Call 1981 | Silk 2002
"A charming advocate with an ease of delivery that belies an iron will and formidable hard work."
The Legal 500
Alex Taylor
Senior Clerk
+44 (0)20 7842 3706
Click here to email
Luke Diebelius
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3711
Click here to email
Matthew Evans
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 7842 3707
Click here to email
Michael McLaren KC has a broad, high quality practice in all areas of commercial litigation, regulation and professional discipline.
He has particular expertise in all aspects of aviation law, being ranked Tier 1 in The Legal 500. He also specialises in disciplinary and regulatory matters affecting the legal, accountancy and other professions, with a particular focus on regulation of the legal profession and is ranked by both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 for his work in this field, as well as being shortlisted for ‘Professional Disciplinary & Regulatory Silk of the Year’ by The Legal 500 in 2023. He has acted extensively in banking matters, including in the high-profile Bank Mellat case and large oligarch cases; and he has a wide range of experience in other commercial disputes.
Having led in many cases, including very substantial ones, he is very much a team player – approachability, complete mastery of the facts, the law and any technical issues, and total dedication to achieving the best outcome for the client being cornerstones of his work ethic.
Olympic Council for Asia v. Novans Jets LLP [2022] EWHC 88 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 633 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 860 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 2910 (Comm), [2023] EWHC 276 (Comm)
Winning for the claimant at trial substantial damages for breach of an aircraft “lease to purchase agreement” for a business jet, involving issues of unjust enrichment, change of position and penalty clause; and then obtaining worldwide freezing orders, and orders for service of contempt proceedings by alternative permitted method in Ukraine; and acting on the contempt of court hearing.
CargoLogicAir Ltd, v. WWTAI Airopco 1 Bermuda Ltd. (13.3.23)
Successfully resisting an application to strike out an aircraft leasing claim, where the Particulars of Claim could not be served due to the impact of sanctions on a Russian-owned UK cargo airline and its supervening administration.
Integral Petroleum S.A. v Bank GPB International S.A. [2022] EWHC 659 (Comm)
Acting for a subsidiary of Gazprombank in a dispute about substantial debts due under a trade facility agreement for the export of petrochemicals from Turkmenistan, with cross-claims for conspiracy and other torts; worldwide freezing orders granted, summary judgment refused.
LLC Eurochem North-West-2 v. Tecnimont SpA [2022] EWHC 2044 (Comm)
Acting for the Italian constructors of a $1.3 billion fertilizer plant in Russia, prevented by sanctions from working on the project, who were challenging an anti-suit injunction concerning the calling by the Russian plant owner of c.€250 million of performance bonds issued by European banks.
Gama Aviation (UK) Ltd v MWWMMWM Ltd. [2021] EWHC 2229 (Comm), [2021] EWHC 3667 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 1191 (Comm)
Acting for an aircraft MRO (maintainer and repairer) in successfully resisting the defendant’s attempt to set aside a default judgment (despite D’s arguable defence); subsequently obtaining an unless order debarring the defendant from taking further steps in the proceedings unless they paid an outstanding judgment debt plus costs; and subsequently obtaining summary judgment for additional amounts.
Advising 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.
Advising financial intermediaries as to the merits of a possible judicial review challenge to FSA Rules in relation to PPI.
Advising bmi (ex-British Midland – then the second largest user of LHR) as to the merits of a possible judicial review challenge to increased Heathrow airport charges.
Williams v Solicitors Regulation Authority [2017] EWHC 1478 (Admin) & [2017] EWHC 2005 (Admin)
Acting for the SRA in a high profile case against a distinguished solicitor (and author of a leading textbook) accused of dishonesty and want of integrity, including on appeal to the administrative court.
Advising airlines of various nationalities (Russian, Ukrainian and British but with a Russian UBO) on the impact of sanctions resulting from the Ukraine war on their contractual obligations under their various aircraft leases.
