Call 2018
George Hack
Team Leader
+44 (0)207 842 3762
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Katie Halbard
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 8861
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Laurentia has a broad commercial practice with a particular expertise in aviation disputes and interest in the intersection of commercial and public law. She brings over a decade of trial and appellate experience at all stages of a dispute including evaluating claims and defences, fact and expert disclosure and inspection, and led and sole counsel advocacy at hearings, trials, and arbitrations to her matters.
Laurentia was called to the Bar in 2012 in Australia, 2014 in New York, and 2018 in England & Wales. Before being called to the London Bar, Laurentia was an attorney at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP in New York from 2013-2018 and, before that, she was a litigation lawyer in Australia in government and leading commercial firms in the private sector. Laurentia therefore brings her experience in sole and led advocacy, including oral and written submissions, cross-examination, and taking depositions, at all levels of courts and at both federal and state level, to her matters.
Before going into practice, and after graduating first in her year at the University of Western Australia, Laurentia served as a judicial assistant to the Chief Justice of Australia, The Hon. R.S. French AC, at the High Court of Australia from 2011 – 2012. Before that, Laurentia worked for three years within the Western Australian government legal service as the legal research assistant to the WA Solicitor General and WA State Solicitor, where she worked on constitutional cases in the High Court of Australia alongside the Solicitor General and provided advice to the Attorney General including in relation to constitutional and administrative law, statutory construction and legislative drafting, criminal and civil law.
R (on the application of Manchikalapati) v Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Led by Richard Handyside KC and James Cutress KC, acted for FSCS pre-commencement of proceedings, in the Administrative Court, and in the Court of Appeal, successfully opposing a judicial review claim regarding the claimants’ entitlement to compensation for court-ordered costs and statutory interest under the Policyholder Protection Rules. Reported at: [2023] EWCA Civ 1006 overturning the first instance decision at [2022] EWHC 2228 (Admin).
Soteria Insurance Ltd v IBM UK Ltd
Led by Bankim Thanki KC and Michael Lazarus, acted for CIS General Insurance (now Soteria Insurance) in its successful appeal to the Court of Appeal overturning the decision below (at [2021] EWHC 347 (TCC)) which had held that CIS’s claim for wasted expenditure quantified at £122 million was excluded by a contractual exclusion of “loss of profit, revenue, [or] savings”. One of The Lawyer’s ‘Top 10 Appeals’ of 2022. Reported at [2022] EWCA Civ 440.
Sayacorp B.S.C. (c) v NMC Healthcare LTD & Others
Led by Henry King KC and Nico Leslie, acted for the joint administrators of the NMC Group in high-value proceedings in the courts of the Abu Dhabi Global Markets arising out of the Group’s collapse amidst allegations of fraud in 2020.
Ross Leasing Limited & Ors v Nile Air
As sole counsel, acted for Nile Air in successfully resisting the making final of a third party debt order against sums owed to it by the International Air Transport Association in proceedings brought by the aircraft lessors to enforce the judgment debt owed by Nile Air. Enforcement proceedings reported at: [2021] EWHC 2201 (Comm).
DAE 6583 Ireland Limited v Saudi Gulf Airlines Company & Ors
As sole counsel, obtained permission to apply for summary judgment in the Commercial Court for approximately US$11.3 million on behalf of an aircraft lessor following failures by the aircraft lessee and guarantors to make payments under an aircraft lease agreement and guarantees.
R (on the application of Manchikalapati) v Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Led by Richard Handyside KC and James Cutress KC, acted for FSCS pre-commencement of proceedings, in the Administrative Court, and in the Court of Appeal, successfully opposing a judicial review claim regarding the claimants’ entitlement to compensation for court-ordered costs and statutory interest under the Policyholder Protection Rules. Reported at: [2023] EWCA Civ 1006 overturning the first instance decision at [2022] EWHC 2228 (Admin).
Advising a company regarding the merits of a judicial review challenge to an increase in charges imposed by a government authority.
Led by Tim Dutton CBE KC and Patricia Robertson KC, advised on, and acted for, a regulator in connection with a prospective judicial review claim resulting from proposed removal of its powers by the entity it regulated.
Led by Nicholas Medcroft KC, acted for the claimants in a prospective judicial review against a government entity involving the claimants’ disclosure obligations in foreign proceedings.
