Chris Pettett
Managing Associate
Chris is a commercial litigator with expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes, known for his strategic insight and dedication to client success.
Managing Associate
Chris is a commercial litigator with expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes, known for his strategic insight and dedication to client success.
Languages - English, German, Dutch
Chris is a managing associate who specialises in complex cross-border disputes. His clients include banks, insurance brokers, asset managers and sovereign states. Chris's notable work includes acting for around 2,000 retailers in a group action against Mastercard and Visa in the Competition Appeal Tribunal in relation to multilateral interchange fees, and acting for Pakistan in a landmark banking dispute against India.
He advises on High Court litigation, particularly in banking, funds, and financial products disputes. Chris is adept at crafting efficient debt recovery strategies and has collaborated with US law firms on high-value securities disputes. He is also well acquainted with litigation in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Chris has a keen interest in and in-depth knowledge of private international law, in particular the complex rules surrounding jurisdiction and the enforcement of foreign judgments. He regularly writes and speaks on this subject.
Clients appreciate Chris's dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes, valuing his ability to see every aspect of a problem. Fluent in German and Dutch, he is well-equipped to assist clients across Europe, enhancing his capability to manage international disputes effectively.
Group action against Visa and Mastercard
Acting on and successfully settling a claim on behalf of around 2,000 retailers in a group action against Mastercard and Visa in the Competition Appeal Tribunal relating to multilateral interchange fees.
Breach of warranty dispute
Advising an English company on a breach of warranty dispute arising out of its acquisition of a German subsidiary, and successfully arguing that the English court, rather than the German court, should have jurisdiction over the dispute.
Dispute between sovereign states
Acting for Pakistan in a landmark dispute against India in a multi-million pound widely reported banking dispute before the High Court involving arguments of non-justiciability and multi-jurisdictional complexities.
Bonus disputes
Advising the operational entity of a private equity fund structure in connection with multiple claims asserted by former employees for discretionary bonuses and carried interest.
Banking crisis and non-performing loans
Advising a number of European banks on hundreds of recovery and liability proceedings in several jurisdictions arising from multi-billion Euro loan portfolios including the impact of European and national banking and insolvency legislation.
Securities litigation
Acting for a global asset manager in connection with litigation relating to a portfolio of RMBS and CMBS assets including noteholder claims in England and securities fraud claims in New York and California.
Collapse of Arch-Cru funds
Acted for SPL Guernsey ICC Ltd in relation to the collapse of the Arch Cru funds and the related litigation both in the UK and Guernsey, including claims against the investment manager, directors, administrators and auditors of the fund.
Shareholder dispute
Advising a minority shareholder of an SPV owing the majority stake in an energy company in relation to potential breaches of a shareholders' agreement by the majority shareholder.
Referral fee disputes
Successfully settled two separate disputes in connection with fees claimed under introducer agreements to a fund.
Commercial agency dispute
Acting for a construction company in a claim brought by its former agent under the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.
