Clifford Chance boasts a ‘top-notch commercial team’, with expertise in leading class actions, shareholder disputes, and complex securities litigation mandates. The practice is led by Jeremy Kosky and Julian Acratopulo. Kosky has leading experience acting for private equity sponsors, financial institutions, and leading corporates, acting on many of the firms’ high-profile mandates, while Acratopulo specialises in cases with an international nexus. Maxine Mossman’s practice spans disputes linked to M&A transactions, including high-value warranty claims, and she is skilled at handling group litigation matters. Chris Yates focuses on securities class-action litigation, while Helen Carty handles disputes involving financial institutions. Jason Epstein is noted for his expertise in group litigation and high-profile sports disputes. Guy Burkitt, Alice Darling, and Laura Hasson are also key to the team.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP is, for one client, the ‘top litigation firm in London’, with ‘quality at every level’. The practice boasts extensive experience spanning a wide range of sectors, including energy, private equity, and TMT, among others. Class actions are a particular strength of the team, with ‘top tier’ Alan Watts a specialist in this area. Fellow practice co-chair Paul Lewis is noted for his ‘incredible depth of experience’. The ‘highly intelligent’ Natasha Johnson specialises in handling leading multi-party disputes, while Rachel Lidgate has particular knowledge of TMT, consumer, and energy work. Chris Bushell is praised as a ‘very experienced and sagacious individual’, while Gregg Rowan, a highly experienced class actions lawyer, has recently worked on major mandates for tech multinationals and major retailers.  Julian Copeman is well regarded for his ‘wealth of experience, sound judgment and adept(ness) at handling complex commercial litigation.' Other key individuals within the team include Charlotte Benton, noted for her track record in financial services work, and Angela Liu, whose recent engagements include mandates for major automotive manufacturers and investment firms.

The highly lauded practice at Hogan Lovells International LLP is noted for its vast expertise handling complex and high-profile cases. The team advises its roster of clients from a wide range of sectors on shareholder litigation, joint venture work, and post M&A disputes. Practice head Michael Roberts is skilled at handling complex multijurisdictional cases. Kevin Lloyd is noted for his significant expertise in bet-the-company disputes. Chris Hardman and Neil Mirchandani both act on complex M&A and financial services disputes, while Ivan Shiu specialises in investment disputes. Alex Sciannaca has expertise in the technology and commodities trading sectors.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP boasts an ‘incredibly dynamic, ever-growing, and impressive team’ in the commercial litigation space, with one client lauding every member of the team as ‘intellectually brilliant, creative and perfectly attuned to the client’s needs and wishes’. Richard East has ‘great presence and gravitas in the room’, and is also praised for his ‘tremendous strength in depth’. Alex Gerbi often acts for governments, major corporates, and high-net-worth individuals in complex disputes, particularly with a Middle Eastern nexus. Nick Marsh is praised as ‘extremely bright, easy to deal with, and engenders trust’, with particular strength in fraud-related matters. Aidan O’Rourke offers ‘well-considered and commercially oriented’ advice to clients, while Marina Boterashvili is regarded as a ‘star in the making’.

Slaughter and May’s commercial litigation team is particularly renowned for its expertise in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes, acting on many leading cases. Cross-border fraud, shareholder disputes, and corporate misconduct are all strengths of a team led by Richard Swallow, who frequently represents major corporates and financial institutions in significant cross-border proceedings. Richard Swallow has extensive fraud knowledge and is skilled at handling the contentious aspects of corporate transactions. Efstathios Michael notably handles shareholder disputes and mass claims, while Camilla Sanger focuses on class actions. Damian Taylor specialises in crypto disputes and is key to the practice, as are financial services specialist Jonathan Clark and Richard Jeens, noted for his capabilities in pensions and tax disputes. Holly Ware and Peter Wickham are also recommended.

A&O Shearman boasts ‘one of the best commercial litigation practices in the city’, regularly representing blue-chip corporates in a raft of complex, multijurisdictional mandates. Members of the team often act on high-profile cases and work closely with the restructuring and banking departments of the firm. 'Unflappable and highly motivated’, the team is led by Mahmood Lone and Susanna Charlwood. Andrew Denny is skilled at handling cross-border disputes, particularly with complex jurisdiction challenges and anti-suit injunctions. Alice Englehart, praised as ‘steely and determined’, is noted for her expertise in the energy, tech, and media sectors.