Preparing a skeleton argument successfully resisting an application for judicial review of certain financial services rules (as a pupil).
Preparing a skeleton argument for an applicant seeking pre-action disclosure in judicial review proceedings (as a pupil).
Assisting counsel in advising on the historical existence and scope of the duty of candour in inquiries and inquests in a prosecution (as a pupil).
Assisting counsel in framing a judicial review challenge to a potential prosecution (as a pupil).
Acted for a parent in a case of alleged criminal neglect, including conducting, as sole counsel, the multi-day cross-examination of the key expert medical witness (pro bono as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York).
D’Aloia v Persons Unknown & Ors
Led by Nik Yeo, acted for a cryptocurrency exchange alleged to be a constructive trustee on the basis that it had allegedly received traceable proceeds of cryptocurrency in an authorised push-payment fraud. Reported at: [2024] EWHC 895 (Ch).
Piroozzadeh v Persons Unknown & Ors
Led by Nik Yeo, acted for a cryptocurrency exchange alleged to be a constructive trustee on the basis that it had allegedly received traceable proceeds of cryptocurrency in an authorised push-payment fraud. Reported at: [2023] EWHC 1024 (Ch).
Laurentia was one of the speakers on two episodes of Black & White, by Setia entitled “Post-Judgment Crypto Preservation and Recovery” (along with Nik Yeo and Danny Ong) in October and November 2023, available [here] and [here].
Ryanair DAC & Anor v NATS (En Route) plc
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acting for the claimants in Commercial Court proceedings against the defendant air traffic services provider following the defendant’s systems failing to process a flight plan and ensuing major flight disruption in August 2023.
FW Aviation (Holdings) 1 Limited & Ors v VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company
Led by Akhil Shah KC, successfully acted for the claimants in Commercial Court proceedings in a dispute arising out of four aircraft leases, raising complex issues concerning Japanese operating lease (JOLCO) structure, the lessors’ rights to terminate and recover possession, the validity of assignments, Cape Town Convention claims, breach of redelivery conditions, and relief from forfeiture. Reported at: [2024] EWHC 1945 (Comm).
Djinn Issuer Designated Activity Co v Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Co
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for the claimant lessor against the defendant lessee and successfully obtaining summary judgment for outstanding rental payments due under the leases concerning a novel question of construction of a rental deferral agreement. Reported at: [2023] EWHC 2650 (Comm).
DAE v Go First Airlines
Led by Rosalind Phelps KC, acted for the claimant aircraft lessor in proceedings against the defendant lessee in relation to unpaid aircraft rental and redelivery failures.
Air Europa Líneas Aéreas, S.A.U. v BOC Aviation Limited
As sole counsel, acted for the claimant airline in all pre-action stages and drafting Particulars of Claim in the Commercial Court concerning non-return of a commitment fee to the claimant by the defendant aircraft lessor after termination of a lease agreement after non-delivery by the aircraft manufacturer.
AWAS 36694 Ireland Ltd v Spicejet Ltd
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for the claimant aircraft lessors in the Commercial Court against the defendant lessee in relation to non-payment of sums due under the leases and failure to redeliver aircraft parts involving successfully resisting the defendant lessee’s jurisdiction challenge. Reported at: [2023] EWHC 1466 (Comm).
DAE 6583 Ireland Limited v Saudi Gulf Airlines Company & Ors
As sole counsel, obtained permission to apply for summary judgment in the Commercial Court for approximately US$11.3 million on behalf of an aircraft lessor following failures by the aircraft lessee and guarantors to make payments under an aircraft lease agreement and guarantees.
As sole counsel, advised an aircraft lessee regarding its obligations and options under an aircraft lease agreement with the lessor, which was ultimately owned by the Russian State, following the imposition of international sanctions upon Russian entities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
National Air Services Company v Lofty Crest Limited & Ors
As sole counsel, acted for the respondent aircraft charter company in successfully opposing a defendant guarantor’s application to set aside summary judgment in the Commercial Court.
Ross Leasing Limited & Ors v Nile Air
As sole counsel, acted for Nile Air in successfully resisting the making final of a third party debt order against sums owed to it by the International Air Transport Association in proceedings brought by the aircraft lessors to enforce a judgment debt owed by Nile Air. Enforcement proceedings reported at: [2021] EWHC 2201 (Comm).
