Who? Richard Lewis, partner, Hogan Lovells, London.
Why is he in the news? Acted for Ukrainian bank Privatbank in its successful action in the English courts to recover $1.9bn misappropriated by its former owners.
Thoughts on the case: ‘It is, in my experience, rare to act on a matter where the rights and wrongs are so clear as this one. The defendants’ conduct while in charge of the bank led to the near-collapse of Ukraine’s most important financial institution, put at risk the savings of millions of ordinary Ukrainians and jeopardised Ukraine’s entire financial system. Those were important issues even before 2022 but became near-existential following the full-scale Russian invasion. It has been a privilege to be able to play a part in seeking redress for the bank and supporting a country that has engendered so much respect and sympathy over the past three years.
‘On a professional level, this is one of the most complex cases I have encountered in over two decades of practice, and the judgment, which finds for the bank on every material issue, is an immensely satisfying one.’
Dealing with the media: ‘This case is one that has received significant press attention, both in Ukraine and elsewhere. The high-profile nature of the case only increased following the onset of full-scale war in 2022, and it has come to be seen as a litmus test for Ukraine’s desire and ability to hold some of its most infamous oligarchs to account. To that end, dealing with the press has been critical throughout the case in ensuring that Ukraine’s commitment to tackling fraud and corruption is made clear to its western backers.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘In short, as a kid I was obsessed with TV legal dramas. At risk of showing my age, the two that did most to make a career in the law appear interesting and glamorous were Rumpole of the Bailey and LA Law.’
Career high: ‘This decision is undoubtedly my career high. It is the culmination of eight years’ incredibly hard work from an extraordinarily talented team of solicitors and barristers, and vindicates the commitment shown by the entire team in responding not just to very well-resourced opponents in the litigation context, but also to significant and unexpected challenges along the way, not least a global pandemic and the most significant European war in 80 years.’
Career low: ‘When the defendants successfully challenged the English court’s jurisdiction to hear this case in 2018, it felt like a blow that would be difficult to recover from. But our determination to prevail never wavered, and we successfully overturned that decision on appeal.’
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