International and UK litigation and arbitration

In the UK, we represent a diverse range of clients, from leading corporates to high net worth individuals. The team handles high-value, multi-jurisdictional litigation at all levels of the English courts, from the High Court through to the Supreme Court and regularly coordinates proceedings involving multiple legal systems. Our global reach is reflected in recent cross-border cases involving the US, India, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia and Singapore. We frequently collaborate with colleagues in our European and Singapore offices, as well as with lawyers in trusted overseas firms, particularly through our membership of Multilaw and the European Law Group.

Multi-jurisdictional dispute expertise

Our team excels in resolving international commercial, financial, crypto-asset and technology disputes. We tackle complex jurisdictional issues, offshore trust matters, and the enforcement of foreign judgments, often involving global asset investigations. We have a particular focus on assisting US law firms and their clients in UK disputes, as well as advising on UK aspects of US proceedings. Our lawyers combine technical excellence with a pragmatic and commercial approach to deliver optimal outcomes.

We are regularly appointed to resolve disputes under the rules of the major international arbitration institutions such as the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, particularly in the energy, financial services and technology sectors. We are also frequently instructed in arbitration-related court proceedings, including enforcement actions and challenges to arbitral awards. Our arbitration expertise is led by our London, Paris and Singapore offices and supported by our global networks.

With a proven track record of success, our dispute resolution specialists, some of whom are dual-qualified, have the resources and experience to represent clients in all aspects of arbitration. They are assisted by members of our corporate, commercial, intellectual property, and technology teams, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to each case.

Penningtons Manches Cooper displays a commercial awareness that is second to none, particularly when it relates to international litigation.

Several of our partners hold prominent roles in international committees and associations such as the International Bar Association, American Bar Association, International Association of Young Lawyers, and Indian Maritime Association. They are frequently invited to speak at seminars and contribute to legal publications.

This active involvement in the global legal community enhances our insight and keeps us at the forefront of international legal developments, enabling us to provide cutting-edge advice and representation. We are committed to delivering impactful and effective legal solutions, ensuring that our clients’ interests are protected and advanced in every jurisdiction in which we operate.

How we help our clients

Arbitration

Banking and financial disputes

Commercial contracts

International trade and commodities

Shareholder and joint venture disputes

Protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights

Offshore trusts

Dry shipping and charterparty disputes

Worldwide freezing orders, asset tracing and recovery

Jurisdictional disputes

Enforcement of foreign judgments in England and Wales and English judgments overseas

Business and cyber crime including anti bribery and money laundering compliance

Penningtons provides a truly 360-degree service that considers all commercial and regulatory aspects. Strength in depth and a fantastic practice. A brilliant team.

Great litigators, who are strategically astute, technically strong and commercial.

Penningtons respond quickly and with excellent advice. They understood the court process and helped steer us out of trouble. They did an excellent job.

Penningtons Manches Cooper have provided me with a formidable team to undertake my litigation.

Recent work highlights

Multi-jurisdictional technology dispute

Acting for a German-based, multinational technology corporation in dispute with a major Chinese-American business and consumer electronic devices supplier. The claim was legally and factually complex but was concluded successfully through mediation, saving our client substantial time and costs.

Multinational group’s shareholder dispute

Advising a former majority shareholder of a professional and fiduciary services entity, defending claims alleging fraudulent misrepresentation and deceit. This involved multiple proceedings across several jurisdictions and civil, regulatory and criminal complaints.

Director guarantee and embezzlement dispute

Defending a director of a prominent travel company against a demand under personal guarantees, in a complex dispute involving allegations of significant embezzlement of loan funds and cross-claims of conspiracy between senior management and private equity stakeholders.

Multi-jurisdictional IT dispute

Representing a Portuguese contractor in a complex Technology and Construction Court dispute arising from a major electricity network modernisation project in Bangalore, India, involving allegations of poor performance, significant delays, and defective deliverables by the main contractor.

Multi-jurisdictional luxury goods dispute

Acting for two Italian agents in the luxury goods industry in a dispute involving several entities over breaches of agency agreements and the Commercial Agents Regulations 1993. The case was resolved with a significant settlement in favour of our clients.

Chapecoense air crash legal support

Representing survivors and families of victims of the 2016 Chapecoense air crash, as instructed by Podhurst Orseck PA. We are providing ongoing legal support across jurisdictions, including proceedings in Brazil, Bolivia, and the UK, involving complex cross-border aviation litigation.

Shareholder dispute and misconduct allegations

Acting for a California-based German shareholder and former director, and another minority shareholder, in a dispute with the majority shareholder involving allegations of unfair prejudice, fraud, forgery, and breaches of partnership and company law across multiple corporate entities.

Danish tax fraud allegations defence

Representing multiple related clients accused of participating in a large-scale fraud against the Danish tax authority. The high-profile, multi-jurisdictional case involves complex conspiracy allegations and is widely reported as potentially the most expensive litigation in English legal history.

Recovery action for leading Indian bank

Successfully obtaining judgment for a large Indian bank in the Commercial Court following non-payment of US$19 million under two facility agreements. In question was the applicability of Indian insolvency proceedings to UK legal proceedings, which is an increasing area of focus for our team.

Cross-border investment and jurisdiction dispute

Acting for a Luxembourg-based investment management company in €17.75 million proceedings brought by a Russian fund concerning shares in a Dutch public company, and advising on a Court of Appeal application regarding jurisdiction over an alleged oral agreement.

1. Transatlantic supply chain litigation

Representing a major UK rubber manufacturer in relation to a distribution agreement with a US company. We registered and enforced the UK judgment in the US following US State, Appeal and Supreme Court decisions and subsequently acted in a US federal court trial.