Signature specialises in advising clients on all aspects of large-scale commercial litigation, with particular expertise in handling multi-party, multi-jurisdictional disputes. We represent a variety of clients across a range of industry sectors including multi-national corporations, financial institutions, and high net-worth individuals
Our expertise covers both litigation and arbitration. We handle disputes at all levels of the English court system, and our lawyers have experience of handling arbitrations under a variety of institutional rules, including most commonly the LCIA and ICC.
We understand the challenges faced by commercial parties who are involved in disputes. By using our innovative approach to pricing we look to confine the cost of litigation to realistic budgetary constraints, and we aim to give pragmatic and commercially focused advice, using our experience to guide clients through settlement strategies and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms where appropriate. When a commercial solution cannot be reached, we have an impressive track record of achieving results for our clients through the courts. We vigorously pursue claims on behalf of our clients, taking all necessary steps to protect their interests.
Signature is ranked in The Legal 500 for commercial litigation which describes the firm as “a first-class firm with a positive, collaborative culture of integrity”.
In addition to ranking in The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners ranks Signature’s founding partner, Graham Huntley, in Band 1 for his experience in handling complex commercial litigation, describing him as “an intense and effective solicitor with an incredibly client-focused approach.” Sources have described him as “very bright, very hard-working, a good tactician and he offers very sound advice,” and “extremely tenacious and keeps the client’s interests in mind”. Graham has also been described as “stellar” and as “a great opponent – bright and focused with exemplary analytical skills”.
The Legal 500 notes that Abdulali Jiwaji “has excellent interpersonal skills, is very good with clients and a pleasure to work with”. Chambers Global describes him as being a “technically sound, sensible and robust litigator who always finds practical solutions”.
With over 28 years’ experience in high stakes commercial litigation, Simon Bushell is described by Chambers and Partners as a “hard hitting litigator”, who is the “go-to lawyer when the stakes are exceptionally high”. Simon is also regarded as a ‘Leading Individual’ by The Legal 500 UK 2019 for his extensive expertise in this practice.
OUR LAWYERS’ FEATURED EXPERIENCE
Advising the family and estate of the late Badri Patarkatsishvili concerning ownership of interests of various assets, in particular an approximately $2 billion shareholding in a metallurgy company.
Acting for a Gibraltar investment vehicle in an ongoing dispute before the British Virgin Island (BVI) Commercial Court, Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, and Privy Council relating to a disputed managerial entitlement of approximately $200 million in relation to a $1 billion investment fund.
Acting on behalf of institutional clients and over 35,000 individual shareholders bringing claims in excess of £1 billion against RBS over its 2008 rights issue following the acquisition of ABN Amro.
Advising a major corporate on claims in excess of $300 million in relation to hundreds of foreign exchange derivative transactions entered into with international banks on the grounds of non-compliance with Shari’a law.
Representing an investment fund in High Court professional negligence proceedings against a major international law firm arising out of French restructuring advice given in respect of a €20 million distressed loan.
Advising a Russian investment bank in a £100 million dispute with an AIM-listed mining and mineral company with operations in Sierra Leone regarding a number of M&A, equity and debt transactions over a period of 4 years.
Acting for two BVI incorporated companies in relation to Georgian law tort/delict claims for damages of approximately $40 million stemming from the misappropriation of Georgian assets.