Regarded as 'an excellent choice for complex commercial disputes', Ashurst is praised by clients for its 'strategic thinking and judgment'. Class actions, data litigation, and shareholder activism are all strengths of the practice, that is noted for its ‘particular strength in energy disputes’. Praised by clients as 'top of the market', Jon Gale is noted for his extensive expertise in class actions and high-profile ESG mandates. James Levy, Simon Bromwich, and Tom Cummins are all key to the practice, with Dyfan Owen and Tim West also noted.

A ‘go-to firm for the largest and most complex commercial disputes’, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is particularly known for handling mass claims related to parent company liability. The team routinely represents leading corporations, as well as major private equity companies. Lord Peter Goldsmith KC ‘provides strategic advice that is second to none’, and leads the practice with Patrick Swain. ‘Top-class litigator’ Christopher Boyne is regarded by clients as ‘incredibly bright, commercially astute, a superb tactician, and a pleasure to work with’, working with leading private equity investors and corporates. Other key names to note include the ‘knowledgeable and impressive’ Hugo Farmer, and Luke Duggan, praised as ‘smart, diligent, creative, and an all-round star.’

Praised for its ‘excellence, responsiveness, and quality’, the team at Latham & Watkins (London) LLP acts for leading clients spanning all industries on complex and multijurisdictional mandates. High-value securities litigation proceedings are another strength of the team of ‘really first-rate lawyers’. ‘Highly intelligent and personable’, Martin Davies leads the team along with Ian Felstead and Oliver Middleton. All are skilled at acting on the gamut of commercial litigation matters, with specific expertise in class actions. Anna Kullmann and Duncan Graves are also recommended.

Linklaters LLP boasts a ‘high-quality, user-friendly team’ that is instructed by major corporates, governments, and leading banks on high-profile commercial disputes. Members of the practice work closely with the wider corporate team on complex mandates. Alison Wilson, who heads the ‘highly experienced’ practice, specialises in contentious financial regulation. Tom Cassels is noted for his extensive public law and competition litigation experience, while Ben Carroll focuses on multijurisdictional disputes in the energy, mining, and sports sectors. Rory Conway focuses on contentious insolvency work, while Patrick Robinson specialises in derivatives and structured products disputes. Sarina Williams and Harriet Ellis are also recommended.

Stephenson Harwood‘s commercial litigation team is praised for combining ‘legal rigour with sound commercial judgment and strategic finesse’. Team head Richard Garcia-Almendros is ‘highly industrious and exceptionally thoughtful’, and handles many of the high-profile mandates undertaken by the practice for banks and leading corporates. Guy Harper specialises in private equity and professional services-related disputes, while Sue Millar is a sanctions specialist who also has extensive experience in international litigation related to government interests. The ‘outstanding’ Genevieve Quierin is praised for ‘a rare combination of legal precision, strategic clarity and sound commercial judgment to every matter she handles’, while Donna Newman is considered ‘very knowledgeable, responsive and extremely good at finding the risk strategy in challenging cases’. Chris Pettett is recommended for his experience in High Court proceedings, particularly for financial services clients.

Travers Smith LLP is skilled at handling leading cases linked to parent company liability, crypto disputes, ESG, and securities litigation. The team is led by Heather Gagen, who has extensive litigation in large-scale tort claims, post-transaction disputes, and shareholder claims. Regarded as a  ‘consummate litigator’, Rob Fell has extensive experience before the Commercial Court. The ‘outstanding’ Huw Jenkin is ‘strategically very acute’, and skilled at handling contentious regulatory work. Toby Robinson, Jan-Jaap Baer, and Stephanie Lee are also noted.

Praised for its ‘laser-focused attention to delivering results’, Addleshaw Goddard‘s capabilities in high-end commercial disputes notably span the financial services, retail, tech, and transport sectors. Members of the practice are skilled at handling complex group actions, and the group also boasts a dedicated litigation funding team. Co-head Mark Molyneux is praised as ‘one of the best, in not the best, litigators in the country’, while Bill Gilliam are noted for leading ‘user-friendly, high-quality expertise’. Maria Frangeskides is an ‘experienced and tenacious lawyer’, with expertise handling fraud, shareholder, and joint venture disputes. Simon Kamstra  is ‘an industry leading expert with global experience’, and is key to the team along with Lauren Hamilton, Natasha Winter, and Paul Ferguson .

