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Dominic Holden

Posted on: November 12th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I am a Director in the Dispute Resolution team, having joined Lawrence Stephens in November 2024. My practice covers a broad range of commercial disputes for businesses and high-net-worth individuals. My cases are frequently complex, document heavy and involve multiple parties as well as a cross-border element and the need for emergency relief (e.g. freezing orders).

I specialise in substantial civil fraud claims (notably data/computer hacking claims) and complicated multi-national, enforcement and asset tracing work. I also advise on breach of trust, professional negligence, contentious insolvency and director, shareholder and/or partnership disputes.

I have also developed a niche practice in art and collectibles disputes. 

Experience highlights

  • Farhad Azima -v- Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), Neil Gerrard, Dechert LLP and James Buchanan. Acted for Mr Azima in his long-running dispute against the Ras-Al Khaimah sovereign wealth fund (and other alleged co-conspirators). The case involves allegations of computer hacking by RAKIA of Mr Azima’s confidential and privileged data. Further information on the case can be found here: https://www.brickcourt.co.uk/news/detail/judgments-in-favour-of-emirati-sovereign-wealth-fund-set-aside-on-grounds-of-fraud-by-the-fund and https://www.solicitorsjournal.com/sjarticle/uk-high-court-voids-judgments-amid-allegations-of-hacking-and-fraud
  • Advised a well-known catering company in relation to their rights, remedies and reporting obligations following a malicious breach of their email system whereby the malicious entity circulated confidential information and disparaging comments to members of staff which (in part) led to threatened trade union action.
  • Advised a wealthy businessman on his rights and remedies following the alleged hacking of his personal data and forging of documents by a firm of private investigators to support a substantial claim against him (and others) in the English High Court.
  • Acting for a fintech client in relation to their claims against a payment aggregator. Obtaining an emergency worldwide freezing order, proprietary injunction and disclosure orders concerning the misappropriation of a substantial sum.
  • Substantial fraud claim against a rogue builder following his gross over-charging of an elderly client. An emergency freezing order, proprietary injunction, third party disclosure order and an order for the delivery up of a number of high value vehicles obtained. Further assisted the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to bring a successful criminal prosecution against the rogue builder.
  • Successfully defended a fraudulent attempt to obtain adverse possession of land and obtained judgment that the documents later relied on in enforcement proceedings were a sham.

Matt Green

Posted on: June 13th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I am a specialist litigator for complex and multi-jurisdictional disputes with blockchain technology and digital assets at their core.  My practice includes crypto asset recovery for individuals and businesses following a hack, scam or misappropriation. I have extensive experience in obtaining urgent bespoke injunctions, worldwide freezers and specific disclosure orders.

I am currently chair of techUK’s Digital Asset Working Group, designed to (i) consider opportunities for market growth (ii) steer industry players by giving a collective voice to stakeholders large and small and (iii) help educate how both this asset class and technology can shape financial services and beyond.

My practice also includes commercial litigation, disputes concerning technology and intellectual property matters, including trade mark and copyright infringement over digital, artistic and technology focused works.

As founder and host of the In Early Podcast, I speak with those at the forefront of the blockchain and technology sectors. Episodes can be found via YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

Experience highlights

  • AA v Persons Unknown [2019] EWHC 3556 (Comm)  (Comm) (13 December 2019) where, following a ransomware attack, an insurer paid Bitcoin in return for a Canadian hospital’s access to their customers’ data. This case confirmed that Bitcoin and crypto assets broadly were  ‘property’ at common law and helped shape much of the law surrounding the status and strategies in freezing and recovering crypto assets around the world. It is highly cited in academic papers and judgments globally.
  • Acting for a crypto currency brokerage whereby business functionality was blocked by their service and liquid provider following Court Orders obtained by the Secret Service and which resulted in the return of c.$1m of Tether.
  • Obtaining reliefs against North Korean hackers following an exploit of an established crypto address provider and serving documents via Ether NFTs.
  • Crypto Open Patent Alliance v Craig Steven Wright [2024] EWHC 1198 (Ch) (20 May 2024), joint proceedings concerning copyright and database claims, as to the identity of the Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto and whether he can exercise intellectual property rights over “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System”.
  • Tulip Trading Limited (A Seychelles Company) v Bitcoin Association For BSV & Ors: Devising a new strategy for the recovery of (i) private keys, preventing access to billions of pounds worth of Bitcoin, and (ii) other crypto assets worth millions as part of a wider hack. 
  • Securing private Court Orders against and working with major cryptocurrency exchanges to freeze funds and comply with enforcement provisions following sophisticated investment platform and romance scams. 

Publications

NFT Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Connoisseurship and Critique 
Decentralised Autonomous Organisations: The Future of Corporate Governance or an Illusion

Bitcoin Magazine: Now That Bitcoin Is Considered Property In The UK, Reclaiming Ransomed Assets Sent To Exchanges Is Much Easier

Financial Times Advisor: We need to treat crypto fraud like any other crime’ – How to Recover Lost Crypto

The Founder’s Guide to UK Crypto Law- Lexis Nexis, Solana’s Super Team and D2 Legal Technology

Can Bitcoin help recover bitcoin?

Ricardo Geada

Posted on: May 2nd, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Director to head up the Regulatory Solutions department.  I have over 16 years’ legal experience in dispute resolution (in-house and private practice) with a particular focus on regulatory and compliance when it comes to cannabis-related businesses as well as the cryptoassets and the blockchain industry. 

