the clients at all times.’
‘Daniel Natoff, who led the team on a day-to-day basis, was excellent. Hard-working, always available, all over the detail, and managed the team well. Annabelle Nelsson was 100% dedicated and all over the detail. Harley Evans was very impressive. Highly diligent and very efficient, and never lost her cool even under considerable pressure.’
Key clients
- Union Bancaire Privee, UBP SA (“UBP”)
- UBP Asset Management (Bermuda) Limited
- Credit Suisse Asset Management (Switzerland)
- Bank Audi S.A.L
- Cedar Mundi Holdings SAL
- Société Générale de Banque au Liban
- Bank of Beirut SAL
- Banque Libano-Francaise S.A.L
- Blom Bank S.A.L
- Fransabank S.A.L.
- Bankmed S.A.L.
- Byblos Bank S.A.L.
Work highlights
Acting for various UBP entities in a high value, very complex, multi-party claim in the Commercial Court. The total value of the litigation exceeds USD 1.8 billion, and it is set to be the longest running Commercial Court case in modern history.
Representing Bank Audi in respect of a claim commenced by the International Finance Corporation (the IFC). The claims relate to various subordinated loans agreements under which the IFC advanced loans of USD 150 million to the Bank.
Representing Bank Audi in a claim US$30 million claim by Sheikh Mohammed Alesayi, which has produced a leading precedent on the scope of disclosure available in the context of a jurisdiction challenge.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Dorothy Cory-Wright
Other key lawyers
Adam Silver; Ricci Potts; Daniel Natoff; Richard Herstell; Annabelle Nelsson; Harley Evans; Andrew Hearn