Specialising in securities litigation, Fox Williams LLP is a leading firm in high-profile shareholder class actions. The team excels in bringing group claims against large institutions, and notes a continued increase in cases with ESG elements. The firm also regularly files representative proceedings on behalf of both institutional and retail investors in securities class actions. Its proactive approach has led to the group’s successful track record in opt-in proceedings and in sourcing necessary funding and insurance. As an established figure in the securities litigation space, Andrew Hill boasts a sophisticated clientele of institutional investors. He leads the team alongside Matthew Reach, who plays a key role in securities group actions and financial services claims. Anisha Patel, Eleanor Wilson-Holt and Olwen Mair are other key names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Matthew Reach stands out for his exceptional legal acumen, dedication to client success, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. What sets him apart from competitors is his unique ability to combine deep legal expertise with a practical understanding of clients' business objectives, allowing him to provide pragmatic and effective solutions to complex legal challenges. His strategic approach to cases and his meticulous attention to detail ensure that clients receive comprehensive and tailored advice, tailored to their specific needs. In my experience working with Matthew, I have valued his collaborative nature and his willingness to go above and beyond to support his colleagues and clients alike. His strong communication skills and ability to build rapport with clients foster a sense of trust and confidence, making him a trusted advisor and advocate. Overall, Matthew Reach's outstanding qualities and contributions make him a standout partner at the firm, and working with him has been both enriching and inspiring.’
‘Andrew Hill is strong both technically and strategically, with a calm and reassuring bedside manner. Matthew Reach is highly commercial, creative and exactly the kind of lawyer you want in your camp to cut a difficult deal. Andrew and Matthew appear to work together a lot, which adds real value as they have highly complementary skills.’
‘Andrew Hill is very impressive. He combines gravitas from his leading experience in this field with an affable, personable approach. It has been a pleasure to work for him and his team because he takes a personal interest in the project, rather than simply being a figurehead and leaving day-to-day engagement to his team. Matthew Reach - partner. Sharp, always pushing to identify new ways to run a claim or maximise the impact of a piece of work. Highly collaborative, makes himself available. He has been the key person at Fox Williams making sure that we (as advisers) have the best understanding of the key issues and are properly directed at analysing them. Eleanor Wilson-Holt is Very bright, enthusiastic and demonstrates the culture that Andrew Hill in particular leads by example. Highly personable, works collaboratively.’
‘Andrew Hill is a stand-out leader in the world of securities litigation – entrepreneurial, experienced and creative, it is no surprise that he has achieved fantastic results for clients. Matthew Reach is also a star.’
‘Andrew Hill has unparalleled expertise in securities litigation. Matthew Reach is highly commercial and leverages his experience in litigation funding to good effect.’
‘Andrew Hill and Matthew Reach make a great double act dovetailing their different skillsets together to provide a dedicated professional offering to their clients.’
‘Andrew Hill and Matthew Reach really do lead the field in securities litigation in this jurisdiction and their combined knowledge is encyclopaedic. Alongside being an excellent lawyer, Andrew Hill has a fantastic manner and is incredibly user friendly. There are few people in this market with his level of experience - whenever I am asked to recommend a securities litigator, he is top of the list. Matthew Reach has a great ability to translate complex issues into simple terms and get to the heart of an issue. In addition, alongside advising on the law, he really understands the commercial drivers and that is incredibly helpful. Anisha Patel is also excellent.’
‘Andrew Hill - Incredibly intelligent yet also personable and kind. Vastly experienced in this space and has a fantastic feel for how group litigations can play out, especially in respect of FSMA claims. Very calm and reasonable when considering the best options for his clients. Matthew Reach - Very sharp, personable and kind. Incredibly hard worker, going to great lengths to know the ins and outs of his clients' case, the potential defences, the opportunities for financing etc. Considered and fair assessment of settlement opportunities and windows.’
Key clients
- The FW Group of Investors (Pension Plan of the United Church of Canada & c.233 other institutional investors)|(the Tesco shareholder group action)
- The FW Group of Investors (Wirral Council as administering authority to Merseyside Pension Fund & c.204 other institutional investors)|(the Glencore shareholder group action)
- The FW Group of Investors (Toscafund Asset Management and c. 72 other institutional investors)|(the Petrofac shareholder group action)
Work highlights
Advising 205 institutional investor claimants on securities litigation against Glencore PLC, including Wirral Council as administering authority for the Merseyside Pension Fund.
Advising The FW Group of Investors on securities litigation against Petrofac, including Toscafund Asset Management and others.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Andrew Hill; Matthew Reach
Other key lawyers
Anisha Patel; Eleanor Wilson-Holt; Olwen Mair; Sam Tarrant; Vaughn Pears