DLA Piper’s Yorkshire-based financial services disputes team is known for handling high-profile and complex litigation, frequently acting in cases with industry-wide significance. The team advises major UK clearing banks, building societies, and financial institutions on fraud, conspiracy, and negligence claims, including multi-jurisdictional disputes. Adam Ibrahim co-leads the practice, with decades of expertise in precedent-setting litigation. Chris Harvey also leads with his work on professional negligence and crypto-related disputes, while Sohail Ali has a strong focus on global financial services clients. Paul McNamee specialises in claims arising from the alleged mis-sale of hedging products, and allegations of fraud.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An excellent banking litigation firm, especially for complex retail banking cases. In particular, the firm has strong expertise in financial services mis-selling cases, mortgages and cryptocurrency disputes.’
'‘Chris Harvey: A straightforward litigator who is easy to deal with and who will work hard to find an angle to press his client's case to best advantage.'
'Adam Ibrahim's experience in this sector is almost a given but his approachable style and ability to discuss matters candidly is reflected in his team which has resulted in a strong working relationship.'
‘Sohail Ali is a very knowledgeable and user friendly partner.'
‘Very response and good knowledge of the banking world.’
‘Sohail Ali is a standout partner - one of the best. Intellectually rigorous, with a good understanding of the commercial needs of his clients, he is a superstar.’
'Danielle Carter: An experienced senior associate who is on top of all the detail.’
‘A strong and experienced team of banking litigators, who are capable of managing litigation of the largest scale. They are great at client management, building a strong rapport with the in-house litigators instructing them.’
Key clients
- Morgan Stanley
- Virgin Money/Clydesdale Bank
- NatWest / Royal Bank of Scotland
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Leeds Building Society
- Bank of Ireland
- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- Libra Group
- Goldman Sachs
Work highlights
Represented Astra Asset Management UK Limited, successfully obtaining summary judgment for $2m in a high-profile claim against Odin Automative Sarl, which is currently the subject of enforcement action in Luxembourg.
Acting for Clydesdale Bank PLC/Virgin Money against a highly vexatious litigant alleging fraud, conspiracy and misrepresentation against a major bank, successfully striking out multiple claims, including success in the Court of Appeal and obtaining an Extended Civil Restraint Order.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Chris Harvey; Adam Ibrahim
Other key lawyers
Sohail Ali; Paul McNamee