The commercial litigation practice at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP stands out for its ‘expertise and focus on practical advice’, frequently acting on high-profile bet-the-company and sanctions matters. Regarded as 'an excellent team leader’, Rajinder Bassi specialises in the infrastructure, manufacturing, and mining industries. Richard Boynton and Noah Stewart-Ornstein are key to the practice, with extensive experience acting on banking and structuring litigation, as well as complex shareholder disputes. Stuart Doxford focuses on complex financial markets litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Expertise and focus on practical advice.’
‘Rajinder Bassi is an excellent team leader.’
‘Richard Boynton is a total superstar. He's now one of the two or three best commercial litigation partners in the UK. Stunningly brainy; he’s on top of every detail, while never losing sight of the bigger picture; he provides clients with outstanding advice, combining realism with creativity; and he gets more done in 24 hours than most people in a week.'
- Noah Stewart-Ornstein; He’s probably the hardest working litigation solicitor I’ve ever come across, and has more energy than a power station. A dynamo.’
‘Jon Newman is exceptional. Sees the big picture and commerciality but clearly has all the technical skills at his disposal.'
- 'Harry Brignall works tirelessly for his clients and is clearly clued up on M&A disputes.’
Key clients
- Appian Capital Advisory
- McDermott International, Ltd
- Carlyle
- Joint Administrators of NMC Healthcare Ltd and NMC Holding Ltd (the “NMC Group”)
- Ad Hoc Group of holders of GKN’s bonds
- Morrisons
- Various Bondholders of the Steinhoff Group
- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Michael Abel (GREYKITE Investment Advisor Limited)
- Lenders to Byju’s Alpha, Inc. (Represented by GLAS Trust Company LLC)
Work highlights
Acting for two funds sponsored by Appian in high-value litigation in the High Court stemming from the termination of a USD 1.2 billion sale of two Brazilian mines by Appian to a major South African mining company and the world’s largest producer of platinum. The court ruled in Appian’s favour.
Defending companies in the Morrisons supermarket group against a claim in relation to Morrison’ termination of the commercial relationship with another company. The case arises out of the GBP 2.5 billion sale of Morrison’ petrol forecourt business to the Motor Fuels Group.
Acting for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts on its claim against Awaze Limited (a portfolio company of Platinum Equity and the largest managed vacation rentals and holiday resorts business in Europe) relating to the interpretation of six related agreements concerning trademark licensing and a rewards redemption programme.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Rajinder Bassi
Other key lawyers
Richard Boynton; Noah Stewart-Ornstein; Stuart Doxford; Jon Newman