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Dominic Holden

Posted on: November 12th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I am a Director in the Dispute Resolution team, having joined Lawrence Stephens in November 2024. My practice covers a broad range of commercial disputes for businesses and high-net-worth individuals. My cases are frequently complex, document heavy and involve multiple parties as well as a cross-border element and the need for emergency relief (e.g. freezing orders).

I specialise in substantial civil fraud claims (notably data/computer hacking claims) and complicated multi-national, enforcement and asset tracing work. I also advise on breach of trust, professional negligence, contentious insolvency and director, shareholder and/or partnership disputes.

I have also developed a niche practice in art and collectibles disputes. 

Experience highlights

  • Farhad Azima -v- Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), Neil Gerrard, Dechert LLP and James Buchanan. Acted for Mr Azima in his long-running dispute against the Ras-Al Khaimah sovereign wealth fund (and other alleged co-conspirators). The case involves allegations of computer hacking by RAKIA of Mr Azima’s confidential and privileged data. Further information on the case can be found here: https://www.brickcourt.co.uk/news/detail/judgments-in-favour-of-emirati-sovereign-wealth-fund-set-aside-on-grounds-of-fraud-by-the-fund and https://www.solicitorsjournal.com/sjarticle/uk-high-court-voids-judgments-amid-allegations-of-hacking-and-fraud
  • Advised a well-known catering company in relation to their rights, remedies and reporting obligations following a malicious breach of their email system whereby the malicious entity circulated confidential information and disparaging comments to members of staff which (in part) led to threatened trade union action.
  • Advised a wealthy businessman on his rights and remedies following the alleged hacking of his personal data and forging of documents by a firm of private investigators to support a substantial claim against him (and others) in the English High Court.
  • Acting for a fintech client in relation to their claims against a payment aggregator. Obtaining an emergency worldwide freezing order, proprietary injunction and disclosure orders concerning the misappropriation of a substantial sum.
  • Substantial fraud claim against a rogue builder following his gross over-charging of an elderly client. An emergency freezing order, proprietary injunction, third party disclosure order and an order for the delivery up of a number of high value vehicles obtained. Further assisted the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to bring a successful criminal prosecution against the rogue builder.
  • Successfully defended a fraudulent attempt to obtain adverse possession of land and obtained judgment that the documents later relied on in enforcement proceedings were a sham.

Ann Ebberson

Posted on: June 25th, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka

I am a Director and Head of the Real Estate Finance team at Lawrence Stephens. 

I have a wealth of experience of working on real estate finance deals, particularly development finance, property acquisitions and sales, residential landlord and tenant issues, title rectifications and working with litigation colleagues on complex disputes which involve real estate and finance.  I have acted for a range of banks, lending institutions, fixed charge receivers, developers, property companies and individuals.

Prior to joining Lawrence Stephens, I was a partner for many years in the city firm of Rosling King LLP in the real estate team.

My large family keeps me busy but in my spare time I love pottering in my garden and clay pigeon shooting with my husband and friends. 

Alex Edwards

Posted on: June 21st, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I have over 10 years’ post qualification experience of acting for a wide range of lenders, financial institutions, sponsors and corporate borrowers on all forms of finance transactions ranging from £100,000 up to £80m, with a particular focus on real estate finance.

I advise on senior and mezzanine loan origination, equity investments, loan restructuring and enforcement across a wide variety of asset classes and often with cross border elements, regularly working with lawyers in off shore jurisdictions such as the BVI, Guernsey and Luxembourg. 

I advise developers and funders on real estate development projects and in addition to documenting and negotiating acquisition and development finance documents, I also advise on joint venture agreements and the preparation and negotiation of industry standard and bespoke construction documents.

Matt Green

Posted on: June 13th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I am a specialist litigator for complex and multi-jurisdictional disputes with blockchain technology and digital assets at their core.  My practice includes crypto asset recovery for individuals and businesses following a hack, scam or misappropriation. I have extensive experience in obtaining urgent bespoke injunctions, worldwide freezers and specific disclosure orders.

