Pinsent Masons bolsters financial sector disputes capability with new hire

Michael, who joins as a partner from Addleshaw Goddard, has a reputation as one of the leading litigators in the financial services sector developed throughout a legal career spanning more than 20 years.

His practice focuses on commercial and corporate banking litigation (including corporate lending, real estate finance, asset/receivables financing, and refinancing/insolvency); capital markets disputes; Ultra High Net Worth wealth litigation; and group litigation covering issues such as outsourcing, property and regulatory disputes and investigations.

Michael has strong relationships with a number of major financial institutions and was seconded into Barclays in-house litigation function for a period in 2009.

His arrival follows the appointment of energy disputes specialist John Gilbert in London and infrastructure disputes expert Frédéric Gillion in Paris earlier this month.

David Ryan, Managing Partner at Pinsent Masons, says:

"We are delighted that Michael is joining us. He has a stand-out reputation in the financial services sector as first-class litigator, and as possessing an acute understanding of how banks work. His arrival will further enhance our credentials as one of the City's leading litigation practices and demonstrates our continued programme of investment into those sectors where we see the greatest opportunity for growth."

James Bullock, Head of Litigation and Compliance at Pinsent Masons, says:

"We have strong relationships with a number of financial institutions and Michael's arrival, following on the recruitment of John and Frederic, demonstrates our commitment to developing a truly world-class litigation practice with unrivalled expertise across key sectors including energy, infrastructure and financial services."

Michael's arrival is the latest development in a series of investments into Pinsent Masons London headquarters. Last year the firm's Financial Services capability was enhanced by the arrival of Head of Insurance Nick Bradley and a specialist restructuring team comprising Steven Cottee, Nicholas Pike and Tom Withyman - all from LG. Corporate specialist Louise Wolfson and projects and energy specialist Akshai Fofaria also joined from Allen & Overy and Jones Day respectively, while international arbitration expert John Gilbert will arrive shortly from BP.

Michael brings the total number of London-based partners to around 150.