Commercial and Corporate Litigation
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7786 9000About
Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Our litigation team delivers the most strategically advantageous and practical solutions for our clients' problems.
The team’s approach focuses on creative and tailored solutions that involve anything from litigating a case to the end, to resolving issues through commercial negotiation, and everything in between. Built on decades of experience litigating some of the world’s largest and highest-profile cases, Debevoise’s European team is able to draw on its practical understanding of the full range of dispute resolution strategies to find the best solutions for clients.
The practice’s matters are typically international, often with parallel claims in multiple jurisdictions and fora. The team manages these complex cross-border disputes through providing strategic advice, representation and advocacy to ensure an efficient and cost-effective resolution. Debevoise has an enviable track record of outstanding results, both in achieving victories in court, and in obtaining favorable settlements that enable clients to reach their commercial objectives.
Chambers Review
Debevoise & Plimpton boasts a distinguished team with impressive international capabilities. The London office has substantial experience acting on high-value, complex cases in the Commercial Court. The team also possesses notable expertise in post-M&A disputes and is experienced at handling matters relating to corporate control. It is highly active on contractual and joint venture disputes concerning natural resources.
Work Highlights
- Debevoise & Plimpton defended Neoma Private Equity Fund IV in a restitutionary damages claim for monies under an alleged oral agreement and damages from alleged loss and damaged suffered by the alleged deceit.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Debevoise bring commendable legal and procedural clarity to claims and find a viable way forward on cases."
"The firm has a wide array of highly experienced and talented individuals."
"From partner through to associates, Debevoise has consistently strong performers."
"The team is very business-minded."
"Debevoise bring commendable legal and procedural clarity to claims and find a viable way forward on cases."
"The firm has a wide array of highly experienced and talented individuals."
"From partner through to associates, Debevoise has consistently strong performers."
"The team is very business-minded."
Notable Practitioners
Patrick Swain is a leader in the field of commercial and corporate litigation, handling large-scale contractual, shareholder and company ownership disputes. He regularly represents leading corporates and financial institutions on complex litigation, often involving foreign jurisdictions.
"Patrick is a complete master of litigation strategy."
"Patrick Swain is a very experienced litigator who is very good at handling large cases."
Peter Goldsmith is the chair of European and Asian litigation at Debevoise & Plimpton, as well as co-managing partner of the London office. He regularly appears as an advocate before the courts on behalf of HNW individuals and large corporate entities involved in major commercial disputes.
"Peter is a veteran and an incredible advocate."
"Peter Goldsmith is really, really effective."
"Peter is a valuable person to have in your armoury with the way he commands respect and his big picture experience."
Chris Boyne handles a variety of highly contentious disputes relating to shareholder and joint venture agreements. He frequently represents leading private equity funds as well as major clients in the oil and gas sector.
"Christopher is very clever, switched on and takes no nonsense. He gets straight to the point very efficiently."
"He provides commercial advice simply explained and it works."
"Christopher is totally devoted to getting the outcome that his clients want. He is a class act."
"He keeps his eye on the client's prize. Strategy is created not to fight a point for the point's sake, but with an outcome in mind."
"Christopher is collaborative and understands the points that need to be made."
Ranked Lawyers at
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
London (Firms)