CargoLogicAir Ltd, v. WWTAI Airopco 1 Bermuda Ltd. (13.3.23)
Successfully resisting an application to strike out an aircraft leasing claim, where Particulars of Claim could not be served due to the impact of sanctions on a Russian-owned UK cargo airline and its supervening administration.
Olympic Council for Asia v. Novans Jets LLP [2022] EWHC 88 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 633 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 860 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 2910 (Comm), [2023] EWHC 276 (Comm)
Acting for the Kuwaiti lessee of a business jet for recovery of pre-payments for block hours, resulting in a large number of judgments, both at trial and post-trial. (See fuller summary above)
Advising and acting for Cobaltair (a Cypriot airline now in administration) suing the aircraft lessor over the financial consequences of its refusal to accept onto lease an Airbus aircraft non-compliant with the agreed specification.
ACG Acquisition v. Olympic [2013] EWCA Civ 369, [2012] EWHC 1070 (Comm)
Acting in the leading case on aircraft leases, for a major US aircraft lessor resulting in the CA’s judgment on the proper construction of a “hell and high water” clause and the binding effect of a certificate of acceptance. Other reported CA successful judgments in the same case include [2012] EWCA Civ 1659; and [2014] EWCA Civ 821.
Advising a major British long-haul airline on a dispute with the lessor of an A340 as to the release of maintenance reserves for landing gear maintenance.
Acting for AerCap in a substantial LCIA Arbitration over the return condition and payments due in relation to two Airbus aircraft at the end of their leases.
Acting for a flag carrier airline in an LCIA Arbitration with ILFC over the return condition and payments due in relation to six Airbus aircraft at the end of their leases.
Successfully acting for an aircraft MRO (maintainer and repairer) in resisting the defendant’s attempt to set aside a default judgment (although there was a realistically arguable defence); and subsequently obtaining an unless order debarring the defendant from taking further steps in proceedings unless they paid an outstanding judgment debt plus costs; and subsequently obtaining summary judgment for additional amounts.
Acting for an aircraft MRO and CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation or operator) in relation to the financial consequences of the aircraft owner unlawfully diverting the aircraft out of the CAMO’s possession, defeating the CAMO’s lien over the aircraft.
Acting for a UK MRO in relation to various disputes with another UK MRO concerning aircraft maintenance works, “de-parting” of aircraft and sales of aircraft parts.
Advising a UK cargo airline on whether the proposed upgrading project for an Antonov AN-124 aircraft would breach any EU or UK Government prohibitions or restrictions (2016).
Tarom v Jet2.com [2014] EWCA Civ 87
Acting for the Romanian flag carrier airline in the CA concerning the distinction between causation and the assessment of damages, in the context of a long-term maintenance contract.
Advising maintenance / storage providers at Stansted in relation to liens and threatened injunctions in relation to two executive jets.
Advising the owners of an Airbus aircraft in relation to a dispute with a US MRO concerning the conversion of the aircraft into a prestige executive jet.
Advising the owners of BAe146 and RJ85 aircraft in relation to their contractual rights in relation to preferred supplier status with a major defence contractor, arising out of modifications to the aircraft.
Acting for the owners of an executive jet in an LCIA Arbitration, in a dispute as to the work done and charges levied by the manufacturer / repairers, Gulfstream.
Wide experience over many years of acting for and advising various mortgagees (including Kaupthing and GE Capital), aircraft owners and unpaid maintenance / storage providers, in various aviation cases, seeking preservatory relief, injunctive or equivalent relief restraining the unauthorised use of various executive jets, and the exercise of liens on the grounds of unpaid storage charges.
Advising Equatorial Congo Airlines S.A. (ECAir the flag carrier of Equatorial Congo) in relation to the seizure in Brussels of 4 Boeing aircraft and their records by the dry lessee of the aircraft, as a result of sums unpaid by ECAir, its owner & wet lessee. Substantial claim, with multi-jurisdictional issues (Belgium / UK / Equatorial Congo).
