Sidley Austin LLP advises clients on commercial litigation concerning shareholder disputes, litigation funding and arbitration-related issues. The firm acts across a wide range of industries, including energy, financial services, aviation and private equity. Practice head Matthew Shankland focuses on disputes arising out of shareholder agreements, leveraged finance agreements and taxation. Alastair Hopwood specialises in the insurance, reinsurance, banking and finance sectors, while Sarah Lainchbury is noted for her experience in appellate-level litigation before the Court of Appeal.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Thorough consideration of the facts and dynamics, exercising clarity of thought to deliver a decisive litigation strategy.
- Responsiveness and proactivity.
- Terrific team always available, providing high-level services in a sharp and professional way to be used and understood by CEOs and top managers.
- Andrew Fox is a partner we work with on a regular basis. He is extremely helpful, available, and provides high-level and relevant services. In his team, David Smith is a senior associate with great knowledge, fluent in French, always relevant, client-oriented, and result-driven.
Key clients
- Affiliate of Técnicas Reunidas
- Microsoft
- Kroll Agency and Trustee Services
- H.I.G. European International Advisors LLP
- Tempus Holdings 99 S.A.R.L
- Investec Bank Plc
- Sousa Enterprises and Eltsar
- GLAS Specialist Services
- Sports Entertainment Media B.V.
- Fortress Lending Fund Subsidiary DAC
- SN1017
Work highlights
Advised an affiliate of Técnicas Reunidas on a successful High Court challenge under section 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996, securing the setting aside of an ICC arbitration award for lack of jurisdiction.
Advised Microsoft on a series of high-value competition and intellectual property disputes in the Competition Appeal Tribunal and High Court concerning the resale of software licences, including a US$350m antitrust claim and related appellate proceedings.
Advised Kroll Agency and Trustee Services Ltd on sanctions-related litigation and restructuring issues arising from a €1.3bn+ cross-border financing, including English High Court proceedings concerning the impact of post-2022 sanctions on finance documentation.
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
Matthew Shankland
Other key lawyers
Andrew Fox; Alastair Hopwood; Sarah Lainchbury; David Smith