I am currently chair of techUK’s Digital Asset Working Group, designed to (i) consider opportunities for market growth (ii) steer industry players by giving a collective voice to stakeholders large and small and (iii) help educate how both this asset class and technology can shape financial services and beyond. I was selected to give in-person expert evidence at the House of Lords Special Public Bill Committee on the Property (Digital Assets etc.) Bill as both legal practitioner and industry leader. I have been ranked for Crypto-Asset Disputes/FinTech in Chambers and Partners.

My practice also includes commercial litigation, disputes concerning technology and intellectual property matters, including trade mark and copyright infringement over digital, artistic and technology focused works.

As founder and host of the In Early Podcast, I speak with those at the forefront of the blockchain and technology sectors. Episodes can be found via YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

Experience highlights

  • AA v Persons Unknown [2019] EWHC 3556 (Comm)  (Comm) (13 December 2019) where, following a ransomware attack, an insurer paid Bitcoin in return for a Canadian hospital’s access to their customers’ data. This case confirmed that Bitcoin and crypto assets broadly were  ‘property’ at common law and helped shape much of the law surrounding the status and strategies in freezing and recovering crypto assets around the world. It is highly cited in academic papers and judgments globally.
  • Acting for a crypto currency brokerage whereby business functionality was blocked by their service and liquid provider following Court Orders obtained by the Secret Service and which resulted in the return of c.$1m of Tether.
  • Obtaining reliefs against North Korean hackers following an exploit of an established crypto address provider and serving documents via Ether NFTs.
  • Crypto Open Patent Alliance v Craig Steven Wright [2024] EWHC 1198 (Ch) (20 May 2024), joint proceedings concerning copyright and database claims, as to the identity of the Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto and whether he can exercise intellectual property rights over “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System”.
  • Tulip Trading Limited (A Seychelles Company) v Bitcoin Association For BSV & Ors: Devising a new strategy for the recovery of (i) private keys, preventing access to billions of pounds worth of Bitcoin, and (ii) other crypto assets worth millions as part of a wider hack. 
  • Securing private Court Orders against and working with major cryptocurrency exchanges to freeze funds and comply with enforcement provisions following sophisticated investment platform and romance scams. 

Publications

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Gunduz Misiri

Posted on: November 6th, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka

I have been a qualified solicitor since 2011, specialising in the fields of residential and commercial property. My practice encompasses representing a diverse clientele, including buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants in the acquisition and disposal of both commercial and residential property.

Notably, I have had the privilege of representing prominent retail clients in the acquisition of multiple retail units in Central London. These transactions predominantly involve leasehold arrangements with properties acquired from landlords in London, including the Crown Estate Commissioners.

My client portfolio extends to various industries, with successful transactions involving the acquisition and disposition of establishments such as restaurants, nightclubs, golf courses, dry cleaners and various high street shops.

In addition, my services extend to the residential property market, covering a wide spectrum of property types, from high-value transactions to shared ownership agreements and remortgages, involving both freehold and leasehold arrangements.

My practice is underpinned by an extensive understanding of the property market and the unique needs of my clients. I take immense pride in delivering clear, commercially astute advice and unwavering support to my clients.

Experience highlights

  • Acting on a £25m refinance of nine supermarkets
  • Acting for a client in the sale of three freehold warehouses for a total purchase price of £43m
  • Acting on the purchase of a well-known nightclub in central London – satisfying the requirements of the landlords prior to the licence to assign being granted and successfully negotiating the return of the rent deposit
  • Acting on the purchase of a £4m freehold warehouse on an industrial estate
  • Acting on the purchase of a £6m leasehold apartment in central London
  • Acting for a high-net-worth client on the acquisition of several well-known high-end male grooming stores in central London

Eleanor Wood

Posted on: October 23rd, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka

I am a conscientious and efficient Director and joint Head of the Family team at Lawrence Stephens. I work closely with clients on complex family issues, with a particular interest in Children Act matters, to include cross-border relocation, change of residence applications and internal relocations. I also specialise in completing my own advocacy to ensure a smooth and cohesive process, which results in my clients feeling supported throughout the process. 