Advising the lessors of various aircraft leased to a Far Eastern airline in relation to tactics for seizure of various aircraft when flown to the UK, and preparation for application to court for seizure.
Acting on behalf of the lessors seizing various aircraft leased to a Spanish airline shortly before Christmas, leading to the collapse of the airline.
Advising the relatives of a UK national oil-worker killed in a helicopter crash in Norway as to choice of forum / jurisdictional / product liability issues.
Advising the relatives of a UK national killed when Malaysian Airlines MH17 was shot down over Ukraine as to choice of forum / jurisdictional issues.
Advising Airbus on jurisdiction issues in relation to actions brought in the USA as a result of an engine fire on an Airbus A319 on a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Oslo in 2013.
Acting for Eurocopter in relation to multiple helicopter crashes allegedly caused by defective gearbox assemblies.
Odyssey Aviation Ltd. v GFG 737 Ltd. [2019] EWHC 1927 (Comm), [2019] EWHC 1987 (Comm):
Successfully acting for the vendor in an abortive aircraft sale in recovering the deposit from the escrow holder. Novel / interesting points on an implied duty to cooperate, the construction principle of being unable to rely on one’s own wrong and on waiver of conditions precedent.
Acting for the seller (under a lease purchase) of a business jet, where the purchaser is seeking to escape its financial obligations on the basis that an alleged affiliate of the lessor paid to the purchaser’s agent a commission, the full amount of which was not disclosed to the purchaser.
Advising a major Mexican airline (Interjet), which had purchased 30 Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100 aircraft, in relation to its claims for damages and its obligations to take the later deliveries, in view of issues with multiple defects in the aircraft, the grounding by Russian authorities of the aircraft type and the lack of availability of spare parts.
Flyington Freighters Ltd. v Airbus SAS
Instructed on behalf of an Indian cargo airline in a major action for c.$300 million damages against Airbus arising out of a contract for the purchase of 12 A330F freighter aircraft, raising complex issues in relation to the financing of Pre-Delivery Payments and as to equity contributions by the purchaser (settled on eve of four+ week trial).
Dubai Financial Group LLC v National Private Air Transport Services [2016] EWCA Civ 71
Successfully acted in the CA for the appellant vendor of fractional shares in aircraft in a dispute over the repurchase of those shares, raising novel issues of substituted service and enforcement (by aircraft arrest) of default judgments.
Advising Lombard in relation to the recovery of finance provided to a borrower for the purchase of an allegedly defective helicopter, which had been sold by Lombard as mortgagee in possession.
Advising a major global airline in relation to its multiple purchase obligations in relation to multiple future deliveries of Airbus A380s, in view of significant issues with wing cracks in A380s.
Shaker v Vistajet [2012] EWHC 1329 (Comm)
Successfully acting for the prospective purchaser of a new $24 million aircraft in his claim to recover the deposit, despite his alleged failure to exercise good faith and reasonable endeavours; the case also raised issues of estoppel.
Advising a major UK airline in relation to its potential liability for the recalculation of payments due to engine manufacturers for maintenance services, in the event of any cancellation of purchase orders for B787 aircraft, production / delivery of which had been delayed.
Tandrin v Aero Toy Store [2010] EWHC 40 (Comm); [2009] EWHC 1450 (QB) (Comm)
Acting for the vendors of a new $32 million executive jet when the purchasers declined to complete the transaction due to the 2008 financial crash; judgments on jurisdiction, penalty clause and inability to rely on force majeure clause for economic circumstances (Tandrin is now being widely cited in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and force majeure).
Advising a borrower in relation to a lender’s attempted implementation of a “Market Disruption Clause” in an aircraft financing agreement.
Advising the owner of an executive jet in relation to its potential claims against the global engine manufacturer in relation to a design / manufacturing defect relating to the delamination of coatings, causing the blockage of the cooling holes and the early grounding / maintenance of the engines.
