When you face a commercial, financial or regulatory dispute, you need a team that puts your interests first. Our global dispute resolution specialists are dedicated to protecting your business and reputation, no matter how complex the challenge.
We represent clients in High Court litigation, international and domestic arbitration, and guide you through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options like mediation—always with your goals at the forefront.
With decades of experience, we have successfully managed some of the most significant cross-border and multi-jurisdictional cases. Our team coordinates seamlessly with local counsel worldwide, ensuring your case is handled efficiently and effectively wherever issues arise.
We understand that regulatory and criminal investigations can be daunting. Our highly respected team has a proven track record in defending clients in high-profile regulatory and criminal matters, providing holistic protection against threats from competitors, regulators, and prosecutors—often on an international scale.
Stephenson Harwood is a collaborative team that is fun to get on with and very responsive.’
Chambers UK 2025
Our clients include listed and private funds, investment companies, private owners, investment managers, trustees, financial services institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices. They trust us to deliver clear, strategic advice and robust representation, tailored to their unique needs. We are committed to resolving your disputes with the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and personal service.
Our Services
Resolving complex disputes for funds, investors, and asset managers
- SPL Guernsey ICC Ltd Arch-Cru funds litigation - Represented SPL Guernsey ICC Ltd in multi-jurisdictional litigation following the collapse of the Arch-Cru funds, achieving effective management of claims against multiple parties.
- Private equity real estate business acquisition dispute - Acted for a private equity real estate business in resisting claims aimed at preventing completion of a US$2.5bn acquisition, ensuring the client’s strategic objectives were met.
- Private equity house fee and incentive claim - Supported a private equity house and its portfolio company in defending a CHF70m claim for unpaid fees and management incentives, safeguarding commercial interests.
- Security agent bond rectification claim - Acted for a security agent, instructed by a hedge fund, in a contested rectification claim involving £500m+ publicly-traded bonds, protecting client positions in high-value litigation.
- AIM-listed fund investment manager claim - Advised an AIM-listed fund in a $78m Commercial Court claim against its investment manager, helping recover losses linked to investments in China.
- Omani investment company fraud and embezzlement arbitration - Acted for a large Omani investment company in a DIFC-LCIA arbitration for fraudulent misrepresentation and embezzlement, securing a worldwide freezing order.
Supporting clients to resolve financial services disputes
- Euro-Asian Oil SA Commercial Court proceedings - Represented Euro-Asian Oil SA in Commercial Court proceedings against Credit Suisse, securing a US$18 million judgment and helping the client protect its commercial interests.
- Major North American bank ICC arbitration - Acted for three respondents in a London ICC arbitration against a major North American bank, securing a major victory for clients in a shareholder agreement dispute.
- ICICI Bank Limited NMC Healthcare claims - Advised ICICI Bank Limited on claims against the founder of NMC Healthcare in the DIFC Courts, supporting the client through complex financial services litigation.
Resolving disputes arising following acquisitions of shares or businesses.
- Financial institution breach of warranty claim - Acted for a financial institution in a breach of warranty claim against a seller under a share purchase agreement, helping protect the client’s position post-acquisition.
- Digital marketplace group indemnity claim - Acted for a digital marketplace group on a breach of warranty claim and pursuit of indemnities under a share purchase agreement, supporting the client in achieving recovery and risk protection.
- Investment company misrepresentation claim - Acted for an investment company to rescind an agreement due to serious omissions and false representations during an investment purchase, ensuring client protection.
Advising on shareholder, joint venture and investment disputes for a wide range of stakeholders
- Argentinian private equity fund shareholder dispute - Acted for a portfolio company of a major Argentinian private equity fund in a dispute with other shareholders, protecting substantial investments.
- Saxon Woods Investment Limited - Acted for Saxon Woods and successfully secured a finding of unfair prejudice in a shareholder dispute following a heavily contested trial.
- Private equity house Southeast Asia investment dispute - Acted for a private equity house in claims worth US$2.6bn arising from investment and shareholder agreements in Southeast Asia, supporting the client’s commercial interests.
- Defending a US$30 million earn-out claim - Defended a client against a US$30 million claim regarding an alleged failure to comply with an earn-out, helping to protect the client’s financial position.
- Private equity house shareholders' agreement dispute - Acted for a private equity house in SG$1.1bn claims against shareholders for breaches of a shareholders' agreement, supporting the client’s investment interests.