Noted for its position in banking work, Baker McKenzie is praised for its wide-ranging experience, including in international matters. Fraud, financial crime, and regulatory investigations are all strengths of a team that is also noted for its public law expertise. Practice head Hugh Lyons is praised as ‘always available and willing to go the extra yard on behalf of client’. Marc Florent is skilled at handling structured finance disputes and litigation related to restructuring. Francesca Richmond focuses on class actions, with expertise in antitrust, consumer, and human rights law, while Charles Thomson is regarded as ‘formidably intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, and a fantastic strategic thinker’. Marc Thorley left the practice in January 2025 to join Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

‘Responsive, practical, and easy to work with’, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s commercial litigation practice is noted for its experience in cross-border litigation. Team head Graham Shear regularly acts for banks, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals in the sports and entertainment sectors. Joby Davies is a ‘commercially astute litigator’ with significant PPP expertise. Rachel Ziegler is ‘an intelligent, energetic litigator’, noted for her expertise in civil fraud matters and follow-on litigation cases, while the ‘wonderful’ Oran Gelb is noted for his banking work. Other key figures include Andrew Street, who handles high-value shareholder and complex trust disputes.

CMS boasts a ‘go-to team for heavyweight commercial disputes’, fielding a number of ‘fantastic litigators’ acting for a raft of household names. High-profile ‘bet-the-company’ litigation is a strength of the practice, which is also skilled at handling ESG class actions. Ben Trust, who heads the ‘solutions-focused, commercial and insightful’ team, has experience handling joint venture and shareholder disputes. Luke Pardey is praised for his 'brilliant' knowledge and approach to technology-related contract disputes, while Kenny Henderson is engaged by various blue-chip clients on leading class actions. Sarah Croft and Simon Castley  joined the practice from Shook, Hardy & Bacon International LLP in January 2025.

The commercial litigation practice at DLA Piper is particularly noted for its strength in civil fraud and energy work. Multijurisdictional, complex disputes are a strength of the team, which is also skilled at handling product liability and ESG class actions. Practice head James Carter is praised for ‘superb case handling and great client management’, and acts on many of the complex energy disputes undertaken by the practice. Jamie Curle is a ‘star litigation partner’ who specialises in financial services and consumer goods mass claims, while Jean‑Pierre Douglas‑Henry has ‘great intellect and strategic ability’. Other key figures include ‘brilliant litigator with great client skills’ Charles Allin, and ‘truly excellent litigator’ Tom Laidler.

‘Disputes powerhouse’ Enyo Law LLP acts on a range of leading matters, with experience handling leading disputes related to energy and financial institutions, as well as complex cyber crimes. The ‘first-rate’ team is led by Konrad Rodgers and Nick Jones, both of whom are experienced at advising on banking, shareholder, and company cases. Edward Allen is regarded by clients as a ‘phenomenally hardworking, indefatigable, and fantastic lawyer’, while Andy McGregor is praised for his ‘excellent judgment’ and ‘tremendous experience’. George Maling and Lucinda Orr are also noted.

The ‘excellent litigation team’ at Fieldfisher is praised for its ‘tremendous strength in depth, with knowledgeable and skilled lawyers at all levels’. The group has experience handling multijurisdictional disputes in the finance, healthcare, tech, and aviation sectors, while significant shareholder and aviation insurance disputes are also strengths of the team. A ‘legend among litigators’, Colin Gibson leads the practice with Vivien Davies and Tony Lewis. Donna Goldsworthy is praised as a ‘stand-out lawyer in her field.’  ‘Relentless hard-worker’ John McElroy joined the practice from Hausfeld & Co LLP in July 2024, while Darren Kenny joined from DWF in January 2025. Andrew Sanderson left for Kingsley Napley LLP in December 2024.

The commercial litigation practice at Jones Day boasts expertise in high-profile, multijurisdictional litigation, regularly working closely with the corporate, restructuring, and insolvency teams of the firm. Rhys Thomas is regarded as the ‘consummate leader of complex multi-party, high value litigation’, and is skilled at handling leading shareholder, investor, and joint venture disputes. Adam Brown is a ‘stand-out partner in this field’, while Saoirse O’Reilly is regarded as a ‘bright star for the future’. Annabel Treadgold and Sarah Batley are also noted.