Advising a major global airline in relation to its multiple purchase obligations in relation to multiple future deliveries of Airbus A380s, in view of significant issues with wing cracks in A380s.
Acting for Eurocopter in product liability claims arising from several fatal accidents allegedly caused by the failure of helicopter gearboxes in Eurocopter helicopters.
Advising Kingfisher (Indian airline) in its dispute with a manufacturer as to the non-contractual condition of a leased aircraft due to defects in the design and manufacture of its aero engines.
Advising 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.
Acting in disputes / mediations between various police forces and various airport operators, as to the operators’ statutory obligation to contribute towards the costs of policing the airports.
Acting for the owners of a vandalised Boeing aircraft claiming damages against a UK airport for inadequate airport security.
Advising in relation to various disputes connected with noise at various regional UK airports.
Advising Heathrow Airport (in 2022) as to its powers, obligations, potential liabilities and strategy in connection with highly contentious and publicized restrictions on flights and passengers numbers at London Heathrow in the wake of Covid-19 staffing issues.
Advising the prospective administrators of a major insolvent British airline (Thomas Cook) as to how best to realise any value or maximum value from the sale of landing slots, despite the airline being prospectively in liquidation.
Advising a UK cargo airline in relation to the CAA’s approach to its application for an operating licence, including the CAA’s wish to consult with the European Commission.
Acting for Virgin Atlantic Airways at a Scarce Capacity Hearing before a CAA Panel, on their application for designation as the second UK airline to fly the London-Moscow route.
Advising bmi (ex-British Midland – then the second largest user of LHR) as to the merits of a possible judicial review challenge to increased Heathrow airport charges.
Strategic Airlift Support v. Cargo Logic Air Ltd., Volga Dnepr Airlines LLC & Volga Dnepr UK Ltd
Advising and provided Opinions for French court in relation to a substantial claim brought in France by SAS against Russian / Ukrainian and English companies, for alleged breach of an alleged joint venture agreement pursuant to which co-venturers would bid to supply all the requirements of the French Ministry of Defence for heavy-lifting capacity of air cargo.
Advising substantial tour operators on unjust enrichment and other arguments in their attempt to recover payments made on behalf of customers to a substantial budget airline, after flights were cancelled due to Covid, where only individual customers had a contractual right of refund.
Integral Petroleum S.A. v Bank GPB International S.A. [2022] EWHC 659 (Comm)
Acting for a Luxembourg subsidiary of Gazprombank in a dispute about substantial debts due under a trade facility agreement for the export of petrochemicals from Turkmenistan, with cross-claims for conspiracy and other torts; worldwide freezing orders granted, summary judgment refused.
LLC Eurochem North-West-2 v. Tecnimont SpA [2022] EWHC 2044 (Comm)
Acting for the Italian constructors of a $1.3 billion fertilizer plant in Russia, prevented by sanctions from working on the project, who were challenging an anti-suit injunction concerning the calling by the Russian plant owner of c.€250 million of performance bonds issued by European banks.
Bank Mellat v HM Treasury [2018] EWHC 2568 (Comm)
Leading the team acting for Bank Mellat in its $4 billion claim against HM Treasury for damages under the HRA for losses caused by the Treasury’s imposition in 2009 of unlawful sanctions on the bank on the grounds of its alleged involvement in nuclear proliferation.
Wall v RBS
Acting for the litigation funder of the claimant in major bank litigation, successfully resisting the bank’s application against the litigation funder for security for costs of c.£18 million.
Russian Commercial Bank (Cyprus) Ltd v Khoroshilov [2011] EWHC 1721 (Comm); [2009] EWHC 2630 (Comm)
Acting on behalf of a Russian bank in three very substantial cases against an oligarch and his companies, with extensive Siberian oil and gas interests (claims were for c.$250 million and c.$115 million, and the counterclaim for c.$5 billion).
Advising a property developer with a £19 million claim against a UK bank, where excessive lending had been granted by the manager who stood to make a secret profit out of the property development.