Ross Leasing Limited & Ors v Nile Air
As sole counsel, acted for Nile Air in summary judgment proceedings brought against it by aircraft lessors in the Commercial Court for non-payment of aircraft lease payments for the lease of three Airbus A320-200 aircraft.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd v SpiceJet Ltd
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for SpiceJet in a dispute in the Commercial Court arising from De Havilland’s claim against SpiceJet for non-payment of sums in respect of the purchase of 25 Q-400 series aircraft under a Purchase Agreement including advising on the mertis, preparing pleadings, appearing at the hearing of the cross-claims for summary judgment and/or strike out, successfully obtaining permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal, and in the Court of Appeal regarding De Havilland’s application for a conditional order pursuant to CPR r. 52.18(1)(a) and/or an order that SpiceJet provide security for costs of the appeal. Reported at: [2021] EWCA CIV 1834 (Court of Appeal) and [2021] EWHC 362 (Comm) (Commercial Court).
DS-Rendite-Fonds Nr. 136 Flugzeugfonds XI GmbH & Co. KG v Société Air France
Led by Akhil Shah KC, racted for the claimant in Commercial Court proceedings brought against Air France for failure to redeliver an Airbus A380-861 aircraft in accordance with the terms of an aircraft operating lease agreement.
Capacity Limits at Heathrow Airport
Led by Michael McLaren KC, advised Heathrow Airport (in 2022) as to its powers, obligations, potential liabilities / challenges and strategy in connection with highly contentious and publicized restrictions on flights and passenger numbers at London Heathrow in the wake of Covid-19 staffing issues.
AWAS Netherlands A320-a BV v Pacific Airlines Aviation Joint Stock Company
As sole counsel, acted for an aircraft lessor in respect of outstanding payments due under an aircraft lease agreement by the lessee, wrongful removal of parts from the leased aircraft, and return of the aircraft in a condition that was not compliant with the lease agreement.
AWAS 6696 Ireland Limited & Ors v Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company
As sole counsel, acted for the defendant aircraft lessor in a claim for outstanding payments due under an aircraft lease agreement where the lessee pleaded frustration as a defence.
ACG Aircraft Leasing Ireland Limited -v- VietJet
As sole counsel, acted for the claimant aircraft lessor in contested Commercial Court proceedings against the defendant lessee for non-payment of sums payable amounting to over US$22million under aircraft leases.
As sole counsel, advised an aircraft lessee regarding its obligations and options under an aircraft lease agreement with the lessor, which was ultimately owned by the Russian State, following the imposition of international sanctions upon Russian entities, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Aircraft lessors v Guarantors of aircraft lessees
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for the respondent guarantors in an LCIA arbitration for claims brought to enforce guarantees after non-payment of sums due under aircraft leases.
Led by James Cutress KC and Adam Sher, acted for an insurer in a dispute with the insured regarding declination of payment under a policy in relation to an aircraft.
Regulation 261 claims
As sole counsel, regularly acted for airlines in the County Court in passenger claims for compensation under Regulation 261/2004, the Montreal Convention and the common law
Instructed to appear (as sole counsel) for airlines in the County Court in numerous claims by passengers for compensation under Regulation 261/2004, the Montreal Convention and the common law.
Laurentia facilitated an episode of The Fountain Court Podcast entitled “Aviation litigation: Topical issues and horizon scanning” (with Akhil Shah KC, Charlotte Winter, and Helen Biggin), in November 2023, available [here].
ECU Group Plc v Deutsche Bank & Ors
Led by Laura John KC, acted for a defendant bank in proceedings involving alleged ‘front running’ of foreign exchange stop loss orders.
Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust v Barclays Plc
Led by Jonathan Nash KC and Alex Barden, acted for claimants who invested into Barclays Capital Inc, in relation to claims under ss. 90 and 90A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, in relation to its “dark pool” trading and the role of high frequency traders.
As sole counsel, advising a director and the company on the merits of a claim against a bank for loss of business due to a wrongful and negligent registration of a Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance Scheme marker against the director.
Various alleged PPI mis-selling claims
As sole counsel, acted on behalf of defendant banks in the County Court, including at trial, defending various claims of alleged mis-selling of PPI policies.
Sayacorp B.S.C. (c) v NMC Healthcare LTD & Others
Led by Henry King KC and Nico Leslie, acted for the joint administrators of the NMC Group in high-value proceedings in the courts of the Abu Dhabi Global Markets arising out of the Group’s collapse amidst allegations of fraud in 2020.
