CYK is a “go-to recommendation” according to Chambers 2019

Chambers & Partners: CYK is “a litigation boutique with a solid reputation in the market for its capacity to handle large-scale, complex disputes against banks and major corporates“

31 October 2018

The leading legal directory Chambers & Partners has ranked CYK among the top law firms in the UK for banking litigation (‘mainly claimant’), litigation in general, and civil fraud in its 2019 directory, published today.  The firm is described as a “go-to recommendation” which is “able to compete against and be as effective as the very largest firms”.  A number of the firm’s partners, including Philip Young, Marc Keidan and Sinead O’Callaghan are named as ‘notable practitioners’.

Chambers says the firm has “a solid reputation in the market for its capacity to handle large-scale, complex disputes against banks and major corporates” and cites its “noted fraud expertise, with the ability to assist clients in procuring freezing injunctions in pursuit of fraudsters in multi-jurisdictional disputes”.

It says that CYK has “a high-profile commercial client base which features both FTSE 100 and AIM-listed businesses along with hedge funds and high net worth individuals”.  The guide quotes clients of the firm as saying: “They have superb business acumen and excellent industry knowledge” and “The firm is solutions-focused in its attitude to litigation”.  

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 recent 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

Clients say: “They have superb business acumen and excellent industry knowledge – both in respect of the law and of financial regulations. Their industry knowledge is one of their most impressive aspects.”

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.”

Work highlight

Represented West Ten Properties in a claim brought against Lloyds Bank with regard to an interest rate hedging product, while simultaneously defending an action brought by Lloyds against West Ten in respect of their lending with the bank.

Notable practitioners

Philip Young is a solicitor advocate who is frequently sought after to act against major international financial institutions on behalf of a range of clients including individual investors and investment firms. Sources praise his skills as a litigator and say “he fights his client’s corner very hard.”

Marc Keidan is highly experienced in many forms of financial dispute with noteworthy expertise in pursuing claims against financial institutions relating to the mis-selling of interest rate hedging products. Sources say: “He’s very energetic, engaged and hands-on, and he’s also really client-focused. A really committed litigation partner you’d want on your side.”

Sinead O’Callaghan ‘s broad financial disputes practice includes cases relating to contentious trusts, fraud and regulatory enforcement. Sources describe her as “very focused and intelligent,” adding: “She doesn’t get flustered and she’s a good strategist.”

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.