Commercial litigation
At Freshfields, we champion our client’s interests in their most complex, high value and high stakes litigation matters.
As trusted advocate to some of the world’s leading organisations, we litigate – and win – many of the world’s largest, most complex and reputationally significant commercial cases. Our clients’ cases are often multijurisdictional or transnational, and in many of our cases the outcome has a major impact on the future of the parties and sectors involved.
From a single point of contact, our clients access comprehensive legal advice and guidance anywhere in the world. We understand that litigation can bring a range of concerns from commercial to reputational, and our advice is delivered with these wider implications in mind.
We offer our clients an integrated approach throughout all stages of the dispute lifecycle. Our team works closely with regulatory, investigations, securities litigation, mass claims and arbitration colleagues, and our local practices all have outstanding reputations in their own markets. Where necessary, we work with our StrongerTogether network of local litigation counsel to ensure clients get the very best team in their corner, wherever they need it.
Recent client successes
Acting for Deutsche Bank in Deutsche Bank v Sebastian Holdings Inc. in respect of Deutsche Bank's successful claim for around $230m and successful defence of Sebastian Holdings' $7bn counterclaim, the largest post-credit crunch claim heard in the English Commercial Court.
Successful representation of Wex Inc. in landmark Material Adverse Effect (MAE) litigation arising from COVID-19 in the context of a $1.7bn M&A transaction.
Advising Mandiant in a shareholder challenge to the $1.2bn sale of its products business to a private equity buyer. Previously represented the company in a shareholder action for books and records pertaining to the deal.
Advising the Special Litigation Committee in investigating and defending against allegations that Sinclair officers and directors mislead federal regulators in connection with Sinclair’s failed $6bn merger with Tribune Media Company.
Successfully represented private equity client Clairvest GP Manageco and a consortium of sellers in defeating claims filed by Caesars Entertainment, one of the largest owners and operators of casinos and resorts across the US.
The dispute arose in connection with Caesars’s $1.7bn acquisition of two gambling 'racinos' (combined race tracks and casinos) in Indiana, and a $50m license transfer fee imposed by the Indiana Gaming Commission – and paid by Caesars, under a reservation of rights – in connection with the transaction.
Awards & Recognitions
Securities Firm of the Year – Benchmark Litigation at the 2023 Benchmark Litigation US Awards
Global Competition Review – GCR Awards Litigation of the Year (Cartel Defence) 2023
Commercial Litigation Team of the Year – UK Legal Business Awards 2021
“A market-leading firm with a strong focus on high-stakes commercial and corporate litigation. The team has an impressive ability to handle highly complex matters concerning multiple parties and jurisdictions and is known for acting on behalf of blue-chip clients including multinational corporations.”
"Freshfields have tremendous experience and expertise across the EU, in APAC and in the US, besides of course being a powerhouse in the UK."
"They are very smart lawyers. They're pragmatic, realistic and practical."
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