Pisante & Ors v Logothetis & Ors
Led by Charles Béar KC, acted for the successful claimant investors in the Commercial Court hearing regarding consequential matters following trial of its claim for fraudulent misrepresentation regarding a complex shipping transaction in which the defendants refinanced shipping interests with a private equity house. Reported at: [2022] EWHC 2575 (Comm).
Skatteforvaltningen v Solo Capital Ltd & Ors
Led by Patricia Robertson KC and Daniel Edmonds, acted for a defendant group against claims brought by the Danish tax authorities relating to an alleged fraudulent scheme to reclaim £1.5 billion in withholding tax. The case was one of The Lawyer’s ‘Top 10 Commercial Cases of 2021’ and one of The Lawyer’s ‘Top 10 Appeals of 2022’.
A Business Purchaser v A Business Seller
As sole counsel, pre-action, acted for a prospective defendant against a prospective claimant in relation to alleged diversion of business opportunities and alleged reductions of contractual payments in breach of an asset purchase agreement, alleged unlawful conspiracy to injure and alleged fraudulent misrepresentation
ECU Group Plc v Deutsche Bank & Ors
Led by Laura John KC, acted for a defendant bank in proceedings involving alleged ‘front running’ of foreign exchange stop loss orders.
As sole counsel, advised the victim of an authorised push-payment fraud as to the merits of a prospective claim against it by the legitimate payee for non-payment.
Axon Ltd v O’Keeffe & Ors
Led by Jeffrey Chapman KC, in the Chancery Division, acted for the claimant sponsor brought against a motor racing driver, motor racing team and related individuals in an unlawful means conspiracy claim and also seeking to set aside a judgment on the grounds of fraud. Reported at: [2021] EWHC 2768 (Ch).
Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust v Barclays Plc
Led by Jonathan Nash KC and Alex Barden, acted for claimants who invested into Barclays Capital Inc, in relation to claims under ss. 90 and 90A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, in regards to its “dark pool” trading and the role of high frequency traders.
Sayacorp B.S.C. (c) v NMC Healthcare LTD & Others
Led by Henry King KC and Nico Leslie, acted for the joint administrators of the NMC Group in high-value proceedings in the courts of the Abu Dhabi Global Markets arising out of the Group’s collapse amidst allegations of fraud in 2020.
FIFA Investigation
Acted for the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in connection with investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland into allegations of bribery and corruption by former high-level soccer officials in international football leading a team of approximately 50 lawyers in Zurich, Switzerland (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York, on secondment to Zurich, Switzerland). The New York Times described the matter as “one of the most complicated international white-collar cases in recent memory”.
Acted for a defendant in a multi-million-pound fraud prosecution (as a pupil).
United States v McDonnell
Assisted in defending Maureen McDonnell, former First Lady of Virginia, in a federal criminal case charging Mrs. McDonnell and her husband, former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, with political corruption, extortion, obstruction of justice, and bank fraud (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York).
FW Aviation (Holdings) 1 Limited & Ors v VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company
Led by Akhil Shah KC, successfully acted for the claimant lessors in Commercial Court proceedings in a dispute arising out of four aircraft leases, raising complex issues concerning Japanese operating lease (JOLCO) structure, the lessors’ rights to terminate and recover possession, the validity of assignments, Cape Town Convention claims, breach of redelivery conditions, and relief from forfeiture. Reported at: [2024] EWHC 1945 (Comm).
Soteria Insurance Ltd v IBM UK Ltd
Led by Bankim Thanki KC and Michael Lazarus, acted for CIS General Insurance (now Soteria Insurance) in its successful appeal to the Court of Appeal overturning the decision below (at [2021] EWHC 347 (TCC)) which had held that CIS’s claim for wasted expenditure quantified at £122 million was excluded by a contractual exclusion of “loss of profit, revenue, [or] savings”. One of The Lawyer’s ‘Top 10 Appeals’ of 2022’. Reported at [2022] EWCA Civ 440.
Aggreko International Projects Limited v Exporien Mining Private Limited
As sole counsel, acted for the defendant power supply company in Commercial Court proceedings concerning the claimant consultant’s claim for a commission pursuant to a consultancy agreement and successfully obtained a security for costs order.
