Signature Litigation’s London office and members ranked in The Legal 500 UK 2027 Guide

Fraud: Civil – Tier 2

Signature Litigation maintains its high ranking for Fraud: Civil, with the Guide noting that "Signature Litigation is a boutique litigation powerhouse that combines the specialist expertise and strategic focus of a niche firm with the depth and capability more commonly associated with much larger practices."

"The team's quality of work is exceptionally high, and they show real commitment to their clients."

In addition to being ranked in the Hall of Fame for Banking Litigation: Investment and Retail and Commercial Litigation: Premium (see below), Partner Graham Huntley maintains his ranking in the Hall of Fame for his civil fraud practice. He is described as "a legend of commercial litigation" with "vast experience".

Partner Ioannis Alexopoulos continues to be ranked as a Leading Partner, and is highlighted in the Guide as "an exceptional partner with a sharp strategic mind and a proven ability to navigate proceedings across offshore and European jurisdictions."

Partner Kate Gee also maintains her ranking as a Next Generation Partner with the Guide noting "Kate Gee is a force of nature. She has a very clear idea of the merits of a case and works tirelessly to position the client to achieve the best result."

Partner Catherine Naylor is recognised by The Guide as a Recommended Lawyer. Senior Associate Oliver Steeple, and Associate Eleanor Walker also achieve recognition. Oliver is described as having "great attention to detail" and Eleanor "is a calm influence and a safe pair of hands in terms of engaging with the other side, including managing correspondence when matters get heated."

Banking Litigation: Investment and Retail – Tier 2

The Legal 500 notes that Signature's banking litigation practice provides an "all-around excellent offering", and describes the team as "high quality the whole way through, from the paralegals to the senior partners." Another notes that "everyone I have worked with at Signature has been excellent." The Legal 500's commentary also notes "the firm represents banks, hedge funds and sovereign entities in massive, multi-jurisdictional group actions and landmark s.90 and s.90A FSMA securities litigation."

Partner Graham Huntley maintains his recognition in The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame.

Partner Abdulali Jiwaji, is once again recognised as a Leading Partner. A referee notes "Abdulali Jiwaji is a class act; he has a wealth of experience in litigation at the highest level, which he combines with top-class client care skills. He is a delight to work with."

Abdulali is also described as "an exceptional litigator whose legal skill and strategic expertise set him apart."

Partner Becca Hogan has again been ranked a Next Generation Partner, and is described by one referee as "particularly excellent; she is exceptionally clever, calm, and clear-headed - I can't think of a better lawyer to have in your corner on a banking dispute."

Partners Josh Wong and Rory Spillman, and Counsel Ritwick Ghosh are also ranked as Recommended Lawyers in the Guide, with Rory and Ritwick newly recognised in Banking Litigation this year.

Commercial Litigation: Premium – Tier 3

Signature’s Commercial Litigation team is praised in the Guide for being "very hands-on with a great and in-depth knowledge of the law".

The Guide further notes that "The Signature Litigation team in London is a team of the brightest stars taken from some of the magic circle sets, working in a tightly focused, commercial, and efficient law firm. It has all the firepower of the top city law firms, without all the arrogance, baggage, and costs." Another testimonial highlights SIgnature as "truly a stand-out boutique. Responsive, commercial, and full of very bright people."

Partner Graham Huntley has again been ranked in the Guide’s Hall of Fame, and is commended for leading a "very bright" team with particular experience acting against sovereign states, in group action claims and funding structures, and in financial product and shareholder agreement disputes.

Partners Abdulali Jiwaji and Daniel Spendlove, commended for his "tough, strategic, on top of the law and with great commercial instinct", have retained their rankings as Leading Partners.

Partner Tom Snelling has continued recognition as a Recommended Lawyer.

Partner Simon Fawell is also ranked as a Recommended Lawyer, noted for his "energy and ambition", alongside Partners Becca Hogan, and Rory Spillman, who is noted for his specialism in securities litigation. Counsel Alasdair Glass is also ranked by the Guide as a Recommended Lawyer. 

International Arbitration – Tier 3

Signature Litigation has continued its strong ranking in International Arbitration, with the Guide noting the firm's experience handling both investment treaty and commercial arbitration work across a variety of sectors, such as mining, oil and gas, and healthcare.

The team is also described by a testimonial in The Guide as "very responsive, to the point, and creative. The team is very approachable, which also makes it a pleasure to work with", and another highlights that "team is very experienced and client-oriented".

Partner Ioannis Alexopoulos continues to be ranked in the Hall of Fame, with The Guide highlighting his "extensive experience in complex, high-value work and a focus on disputes in financial service." He is also described as "excellent" and "dedicated".

One testimonial also described Ioannis as "first class, blending diplomatic tact with strong commercial instincts."

Partner Tsegaye Laurendeau has increased his ranking to Leading Partner, with The Guide noting his "strong knowledge of work concerning Africa" and his specialism in disputes involving complex corporate structures and tax issues.

Partner Neil Newing has retained his ranking as a Next Generation Partner and is recognised by the Guide as an oil and gas industry expert.

One testimonial describes Neil as "an excellent tactician, demonstrating a deep understanding of enforcement law and the deployment of English court powers in support of foreign arbitrations."

Counsel Pietro Grassi is again recognised as a Leading Associate.

Partner Natalia Chumak is ranked as a Recommended Lawyer.

Insurance and Reinsurance Litigation – Tier 5

Associate Adriano Stagni has been again ranked as a Leading Associate.

Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates) - Firms to watch 

Since the appointments of Partners Mark Beardsworth and Duncan Grieve, founding Signature's Investigations and White Collar Crime practice, the firm has newly been ranked for Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates) in the 2027 Guide. The Guide notes that Mark and Duncan bring "considerable depth in internal investigations into financial and non-financial misconduct and related advisory matters."

The Signature team is described as "extremely knowledgeable and efficient in dealing with complex white-collar cases", with one testimonial noting that the team "have unrivaled experience in this area and can draw on an exceptional range of talent."

"Calm and authoritative", Partner Mark Beardsworth is again recognised as a Leading Partner by The Guide. One referee notes that "Mark has a pedigree of advising in complex multi-jurisdictional fraud cases. He brings exceptional strategic ideas to every case." Testimonials also highlights the strength of the team, noting "Mark Beardsworth is a confident leader".

Partner Duncan Grieve, commended as "an extremely clever lawyer, focused and strategic with excellent commercial acumen", is also newly recognised by The Guide as a Recommended Lawyer.

Associate Sharon Takhar is also newly Recommended in The Guide this year, commended for her "exceptional knowledge in the sector and a calm, confident approach."

Read more on The Legal 500 UK website here.