Commercial Litigation

Our global team of litigators have the appropriate legal, project management and crisis management experience in respect of complex, technical and sometimes reputationally significant disputes.

Should your issues develop into litigation, as one of the largest disputes firms in the world, our global group is adept at managing complex cross-border matters, where the stakes are high and often business critical.

A disputes powerhouse

Our recognition as a disputes powerhouse is one we're proud of - we understand the different ways a dispute can be resolved and are flexible enough to respond to the idiosyncrasies of each matter and our client’s needs as they develop. Our practice comprises over 400 litigators worldwide and, only in the UK, we conduct more commercial litigation than any other law firm. We are also ranked as the most active firm in claimant and defendant commercial litigation in the court of England & Wales.

We have the appropriate legal, project management and crisis management experience in respect of complex and technical litigation and have an established track record of working with clients to align case strategies with their overall commercial priorities and reputation management.

We provide the same level of rigor, experience and sensitivity regardless of the size and nature of the matter at hand. We act for a vast range of clients on the full spectrum of disputes ranging from disaster level events, through complex and high-value disputes and smaller, but nonetheless important, cases. We protect client interests during litigation in the courts, whilst always being mindful of the potential economic and publicity benefit in achieving early resolution where necessary. We understand the variety of challenges clients face on a day-to-day basis and are at the forefront of market developments.

Experience/deals

  • All
  • UK & Europe
  • Fraud screening processes uncovers large motor fraud ring

    We acted for an insurer on a large motor fraud operation. The operation focused on 367 third parties claiming against 136 fraudulently incepted policies and was complex given it involved suspected staged accidents where often individuals did not exist. The strategies resulted in savings of 3.4 million for the insurer client. Additionally, following over 500 individuals being under investigation; payments were made on just 4 claims in total (97.55% success rate).

    United Kingdom

    Fraudulent claims result in custodial sentences

    We successfully applied for the committal of three Defendants for contempt of court. The application was made following their attempts to bring a fraudulent insurance claim, in relation to a staged road traffic accident. The first and third Defendants filed witness statements refuting our client’s allegations of fraudulent behaviour. All Defendants received custodial sentences, this ruling has important ramifications for those involved in fraudulent claims. 

    United Kingdom

    Own goal by non-league footballer as TV appearance defeats dishonest claim

    The claimant, attempted to claim over £55,000 for injury in a road traffic accident, he claimed that injuries to his foot meant he could neither stand nor walk for long periods. His appearance on Sky TV’s Soccer AM for scoring a goal from the halfway line, was one of the pieces of evidence we presented to the Court to prove the claimant was exaggerating the extent of his injuries. He agreed to a court order to withdraw his insurance claim and pay £5,000 costs.

    United Kingdom

    Employee-led fraud ring

    Representing a large local authority on a sensitive employee-led fraud ring. We ensured that reputational damage was avoided whilst achieving maximum repudiation and an IFED referral.

    United Kingdom

    Exaggerated claim undone by investigation

    We acted for a large public liability insurer following a genuine accident. The claimant alleged serious physical and psychological injuries, with his claim for damages and costs in excess of GBP 40,000. Our investigation uncovered that he was lifting heavy weights and we obtained video of him on one of the world’s highest waterslides. At trial, the claim was dismissed and the claimant was ordered to pay GBP 14,000 in costs.

    United Kingdom

    Exaggeration costs claimant dearly

    Following a genuine accident at work, our insurer client contacted us as they were concerned about the extent and impact of the injuries. This claim was handled using our Project Martello strategy for exaggerated claims. Our investigation uncovered that the Claimant was much more active than he was admitting. The Court ordered that the GBP 260,000 claim be discontinued and the claimant to pay GBP 5,000 to the Defendant.

    United Kingdom

    First industry-wide EL/PL fraud ring

    Acting for several large clients in the Preston area dealing with, what was deemed to be, the first industry-wide EL/PL fraud ring. We assisted our client by liaising with the IFB and delivered a 100% repudiation rate for all intimated claims.

    United Kingdom

    First private prosecution for public liability claim

    Acting on behalf of a global insurer defending a staged tripping claim brought against a supermarket. After defending the original GBP 60,000 claim to a successful conclusion at trial, we then pursued a private prosecution against the claimant - who received a 21 month suspended jail sentence for her part in the scam.