For one client, Macfarlanes LLP is ‘unsurpassed in the depth and breadth of its quality’, with an established practice acting for leading banks, funds, and corporates on the full range of commercial disputes. Post M&A disputes, fraud, shareholder disputes, and complex negligence matters are all strengths of the practice, headed up by ‘superb leader’ Matt McCahearty. Lois Horne is ‘technically brilliant’, and specialises in disputes, particularly in the private equity, financial services, and crypto sectors. Christopher Charlton stands out for his ‘first-rate legal mind’, while Iain Mackie is regarded as ‘hugely experienced, has excellent judgement and utterly unflappable’.

Norton Rose Fulbright boasts a ‘really excellent, dynamic team’ with experience advising on complex contractual disputes, M&A disputes, and intricate shareholder disputes for a large number of blue-chip clients, regularly working closely with other offices of the firm to act on multijurisdictional cases. Patrick Bourke and Ruth Cowley head the team of ‘excellent lawyers at the top of their game’, which notably includes the ‘smart, charming, and judicious’ Antony Corsi. Holly Stebbing is ‘clever, analytical, and hardworking’, while Zayba Drabu has an extensive practice focusing on transport-related disputes.

The commercial litigation team at RPC is recommended for providing a ‘first-rate service’ for its clients. Disputes related to technology are a core strength of the practice, with Caroline Tuck particularly knowledgeable in this area, representing global IT and technology companies. Team head Simon Hart is a ‘star litigation partner’ who specialises in banking and financial services disputes, as well as complex restructuring cases. Geraldine Elliott has vast expertise in handling warranty claims, joint venture disputes, and asset recovery mandates. Davina Given, Daniel Hemming, and Charlotte Henschen are key to the practice.

Simmons & Simmons is praised for its 'technical expertise and real knowledge and understanding of their clients’, with extensive expertise in shareholder disputes and joint venture matters. Novel cases are another strength of the team, notably acting on the first opt-out class action to reach trial in the UK. Patrick Boylan heads a team noted for its ‘combination of technical excellence, cross-disciplinary strength, and culture of pragmatic, client-focused advice’. Minesh Tanna stands out for his tech expertise, particularly related to AI, while Adam Brown is praised for ‘leaving no stone unturned’. Tech specialist Jayne Bentham is also key to the practice, along with Eleanore Di Claudio and William Dunning.

Praised for its ‘excellent practice in class actions and litigation’, Stewarts Law LLP is highly capable acting for both for and against leading corporates on high-value, complex disputes. Mo Bhaskaran and Lucy Ward head the team; Ward, in particular, is noted for leading on high-profile securities litigation. Lorraine Lanceley is experienced in both claimant and defendant-side work, while the ‘very reliable’ Elaina Bailes has vast fraud expertise. Zachary Sananes, who works closely with litigation funders, acts on breach of warranty and fraud claims, while Martin Walsh focuses on IT and telecoms matters, as well as public sector outsourcings.

Akin boasts a ‘highly sophisticated litigation practice’, with extensive experience acting on leading cross-border disputes, particularly in the energy and financial services sectors. The team regularly undertakes novel mandates, and is skilled at handling high-value disputes for banks, investment funds, and private equity investors. Kambiz Larizadeh leads the ‘very dedicated’ team, specialising in complex civil fraud matters, as well as significant ‘bet-the-company’ litigation. Mark Clarke joined the team in January 2025 from Proman AG, bringing a wealth of energy expertise. Justin Williams, Alexander Trukhtanov, and Jenny Arlington are also noted.

Clyde & Co‘s commercial litigation practice is praised for its ability to ‘put together an outstanding team’, representing a number of leading domestic and international corporates across the insurance, transport, energy, and infrastructure sectors. The team of ‘high-skilled, very knowledgeable litigators’ includes Chris Burdett, who represents financial institutions in cross-border litigation, and ‘seasoned, client-friendly and pragmatic litigator’ Richard Power, who specialises in energy and IT-related litigation. Anna Myrvang is a ‘stellar partner’ who is recognised for being ‘phenomenally hardworking’.

Dorothy Cory Wright leads the team at Dechert LLP that has a ‘first-class reputation for commercial disputes work’. Members of the team frequently act on complex disputes with cross-jurisdictional elements. ‘Tremendous lawyer’ Stephen Surgeoner is noted for his focus on funds, insurance, and telecoms cases, while Adam Silver is ‘extremely clever, entirely commercial, and realistic’. Andrew Hearn, John Bedford, Daniel Natoff and Ricci Potts are all recommended.

