Clifford Chance boasts a ‘top-notch commercial team’, with expertise in leading class actions, shareholder disputes, and complex securities litigation mandates. The practice is led by Jeremy Kosky and Julian Acratopulo. Kosky has leading experience acting for private equity sponsors, financial institutions, and leading corporates, acting on many of the firms’ high-profile mandates, while Acratopulo specialises in cases with an international nexus. Maxine Mossman’s practice spans disputes linked to M&A transactions, including high-value warranty claims, and she is skilled at handling group litigation matters. Chris Yates focuses on securities class-action litigation, while Helen Carty handles disputes involving financial institutions. Jason Epstein is noted for his expertise in group litigation and high-profile sports disputes. Guy Burkitt, Alice Darling, and Laura Hasson are also key to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Chris Yates: He’s one of the top big-ticket litigation solicitors in the UK. If you’ve got an existential case, he should be your first and only phone call (cf Man City). He’s incredibly sophisticated as a litigator; a brilliant negotiator; an excellent lawyer; and a delight to work with. Top class.'
- 'James Cranston: He’s outstanding, and is a total superstar in the making (if not already there). He’s stunningly hard-working; an excellent lawyer; has a total grip on all the details of a case, while also seeing the bigger picture; and is extremely clever.'
- 'Maxine Mossman: She’s one of the most outstanding commercial litigation solicitors in the UK market. She’s stunningly clever; she’s immensely hard-working; she gets on brilliantly with clients; she runs a big team with total charm and command. She’s as good as it gets.'
- 'Julian Acratopulo: He’s one of the most fearsome, yet respected, commercial litigators in the UK. If he’s on the other side, you know it’s going to hurt and that you’re likely to lose. Superbly clever; an outstanding tactician; a first-rate lawyer; and a great team leader. ’
‘Clifford Chance are the leading 'magic circle' firm in sports litigation. They have successfully represented Manchester City in numerous hearings domestically and internationally, won for the football agents in their challenge against FA and FIFA regulations, and also act for the European Super League. If you are in a titanic sporting battle, you will instruct Clifford Chance.’
‘Chris Yates - the star partner of the solicitors' world for sports disputes. James Cranston - partner who worked at Manchester City, so knows the top end of the world game of football inside out.’
‘Top-notch commercial team.’
‘Jeremy Kosky - immensely experienced and highly knowledgeable. Great litigation leader. ’
'Top to bottom market-leading quality.'
'Simply stellar.'
Key clients
- Entain
- Airbus
- LzLabs and Others
- Manchester City Football Club Limited
- News Group Newspapers Limited
- BT / EE
- Glencore
- Serco
- Aircraft Lessors including Avolon Aerospace, BOC Aviation, CDB Aviation, Hermes, NAC Aviation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Air Lease Corporation and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
- Sibanye-Stillwater
- Entain
- Airbus
- LzLabs and Others
- Manchester City Football Club Limited
- News Group Newspapers Limited
- BT / EE
- Glencore
- Serco
- Aircraft Lessors including Avolon Aerospace, BOC Aviation, CDB Aviation, Hermes, NAC Aviation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Air Lease Corporation and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
- Sibanye-Stillwater
Work highlights
Acting for Serco Group PLC ("Serco") in defence of a claim brought by approximately 70 Claimants under Section 90A and Schedule 10A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA").
Advised three aircraft lessors (more than any other firm), on claims under lessors' own policies (for Hull All Risks and War Risks) totalling nearly US$1 billion in complex and major insurance litigation before the English Courts arising from aircraft stranded in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
Acting for Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Falcon 2019-1 Aircraft 3 Limited, KDAC Aircraft Trading 2 Limited, Avolon Aerospace, BOC Aviation, CDB Aviation, Hermes, NAC Aviation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Air Lease Corporation, Castlelake Aviation and Wings Capital in Commercial Court claims totalling US$4.2 billion against insurers and reinsurers under the operators' policies for losses arising from aircraft detained in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
Acting for Serco Group PLC ("Serco") in defence of a claim brought by approximately 70 Claimants under Section 90A and Schedule 10A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA").
Advised three aircraft lessors (more than any other firm), on claims under lessors' own policies (for Hull All Risks and War Risks) totalling nearly US$1 billion in complex and major insurance litigation before the English Courts arising from aircraft stranded in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. The claims gave rise to novel issues of law including the test for loss.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jeremy Kosky; Julian Acratopulo
Other key lawyers
Maxine Mossman; Chris Yates; Helen Carty; Jason Epstein; Guy Burkitt; Alice Darling; Laura Hasson; James Cranston