My experience includes divorce and matrimonial finance work and I have worked with clients through complex matters, including the division of businesses and high-value properties. I pride myself on providing first-class support to clients during challenging times – focusing on their needs as a priority.

I have been ranked as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 (2021, 2023) and Chambers and Partners (2022,2023) legal directories as an ‘Associate to Watch’. I also lecture at Bath Spa University in all areas of law but, with a particular focus on family law.

Outside of work, I am a keen sportsperson having played netball, tennis and hockey to a high level.

Experience highlights

  • Acting for a father, where the mother had accused him of sexual assault. The father denied the allegations. Further to a fact finding hearing, whereby no findings were made, the Court ordered for change of residence of the child, into the father’s care, with costs being awarded for the father, to be paid by the mother.

  • Acting for a wife in a complex separation of matrimonial finances. The wife was a victim of domestic abuse, having secured a non-molestation order against the husband utilising my services. The wife was awarded an 80/20 split in her favour, with the husband ordered to pay some of the wife’s costs, due to his litigation conduct.

  • Acted on behalf of the husband in a landmark reported financial remedies case concerning the provenance of assets and the approach when pre-marital assets had been used as a matrimonial home. 

 

Jim Richards

Posted on: October 13th, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka

I joined Lawrence Stephens’ Family team in June 2023.

I qualified as a solicitor in 2004, training in a leading regional firm. Since then, I have worked in Kent, Sussex and London, specialising exclusively in family law. I have in-depth experience in a range of areas including dealing with financial settlements or children cases. For some years, I was a member of the Law Society Children’s Panel and dealt with complex cases where the children were parties to the litigation.

Before qualifying as a solicitor, I worked for 15 years in the Central Family Court based in London. I have experience in all forms of family litigation, involving a range of assets and jurisdictions.

I take a pragmatic view to cases and while I look to reach agreement where possible, I am always prepared to take a case to court if it is justified.

Outside of work, I enjoy all things Italian and Portsmouth Football club – a truly dynamic combination.

Experience highlights 

  • Carrying out advocacy at an eight-day fact-finding hearing while representing children
  • In private law proceedings, carrying out advocacy for children in a fact-finding hearing involving a father alleged to have sexually abused his children
  • Acting for a husband in a successful variation of a joint lives maintenance application; obtaining a discharge of the joint lives order
  • Acted on behalf of the husband in a landmark reported financial remedies case concerning the provenance of assets and the approach when pre-marital assets had been used as a matrimonial home. 
  • Acting successfully for a wife in maintenance pension suit application, and subsequent proceedings to a final hearing at which she received a substantial pension share order, maintenance order and lump sum order
  • Protecting a Police Pension while acting for a husband, by successfully offsetting claims made by his wife
  • Acting for a wife in a complex jurisdiction dispute involving the UAE in children and financial remedy claims

Asim Arshad

Posted on: August 8th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am a dedicated Commercial Disputes lawyer with a particular specialism in the emerging crypto asset sector.

I have diverse experience within commercial litigation, encompassing areas such as breach of contract, partnership and joint venture disputes, shareholder disputes, franchise disputes, product liability claims and debt recovery.

Working closely with our Sports division, I have acted for a number of high profile clients in the world of sports and entertainment where the disputes often possess a delicate and confidential nature. Understanding the unique challenges and privacy concerns that come with such cases, I prioritise discretion and confidentiality, ensuring that the interests and reputations of my clients are safeguarded.

My expertise is further complemented by a familiarity with prominent arbitration institutions. I have adeptly represented clients in arbitral proceedings under the rules of institutions such as the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS).

As the nascent cryptoasset sector has matured, I have developed a particular focus and specialism in providing legal services and advice to clients operating in the crypto and digital asset sector. From cryptoasset regulation and compliance advice to dispute resolution, my blend of traditional commercial litigation expertise, forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of digital assets, blockchain and the unique challenges and environment in which industry participants operate, positions me as a trusted legal advisor to many in the sector.

