Investing In
United Kingdom
20 August 2025
Noted for its capabilities in high-profile fraud and conspiracy claims (often before the Commercial Court), Fieldfisher is regularly engaged by various multinationals and domestic corporates. The team is highly regarded for its scope of expertise, providing services on all aspects of misfeasance, contractual breaches, and money laundering claims. Based in Birmingham, practice head Richard Waugh specialises in complex fraud litigation and commercial disputes, while Adam Sturt is experienced in cases relating to the misappropriation of confidential information and restraint of trade. Stephen May concentrates on regulatory and public law issues, and Jim Sharkey has a track record in High Court litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Adam Sturt and Richard Waugh both stand out as highly skilled solicitors with a practical approach to dealing with the demands of complex litigation. Both are easy to deal with, take sensible decisions, and maintain a sense of humour in a crisis.’
‘The regional team at Fieldfisher shows exemplary collaboration and people skills. It is always a pleasure dealing with them.'
‘Recent interactions with Esther Thomas have produced very high-quality work, unpicking a complicated case with a large volume of data and providing appropriate advice and excellent drafting. Esther demonstrates calm and capable competence under pressure, working to tight deadlines and with an eye for detail. She has an unshowy manner and is a great pleasure to work with.’
‘They have sharp legal acumen, tactical insight, and unwavering client focus. The Fieldfisher team is excellent at managing complex, high-stakes disputes with clarity and confidence in all commercial and company litigation matters. Their ability to combine technical excellence with strategic foresight makes them a formidable force in trial preparation and at the negotiating table. A top-tier team delivering consistently strong results in challenging commercial disputes.’
‘Jim Sharkey has enormous experience in all commercial litigation matters, particularly company and shareholder disputes. An excellent lawyer and tactician, he never puts a foot wrong in managing cases and getting the best out of his team, including counsel. An utter joy to work with.''Absolutely stellar. I rate them very highly indeed.''An engaged and closely integrated team, who inspire client confidence and take the fight to the other side.'
Key clients
- AQA Education, AB (a FTSE100 company) and XYZ
- APL Formwork and Steve Crump
- Felix LP
- Henderson and Jones Limited
- Hungry Panda
- Mr Igor Kolomoisky
- Mr Sonashah Shivdasani, Ms Eva Malmstrom-Shivdasani and Tamilco Holdings S.A.
- Shield Group of companies and Mr Christopher Shield
- Yodel
Work highlights
Advising Mr Igor Kolomoisky in respect of a US$1.9billion claim and a Worldwide Freezing Order in the sum of US$2.6 billion imposed against him by PrivatBank.
Advising Felix LP in respect of a $14 billion fraud and conspiracy claim brought by imprisoned Russian oligarch Ziyavudin Magomedov and 9 entities controlled by him.
Advising AQA Education, AB (a FTSE100 company) and XYZ in relation to stolen exam papers by persons unknown, which involved obtaining a novel 'newcomer injunction' for AQA Education in October 2024.
Practice head
Richard Waugh
Other key lawyers
Adam Sturt; Stephen May; Jim Sharkey; Darren Kenny; David Kaluwahandi; Emma Freudenthal; Ryan Hughes; Lawrence Accardi; Esther Thomas