Stephenson Harwood‘s commercial litigation team is praised for combining ’legal rigour with sound commercial judgment and strategic finesse’. Team head Richard Garcia-Almendros is ‘highly industrious and exceptionally thoughtful’, and handles many of the high-profile mandates undertaken by the practice for banks and leading corporates. Guy Harper specialises in private equity and professional services-related disputes, while Sue Millar is a sanctions specialist who also has extensive experience in international litigation related to government interests. The ’outstanding’ Genevieve Quierin is praised for ‘a rare combination of legal precision, strategic clarity and sound commercial judgment to every matter she handles’, while Donna Newman is considered ’very knowledgeable, responsive and extremely good at finding the risk strategy in challenging cases’. Chris Pettett is recommended for his experience in High Court proceedings, particularly for financial services clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Garcia. Highly industrious and exceptionally thoughtful, he always tries to look at a problem from all angles to find the best solution. He is also unfailingly delightful to work with.'
‘Stephenson Harwood’s commercial litigation team is exceptionally strong, combining legal rigour with sound commercial judgment and strategic finesse. They have an impressive ability to navigate high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional disputes with clarity and precision, whether acting in shareholder litigation, fund-related claims, or complex contractual and regulatory matters.'
‘Richard Garcia - an all-around excellent litigator.'
‘Expertise in the subject matter area (litigation with public departments) as well as a good understanding of the life science sector. ’
‘Excellent communication skills as well as a good working knowledge of the life science sector. Pleasant manner and easy to build rapport with. Personable nature as well as good technical skill.'
‘Guy Harper - urbane and knowledgeable. ’
Key clients
- Bluebell Cars Topco Limited, Bluebell Cars Midco Limited, Bluebell Cars Bidco Limited, and Bapchild Motoring World (Kent) Limited
- Primer Design Limited and Novacyt S.A.
- M&G Group Regulated Entity Holding Group
- Over 1,800 claimants including numerous global hotel chains, high street and online retailers, a leading betting and gaming company, restaurant chains, travel companies, arts and entertainment companies, ticketing companies and others
- Soho Square Capital I LP and Soho Square Capital II LP
- Saxon Woods Investments Limited
- BDO LLP
- Maliba Mining Services and Junction Contract Mining SARL
- Asda Stores Limited
- Iceland Foods
- Marks and Spencer plc
- Ocado Retail Limited
Work highlights
Acting for the Big Motoring World Group in respect of a Part 7 claim and unfair prejudice petition brought by its founder, former CEO and majority shareholder.
Defended the largest "COVID contract" claim brought by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, settling claims in excess of £130m for £5m.
Representing M&G in a substantial dispute with Royal London Mutual Insurance regarding the purchase of an investment platform and various breaches of warranty in a sale and purchase agreement for shares.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Chris Pettett
Practice head
Richard Garcia-Almendros
Other key lawyers
Guy Harper; Sue Millar; Genevieve Quierin; Donna Newman; Chris Pettett; Dan Smith