Slaughter and May’s commercial litigation team is particularly renowned for its expertise in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes, acting on many leading cases. Cross-border fraud, shareholder disputes, and corporate misconduct are all strengths of a team led by Richard Swallow, who frequently represents major corporates and financial institutions in significant cross-border proceedings. Richard Swallow has extensive fraud knowledge and is skilled at handling the contentious aspects of corporate transactions. Efstathios Michael notably handles shareholder disputes and mass claims, while Camilla Sanger focuses on class actions. Damian Taylor specialises in crypto disputes and is key to the practice, as are financial services specialist Jonathan Clark and Richard Jeens, noted for his capabilities in pensions and tax disputes. Holly Ware and Peter Wickham are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'I worked with Damian Taylor and Patrick Hall — I was impressed by their calm efficiency and their ability to identify the key issues that were going to make a real difference in resolving the dispute. They managed a complex dispute efficiently and impressively.'
- 'Damian Taylor — Calm, safe pair of hands. Managed the case very well. Patrick Hall - stand-out senior associate and surely destined for partnership. All over the detail and great people skills.'
- 'The best in the business - they have a depth of talent across the department at all levels. Hardworking, clever, sound judgment, and a pleasure to work with.'
- 'Partners are all top-notch.'
- 'One of the top few firms for commercial dispute resolution in the UK.'
- 'Holly Ware is a calm, detail-oriented partner. Ewan Brown is a very experienced litigator. Megan Sandler is an up-and-coming partner on large-scale disputes. Tahlia Brysha-Pullen is extremely efficient and sensible. Abe Lisberg is an excellent up-and-coming associate.'
Key clients
- BHP Group
- The Football Association Premier League
- British American Tobacco plc
- Virgin America TM Limited and Virgin Enterprises Limited
- Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC
- Aker BP ASA
- The Secretary of State for Defence (also UK Government Investments Limited (“UKGI”) and Defence Infrastructure Holdings Ltd (“DIHL”))
- Spreadex Limited
- Diageo
- Avara Limited
- Motorola Solutions, Inc. and Airwave Solutions Limited
- Dyson Limited and Dyson Technology Limited
Work highlights
Advising BHP Group plc and other entities who are defendants to claims arising out of the collapse of the Fundão Dam in Brazil. The case involves over 620,000 claimants advancing claims under Brazilian law.
Advising BAT in respect of substantial group claims commenced in the High Court by claimant law firm, Leigh Day, on behalf of over 10,000 Malawian tobacco farmers and their family members against certain group companies of British American Tobacco plc and Imperial Brands plc, concerning allegations of child and forced labour on tobacco farms in Malawi alleged to indirectly supply BAT through third party suppliers.
Advising UK and overseas entities in the Dyson group in respect of a high-profile mass tort claims brought against them by workers in their supply chain.
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.
Practice head
Richard Swallow
Other key lawyers
Efstathios Michael; Camilla Sanger; Damian Taylor; Jonathan Clarke; Richard Jeens; Holly Ware; Peter Wickham; Patrick Hall