Resolving complex disputes involving corporate trust structures.
- GLAS Trust Corporation Limited securitisation proceedings and advisory - Advised the note trustee in proceedings concerning a complex securitisation transaction, providing ongoing guidance on trustee obligations and supporting the trustee in its role.
- Medlands trustee dispute and winding up - Advised Medlands on complex trustee disputes and the winding up of a Bermudian company holding $8bn in assets, protecting client interests and securing a successful resolution.
- Major fund investor waterfall provision dispute - Supported a major fund investor in a dispute with a trustee over waterfall provisions, ensuring clarity and fair outcomes in trust documentation.
Resolving complex disputes involving sovereign wealth funds, sovereign assets and debt.
- Sovereign wealth fund investment vehicle retail dispute - Advised an investment vehicle of a sovereign wealth fund in a large-scale retail investment dispute, addressing civil, criminal, and regulatory challenges.
- Bondholders Argentine sovereign bond dispute - Represented a consortium of bondholders in a US$4bn+ dispute arising from Argentine sovereign bonds, supporting clients through complex US and UK proceedings.
- Libyan Investment Authority global asset litigation - Represented claimants in global litigation concerning misappropriated Libyan Investment Authority assets, including the appointment of receivers and managers.
Protecting the interests of prominent individuals in sensitive and complex matters.
- UHNWI bank investment dispute - Advised an ultra-high net worth individual on a dispute with a leading bank over investment close outs, including regulatory engagement to protect client interests.
- UHNWI asset risk management - Acted as trusted advisers to a UHNWI, managing claims and risks associated with significant assets and investments.
- Hong Kong property tycoon portfolio of claims - Acted for a Hong Kong property tycoon in successfully pursuing multiple claims across jurisdictions following a business separation, protecting his interests.
- Global asset litigation - Represented individuals involved in global litigation concerning misappropriated Libya Investment Authority assets, including appointment of receivers and managers.
- Challenging investee company actions - Acted for a UHNWI in a dispute with a PLC over a non-pre-emptive share placing, addressing market speculation and protecting shareholder rights.
- UHNWI shareholder dispute with East African family - Acted for a UHNWI in a complex international shareholder dispute with an investment company owned by a prominent East African family.
Helping clients navigate regulatory challenges and maintain compliance.
- UK-based fund regulatory reporting - Advised a UK-based fund on regulatory reporting obligations following historic investment sales concerns, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
- Hedge fund anti-money laundering procedures - Supported a hedge fund in addressing anti-money laundering failings, drafting new procedures, and representing the MLRO in disciplinary proceedings.
- Private capital firm Proceeds of Crime Act advice - Advised a private capital firm on obligations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, helping manage regulatory risk.
- Confidential investigations on behalf of shareholders - Acted for a UK-based private equity firm to investigate allegations of fraud and revenue misstatement, supporting shareholder interests.
- Abraaj Group executive DFSA proceedings - Acting for a former senior executive of the Abraaj Group in DFSA proceedings in the DIFC Courts, including a worldwide freezing order over personal assets.
- International crypto service providers regulatory investigations - Acting for international crypto service providers and related parties in enforcement investigations by UAE regulators, helping clients navigate regulatory challenges.
Providing clients impacted by sanctions with commercially focused legal advice and support, often in difficult, high-pressured circumstances.
- UK directors and trustees sanctions compliance - Supported UK directors and trustees in navigating asset management and compliance challenges after a Russian individual was sanctioned, ensuring protection of trust assets and adherence to international regulations.
- UHNWI sanctions delisting application - Advised a high-net-worth individual on the successful removal of his late grandfather from international sanctions lists, restoring family reputation and access to assets.
- UK hedge fund multi-jurisdictional sanctions advice - Guided a UK hedge fund through complex sanctions regimes across the UN, EU, UK, Dutch, Swiss and offshore jurisdictions relating to Libya, enabling continued operations while mitigating legal and reputational risks.
Awards and Recognition
Our People
Donna Newman
Partner
London
Justin McClelland
Partner - Global Co-Head of Commercial Litigation
London
Philip Clarke
Partner
Dubai
John Lewis
Partner - Head of Commercial Litigation, Middle East
Dubai
Nicolas Demigneux
Paris Managing Partner & Head of Commercial Litigation – Avocat au Barreau de Paris
Paris
Jamie Stranger
Partner
Hong Kong
Lauren Tang
Managing Partner at Virtus Law*
Virtus