Drawing on its strong global platform, Mayer Brown International LLP advises on a broad scope of investigations and criminal defence matters under the leadership of new practice head Sam Eastwood. Eastwood succeeds Alistair Graham, who now uses his ‘incisive mind and killer strategic instinct’ to support the firm’s clients as an independent consultant. Newly promoted partner Paul Whitfield-Jones is noted for his experience in sanctions and export control matters across sectors, including defence, energy, shipping and banking, while Musonda Kapotwe and Airlie Goodman are recommended for their expertise in ESG-related issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Mayer Brown in this sector is small but perfectly formed. They recruit only the very best and consequently have a team bursting with talent, intelligence and grit. They are agile and creative, always producing solutions to even the most complex of problems.’
‘Alistair Graham is a legend. He has the magic combination of commercial and criminal experience mixed with an incisive mind and killer strategic instinct to put him at the very top of the tree. Chris Roberts is the real deal. He has it all, and you are a lucky client who has him on side. Hormis Kallarackel is an incredibly bright young man with a real maturity and wisdom in his strategic grasp of a case. He is superb.’
‘Mayer Brown stands head and shoulders above other firms in their commitment to understanding client needs, tailoring the focus of their investigation, and actively managing constrained budgets.’
‘Sam Eastwood is the quintessential collaborator and the rare lawyer who actually listens to client input entirely, identifying the client's needs even where the client itself is unsure how to proceed. He deftly identifies red herrings and precludes unnecessary legal expenses, ensuring the representation remains focused on the most salient and critical points.’
‘Top of the field in knowledge and networks.’
‘Sam Eastwood is creative, insightful, and at the top of his game.'
'James Ford is exceptionally well networked, exceptional knowledge of the field.’
Key clients
- eOne
- Lombard Odier
- HSBC
- Credit Agricole
Work highlights
Acted for eOne, now part of Hasbro, in an internal fraud investigation followed by a multi-million pound High Court claim involving allegations of bribery, dishonesty, deceit, conspiracy, corruption and related bankruptcy proceedings.
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.
Practice head
Sam Eastwood
Other key lawyers
Alistair Graham; Paul Whitfield-Jones; Musonda Kapotwe; Airlie Goodman; Chris Roberts; Hormis Kallarackel; James Ford