We have achieved results for a wide range of clients in difficult and complex disputes. We represent clients in the English courts, in the conduct of alternative dispute resolution processes (such as mediation) and (in partnership with well-selected local lawyers) in litigation abroad.
Our recent work includes acting for:
- A number of foreign investors seeking payment of damages in the UK courts arising from breaches of complex contractual obligations. For example, after assessing the options open to our clients, we acted decisively to obtain an order requiring ‘pre-action disclosure’ thereby inducing the other party to settle claims in order to avoid costly and lengthy litigation.
- A company which suffered substantial losses as a result of a rogue director misappropriating company funds and building a substantial personal property portfolio from the proceeds. We obtained an injunction freezing assets purchased by the director and clawed back the losses suffered by the company in the course of a lengthy and complex negotiated settlement. This was complemented by numerous interim applications for court orders in our client’s favour.
- Charity trustees who sought advice in relation to unfounded allegations made against a thriving and successful trust. We prepared comprehensive representations supported by forensic expert reports for the Charity Commission. This helped to successfully restore the trust’s operation and reputation. The trust therefore managed to resume its charitable work.
Commercial and civil disputes
An example of our approach
The problem
We acted for one member of a group of investors who collectively invested savings in excess of £20 million in funds managed abroad through a complex network of brokers, fund managers and banks in several countries. We traced funds into the hands of a rogue broker outside the UK who misappropriated our client’s life savings.
Our approach
We had to swiftly analyse the options open to our client to recover funds in several jurisdictions. We advised our client of the avenues open to him and the strength of potential solutions that were available. Commercial, practical and value-for-money considerations were factors that helped us design an effective solution.
Once our client felt reassured and confident with the strategy we proposed, we acted promptly and decisively to achieve the desired outcome.
The solution
We forged relations with expert local counsel and obtained orders in a local court to freeze the broker’s business and personal assets. This helped to create the appropriate circumstances in which the broker was obliged to approach our client with proposals to repay our client’s lost savings.
Our client’s assessment
“We have been with Quist for almost 18 months, and what I liked about Quist is their honesty, upfront approach and expertise in their field of civil ligation. And above all what I found is Akhtar’s ability to articulate and simplify the legal jargon for me, being a layman was extremely helpful to understand the complexity of our case.
“Quist has provided a very personalised service in a friendly and considerate manner without trying to rip us off and this is very important…”