Chambers & Partners 2020 Guide describes CYK as ‘brilliant’, ‘solutions-focused’, ‘entrepreneurial and very personable’

Increased recognition for CYK’s ‘technical skill’ in civil fraud matters

 11 October 2019

In its new 2020 edition legal directory Chambers & Partners has ranked CYK among the top law firms in the UK for banking litigation, commercial litigation, and also civil fraud, where the firm has been promoted in the rankings.

The firm is described as “a litigation boutique with a solid reputation in the market for its capacity to handle large-scale, complex disputes against banks and major corporates” and it says, “the firm is solutions-focused in its attitude to litigation. They do not shy away from pushing the case forward, but always with an objective in mind.”

Clients recommend the firm for “the technical skill that they’re bringing to cases” and for their supportive service:  “They were brilliant – they held my hand all the way through the process and calmed my nerves through a stressful experience.

A number of the firm’s partners, including Philip Young, Marc Keidan  and Sinead O’Callaghan are named as ‘notable practitioners’, and senior associate Arish Bharucha is mentioned for the first time as an ‘Associate to Watch’ for his expertise in complex arbitrations.

The full Chambers’ reviews are detailed below and can be viewed here.

Banking Litigation

What the team is known for

Litigation boutique with a solid reputation in the market for its capacity to handle large-scale, complex disputes against banks and major corporates. Particular experience in handling major Libor manipulation and interest rate swap mis-selling litigation. Client base includes a broad spectrum of hedge funds, property developers and high net worth individuals. Noted fraud expertise, with the ability to assist clients in procuring freezing injunctions in pursuit of fraudsters in multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Strengths

A client says: “They were brilliant – they held my hand all the way through the process and calmed my nerves through a stressful experience. I cannot speak highly enough about them from both a professional and personal point of view.”

One interviewee states that “they are entrepreneurial, very personable and great value for money – I would definitely use them again.”

Work highlights

Defended two entities associated with the Cheyne hedge fund against claims for EUR 20 million brought by Blackstar Advisors alleging that it was due substantial introducer fees from Cheyne.

Notable practitioners

Marc Keidan has experience in handling claims against financial institutions for a variety of clients, ranging from large multinational companies to SMEs and individual business people. According to a source, he is “great at strategic thinking and getting commercial results for his clients.”

Philip Young is adept in handling a wide array of banking litigation as part of his wider practice in disputes and civil fraud. He is a solicitor advocate who regularly represents large international conglomerates, hedge funds and investment firms in high-value claims. Sources describe him as an “outstanding” lawyer who is “very clever, astute and tactically aware.”

Sinead O’Callaghan has wide-ranging expertise in contentious financial matters, with notable focus on claims for the mis-selling of interest rate swaps and investment products. One source describes her as “a fantastic litigator,” while another adds: “She is very good at managing big, complex cases.”

Litigation

What the team is known for

Conflict-free litigation firm, frequently instructed against leading financial institutions, sovereigns and accountancy firms on financial and commercial disputes, particularly when alleged fraud is at issue. The team acts for a high-profile commercial client base which features both FTSE 100 and AIM-listed businesses along with hedge funds and high net worth individuals.

Strengths 

Sources note: “The firm is solutions-focused in its attitude to litigation. They do not shy away from pushing the case forward, but always with an objective in mind.”

Notable practitioners

Philip Young is a leading light at the firm, with considerable strength in banking and civil fraud claims.

Civil Fraud

What the team is known for Well-known litigation boutique with a focus on the banking and finance world. Experienced handling fraud claims, as well as injunctive action. Represents individual and corporate clients in investigations, litigation and arbitrations on both a domestic and international level.

Strengths A source speaks highly of “the technical skill that they’re bringing to cases” and also adds: “The team is demonstrating that they’re able to compete against and be as effective as the very largest firms.”

Another interviewee reports: “In terms of boutique litigation firms, they’re my go-to recommendation. They’re all extremely good lawyers.”

Work highlight Represented Yoshiki Ohmura as the third defendant in proceedings issued by a UK fund manager for Libyan capital investment fund FM Capital Partners. The claims centre around allegations of unlawful means conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duties with regard to the defendants’ roles in the structuring of various complex structured products and investments.

Notable practitioners

Philip Young is described by sources as “a brilliant litigator” and “an extremely intellectual lawyer who is prepared to run with some very novel and innovative ideas to great effect.” He is highly respected for his ability to manage large corporate and banking disputes, including those with significant allegations of fraud

International Arbitration – UK-wide

Associates to watch

Arish Bharucha is increasingly noted for his expertise in complex arbitrations, which includes significant strength in India-related disputes. Sources highlight his “good tactical judgement” as well as his ability to “see through the difficulties and distil the important issues.”