Dentons boasts an ‘outstanding' team with expertise in complex cross-border IT and breach of contract disputes, as well as sizable class actions. The practice is experienced in a number of sectors, notably including IT, retail, manufacturing, and financial services. Louisa Caswell leads the team of ‘superb commercial litigators’, with a focus on post M&A and joint venture disputes. Dan Bodle has ‘impeccable judgement and excellent technical legal knowledge’, specialising in energy, tech, and media-related disputes. Craig Neilson is experienced at handling data protection and crypto disputes, and fraud litigation.

‘Approachable, practical, and deeply invested, ‘ Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP works across a number of sectors — including industrials, energy, and healthcare — on frequently cross-border disputes. Praised as ‘incisive and decisive’, Phillip Richardson‘s capabilities span shareholder claims and post-transaction disputes, most recently advising on cases in the apparel and industrial sectors. Head of the London commercial disputes team, Tim Browning is noted for his experience in cross-border mandates, as is Richard Little, whose recent engagements concern a number of major automotive manufacturers. Other key figures include global litigation co-chair Mark Davenport and Sheena Buddhdev, whose wide-ranging experience includes both commercial and insolvency disputes.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher fields a ‘very good team of litigators’, specialising in multi-party group litigation. Many members of the practice are highly capable of handling multijurisdictional disputes, particularly with an offshore element. Osma Hudda and Doug Watson lead the ‘efficient, professional, and thorough’ team, both boasting extensive complementary arbitration experience. Patrick Doris stands out for his ‘incisive legal analysis, commercial common sense and indefatigable work ethic’, while the ‘highly efficient’ Rebecca Barry is also recommended.

Praised for its 'sharp legal minds who combine technical mastery with a commercial, solution-oriented approach', Hausfeld & Co LLP acts for high-profile claimants and defendants on complex disputes, covering competition matters, class actions, and litigation funding. 'Sharp, focused and very knowledgeable’, Ned Beale leads the team with Lucy Pert, distinguished for her ‘sense of judgement, strategic clarity, and ability to simplify complex legal and factual matrices’. Simon Bishop is praised as a ‘highly intellectual, rigorous and deep thinker’, with in-depth knowledge of derivatives and structured products. Greg Lascelles and David Lawne are also noted.

HFW's commercial litigation focus spans a number of sectors, including shipping, insurance, energy, and construction. 'A superb strategist and team leader', Andrew Williams is engaged on some of the firm's most high-profile, big-ticket matters. 'Always sensitive to the bigger picture', Damian Honey is especially active in financial services sector mandates. Other key figures include David Chalcraft and the 'standout' Gordon Rieck.

‘Streamlined, highly effective, and focused’, Mayer Brown International LLP‘s commercial litigation practice is skilled at handling cross-border post M&A disputes, shareholder disputes, and complex enforcement actions. Private equity firms increasingly engage the firm, as well as companies in the worlds of finance, manufacturing, telecoms, and consumer products. Practice head Ian McDonald frequently acts in high-value disputes linked to loan structures, structured finance, and derivatives. ‘Approachable, straightforward, experienced, and bright’, Airlie Goodman focuses on the financial services, mining, and renewable energy sectors. ‘Responsive, clear in his advice and great at dealing with clients’, the ‘fantastic’ Stephen Moi is particularly noted for his focus on private equity and restructuring-related mandates. Mark Stefanini and Sarah Garvey are further key names to note. ‘A brilliant litigator in heavy commercial cases’, Jonathan Cohen is also recommended.

A ‘very diligent, driven, and determined ethos’ differentiates the practice at Mishcon de Reya LLP, with experience representing a wide range of leading corporates and groups of claimants in complex class actions and intricate commercial disputes. The team of ‘fearsome, tenacious litigators’ is led by Richard Leedham, Nicola Bridge, and Janet Tobin. Leedham, in particular, is skilled at advising on commercial disputes with international and fraud elements, and has key knowledge of insurance disputes. Sanctions specialist Shaistah Akhtar is key to the practice, along with Victoria Pigott, noted for her expertise handling high-value family business disputes, freezing injunctions, and asset protection. Mark Whelan and Hazel Chambers are noted. Shazia Yamin joined the team from Leigh Day in November 2024.