Notably among these is my work with one of the largest NFT projects on the Cardano blockchain. In addition, I have acted as a trusted crypto lawyer to one of the industry’s leading mining platforms and have advised various token issuing entities as well as a tier 1 exchange, further solidifying my reputation as a trusted legal advisor in this growing sector.

I am dedicated to delivering innovative, robust, and cost-effective legal solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client, and I take pride in being a trusted advisor in both traditional and emerging sectors.

Experience highlights 

  • Successfully defended a UK-based individual against attempts by a U.S. crypto lender, which had filed for bankruptcy, to recover payments made during the preference period.
  • Advised a token-issuing entity and a play-to-earn (P2E) platform on a broad range of regulatory considerations, including navigating the FCA token classification guidelines, including a thorough analysis of token characteristics to determine appropriate regulatory treatment, and provided strategic advice to mitigate regulatory risks.
  • Provided strategic advice and guidance to a token issuing entity on structuring the token issuance to comply with applicable regulations. Also advised on related issues such as anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, financial promotion rules, and the preparation of legal documentation to support the token’s launch and ongoing operations.
  • Acted for an individual who had lost in excess of £1m in cryptoassets as a result of a sophisticated investment scam, utilising innovative legal strategies and remedies to trace and recover stolen funds.
  • Assisted multiple clients in navigating the complexities of using cryptoassets for substantial purchases, including property purchases.
  • Collaborated with a European law firm to assist their client to annul a tax decision issued by relevant tax authority, which had requested in excess of €1m by way of tax liability on cryptoassets not yet withdrawn from a platform.
  • Represented a number of clients in recovering substantial sums which had previously been deemed ‘irretrievable’ by centralised exchanges due to erroneous transfers.
  • Advised a global exchange through evolving regulatory and compliance requirements to operate within the UK market.
  • Represented several token-issuing entities in negotiations with major crypto exchanges for the listing of their tokens. Advising on listing requirements, disclosure obligations, and drafted listing agreements that protecting interests while meeting the compliance standards of the exchanges.
  • Advised clients on the formation and governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), including the structuring of legal entities and the drafting of governance frameworks to ensure transparent and fair decision-making processes.
  • Instructed as part of a multi-jurisdictional legal team on the creation and structuring of cryptoasset investment funds targeted at institutional clients.
  • Acted for clients in significant commercial agreements where cryptoassets formed a substantial part of the transaction value, providing strategic guidance on the valuation and transfer of cryptoassets, due diligence to assess cryptoasset portfolios, and negotiating terms that aligned with the parties obligations and risk profiles.
  • Acted for crypto businesses and individuals in disputes relating to compensation schemes tied to cryptoasset valuations, token generation events and token rewards.
  • Advised a range of traditional businesses, including retail businesses, on integrating cryptoassets as a form of payment within their business models. Developed strategies to mitigate risks associated with volatility, fraud, and regulatory scrutiny, while ensuring seamless implementation and alignment with business objectives.”

Claire Allan

Posted on: August 7th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

As an award-winning enfranchisement specialist, I advise leaseholders and landlords in this complex field, navigating them through the statutory lease extension or collective enfranchisement process.

I have acted on some significant prime central London enfranchisements.  I provide practical advice to property owners, family offices, developers, investors, international and local corporates, high-net-worth individuals, private equity firms, sellers, purchasers, lenders and borrowers – particularly those on the London Landed Estates such as Cadogan Estate, Grosvenor Estate, John Lyon’s Charity Estate and Wellcome Trust.  I provide added value to my clients by being able to advise on all aspects of enfranchisement – a true hybrid of non-contentious and contentious work. 

Drawing on an expansive range of experience, I have a track record of leading, structuring and executing complicated enfranchisement transactions for a broad spectrum of clients.  I combine a deep understanding of the law, based on more than 15 years’ experience, with a willingness to develop creative solutions for her clients.  As a thoughtful strategist and a tenacious champion of my clients’ interests, I have attracted a host of respected clients. 

