Independent editorial overview of leading London law firms advising on banking and financial litigation. This guide highlights practices with strong experience in banking disputes, financial services regulation, securities litigation, mis-selling claims, fraud, enforcement, and cross-border finance litigation. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
The firms below are chosen based on independent directory recognition, casework and public lawyer profiles. Each includes three key lawyers and one or two authoritative sources.
Top banking and financial litigation law firms in London
- Herbert Smith Freehills London
Market leader in complex banking litigation, representing global banks, financial institutions and corporates in high-value disputes.
Notable lawyers: Harry Edwards, Damien Byrne Hill, John Corrie.
Sources: 1
- Clifford Chance LLP London
Magic Circle powerhouse handling financial disputes, enforcement actions and cross-border banking litigation.
Notable lawyers: Simon Davis, Anthony Giustini, Deborah North.
Sources: 2
- Linklaters LLP London
Strong disputes practice acting in securities litigation, regulatory enforcement and structured finance disputes.
Notable lawyers: Richard Godden, Tom Lidstrom, Harriet Ellis.
Sources: 3
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP London
Top ranked disputes team handling financial services investigations, banking litigation and securities disputes.
Notable lawyers: Jonathan Cotton, Patrick Swain, May Tai.
Sources: 4
- Slaughter and May London
Magic Circle firm advising on high-stakes litigation and regulatory investigations for financial institutions.
Notable lawyers: Deborah Finkler, Efstathios Michael, Nick Gray.
Sources: 5
- Simmons & Simmons London
Well known for banking litigation and disputes involving asset managers, hedge funds and financial institutions.
Notable lawyers: Patrick Boylan, Ros Kellaway, Ed Crosse.
Sources: 6
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP London
Top US firm with strength in securities litigation, investigations and financial disputes.
Notable lawyers: David Kavanagh KC, Patrick Taylor, Elizabeth Robertson.
Sources: 7
- White & Case LLP London
Global firm handling cross-border banking disputes, derivatives litigation and regulatory enforcement.
Notable lawyers: John Reynolds, John Rogerson, David Goldberg.
Sources: 8
- Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP London
Litigation-only US firm highly regarded for banking disputes, fraud cases and securities litigation.
Notable lawyers: Sue Prevezer KC, Richard East, Alex Gerbi.
Sources: 9
- Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP London
Specialist disputes firm with expertise in financial fraud, banking disputes and regulatory enforcement cases.
Notable lawyers: Michael O’Kane, Anna Bradshaw, Jonathan Tickner.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What is banking litigation
It involves disputes between financial institutions and clients, counterparties or regulators, covering loans, securities, mis-selling and fraud.
What courts hear banking disputes
Most are heard in the High Court in London, particularly in the Commercial Court and Chancery Division.
What types of claims are common
Claims often involve mis-selling of financial products, breach of contract, negligence, fraud, securities misrepresentation and regulatory breaches.
Can cases be resolved out of court
Yes. Many banking disputes are resolved through settlement, arbitration or mediation before reaching trial.
What role does the FCA play
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates financial institutions and may investigate or bring enforcement actions relevant to litigation.
Do banks often settle disputes
Yes. Banks often settle to minimise costs, reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny, though some high-profile cases do proceed to trial.
What remedies are available
Remedies include damages, restitution, rescission of contracts and injunctive relief in urgent cases.
Are there group actions in financial litigation
Yes. Collective securities litigation and group claims for mis-selling are increasingly common in the UK courts.
How long do banking disputes take
Complex High Court cases may take 1–3 years or more, though settlements can be reached within months.
How do I choose the right lawyer
Look for recognised expertise in financial litigation, sector knowledge, independent rankings and proven case experience.
Endnotes
- Herbert Smith Freehills banking litigation. Source: HSF.
- Clifford Chance litigation practice. Source: Clifford Chance.
- Linklaters litigation overview. Source: Linklaters.
- Freshfields dispute resolution. Source: Freshfields.
- Slaughter and May disputes practice. Source: Slaughter and May.
- Simmons & Simmons disputes practice. Source: Simmons & Simmons.
- Skadden litigation overview. Source: Skadden.
- White & Case litigation. Source: White & Case.
- Quinn Emanuel firm site. Source: Quinn Emanuel.
- Peters & Peters banking litigation. Source: Peters & Peters.
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