Advising Lloyds TSB in relation to the recovery of substantial sums under a guarantee in relation to a fleet hire business.
Part of various teams of counsel advising large numbers of UK investors in Cypriot holiday properties, involving multiple claims for mis-selling etc against Cypriot banks.
Ulster Bank v Taggart
Acting for property developers in relation to guarantee claims by banks (for £5 million and €5.3 million) in a high-profile case brought against them in Northern Ireland.
Advising a borrower in relation to a lender’s attempted implementation of a “Market Disruption Clause” in an aircraft financing agreement.
Acting for VTB Bank & Russian Commercial Bank (Cyprus) Ltd, where various allegations of fraud / forged documents were made in various proceedings brought by VTB against an oligarch and his companies.
Mbasago v Logo Ltd. (No.1) [2006] EWCA Civ 1370
Acting for the alleged financier and co-conspirator in the notorious Equatorial Guinean coup case, where extensive allegations of various nefarious conduct were made against the conspirators.
Acting for Stoy Hayward, where the fraud by Asil Nadir / Polly Peck International was central to the claim against the accountants for their negligence in the audit of Polly Peck.
Acting for a Kuwaiti sheikh in the substantial fraud action arising out of the KIO (Kuwait Investment Office) scandal following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
Law Society v Habitable Concepts [2010] EWHC 1449 (Ch) & Law Society v Isaac & Isaac [2010] EWHC 1670 (Ch)
Successfully acting for the SRA in two Chancery trials to recover from knowing recipients the proceeds of three very substantial mortgage fraud schemes perpetrated by dishonest solicitors.
Michael’s broad commercial practice covers many fields, including agency, assignment, chancery issues, commodities, competition, conspiracy, costs, IT/technology, mediation, pharmaceutical development disputes, railway rolling-stock procurement, shipbuilding, unsafe ports / berth cases. Issues thrown up by such cases have included:
Advising in two cases in relation to the construction of power stations in Iraq.
Acting in relation to a dispute in relation to a combined heat and power plant in Smithfield.
Nesbit Law Group LLP v Acasta European Insurance Co Ltd [2018] EWCA Civ 268
Acting in this case regarding proper construction of exclusion clauses in an insurance policy for the funding of solicitors’ fees in personal injury claims.
Wall v RBS
ATE insurance: Acting for the litigation funder of the claimant in major bank litigation, successfully resisting the bank’s application against the litigation funder for security for costs of c.£18 million.
Michael’s aviation-related arbitration experience can be found in the ‘Aviation & Travel’ sections. Below are some details of his experience outside of the aviation sector.
Two shipbuilding arbitrations against an Australian shipbuilder for substantial sums as a result of the defective construction of two fast ferries.
Advising the intended purchaser of a ship, the purchase of which was thwarted by the incorrect reporting of US sanctions against an Iranian company.
Successfully acing for a Russian bank in an arbitration for c.$250 million.
Advising as to the jurisdiction of arbitrators in a substantial commodities (zinc-trading) arbitration involving Trafigura BV.
Acting for a packaging manufacturer in the arbitration of a dispute as to commission payments.
Acting for the London Ambulance Service in a high profile arbitration concerning the control system for its operations.
Advising a Russian property developer in relation to a partnership / joint venture dispute concerning development land in Moscow (English arbitration clause).
See ‘Aviation & Travel’ sections.
Williams v Solicitors Regulation Authority [2017] EWHC 1478 (Admin) and [2017] EWHC 2005 (Admin)
Acting for the SRA in a high profile case against a distinguished solicitor (and author of a leading textbook) accused of dishonesty and want of integrity.
Solicitors Regulation Authority v Dennison [2012] EWCA Civ 421, [2011] EWHC 291 (Admin)
Successfully appealing an SDT decision for not striking off a solicitor who was found to have been dishonest; and resisting the solicitor’s further appeal to the CA.