Air Europa Líneas Aéreas, S.A.U. v BOC Aviation Limited
As sole counsel, acted for the claimant airline in all pre-action stages and drafting Particulars of Claim in the Commercial Court concerning non-return of a commitment fee to the claimant by the defendant aircraft lessor after termination of a lease agreement after non-delivery by the aircraft manufacturer.
African Export-Import Bank v Innoson Technical and Industrial Company Limited & Ors
As sole counsel, acted for the claimant multilateral trade finance bank in Commercial Court proceedings against a foreign defendant borrower, successfully obtaining permission to apply for summary judgment and summary judgment in an amount over US$18 million.
As sole counsel, pre-action, acted for and advised a prospective defendant business seller in relation to prospective claims by the purchaser for alleged diversion of business opportunities and alleged reductions of contractual payments in breach of an asset purchase agreement, alleged unlawful conspiracy to injure and alleged fraudulent misrepresentation.
Djinn Issuer Designated Activity Co v Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Co
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for the claimant lessor against the defendant lessee and succeeding in a novel question of construction of a rental deferral agreement and obtaining summary judgment for outstanding rental payments due under the leases. Reported at: [2023] EWHC 2650 (Comm).
AWAS 36694 Ireland Ltd v Spicejet Ltd
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for the claimant aircraft lessors in the Commercial Court and successfully resisting the defendant lessee’s jurisdiction challenge in a case concerning non-payment of sums due under the leases and failure to redeliver aircraft parts involving. Reported at: [2023] EWHC 1466 (Comm).
As sole counsel, pre-action, acted for and advised a prospective defendant business seller in responding to prospective claims against it by the purchaser for alleged breach of letters of intent to sell the business.
As sole counsel, acted for the prospective claimant software developer to assist the use of blockchain technology in relation to claims for non-payment of sums due under contracts and inducement of breach of contract worth over US$17 million against a company facilitating cross-border payments.
As sole counsel, acted for the prospective claimant investor in a prospective claim for breach of a joint venture agreement against a property developer including issues regarding amendment and estoppel.
As sole counsel, advised a prospective lender regarding the terms of, and enforcement avenues for, guarantees in connection with a finance facility agreement.
ECU Group Plc v Deutsche Bank & Ors
Led by Laura John KC, acted for a defendant bank in proceedings involving alleged ‘front running’ of foreign exchange stop loss orders.
Skatteforvaltningen v Solo Capital Ltd & Ors
Led by Patricia Robertson KC and Daniel Edmonds, acted for a defendant group against claims brought by the Danish tax authorities relating to an alleged fraudulent scheme to reclaim £1.5 billion in withholding tax. The case was one of The Lawyer’s ‘Top 10 Commercial Cases of 2021’ and one of The Lawyer’s ‘Top 10 Appeals of 2022’.
Pisante & Ors v Logothetis & Ors
Led by Charles Béar KC, acted for the successful claimant investors in the Commercial Court hearing regarding consequential matters following trial of its claim for fraudulent misrepresentation regarding a complex shipping transaction in which the defendants refinanced shipping interests with a private equity house. Reported at: [2022] EWHC 2575 (Comm).
PPG Industries v F&G Trading Limited
Led by Adam Zellick KC, acted for the defendant lessor of specialist iso-tank containers against the claimant lessee in London Circuit Commercial Court proceedings raising issues including whether and when the leases terminated, amendment of the leases, and the condition of the containers.
Engineering and manufacturing company v Supplier
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for the claimant engineering and manufacturing company in LCIA arbitration against one of its suppliers for alleged non-payment of sums and alleged breach of obligations under contracts.
Loches Capital Limited v Goldman Sachs International
Led by Richard Handyside KC, acted for the defendant bank in Commercial Court proceedings wherein the claimant company sought permission pursuant to CPR r. 31.22(10(b) to use certain documents disclosed in pre-action disclosure for a collateral purpose.
Global Energy Horizons Corporation v Gray
Led by Tim Dutton CBE KC, acted for the defendant, in relation to funding and costs issues.
As sole counsel, acted for various defendants in County Court hearings, both on a contested and uncontested basis, successfully setting aside default judgments and/or obtaining reverse summary judgment.
Vannin Capital PCC v RBOS Shareholders Action Group Limited & Ors
Led by Ben Valentin KC and Hannah Glover, acted for the claimants in various proceedings relating to the completion of the settlement of the RBS Rights Issue Litigation. One of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2020.
