Commercial litigation: premium

DLA Piper

Boasting a strong global network, DLA Piper is prominent in international disputes, particularly in tandem with its pan-African network. James Carter is a ‘fantastic team leader’, specialising in disputes involving Africa. Jamie Curle boasts extensive experience in the financial services, industrial and consumer good sectors. Bolstering the group’s cross-border capabilities, Jeremy Sher advises on disputes spanning Europe, North America and Australia and heads the firm’s global class actions group. Charles Allin is active in disputes involving African, Middle Eastern and offshore jurisdictions, while Tom Laidler advises a diverse clientele ranging from financial institutions to investors and HNW individuals. Dan Jewell’s international disputes practice spans the banking and financial services, energy and natural resources, and technology sectors. Former corporate and HNW disputes head Jeremy Andrews has left the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Jeremy Andrews and Jamie Curle are excellent banking and fraud lawyers in London. James Carter is an enthusiastic and clever arbitration lawyer.’
‘Particularly impressed by Serena Cooke, who is very clever, organised and a pleasure to deal with. Andrea Carbone is also excellent.’
‘James Carter is a fantastic team leader who gets the most out of his associates and manages the client very effectively. Tom Laidler is a junior partner who has a great eye for detail, without losing sight of the bigger picture. Nadya Rouben is an absolute powerhouse. She is completely across the legal and factual issues, making her indispensable on the team.’
‘Serena Cooke is clear partner-quality, with impressive judgment and always willing to put in the hours. Charles Allin is a relatively junior partner, but clearly making his mark and showing good judgment.’
'Katherine Roe is a delight to work with.’
‘James Carter is great with clients and good at steering the tactics and strategy of a case. Tom Laidler is an excellent partner, with a great command of the detail and a good tactical sense.’

Key clients

Atlas Mara Limited and African Banking Corporation Zambia
Volvo Car Corporation and Volvo Car UK Limited
Arconic Corporation and Arconic Architectural Products SAS
Entain PLC and ElectraWorks Limited
NatWest Markets PLC/NatWest Markets N.V.
GLAS Trust Corporation Limited (GLAS) / Global Loan Agency Services Limited (GTCL)
Renova Industries Limited et. al.
Tamara Ralph
Yamada Ltd
Peter Dean, former CEO and principal shareholder in Noble Foods Group
Virgin Money (Clydesdale Bank PLC)

Work highlights

Acting for Atlas Mara in c. USD 200 million multijurisdictional proceedings in relation to alleged breaches of a sale and purchase agreement. The trial hearing took place over 5 weeks in November and December 2023, and judgment was handed down on 7 February 2024, with our clients securing total victory as all the claimants’ claims failed.
Acted for Clydesdale Bank on claims challenging Clydesdale’s entitlement to charge fixed rate loan break costs and the pricing methodology of the relevant loans.
Representing Volvo in UK High Court class action proceedings concerning allegations of the use of unlawful “defeat devices” in Volvo diesel vehicles.