Faniyi v Solicitors Regulation Authority (2012) EWHC 2965 (Admin)
Successfully resisting a solicitor’s appeal from the SDT’s refusal of a re-hearing of an earlier SDT decision made in his absence.
Solicitors Regulation Authority v Davis & McGlinchey [2011] EWHC 232 (Admin)
Challenging the basis on which costs are not awarded to the SRA when successful in the SDT on the grounds of impecuniosity of the respondent.
Solicitors Regulation Authority v Grindrod [11030-2012]
Advising the SRA on solicitors’ disciplinary issues arising out of Stamp Duty Land Tax “avoidance” schemes; and acting for the SRA in the lead case in the SDT on those issues.
Virdi v The Law Society [2010] EWCA Civ. 100; [2009] EWHC 918 (Admin)
Successfully resisting appeals challenging not only a SDT decision, but also the delay by the SDT in producing reasons and the role of the SDT clerk.
Acting for the SRA in enforcing, or resisting challenges to, various interventions.
Advising the SRA in relation to the regulation of Alternative Business Structures; and as to strategic / framework issues.
Dishonesty
Advising / defending various solicitors accused of dishonesty, including one solicitor concerning the false evidence he gave at trial and another solicitor concerning her disclosure to her firm’s PI insurers.
Improper surveillance of opposing solicitors: Solicitors Regulation Authority v Pike (11493-2016)
Successfully defending a solicitor, who had been acting for News Group in the phone-hacking scandal, against professional misconduct charges in relation to the surveillance of opposing solicitors to ascertain whether they were in a relationship.
Sexual misconduct
Advising various solicitors or firms of solicitors as to disciplinary issues concerning allegations of sexual misconduct, including one where a solicitor was (arguably) party to blackmail by his client in a case concerning sexual abuse.
Conflict issues and breach of confidentiality issues
Advising various firms of solicitors as to a variety of conflict of interest issues and breach of confidentiality issues.
Conduct of partners or employees of firms
Advising various firms of solicitors on reporting and conduct issues triggered by the actions of one of their partners or employees, including one City firm where one of its partners had been substantially over-billing clients and another Singaporean firm concerning overcharging issues.
Conduct of opposing solicitors
Advising a Singaporean client in relation to actions open to him relating to the professional conduct of solicitors for the opposing party in litigation.
Accounting procedures
Advising a Scottish firm of solicitors (owning an English solicitor’s practice) as to the SRA’s allegations of breach of accounting procedures / requirements, where those procedures were compliant with the requirements of its Scottish regulator.
Advising numerous solicitors on various other regulatory / disciplinary issues, including disciplinary / other issues arising out of misleading the court; the use of solicitors’ accounts as a bank account; disclosure of ongoing disciplinary proceedings in other jurisdictions; self-reporting / COLP reporting issues in relation to SDLT avoidance work; self-reporting issues in relation to unidentified conflicts of interest; internal investigation of partners in other jurisdictions in breach of fiduciary duties; threatened SRA investigations and interventions; referral agreements; and partnership disputes.
Anderson v Penningtons Manches LLP (11261-2014)
Striking out a private complaint in the SDT against solicitors, who had been acting for the SRA in separate proceedings against the complainant.
Advising the Bar Standards Board in relation to various matters, including as to lacunae and inconsistencies in its rules; the provision of a regulatory regime for Alternative Business Structures, Legal Disciplinary Practices and Barrister-Only Entities; and the COIC Rules.
In re P. [2005] 1 WLR 3019
Acting for the Bar Council in seeking to defend a challenge to the composition of the Visitor’s Panel hearing a disciplinary appeal.
Leading (pro bono) the team producing a detailed report for the Bar Standards Board reviewing the Cab Rank Principle.
Acting for and/or advising various senior accountants in three separate high-profile Joint Disciplinary Scheme proceedings (Resort Hotels, Queens Moat Houses and Transtec).
Advising the AADB in relation to procedural matters at a preliminary stage of the MG Rover proceedings.