Morrison Foerster‘s practice covers complex multijurisdictional matters, working primarily with international clients. The team boasts particular knowledge of the tech sector, and leverages the expertise of the competition and IP teams of the firm. Practice head Ben Summerfield is skilled at handling litigation spanning a number of jurisdictions and acting for clients on complex commercial disputes. Jonathan Wheeler‘s focus spans international commercial disputes, multijurisdictional trust litigation, and contentious insolvency. Chiraag Shah is skilled at handling sanctions-related disputes, while Laura Steen has a practice extending to trust disputes, directors’ duties, and contentious insolvency. Julius Handler focuses on high-profile contractual, ESG, and supply chain disputes.

Reed Smith LLP is a ‘first-rate litigation and commercial dispute resolution outfit’ and a ‘real heavyweight when it comes to serious commercial litigation’. Charles Hewetson leads the team along with George Hoare, who is ‘completely on top of the detail and very commercially minded’. Simon Greer‘s capabilities cover both domestic and international mandates, while Oliver Rawkins specialises in financial services sector work. Praised for his ‘infectious dynamism’, Ali Ishaq is noted for his experience in cross-jurisdictional mandates.

‘One of the standout boutique litigation firms’, Signature Litigation LLP has experience handling a range of multijurisdictional disputes in the banking and manufacturing sectors. Graham Huntley is praised for leading a ‘fantastic team with real depth and hands-on commitment’, regularly representing leading banks and fund managers on high-profile M&A disputes, shareholder, and joint venture disputes. ‘Energetic and enthusiastic’ Daniel Spendlove is noted for his wide-ranging experience, with recent highlights covering financial markets, investment funds, and mining. Abdulali Jiwaji specialises in disputes linked to financial products and mis-selling. Simon Fawell is a highly experienced partner noted for his track record in cyber breach litigation, appearing before the various courts and arbitration tribunals. Other key figures include the ‘fantastic’ Tom Snelling; ‘rising star’ Rory Spillman, and ‘precise, thoughtful, and comprehensive’ Becca Hogan.

‘Fast-moving, highly responsive and very commercial’, the litigation practice at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP works with an impressive roster of global corporate and private equity clients. Members of the practice work closely with the competition and restructuring teams of the firm. Team head Jamie Maples boasts wide-ranging experience spanning arbitration, investigations, insolvency proceedings, and contentious regulatory work. Chris Marks is praised as ‘dynamic, technically excellent, and at the top of his game’, while Hayley Lund is well regarded for her 'practical professionalism’. Insolvency specialist Mark Lawford is regarded by one client as a ‘market leader’.

Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP fields an ‘excellent hands-on team' with vast expertise acting on high-profile disputes. Tech disputes are a strength of the practice, particularly fintech and crypto-asset related litigation. Department head Sam Roberts is noted for his ‘very strong knowledge of technology', and is skilled at acting for high-net-worth individuals in the crypto space. ‘Excellent, pragmatic and focused’ Sinead O’Callaghan is skilled at handling large group actions, while Stephen Elam handles crypto litigation. Lydia Danon, ‘astoundingly good lawyer’ Jon Felce, and ‘strategic superhero’ Rosie Wild are key to the practice.

King & Spalding LLP boasts a team of ‘absolutely top-notch lawyers’, with experience representing high-profile clients across real estate, aviation, energy, and financial services. ‘As smart as they are easy to work with’, team heads Sarah Walker and Thomas Sprange KC advise on complex international disputes, including high-stakes, bet-the-company litigation. Ruth Byrne KC focuses on energy, life sciences, and fraud-related work.

The commercial litigation practice at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP stands out for its ‘expertise and focus on practical advice’, frequently acting on high-profile bet-the-company and sanctions matters. Regarded as 'an excellent team leader’, Rajinder Bassi specialises in the infrastructure, manufacturing, and mining industries. Richard Boynton and Noah Stewart-Ornstein are key to the practice, with extensive experience acting on banking and structuring litigation, as well as complex shareholder disputes. Stuart Doxford focuses on complex financial markets litigation.

Pallas Partners LLP  is a specialist litigation boutique that handles complex, substantial commercial disputes across multiple jurisdictions. Founder and managing partner, Natasha Harrison, is routinely engaged by various high-profile public and private sector clients for her capabilities in high-stakes, cross-border matters. Fiona Huntriss continues to be a key contact for a diverse array of clients seeking representation before the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, while Tracey Dovaston is particularly noted for her wide-ranging financial services acumen. Other key figures include Matthew Getz, a dual-qualified (UK and US) specialist in white collar defence and anti-corruption matters; Neil Pigott, a highly experienced banking litigator with a strong track record in restructuring mandates; and Susana Cao Miranda, noted for her broad contentious regulatory practice. Kimmie Fearnside, whose recent engagements include post-M&A disputes and cross-border ESG litigation, is also recommended.

