Crime, fraud and licensing
The ‘highly competent, experienced and dependable lawyers’ at AIM-listed law firm Keystone Law ’consistently surpass expectations with their utmost professionalism’. The large practice, which covers commercial, family and property disputes and professional negligence, is home to sector specialists in shipping, sport, aviation, energy and media. Among the firm’s experienced practitioners, James Healy-Pratt acts in aviation disputes; Alex Ferrari‘s practice encompasses both domestic and international disputes and veteran litigator Matthew Hennessy-Gibbs is ’very commercially minded’. Lara Robson is experienced in coordinating proceedings in a range of jurisdictions, while Patrick Elliott is a corporate recovery and insolvency specialist and Patrick Pennal maintains a wide-ranging international litigation practice. The practice also includes shipping, commodities and commercial litigator Dharmendra Nair; James Lankshear, who resolves disputes for companies offering spread betting and foreign exchange services; Chris Botsman, whose ‘commercial litigation experience is fundamental to the success of cases’; insurance, medical and life sciences litigator Rowan Brown; Richard Johnson-Brown, a specialist in shipping disputes; Elaine Chan, who has ’excellent judgement’; and experienced commercial litigator Kamal Mukhi . Other names to note are Kash Balogun, Robert Kenyon , Louise Abbott, Joseph Kosky, and Nick Scott. Professional liability expert Jane Howard joined from Reed Smith LLP during 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Commercial Litigation
Position
Matthew is a commercial litigation lawyer with over 20 years’ experience and with specific expertise in commercial disputes and fraud, often with an international element. His client base is both domestic and international, having acted for companies and businesses throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and many offshore jurisdictions, as well as those in the UK. He also advises private high-net-worth individuals and family offices, foreign lawyers, and major lending institutions.
An approved Privy Council Agent, several of Matthew’s cases have gone to the Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights. His experience includes claims and disputes concerning commercial contracts, breach of trust, sale of goods, professional negligence, litigation on behalf of insolvency practitioners, fraud and bribery investigations and asset tracing, debt recovery, shareholder and other corporate disputes, and money laundering issues as well as advising clients in coroners’ inquests.
Career
2018 Keystone Law | Consultant Solicitor 2011 - 2018 Devonshires LLP | Partner 2004 - 2010 Hextalls LLP | Partner 2003 - 2004 Picton Howell Solicitors | Associate 1999 - 2002 Amhurst Brown Colombotti Solicitors | Solicitor 1996 - 1999 Vizards Solicitors | Solicitor 1996 Qualfiied as a Solicitor 1994 - 1996 Royds Treadwell Solicitors | Trainee Solicitor
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Highly-competent, experienced and dependable lawyers. Accessible, easygoing, strategic, and commercial – a winning combination.’
- ‘Quick to engage and match the issue with the most suitable lawyer - their streamlined, personalised, technology-driven processes continue throughout the engagement and lead to painless processes with transparent fees.’
- ‘What sets this firm apart is its remarkable traits - they are swift, seasoned, open and attentive. They consistently surpass expectations with their utmost professionalism and keep clients updated via their monthly law updates.’
‘Matthew Hennessy-Gibbs takes the time to fully understand the issue in hand. He is very commercially minded and understands the realities of business.’
‘Nick Scott is a fantastic lawyer who could be at any Magic Circle firm. His strategic acumen is second to none, and he is seen as a trusted adviser of many very high-profile clients, including political parties and HNW individuals.’
- ‘Elaine Chan is knowledgeable super-diligent, approachable, and has excellent judgement.’
- ‘Chris Botsman's commercial litigation experience is fundamental to the success of cases - excellent advice on approach.’
‘Kash Balogun’s attention to detail, skills, experience, ability to manage client expectations, and success rate are outstanding. He is patient and can accurately advise on the merits of a claim, giving the client clear insight into what may be ahead and the outcome.’
Key clients
- Xebia Limited Liability Company
- 47 Degrees
- The Labour Party
- Forcia
- Dbmc
- Curzon Trinitas
- Broadley Energy
- Sunlink Energies and Resources
- Baffinland Iron Mines
- Wikijob Ltd
- Molino Research
Work highlights
Defending an e-commerce business against claims by customers looking to recover investments.
Defending David Breith (DB) in a High Court claim, commenced by Scot Smith and Rafax Invest against DB and Firexo Group for alleged $66m losses, resulting from a proposed IPO that did not proceed.