Addleshaw Goddard ‘s finance disputes team in Leeds is recognised for its deep expertise in high-stakes banking litigation, acting for a broad range of financial institutions, from high street banks to asset finance lenders. The team regularly handles complex cases, including secret commission claims in motor finance, fraud-related disputes, and professional negligence matters. Practice head Ben Lowans is known for handling high-profile financial services litigation, while Jennifer Hedley is highly regarded for her work on broker commission disputes. Sandip Singh and Matthew Dibb further strengthen the team’s capabilities in fraud and financial crime litigation.
Banking litigation in Yorkshire
Addleshaw Goddard
Responsables de la pratique:
Ben Lowans; Jennifer Hedley
Autres avocats clés:
Sandip Singh; Matthew Dibb
Les références
‘Working with the team at Addleshaws is both a privilege and a joy. The team works efficiently and with keen focus on securing excellent results for their clients. There is a collaborative approach between the firm, counsel and the client which ensures brilliant outcomes in almost all the matters that I have had the privilege of working on with the firm.’
‘Jennifer Hedley combines a strong legal mind with commercial focus. As a result, she often secures excellent results for her clients without any degree of fuss. She is both a strong manager and brilliant lawyer; it is always a joy to work with her.’
‘Ben Lowans is hands down the best lawyer I’ve worked with. Pragmatic, clear, always willing to fight our corner and a fierce litigator. AG are our trusted partner for when we need complex, considered advice.’
Principaux clients
Castle Water Limited
Aldermore Bank
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a building society on a highly sensitive judicial review arising from a decision by the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- Advising a multitude of mainstream and nonmainstream lenders, brokers and financial service providers on non-disclosed commission cases, estimated to be worth over £50bn.
- Advising Castle Water, a water retailer, in a Court of Appeal case regarding interpretation of key water industry legislation.
DLA Piper
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.
Responsables de la pratique:
Chris Harvey; Adam Ibrahim
Autres avocats clés:
Sohail Ali; Paul McNamee
Les références
‘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.’
Principaux 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
Principaux dossiers
- 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.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP is a key player in financial litigation, known for handling complex cases with regulatory and commercial significance. The firm has expanded its focus to cover commercial lending claims, fraud-related disputes, and bridging finance matters. Rob Payne offers strategic guidance on operational risk and reputational concerns, while Richard Sandford is highly regarded for his expertise in secured and unsecured debt recovery. Ashley Neville also contributes to the practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rob Payne; Richard Sandford
Autres avocats clés:
Ashley Neville
Les références
‘Very approachable and « hands on » advice. Provide excellent summary of cases and well thought through solutions.’
‘Richard Sandford – very responsive, friendly and excellent in-depth knowledge of issues.’
‘Rob Payne – a safe pair of hands for any client; astute and well-versed in the law.’
Principaux clients
Atelier Capital Partners Limited
Charles Street Commercial Investments Limited
CREO 12 Sarl
Family Finance Limited
Foundation Home Loans
Handelsbanken Plc
Imagine Mortgages Limited
Integro Funding Limited
LendInvest
Lloyds Banking Group
Loughborough Building Society
Mortgage Express & NRAM Limited
Octopus Real Estate & Fern Trading Group Limited
OneSavings Bank
Pepper Money
REBUILDINGSOCIETY.COM Ltd
Schneider Financial Solutions Limited
Shawbrook Bank Limited
Skipton Building Society
Swift Advances Plc
Tandem Bank Limited
The Mortgage Lender Limited
Together Commercial Finance Limited
Topaz Finance Limited
Quidie Limited
Vida Bank Limited
Watchtower Finance Limited
Alder King LLP
Allsop LLP
FRP Advisory
Kroll Advisory Limited
Opus Restructuring LLP
Pantera Property Limited
Savills LLP
Walker Singleton
Waterfold Asset Management Limited
Watling Real Estate Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Together Commercial Finance Limited as Second Respondent in an appeal to the UK Supreme Court concerning a landlord’s breach of the tenants ‘right of first refusal’ and its impact on pre-existing security granted to the lender and the subsequent grant of additional leasehold interests by the landlord.
- Advising CREO 12 S.a.r.l in relation to a £10m claim against a company borrower relating to a former convent/priory and associated development site.
Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal is a notable name in the Yorkshire banking litigation market, representing major financial institutions across the sector. Led by Roger McCourt, the team specialises in contractual disputes, professional negligence claims, fraud issues, and asset finance litigation. With strong ties to the restructuring team, the group offers strategic solutions in high-value financial disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Roger McCourt
Les références
‘They are clearly very knowledgeable but take a commercial approach at the same time. I have been very impressed with the responsiveness of the team at all levels. They respond very quickly to queries and produce all work in a very timely manner. They’re our go to team for all banking litigation work.’
‘Roger McCourt is clearly very experienced and knowledgeable in this area but is also willing to provide commercial advice. He is extremely responsive.’