I have extensive experience in handling transactions against special categories of landlord including Ecclesiastical landlords and the Crown.  I further advise on vesting orders in relation to missing/absent landlord claims.

Experience highlights 

  • Acquiring the freehold of a prestigious block of flats from a central London freehold estate together with an intermediary leasehold interest and porter’s flat. Negotiating the freehold transfer deed free from onerous restrictive covenants
  • Structuring and advising on a valuable house claim so as to obtain the freehold under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967
  • Leading and successfully completing on a 115 flat collective claim in one of London’s Royal boroughs

Sarah Gallagher

Posted on: August 3rd, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens in 2023, with nearly a decade’s prior experience working in the new build real estate market.

My primary client base is formed of purchasers of both leasehold and freehold new build properties, inside and outside of the Greater London area and developers selling plots at a variety of developments. Whilst my specialism is largely new build work, I also act for those selling and purchasing residential properties of all varieties, including shared ownership, HNW and UHNW.

I have acted as the recommended solicitor on several developments constructed by national housing developers of a household name, ensuring an efficient service whilst also ensuring that my client’s needs were prioritised throughout. More recently, I acted on a prime Manchester development, whereby I personally dealt with the exchange of over 200 plots within a four-month period.

I pride myself on providing a high level of service to each of my clients, applying specialist technical knowledge to each case but also remaining approachable and prioritising each client’s individual needs. I maintain a risk adverse but commercially sensitive approach and always make myself available for any queries that my clients might need answered.

I have been recognised within the new build market as providing an efficient, structured and detailed service to my clients, with previous clients describing me as “dealing with the whole process with a professionalism, speed and warmth that all solicitors should aspire to”.

In my spare time,  I enjoy cooking (and, of course, the resultant eating). I also try to go out running at least twice a week, although the arrival of my son late last year has meant that most of the running that I do currently is after him.

Experience highlights 

  • Acted for a prominent international ultra-high net worth client purchasing at the Battersea Power Station Development for over £4m
  • Acted for clients purchasing through an assignment, where instructed both before and after notice to complete had been served
  • Acted for a high-net-worth client purchasing 10 units at a development for a collective price of over £8m

Mohit Pasricha

Posted on: August 1st, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am Head of Sports & Entertainment at Lawrence Stephens, advising and representing a variety of sporting and entertainment clients within the industry.

Within Sport, I regularly act for clients on a wide range of issues from player transfers, boxing promotional agreements, commercial opportunities (including image rights and endorsement agreements) to regulatory, brand protection and dispute matters.

Within Entertainment, I advise music artists, actors, celebrities and influencers in relation to their commercial and endorsement agreements, ambassador agreements and global brand protection matters.

My passion and determination go beyond the ordinary, making me much more than just a ‘lawyer’ to my clients. I am a key advisor to my clients, breaking barriers to connect and truly understand their objectives both ‘on-field’ and ‘off-field’. To complement my approach, I have an outstanding network of advisors, perfectly tailored to fulfilling my clients’ needs. Among them are first-class sports tax advisors and financial experts, essential to securing my clients’ success.

I am highly regarded by leading industry directories such as Chambers & Partners. Sources note that I am “the best contact we ever made in the sports industry and has helped us greatly in our expansion”, always going “above and beyond” for my clients. “I can’t speak highly enough of Mo and his team.”

I have also been appointed to  the Sport Resolutions Pro Bono service. A legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the service provides pro bono legal advice and assistance to athletes and individuals of limited financial means.