Pinsent Masons LLP‘ has a ‘tremendously strong litigation team’, with extensive experience acting on high-value commercial litigation. Complex breach of contract and warranty claims, as well as shareholder and joint venture disputes, are strengths of the team, particularly with cross-border elements. Jim Cormack leads the ‘genuinely exceptional’ practice that combines ‘ first-rate lawyers with well-resourced and efficiently run teams’. Michael Fletcher is a ‘superb litigator across the board’, specialising in procurement challenges and competition litigation matters. The team consists of a number of impressive litigators, including the ‘outstanding’ Melanie Ryan, ‘excellent lawyer’ Mike Hawthorne, and Daniel Gardiner, who has a ‘unique combination of both academic ability and commercial nous’.

Seladore Legal is a ‘premier commercial disputes boutique’, covering a broad range of complex shareholder disputes, as well as civil fraud and asset tracing matters. Members of the practice are particularly noted for handling leading environmental class actions. Practice head Simon Bushell — regarded by one client as ‘one of the most experienced litigators around’ — is particularly skilled at handling complex fraud, as well as complex cross-border disputes. Gary Milner-Moore is recognised for being ‘both an excellent lawyer and as someone with great judgement’, while Gareth Keillor is ‘shrewd, strategic and completely unflappable’.

The commercial litigation practice at Sidley Austin LLP ‘combines deep legal expertise with strategic foresight’, regularly advising on high-profile, bet-the-company litigation. Members of the team often act on leading cross-border mandates for a raft of corporates and international clients. Matthew Shankland  heads the team recognised for its ‘sharp legal insight, strategic mindset, and commitment to client service’. Andrew Fox, Alastair (Al) Hopwood, and Sarah Lainchbury are all key to the team.

The commercial litigation team at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP is a ‘class act, dripping with quality’, representing multinational companies and major domestic clients. Team head Kate Davies KC is ‘very bright and super commercial’, and has vast complementary arbitration experience. Daniel Gal KC is a ‘technically accomplished and pragmatic lawyer with great experience of international litigation’, while Bruce Macaulay is regarded for combining 'an easygoing manner with a real depth of knowledge of his case’. Nicholas Adams is praised as ‘a highly committed and capable young litigator.’

The commercial litigation team at Taylor Wessing is praised for its 'depth, versatility and consistent excellence’. Acting for leading domestic and international organisations on complex group litigation matters is a strength of the team, which has particular experience in the tech, life sciences, and private wealth sectors. Andrew Howell leads the ‘very diligent’ practice, and specialises in the financial and professional services sector. The 'standout' Katie Chandler is skilled at handling group litigation and large-scale disputes, while Richard Viegas is praised for his 'remarkable breadth of expertise and an enviable track record’. Emma Allen is also noted.

Noted for its ‘lean team with high quality partners, time and attention’, Arnold & Porter has extensive experience in shareholder and joint venture disputes, as well as complex post M&A matters. The team includes ‘ intelligent and responsive litigator’ Charlotte Mallorie. Also of note is Jane Wessel, who has a ‘finely tuned commercial instinct’. William Paris is an ‘impressive, diligent and creative litigator’.

For one client, working with the commercial litigation team at Bracewell (UK) LLP is an ‘uninterrupted pleasure’. The practice is regarded as ‘excellent in the energy space’, with team head John Gilbert particularly adept at advising on oil and gas-related disputes, as well as pipeline operation, and the downstream sector. The ‘excellent’ Alistair Calvert often handles complex joint venture, infrastructure, and operational disputes. ‘Powerhouse’ Robert Meade is ‘an utter pleasure to work with’, and key to the team along with the ‘excellent’ Jameela Bond.

Brown Rudnick LLP boasts a ‘top-flight commercial litigation team’, made up of ‘fantastic lawyers’. Members of the practice have expertise acting against leading banks, particularly on complex injunctions and high-value asset recoveries. An ‘absolute star and a class act,’ Neill Shrimpton leads the team with considerable international litigation expertise, including fraud expert Jane Colston. Other key figures include Robin Pickworth, a ‘tenacious, thorough, and highly commercial lawyer’.