Led by Richard Lissack KC, advised a renowned national business regarding the effect of COVID 19 restrictions and the merits of a possible judicial review.
Led by Henry King KC, advised independent accountants regarding questions of construction of a stock purchase agreement.
Alliance Media FZ LLC v Arqiva Telecommunications
Led by Nik Yeo, acted for the defendant in a contractual dispute regarding payment of fees under, and termination of, a telecommunications contract.
M G A Trading ltd v Barclays Bank UK Plc
As sole counsel, acted for the defendant bank, successfully triking out the claimant’s County Court claim following breach of an unless order.
Manufacturer v Storage and distribution company
As sole counsel, pre-action, acted for a prospective claimant regarding loss of its products stored at the distribution facility.
Grant v Laverack
As sole counsel, acted for the defendant in High Court proceedings, successfully setting aside of a possession order.
As sole counsel, acted for a prospective claimant purchaser in a contractual dispute in relation to the prospective manufacturer of tooling’s non-conformance with specification.
Led by Stephen Moriarty KC, drafted an opinion regarding limitation and assignment for proceedings in the Southern District of New York.
Led by Ben Lynch KC, acted for a prospective claimant against a former employee in a claim for breach of an employment contract regarding following theft of a database and breach of the duty of confidence.
Fentimans North America v Fentimans UK Limited
Led by Derrick Dale KC, acted in a dispute relating to the terms of a franchise agreement between the UK parent company and its North American manufacturer and distributor in respect of the terms of manufacture, sale, marketing and profit distribution (as a pupil).
Led by Richard Lissack KC, advised on a jurisdictional challenge in a prosecution.
Warger v Shauers
Obtained a unanimous victory in the U.S. Supreme Court resolving a long-standing division in authorities regarding the application of Federal Rule of Evidence 606(b) which prohibits juror testimony about statements made during deliberations in an inquiry into the validity of a verdict (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York). Laurentia attended the U.S. Supreme Court oral argument led by Sheila Birnbaum and co-authored the winning brief. Reported at: 574 U.S. 40 (2014).
Waymo v Uber
Acted for Waymo, Google’s former self-driving vehicle division now a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, against Uber in a case alleging theft self-driving technology by former employees (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York). Laurentia undertook depositions of witnesses and authored submissions.
Acted for Pro-Football, Inc., owner of the trademarks for the Washington Redskins, an American National Football League team, in a dispute seeking cancellation of the team’s trademark registrations on grounds of alleged disparagement (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York). Laurentia undertook depositions of witnesses and co-authored submissions at first instance and at appellate level, including in the Federal Circuit Court of Appeal and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Acted for a Russian government agency, Federal Treasury Enterprise Sojuzplodoimport (FTE), in seeking to establish ownership rights of the Stolichnaya vodka trademarks (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York).
Acted for the ResCap Liquidating Trust in approximately 85 lawsuits arising from the defendant lenders’ sale of defective mortgage loans that resulted in billions of dollars of losses and liabilities for the Trust’s predecessor (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York). Laurentia was known as a ‘go-to’ author of written submissions for the team.
Acted for the Lehman Brothers Estate against Citibank, NA, regarding calculations of close out amounts arising from early termination of derivative trades under ISDA Agreements resulting in a $1.74 billion settlement following a six-month trial (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York).
Acted for National Australia Bank against Goldman Sachs in obtaining a $100 million award in a FINRA arbitration arising out of fraudulent misrepresentations in the sale of collateralised debt obligation securities (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York).
MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust 2006-OA2 v UBS
Acted for the claimant trustee in a breach of contract action regarding residential mortgage-backed securities trusts (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York). Laurentia conducted depositions of witnesses.
Acted for former shareholders of a chemical company and a special purpose entity in a complex contractual dispute relating to responsibility for remediation of a contaminated site (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York).
Acted for online travel agencies operated through Despegar.com against American Airlines alleging antitrust violations and defamation, and defending the agencies against various trademark claims (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York).
HMRC v ABACUS Energy Enterprises Limited
As sole counsel, acted for the respondent company in respect of a winding up petition presented by HMRC.
Remoteli Limited
As sole counsel, acted for the respondent company in successfully opposing a winding up petition presented by the petitioner creditor and former director of the respondent.
