As part of one of the largest litigation practices in the world, our London Trial Practice lawyers deal with all aspects of complex and high value business litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters, as well as advising on alternative dispute resolution and risk management generally. We advise a wide range of clients including major corporates, banks, private investment funds and high net-worth individuals.
Our lawyers have particular depth in fraud, investment banking litigation, property litigation, commercial and regulatory investigations, competition, IT and telecoms litigation, as well as in disputes arising on the acquisition and disposal of companies. Lawyers in the group also participate in the Firm's pro bono program (which includes providing free legal advice to people who are not able to instruct their own solicitors, through the Waterloo Legal Advice Service).
Examples of recent matters include:
- Langbar International Limited - Advising Langbar in pursuing former directors in relation to one of the largest ever frauds alleged to have been committed on the Alternative Investment Market.
- Goldshield Group plc - Advising Goldshield, a pharmaceutical company, in relation to an action brought by the Fraud Office for alleged price fixing conduct.
- Standard Bank Plc - Advising Standard Bank on a multi-million pound claim brought by a counterparty to a derivatives contract relating to the valuation of bonds traded under the contract. In the current market, there is considerable interest about how to conduct valuations properly in the circumstances of default by one party. The Court of Appeal ultimately upheld Standard Bank's approach to valuation under the contract.
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Barry Fletcher Trinity College, Oxford, Jurisprudence
Although it is trite to state that no two cases are ever alike, this has certainly been my experience of the Jones Day Trial Practice.
My arrival at Jones Day fortuitously coincided with the early stages of preparation in the high profile Digicel -v- Cable & Wireless High Court litigation.
The dispute, which is broadly concerned with telecommunications in the Caribbean, is legally and factually complex, involving several territories each with its own unique set of laws. My involvement in the case ranged from researching our causes of action to drafting contributions to the lengthy court papers. Jones Day's unique training system allowed me to become fully immersed in the case without fear of having to drop everything upon a change of seat. I do not believe that the partner in charge would have allowed me such a level of exposure and experience if he were going to lose my involvement after six months.
As for the work I am currently involved with, our team has just completed disclosure in a complicated product liability claim. We are now turning our attention to witness evidence and instructing experts in the fields of analytical chemistry and food standards to deal with the scientific issues which are at the root of the case. Although it is not something that I had previously considered before starting with Jones Day, litigation provides unparalleled opportunities to develop in-depth knowledge of a diverse range of industries and subjects. In my time with the Firm, I have been involved with clients from the construction, waste, telecommunications, real estate, and banking industries. The broad range of work within the practice group is, I believe, one of its most obvious strengths.
As is true of the Firm generally, a trainee who undertakes litigation work can expect high levels of responsibility from the off. Cases are handled by small teams of lawyers, which allows trainees to be fully involved at every stage of proceedings. In addition, there is much scope for trainees to assume day-to-day responsibility for smaller matters with, of course, guidance and supervision from senior colleagues when necessary.
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