Cooley (UK) LLP‘s commercial litigation team has a robust practice that offers clients advice across various industries, including technology, life sciences, and financial sectors. The team is particularly noted for the aforementioned life sciences expertise, advising clients in commercial disputes related to drug development, manufacturing, and licensing. James Maton leads a talented team and focuses his practice on matters concerning contractual claims, product liability issues, and class actions.

In the commercial litigation space, Goodwin is commended by clients for having an ‘excellent team at all levels’, with expertise in complex litigation in a number of sectors, including private equity, venture capital, life sciences, and financial services. ‘Excellent and reassuring’, practice head Oliver Glynn-Jones acts for a number of investment banks and funds on cross-border disputes. Sarah McAtominey is ‘at the top of her game’, and is praised for her ‘incredible knowledge of the industry’. Rebecca Wardle is also noted.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is noted for its experience across financial services, civil fraud, asset recovery, and contentious regulatory work, working with a host of clients in the banking, healthcare, energy, and media sectors. ‘A great communicator,’ Masoud Zabeti leads the ‘excellent and responsive’ team, which notably includes Kathryn Garbett, Claire Broadbelt, and Annabel Thomas. Hannah Blom-Cooper, a ‘stand-out partner in commercial litigation’, is also noted.

Jenner & Block LLP‘s team consists of ‘amazing partners who are utterly committed to their cases’, and covers the gamut of premium commercial litigation work. Team head Jason Yardley is ‘one of the best partners in this field’, who acts for a number of hedge and private equity funds, as well as leading energy companies. Edward Davis and Lizzie Shimmin are also noted.

Praised by clients for its ‘excellent team of dispute lawyers’, Milbank is noted for its considerable experience in complex litigation, particularly in the financial services sector. The 'brilliant' practice head Julian Stait is praised by clients for being ‘incredibly analytical’. A ‘force to be reckoned with’,  Mona Vaswani is experienced in unfair prejudice and joint venture disputes. Tom Canning and William Charles are key to the practice, along with ‘astonishingly talented’ Emma Hogwood.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP's commercial disputes team acts on high-profile mandates across a range of jurisdictions. Practice head Chris Warren-Smith has broad experience spanning financial crime, economic sanctions, and fraud. Peter Sharp is noted for his aviation knowledge, while other key figures include the ‘unstoppable’ David Waldron, and the ‘phenomenally clever’ Paul Mesquitta.

Fielding a team of ‘real experts in commercial litigation’ chaired by Anthony Riem, PCB Byrne is increasingly engaged in big-ticket disputes across a range of sectors, including natural resources, industrials, real estate, and finance. The ‘hugely knowledgeable’ Trevor Mascarenhas‘ recent engagements have covered aircraft leasing and banking matters, while the ‘thorough’ Olga Bischof is especially noted for her experience in cross-border work.  Other key figures include the ‘calm and knowledgeable’ Nick Ractliff and the formidable Catherine Eason.

Proskauer Rose LLP boasts a ‘very high-end, bespoke service’ for its clients in the commercial litigation space, with vast experience spanning private and public disputes. Members of the team have experience in a number of industries, including asset management, life sciences, and consumer products. Steven Baker ‘has an outstanding track record as a first-class litigator across a range of sectors’, and leads the team with ‘hardworking, articulate and highly intelligent’ James Kitching, and the ‘fiercely intelligent’ Dorothy Murray.

Praised for its ‘wonderful combination of intellect, work ethic, and soft skills’, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP‘s experience spans a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, insurance, and manufacturing. ‘An outstanding commercial and strategic thinker’, practice head Peter Burrell regularly appears before the High Court, particularly in cases concerning allegations of corporate crime. Simon Osborn-King is an ‘exceptionally astute lawyer’ whose workload covers contractual disputes and contentious insolvency proceedings, while Jerry Healy is noted for his experience in cross-border work. Other key figures include Giles Harvey and the ‘excellent’ Shamilee Arora.

Winston & Strawn LLP's ‘exceptional litigation practice’ has the ability to handle complex multijurisdictional disputes, representing a wide range of high-profile domestic and international clients. ‘Standout partner’ Ben Bruton, who leads the practice, is noted for his experience acting in high-stakes disputes for clients in the public and private sectors. Daniel Meagher is noted for his ‘keen strategic sense’. Suzanne Labi, noted for her wide-ranging experience in international disputes, is also recommended.