Winding up petition brought by: Unilever PLC & Unilever NV -v- Technopharma Limited
As sole counsel, acted for the petitioning creditors in its petition to wind up the respondent company.
Company v Directors
As sole counsel, pre-action, acted for the prospective claimant in advising and preparing Particulars of Claim alleging breach of director’s duties.
Allianz & Ors v Deutsche Bank & Ors
Led by Laura John KC and Derek Spitz, acted for the first defendant bank in high value, multi-party proceedings concerning competition claims arising out of the alleged manipulation of the FX markets. Proceedings were transferred from the Commercial Court to the Competition Appeal Tribunal in 2022.
R (on the application of Manchikalapati) v Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Led by Richard Handyside KC and James Cutress KC, acted for FSCS pre-commencement of proceedings, in the Administrative Court, and in the Court of Appeal, successfully opposing a judicial review claim regarding the claimants’ entitlement to compensation for court-ordered costs and statutory interest under the Policyholder Protection Rules. Reported at: [2023] EWCA Civ 1006 overturning the first instance decision at [2022] EWHC 2228 (Admin).
Led by Andrew Mitchell KC, advised FSCS regarding the construction and application of the FCA Handbook.
Various claims against Plus500UK Ltd
As sole counsel, acted for the defendant financial intermediator to successfully strike out and/or obtain reverse summary judgment and/or totally without merit orders under CPR 39.3(5)(c) and/or a limited civil restraint order against various individual claimants, in separate actions, alleging various causes of action including non-compliance with the FCA Handbook, breach of contract, and other common law causes of action.
Various claims against EToro (UK) Ltd
As sole counsel, acted for the defendant financial intermediator to successfully strike out and/or obtain reverse summary judgment and/or totally without merit orders under CPR 39.3(5)(c) against various individual claimants, in separate actions, alleging various causes of action including non-compliance with the FCA Handbook, breach of contract, and other common law causes of action.
Loches Capital Limited v Goldman Sachs International
Led by Richard Handyside KC, acted for the defendant bank in Commercial Court proceedings wherein the claimant company sought permission pursuant to CPR r. 31.22(10(b) to use certain documents disclosed in pre-action disclosure for a collateral purpose.
Vannin Capital PCC v RBOS Shareholders Action Group Limited & Ors
Led by Ben Valentin KC and Hannah Glover, acted for the claimants in various proceedings relating to the completion of the settlement of the RBS Rights Issue Litigation. One of The Lawyer’s ‘Top 20 Cases of 2020’.
ECU Group Plc v Deutsche Bank & Ors
Led by Laura John KC, acted for a defendant bank in proceedings involving alleged ‘front running’ of foreign exchange stop loss orders.
Allianz & Ors v Deutsche Bank & Ors
Led by Laura John KC and Derek Spitz, acted for the first defendant bank in high value, multi-party proceedings concerning competition claims arising out of the alleged manipulation of the FX markets. Proceedings were transferred from the Commercial Court to the Competition Appeal Tribunal in 2022.
Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust v Barclays Plc
Led by Jonathan Nash KC and Alex Barden, acted for claimants who invested into Barclays Capital Inc, in relation to claims under ss. 90 and 90A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, in relation to its “dark pool” trading and the role of high frequency traders.
As sole counsel, pre-action, advised an individual claimant who suffered substantial property damage regarding the merits of claims under the Third party (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010.
Led by James Cutress KC and Adam Sher, acted for an insurer in a dispute with the insured regarding declination of payment under a policy in relation to an aircraft.
Assisting leading counsel acting in an arbitration for primary insurers on their potential liability (and the potential liability of excess insurers) to indemnify and the costs relating to a public inquiry.
Preparing particulars of claim for the claimant insurer in a double insurance claim (as a pupil).
Advising a claimant regarding prospects of success under the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010 (as a pupil).
Led by Ben Valentin KC, acted for a defendant private fund in LCIA arbitration proceedings brought by a former employee, including making a jurisdictional challenge.
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for a claimant engineering and manufacturing company in LCIA arbitration against one of its suppliers for alleged non-payment of sums and alleged breach of obligations under contracts.
Led by Akhil Shah KC, acted for the respondent guarantors of aircraft leases in LCIA arbitration for claims brought to enforce guarantees after non-payment of sums due under aircraft leases.