Extensive experience of defending accountants in ICAEW and ACCA tribunals, including successfully clearing an insolvency practitioner facing seven allegations (including dishonesty and want of integrity) before an ACCA Disciplinary Committee; and successfully acting for a bankrupt accountant seeking to retain his ACCA membership.
Advising a high-profile individual in relation to a complaint by him to the ICAEW in relation to the misconduct of insolvency practitioners targeting him in the Caribbean.
Advising a top-20 firm in relation to regulatory and other consequential issues arising out of audits signed off by a partner with a lapsed practising certificate.
Acting for the Insolvency Practitioner’s Association in a procedural challenge in disciplinary proceedings.
Advising in relation to various claims against accountants for negligent tax advice.
Acting for Stoy Hayward in the £350 million litigation resulting from the collapse of Polly Peck International.
Acting for accountants engaged by a regulator to carry out various spot-checks on licensed conveyancers.
Advising solicitors in relation to a potential claim against them for alleged negligence in drafting a settlement agreement of a substantial commercial dispute.
Advising solicitors in relation to an ombudsman finding against them for negligence in relation to a property transaction; and successfully reducing that to a very modest amount.
Acting against solicitors in a substantial claim for negligence in not serving Particulars of Claim within the time permitted by the CPR.
Acting for solicitors facing a £25 million claim for negligent advice / work done in connection with a share purchase agreement; three-week Chancery trial settled very favourably.
Acting for Richard Ellis (surveyors) in defending c.£100 million claim for the Trocadero development.
Bank Mellat v HM Treasury [2018] EWHC 2568 (Comm)
Leading the team acting for Bank Mellat in its $4 billion claim against HM Treasury for damages under the HRA for losses caused by the Treasury’s imposition in 2009 of unlawful sanctions on the bank on the grounds of its alleged involvement in nuclear proliferation.
Advising on the consequences of the incorrect listing of US sanctions against an Iranian company, which incorrect listing thwarted the sale of a cargo vessel for several million dollars.
Acting in a substantial claim relating to power plants in Iraq, where the performance / execution of the contract was affected by sanctions then in place against Iraq.
Advising airlines of various nationalities (Russian, Ukrainian and British but with a Russian UBO) on the impact of sanctions resulting from the Ukraine war on their contractual obligations under their various aircraft leases.
LLC Eurochem North-West-2 v. Tecnimont SpA [2022] EWHC 2044 (Comm)
See the summary above, re this case involving a challenge to an anti-suit injunction concerning the calling by an arguably sanctioned entity of c.€250 million of performance bonds issued by European banks. There was a major issue as to whether the designated person was still the UBO of the Russian company, requiring in-depth analysis of UK, EU, Swiss and US sanctions.
CargoLogicAir Ltd, v. WWTAI Airopco 1 Bermuda Ltd. (13.3.23)
See the summary above, re this case where the impact of sanctions on a Russian-owned UK cargo airline was central to its grounds for successful defence of a strike-out application.
Integral Petroleum S.A. v Bank GPB International S.A. [2022] EWHC 659 (Comm)
See the summary above, re this case for a subsidiary of Gazprombank. After Gazprombank was sanctioned, advice needed to be given as to the extent to which legal work could be undertaken for it, including as to Specific Licences and the General Licence.
Advising on the consequences of the incorrect listing of US sanctions against an Iranian company, which incorrect listing thwarted the sale of a cargo vessel for several million dollars.
Acting in a substantial claim relating to power plants in Iraq, where the performance / execution of the contract was affected by sanctions then in place against Iraq.
We are delighted to have been shortlisted for 30 awards at The…
Written by Michael McLaren QC Much has been written on the rights…
Michael McLaren QC and Richard Power (instructed by Norton Rose Fulbright LLP)…
Alex Taylor
Senior Clerk
+44 (0)20 7842 3706
Click here to email
Luke Diebelius
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3711
Click here to email
Matthew Evans
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 7842 3707
Click here to email
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