Our work has been recognised by the leading directories across our offices in England, France and Gibraltar.
Our conflict-free, dispute-focussed and client-orientated structure enables us to provide the most effective advice and support needed by clients addressing substantive actions and remedies in the English, French and Gibraltar Court systems, extending to deep experience and expertise in the enforcement of foreign judgments in those jurisdictions.
We also use our flexibility to deliver prompt and innovative pricing proposals and solutions. Through a demonstrable track record of confining the costs of litigation to realistic budgetary constraints, we provide holistically pragmatic and commercially focussed advice at all stages of litigation, including through settlement strategies, alternative dispute resolution and other mechanisms where appropriate.
Our track record supports our description in the leading directories as “an excellent boutique litigation firm” which “can really go toe-to-toe with magic circle firms”.
We achieve that through a unique culture and structure. This is reflected in our ranking in The Legal 500 for commercial litigation which describes the firm as “a first-class firm with a positive, collaborative culture of integrity”.
Our partners in all our jurisdictions are very highly ranked. In London, Graham Huntley is top ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers for commercial litigation, banking litigation and civil fraud. He is described by The Legal 500 as “an extraordinary legal mind” and possessing “a deeply commercial intelligence and a willingness to go more than the extra mile for his clients”, alongside Chambers which ranks him in Band 1 for banking litigation as someone who is an “exceptionally strong strategist”. Beyond that, The Legal 500 recognises that all “the key individuals are supremely professional and very Informed”.
The Legal 500 UK notes that Abdulali Jiwaji “has excellent interpersonal skills, is very good with clients and a pleasure to work with”. Chambers Global has described him as being a “technically sound, sensible and robust litigator who always finds practical solutions”.
The Legal 500 describes Daniel Spendlove as “very smart, client focused and details-oriented” and “excellent, with great attention to detail, wide experience and excellent client care”. He has also been praised as “highly professional”, and “a strategic thinker” who “brings real energy to cases”.
In Paris, Thomas Rouhette has earned plaudits from all the directories who recognise him as “a strong litigator” with 30 years’ experience in commercial litigation, which has led to him being consistently recognised by The Legal 500, Chambers, Best Lawyers and Who’s Who (Thought Leaders) as a commercial litigation expert, with sources noting “He is one of the best litigators” they have worked with – “just excellent” (WWL, 2018) who Is “highly esteemed for his expertise in handling product liability cases” and in the enforcement of foreign judgments before the French Court. The Legal 500 also ranks Thomas in their ‘Hall of Fame’ for his disputes expertise in relation to aviation and he is “highly regarded for his work on cross-border contentious matters“.
Also in Paris, Sylvie Gallage-Alwis handles high value commercial litigation specifically for manufacturers and distributors operating in France, within the scope of product-related litigation. She is listed as the only Next Generation Lawyer by The Legal 500 EMEA Guide in this respect. Her specific expertise is also recognised by Who’s Who Legal and Best Lawyers. Sylvie is praised for her “rigorous analysis, strategic guidance and seasoned litigation” and recognised as a “a star in the international world” and “well-connected expert”.
In Gibraltar, practice leader Elliott Phillips is recognised in Chambers Europe and Chambers Global as “an impressive individual who is extremely capable”, with a particular client following in telecommunications, financial and gaming sector disputes. The development of the office is typified by the “Up and Coming” partner Steven de Lara, also recognised by Chambers as “extremely hard working, client-focussed and very knowledgeable”. Elliott and Steven are also highly regarded by The Legal 500 EMEA Guide for their commercial litigation expertise. The practice is highlighted as being “the only pure litigation specialist in Gibraltar, setting the firm apart from others in Gibraltar“.