I am regularly instructed by global cannabis companies in either the CBD wellness sector or medicinal cannabis sector (CBPMs).  These instructions range from advising on aspects of regulation in the UK, EU, Asia and beyond regarding the legality of vaping products (e-cigarettes and e-liquids); cosmetics; food products and supplements; and medicinal cannabis products.  I often advise clients looking to obtain a Home Office licence such as a controlled drugs licence or cultivation licence. 

I have also developed an interest and practice regarding cryptoassets, blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Often assisting as a trusted crypto lawyer, I have assisted businesses operating in or seeking to enter this ever-growing space. I help my clients navigate the complex and novel legal issues of digital assets whether it be a business looking to set up an exchange or issue a token.

Due to the nature of the above sectors and the legal nuances involved, I regularly work closely with other legal departments such as Corporate & Commercial, Employment and Dispute Resolution to ensure my clients benefit from a full suite of legal services specifically tailored to their immediate business needs and future objectives.

My in-house and international experience makes me commercially incisive and instrumental to my clients when handling their legal and strategic requirements both in the UK and abroad.  I am regularly described by my clients as a pragmatic, strategic and solution-focused business partner.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising clients in respect of regulation in the UK, EU and abroad (over 15 countries covered) regarding the legality of:
    1. Vaping products (e-cigarettes and e-liquids)
    2. Cosmetics 
    3. Medicinal cannabis products
    4. Food supplements
    5. Food products

Some of the Regulations covered: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Consumer Products and Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (guidance given by the UK Regulator – Medicines & Health products Regulatory Agency (“MHRA”), EU Cosmetics Regulations (EC – No. 1223/2009), The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (including the Tobacco Products Directive) and General Product Safety Regulations 2005

  • Advising and assisting clients with their CBD novel foods applications (NFA) and/or linked NFA with the Food Standards Agency
  • Conducting marking reviews of clients’ CBD product lines and websites making sure they adhere to relevant regulations depending on the type of product in question
  • Review and advising clients in relation to certificates of analysis (CoAs) in respect of the levels of THC contained within the specified product, ensuring such levels are within the permitted amounts as set out by the laws and regulations of those countries the client intends to export to
  • Advising clients in respect of product seizures by border force agencies. Successfully getting products released and also obtaining damages for a client where their product line had been destroyed by UK Border Force
  • Advising clients in respect of controlled drug licences
  • Advising clients in respect of industrial hemp cultivation applications in the UK and assisting with the applications process

Andrew Conway

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

Having qualified in 1995, I joined Lawrence Stephens in April 1999 and have been a Partner since July 2003.

I advise extensively in relation to contractual disputes, breach of warranty claims, employment disputes, debt recovery and enforcement, insolvency-related matters (both personal and corporate), partnership and shareholders’ disputes, professional negligence claims and all manner of property-related litigation. I am also a member of the Property Litigation Association (PLA), and the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA).

My clients include businesses, real estate investment funds, asset managers, lenders and individuals.

I am married with two sons and live in North West London. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking our two dogs, Buster and Hugo, playing golf and supporting Watford FC.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising a Premier League footballer in relation to High Court proceedings arising from a contractual dispute with his former agent
  • Obtaining injunctions against the former directors of a software development business in relation to both the theft of confidential information and the establishment of a competing business in breach of post-termination restrictive covenants
  • Advising property developers in connection with a claim for damages against their building contractors for defective works and breach of contract
  • Acting for a property trading company in relation to a disputed claim for substantial dilapidations on expiry of a lease of commercial premises
  • Advising a client in connection with claims (in both the Employment Tribunal and the High Court) against her former employer for unfair dismissal and sex and race discrimination

Eddie Johns

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I’ve worked for solicitors in the City of London for over 40 years.  Described by my clients as “the least lawyer-like lawyer” they’ve seen, my refreshing preference for plain-speaking and down-to-earth manner inspire trust.

My particular strength is in resolving problems in an efficient, speedy and economical way. I have extensive experience in business crime, commercial litigation, Revenue matters and extradition work.

I’m a member of BASL and represent several sports people, primarily in football; both playing and management staff.  I’ve acted on matters before the FA disciplinary panel and its appeal panel as well as extensive FA investigations.

Recently, I successfully concluded major extradition case after a 21-year battle arising from one of the largest civil litigation matters ever heard by the English Court, involving multi-jurisdictional claims.

I have obtained a multi-million-pound judgment for a major business figure establishing fraud and forgery by the defendant within the civil court.  I’ve also brought to the firm an excellent network of contacts together with a loyal client following, some of whom I have acted for in excess of 40 years.

When time allows for outside interests, I enjoy watching football (this is in spite of being a Crystal Palace season ticket holder), motor sport and travel.  I’ve been married for over 40 years and have 2 grown up children and 2 wonderful grandchildren.

Experience highlights 

  • DW v TJ – Successful prosecution of claim for return of £500,000
  • SA v MA – Successful application for husband dismissing wife’s continuing maintenance claim
  • FKJ v Gov’t Spain – Undecided full application to European Court of Human Rights
  • FKJ v SSHD – Contested Extradition 2000 – 2021
  • JC v DW – Successful strike out of claim against client for £500,000
  • MA v TJ £5m judgment secured having overcome jurisdictional challenge
  • FA v X Successful dismissal of FA suspension after 2.5 years

Rosalin Gautam

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Dispute Resolution solicitor in September 2021 and am now an Associate.

Specialising in commercial litigation, I have acted for a range of clients, including companies and private individuals on professional negligence claims, contractual, partnership and shareholder disputes.

I enjoy watching and playing most sports, having competitively played ice hockey and field hockey as well as participating in and judging sailing competitions.  I also enjoy hiking, exploring new restaurants and am a keen traveller.  I am a native Swede and am fluent in Swedish with a high proficiency of Norwegian.