The international disputes team at Steptoe UK LLP focuses on commercial litigation work, with broad experience in fraud claims, competition law claims, contract disputes, and other matters arising from white-collar crime. Neil Dooley spearheads the practice, representing clients on cross-border fraud claims, often with a Russian element. Furthermore, Jonathan Raynes brings a wealth of experience handling both international and domestic construction disputes, professional negligence matters, and insolvency work. In addition, Leigh Mallon regularly represents clients in matters involving breaches of fiduciary duties, professional negligence, and shareholder claims. The team in this area is supported by Alex Green, who focuses on clients from Central and Eastern Europe, and Natalia Gofman, with a focus on civil fraud, asset tracing, and recovery.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Outstanding practice, which brings critical thinking and a wealth of experience to a case.’
- Jonathon Raynes is incredibly meticulous, thoroughly analysing every aspect of the case and anticipating potential challenges before they arise.'
- 'Alex Green is a brilliant associate, with a successful future ahead of him. His ability to combine technical expertise and outside-the-box thinking set him apart from other lawyers. He has a sharp mind, a strong attention to detail, and he is a force to be reckoned with. I felt safe having him by our side in very complex and sensitive commercial disputes.’
‘The quality of the lawyers is consistently excellent. They have a particularly talented and successful team of Russia and Former Soviet Union specialists, and they are equally skilled whether representing claimants or defendants.’
- 'Alex Green is an unbelievably capable associate. He is brilliant intellectually, with an unmatched eye for detail: nothing ever gets past him.'
‘Strength in depth and work ethic, Steptoe's commercial litigation team goes the extra mile for its clients.'
Key clients
- Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha
- National Bank Trust
- Binance
- Digital Anchor Holdings Limited
- Al-Jomaih Power Limited
Work highlights
Defended car carrier NYK in Mark McLaren Class Representative Limited v MOL (Europe Africa) and others.
Acted for National Trust Bank before the Commercial Court. Acting for the Claimants and winning all of the interlocutory applications heard to date, covering key issues on jurisdiction and the scope and continuation of freezing orders, and the use of documents in foreign criminal proceedings.
Represented Binance in its defence of the highly publicised BSV class action before the Competition Appeals Tribunal.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Natalia Gofman
Alex Green
Practice head
Neil Dooley
Other key lawyers
Jonathan Raynes; Leigh Mallon; Natalia Gofman; Alex Green