A Malaysian telecoms operator v A Middle Eastern lobby company
Led by Derrick Dale KC, succeeded in obtaining an award in LCIA arbitration between an acquirer of telecom towers in Pakistan and a lobby firm relating to whether there was an agreement (oral or by conduct) to pay a reasonable fee for obtaining Pakistan security clearance for the contemplated transaction to acquire the telecom towers and, if so, what was the reasonable sum payable for the service provided.
Led by Bankim Thanki KC, advised a leading firm of solicitors in respect of potential conflicts where one office of the opponent firm acted for the claimant while another office of the opponent firm had advised the defendant in relation to the transaction in issue.
ECU Group Plc v Deutsche Bank & Ors
Led by Laura John KC, acted for a defendant bank in proceedings involving alleged ‘front running’ of foreign exchange stop loss orders.
As sole counsel, pre-action, acted for a prospective defendant business purchaser against a prospective claimant business seller in relation to alleged diversion of business opportunities and alleged reductions of contractual payments in breach of an asset purchase agreement, alleged unlawful conspiracy to injure and alleged fraudulent misrepresentation.
Led by Bankim Thanki KC, advised an organisation as to whether its in-house legal department’s work in respect of certain matters was protected by legal professional privilege.
Led by Bankim Thanki KC, drafted an opinion regarding without prejudice privilege for proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the SDNY.
Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust v Barclays Plc
Led by Jonathan Nash KC and Alex Barden, acted for claimants who invested into Barclays Capital Inc, in relation to claims under ss. 90 and 90A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, in relation to its “dark pool” trading and the role of high frequency traders.
Led by Ben Lynch KC, acted for a prospective claimant against a former employee in a claim for breach of an employment contract regarding following theft of a database and breach of the duty of confidence.
Secretary of State for Transport v Arriva Rail East Midlands Ltd
Acted, in a larger counsel team pre-trial, for the Secretary of State for Transport in four separate procurement claims arising from the disqualification of bidders from three separate franchise competitions for failing to comply with the pension requirements of the competitions. Reported at: [2020] EWHC 1568 (TCC).
Led by Patricia Robertson KC, advised an in-house legal team in an SRA investigation into their conduct in providing legal advice during capital raising transactions.
As sole counsel, prepared written submissions for a solicitor for submission to the SRA.
Assisted Tim Dutton CBE KC in advising the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons regarding the establishment, and legal requirements, of a disciplinary scheme.
Assisted leading counsel in advising a regulator of a profession whether to take disciplinary action.
SRA v Kabir and Anderson
Assisted counsel for the SRA (as a pupil).
SRA v Hind
Assisted counsel for the SRA (as a pupil).
Coote v Ullstein
Led by Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC, acted for a defendant leading counsel in a successful reverse summary judgment application in a professional negligence claim brought by a former client in connection with the failed MMR Litigation. Reported at: [2022] EWHC 607 (QB).
As sole counsel, acted for a prospective claimant preparing Particulars of Claim in relation to negligent tax advice provided during a significant property purchase.
As sole counsel, acted for a defendant law firm in strike out proceedings in the County Court.
As sole counsel, advised an aircraft lessee regarding its obligations and options under an aircraft lease agreement with the lessor, which was ultimately owned by the Russian State, following the imposition of international sanctions upon Russian entities, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA Investigation
Acted for the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in connection with investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland into allegations of bribery and corruption by former high-level soccer officials in international football leading a team of approximately 50 lawyers in Zurich, Switzerland (as an attorney at Quinn Emanuel in New York on secondment to Zurich, Switzerland). The New York Times described the matter as “one of the most complicated international white collar cases in recent memory”.
Axon Ltd v O’Keeffe & Ors
Led by Jeffrey Chapman KC, in the Chancery Division, acted for the claimant sponsor brought against a motor racing driver, motor racing team and related individuals in an unlawful means conspiracy claim and also seeking to set aside a judgment on the grounds of fraud. Reported at: [2021] EWHC 2768 (Ch).
On 31 July 2024, Mr Justice Picken gave judgment following a two-week…
Mrs Justice Bacon has struck out a claim against the cryptocurrency exchange…
Season 3: Episode 9
This is the ninth episode of season three of The Fountain Court…
George Hack
Team Leader
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Katie Halbard
Team Leader's Assistant
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