Experience highlights 

  • Advised and led negotiations for a WBO World Champion on a multi-million-pound global ambassador and promotional agreement with one of the UK’s biggest boxing promoters
  • Advised and assisted a high-profile England and Premier League player with various global corporate investments, endorsement agreements and family matters
  • Negotiated a multi-million pound promotional agreement with the UK’s biggest boxing promoters for a British professional light-heavyweight boxer ranked number one in the world
  • Advised and assisted a Premier League player with his multi-million-pound contract renewal with Arsenal FC
  • Advised and led negotiations for a global FX company on their sponsorship deal with Haas F1
  • Advised and assisted a high-profile professional boxer in respect of his dispute with a global boxing promoter
  • Advised and assisted a Tokyo Silver Olympic medalist with his management agreement with 258 Management, his global endorsement deal with Adidas, his ambassador deal with Sky Sports and his record-breaking promotional agreement with one of the UK’s biggest boxing promoters
  • Negotiated a global endorsement agreement with McDonalds for a professional boxer
  • Advised and assisted Love Island winners and former contestants on their management agency agreements, image rights structuring, and brand commercial deals
  • Advised and assisted a Premier League player with his negotiations with a large football agency
  • Negotiated and advised a pre-scholar football player on his six-figure endorsement deal with Under Armour
  • Assisted a world champion UFC fighter with his endorsement deal with a global male-grooming company
  • Assisted and successfully advised a leading UK sports agency on its dispute against their former client, a professional footballer, before the FA at a Rule K hearing
  • Advised and negotiated a global brand ambassador agreement with a high-profile Manchester United player on behalf of a global drinks brand
  • Assisted and advised young players and their families on scholarship agreements, and their first professional contracts
  • Founded the first Sports Law Clinic at Wembley Stadium working with the University Campus of Football Business which has provided pro-bono advice to over 100 agents, players, students and athletes

Ricardo Geada

Posted on: May 2nd, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Director to head up the Regulatory Solutions department.  I have over 16 years’ legal experience in dispute resolution (in-house and private practice) with a particular focus on regulatory and compliance when it comes to cannabis-related businesses as well as the cryptoassets and the blockchain industry. 

I am regularly instructed by global cannabis companies in either the CBD wellness sector or medicinal cannabis sector (CBPMs).  These instructions range from advising on aspects of regulation in the UK, EU, Asia and beyond regarding the legality of vaping products (e-cigarettes and e-liquids); cosmetics; food products and supplements; and medicinal cannabis products.  I often advise clients looking to obtain a Home Office licence such as a controlled drugs licence or cultivation licence. 

I have also developed an interest and practice regarding cryptoassets, blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Often assisting as a trusted crypto lawyer, I have assisted businesses operating in or seeking to enter this ever-growing space. I help my clients navigate the complex and novel legal issues of digital assets whether it be a business looking to set up an exchange or issue a token.

Due to the nature of the above sectors and the legal nuances involved, I regularly work closely with other legal departments such as Corporate & Commercial, Employment and Dispute Resolution to ensure my clients benefit from a full suite of legal services specifically tailored to their immediate business needs and future objectives.

My in-house and international experience makes me commercially incisive and instrumental to my clients when handling their legal and strategic requirements both in the UK and abroad.  I am regularly described by my clients as a pragmatic, strategic and solution-focused business partner.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising clients in respect of regulation in the UK, EU and abroad (over 15 countries covered) regarding the legality of:
    1. Vaping products (e-cigarettes and e-liquids)
    2. Cosmetics 
    3. Medicinal cannabis products
    4. Food supplements
    5. Food products

Some of the Regulations covered: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Consumer Products and Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (guidance given by the UK Regulator – Medicines & Health products Regulatory Agency (“MHRA”), EU Cosmetics Regulations (EC – No. 1223/2009), The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (including the Tobacco Products Directive) and General Product Safety Regulations 2005

  • Advising and assisting clients with their CBD novel foods applications (NFA) and/or linked NFA with the Food Standards Agency
  • Conducting marking reviews of clients’ CBD product lines and websites making sure they adhere to relevant regulations depending on the type of product in question
  • Review and advising clients in relation to certificates of analysis (CoAs) in respect of the levels of THC contained within the specified product, ensuring such levels are within the permitted amounts as set out by the laws and regulations of those countries the client intends to export to
  • Advising clients in respect of product seizures by border force agencies. Successfully getting products released and also obtaining damages for a client where their product line had been destroyed by UK Border Force
  • Advising clients in respect of controlled drug licences
  • Advising clients in respect of industrial hemp cultivation applications in the UK and assisting with the applications process