Banking Litigation
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Contact number
+44 20 7374 8000About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
We work with clients on some of the largest, highest profile and ground-breaking cases involving litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution for banks, fund and asset managers as well as other financial services firms. As well as advice in relation to upcoming and existing proceedings, we advise on risk management to present the available options and reduce future exposure. Our many years of dedicated sector focus have given us broad experience and deep knowledge of the most complex and sophisticated financial products across retail and wholesale markets. Our international reach means that we are often instructed to adopt the role of coordinator for complex, cross-jurisdictional matters.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills has a pre-eminent banking litigation outfit with a standout track record of instructions in high-value cases. It boasts an enviable client roster that includes major players in the retail, corporate and investment banking sectors, which turn to the firm for its expertise in complex, bet-the-company disputes work. Herbert Smith Freehills offers additional expertise in insurance, white-collar crime and public law matters. It can advise on substantial multiparty litigation, including shareholder group actions.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehills acted for the Bank of England as a defendant in proceedings issued by the Maduro Board of the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) which has requested the release of gold deposits exceeding USD1 billion in value held by the BoE on behalf of the BCV.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Herbert Smith team has deep knowledge of the industry, and has an excellent eye for strategy and for driving the case forward in ways which put the client at an advantage."
"Herbies is very responsive and has impressive client care."
"They Herbies team brings strong expertise and has the resources to handle big, complex matters."
"The Herbert Smith team has deep knowledge of the industry, and has an excellent eye for strategy and for driving the case forward in ways which put the client at an advantage."
"Herbies is very responsive and has impressive client care."
"They Herbies team brings strong expertise and has the resources to handle big, complex matters."
Notable Practitioners
Damien Byrne Hill is widely regarded as one of the finest litigators in the banking and finance arena. Major financial institutions, including industry-leading investment and commercial banks, routinely turn to him for assistance with their most sensitive contentious matters.
"Damien is a real standout litigator in the banking and finance sphere."
Head of the banking litigation department Rupert Lewis is recognised for his expertise in managing a wide variety of contentious matters on behalf of financial institutions. His practice encompasses mis-selling claims, contractual disputes and fraud claims, among many other issues.
"Rupert is a fantastic lawyer who is great at strategy and pulling teams together."
"Rupert has excellent judgement, he's a great people person and is extremely effective at speaking to opponents and barristers."
Simon Clarke is an accomplished litigator and a respected figure in the market who draws praise for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional financial disputes. He is particularly experienced with regard to cases involving mis-selling of complex financial products.
"Simon is a well-known name in the market and a strong lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Ajay Malhotra
Chris Bushell
Emma Deas
John Corrie
Julian Copeman