    United Kingdom

    Motor Fraudsters jailed for contempt of court

    We pursued contempt of court actions against three individuals who had brought claims against a top 10 UK motor insurer following a staged road traffic accident, part of a larger fraud ring investigation. While the claims had not proceeded to trial meaning the three individuals hadn't lied under oath, we pursued contempt proceedings and they each received prison sentences of between 4 and 6 months.

    United Kingdom
  • Fraudulent claims result in custodial sentences

    We successfully applied for the committal of three Defendants for contempt of court. The application was made following their attempts to bring a fraudulent insurance claim, in relation to a staged road traffic accident. The first and third Defendants filed witness statements refuting our client’s allegations of fraudulent behaviour. All Defendants received custodial sentences, this ruling has important ramifications for those involved in fraudulent claims. 

    United Kingdom

    Fraud screening processes uncovers large motor fraud ring

    We acted for an insurer on a large motor fraud operation. The operation focused on 367 third parties claiming against 136 fraudulently incepted policies and was complex given it involved suspected staged accidents where often individuals did not exist. The strategies resulted in savings of 3.4 million for the insurer client. Additionally, following over 500 individuals being under investigation; payments were made on just 4 claims in total (97.55% success rate).

    United Kingdom

    Own goal by non-league footballer as TV appearance defeats dishonest claim

    The claimant, attempted to claim over £55,000 for injury in a road traffic accident, he claimed that injuries to his foot meant he could neither stand nor walk for long periods. His appearance on Sky TV’s Soccer AM for scoring a goal from the halfway line, was one of the pieces of evidence we presented to the Court to prove the claimant was exaggerating the extent of his injuries. He agreed to a court order to withdraw his insurance claim and pay £5,000 costs.

    United Kingdom

    Employee-led fraud ring

    Representing a large local authority on a sensitive employee-led fraud ring. We ensured that reputational damage was avoided whilst achieving maximum repudiation and an IFED referral.

    United Kingdom

    First industry-wide EL/PL fraud ring

    Acting for several large clients in the Preston area dealing with, what was deemed to be, the first industry-wide EL/PL fraud ring. We assisted our client by liaising with the IFB and delivered a 100% repudiation rate for all intimated claims.

    United Kingdom

    Motor Fraudsters jailed for contempt of court

    We pursued contempt of court actions against three individuals who had brought claims against a top 10 UK motor insurer following a staged road traffic accident, part of a larger fraud ring investigation. While the claims had not proceeded to trial meaning the three individuals hadn't lied under oath, we pursued contempt proceedings and they each received prison sentences of between 4 and 6 months.

    United Kingdom

    Exaggerated claim undone by investigation

    We acted for a large public liability insurer following a genuine accident. The claimant alleged serious physical and psychological injuries, with his claim for damages and costs in excess of GBP 40,000. Our investigation uncovered that he was lifting heavy weights and we obtained video of him on one of the world’s highest waterslides. At trial, the claim was dismissed and the claimant was ordered to pay GBP 14,000 in costs.

    United Kingdom

    Exaggeration costs claimant dearly

    Following a genuine accident at work, our insurer client contacted us as they were concerned about the extent and impact of the injuries. This claim was handled using our Project Martello strategy for exaggerated claims. Our investigation uncovered that the Claimant was much more active than he was admitting. The Court ordered that the GBP 260,000 claim be discontinued and the claimant to pay GBP 5,000 to the Defendant.

    United Kingdom

    First private prosecution for public liability claim

    Acting on behalf of a global insurer defending a staged tripping claim brought against a supermarket. After defending the original GBP 60,000 claim to a successful conclusion at trial, we then pursued a private prosecution against the claimant - who received a 21 month suspended jail sentence for her part in the scam.

    United Kingdom

Our Commercial Litigation team

Ben Knowles
Ben Knowles

Partner & Chair of the Global Arbitration Group

Chris Williams
Chris Williams

Partner

Richard Power
Richard Power

Partner

Ian Hopkinson
Ian Hopkinson

Partner

Anna Myrvang
Anna Myrvang

Partner

Craig McAdam
Craig McAdam

Partner

Eric Olson
Eric Olson

Partner

Alexander Stewart
Alexander Stewart

Senior Associate

Fred Feistauer
Fred Feistauer

Associate

Steven Bird
Steven Bird

Senior Associate

Robert Ferdinando
Robert Ferdinando

Associate

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