Harbottle & Lewis LLP‘s ’really excellent litigation group’ is able to leverage the firm’s specialisms in media, technology and entertainment. The team also acts in retail and finance-related disputes, and routinely represents HNW clients from the firm’s widely respected private capital practice. The commercial litigation department is led by dispute resolution specialist Sandi Simons. Louis Castellani is ‘a very shrewd senior litigator’ and Matthew Leverton regularly handles interim relief applications and trial litigation. Sofie Hoffman is an international contentious trust and probate expert. The practice further includes commercial litigators Georgina Long and Lizzie Williams, who are ’both very experienced practitioners’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This team is thoughtful, knowledgeable, calm and responsive.’
‘Excellent understanding of the practicalities of litigation on every level, from the ultimate strategic picture to the most technical, tactical details. A really excellent litigation group.’
‘They deeply understand the complexities of litigation, not just in legal terms, but the practical implications, especially in relation to cost benefits.’
‘Sandi Simons - totally devoted to her cases, the law, facts and big picture.'
‘Sandi Simons is very proactive and quick to follow up on ideas. A strong media background enables her to get to grips with novel IP scenarios.’
‘Louis Castellani is a very shrewd senior litigator and Matthew Leverton is an exceptional partner.’
‘Lizzie Williams is the best commercial litigator around. She's wonderfully easy to work with - clear, patient and eloquent in speech and writing.’
- ‘Lizzie Williams and Georgina King are both very experienced practitioners, with judgement and professional profiles far ahead of their seniority.’
Key clients
- iSam group
- Fabric Ventures Group
- Mishal Al-Sanea
- NBC Universal
- LiveNation & Ticketmaster
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
- Victoria Beckham
- Tutreke OU
- Gordon Ramsay Holdings International
Work highlights
- Acted for iS Prime (now, iSam Securities (UK)) in high-value Commercial Court proceedings against Think group for breach of an exclusivity obligation.
- Acting for Fabric Ventures Group (FVG) in relation to its claim against Celsius Network (CNL) for deceit/conspiracy/misrepresentation, which concerns an investment-related payment made by FVG to CNL.
- Acting for the majority shareholders of ZAUM UK, as respondent to a petition brought by the minority shareholders, seeking for the company to be wound up on just and equitable grounds under the Insolvency Act 1986.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Lizzie Williams
Practice head
Sandi Simons
Other key lawyers
Louis Castellani; Matthew Leverton; Sofie Hoffman; Georgina Long; Lizzie Williams