London
Our key people include:
Legal Team
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Arianne Elise KingChief Executive Officer
Arianne Elise King
Arianne is a Solicitor Advocate who specialises in commercial law both nationally and internationally. She has vast experience in dealing with both contentious and non-contentious matters.
In the contentious arena, Arianne is experienced in resolving disputes through litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation. She has acted for both domestic and international clients in respect of a wide array of complex, high-value disputes over a broad range of practice areas.
Arianne has specialist expertise of construction and engineering, energy and infrastructure disputes and has acted for domestic and international clients, including developers, contractors, subcontractors and high net worth individuals in connection with disputes arising out of the construction of oil and gas pipelines, process plants and other large-scale infrastructure projects (as well as smaller projects).
In addition, Arianne advises clients on all aspects of commercial law, including financing (debt and equity), re-structuring, domestic and cross-border commercial agreements, domestic and cross-border acquisitions and compliance (including the FCA, DFSA, the Gambling Commission and the SEC). In the construction and engineering sector, she is experienced in providing contract reviews, contract drafting and negotiations of bespoke contracts, professional appointments and collateral warranties (as well as all aspects of project finance).
Arianne has a wealth of experience in the gambling sector with a focus on online gaming and gambling. She regularly advises on matters of intellectual property and compliance, with clients often coming to her to establish complex, offshore company structures.
Over recent years, Arianne has developed a specialist practice in the blockchain technology and cryptocurrency sectors. She is a regular media commentator on blockchain, cryptocurrency, regulation and tax, and has been featured in a broad range of publications, from the Daily Express, to specialist investment titles such as Wealth & Finance, and Entrepreneur & Investor, as well as technology titles such as ZDnet. Arianne has also been a guest speaker on the topic of blockchain technology at the Society for Computers and Law's annual conference.
Arianne was named 'Most Influential Woman in Commercial Law 2019' - in Acquisition International's Global Excellence Awards.
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Dr Julian CritchlowHead of Legal Practice
Dr Julian Critchlow
LLB, MSC, PHD, FCI Arb, Solicitor, Arbitrator, Registered Adjudicator, Accredited Mediator
Julian has over 30 years experience of commercial dispute resolution. During his career, Julian has been involved in a considerable range of general commercial matters, both nationally and internationally, including in respect of loan agreements, bonds and guarantees, and commission agreements.
He is an acknowledged expert in construction disputes. He has also represented defendants in white collar criminal cases. Recent examples of his work are the representation of a US company concerning a US$ 200m ICC arbitration arising from a gas pipeline laying operation off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago and, in an LCIA arbitration, defending a call on a guarantee given by an overseas client respecting the purchase of a multi-million pound yacht. He also has recent expertise of representing overseas clients whose funds have been frozen pending investigation pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
In addition to acting for the parties to disputes, Julian sits as an arbitrator, primarily in the international forum, notably pursuant to the DIAC and ICC Rules. As well as being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, he sits as a TeCSA registered adjudicator, as a CEDR accredited mediator, and as a dispute resolution board member for a major oil project. As well as dispute work, Julian also has considerable experience of contract drafting, largely, but not limited, to the construction industry, and he is fully familiar with all principal forms of construction contract.
Julian has been included as a leading lawyer in Chambers and Legal 500 for many years, Chambers recently stating that his clients are impressed by his extensive knowledge, sound judgement, clear explanation and astute tactics and legal 500 that he has superb technical expertise.
Having read law at University College London, Julian subsequently took an MSC and PHD from King's College London, his doctor's thesis investigating aspects of arbitration.
Julian regularly lectures and writes on arbitration and construction law, including authorship of Arbitration Forms and Precedents (jointly with Professor Rob Merkin). He also tutors students concerning their dissertations for the MSC course in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King's College London.
'Julian Critchlow offers significant experience of handling construction disputes, routinely representing contractors, subcontractors and consultants in litigation, arbitration and mediation proceedings. He is a registered adjudicator and mediator.'
Chambers and Partners 2019 -
Carl AsserHead of Construction
Carl Asser
Carl is a construction lawyer with extensive experience in drafting and negotiating procurement documentation, building contracts, professional appointments, development agreements and security documentation for employers, developers, occupiers, investors and banks.
Recent projects of note which Carl has lead on are all construction and procurement related aspects of One Hyde Park (the World's most expensive apartments), the refurbishment of the Savoy Hotel, the construction of Headquarter buildings for Motorola and Computer Associates and the redevelopment of the former US Naval headquarters in Grosvenor Square.
Carl heads our construction team.
'"Excellent lawyer" Carl Asser advises on a broad range of non-contentious construction matters relating to infrastructure and commercial development projects. He has recently been sought out to advise on matters relating to London's high-end residential market as well as on projects involving luxury hotels and department stores. His client base includes developers, contractors, investors and occupiers.'
-Chambers and Partners 2019 -
Lynn McCawHead of Corporate & Commercial
Lynn McCaw
Lynn has practised corporate and commercial law in London for over two decades as a partner with major UK and US law firms and as an in-house lawyer in the industry.
Over the course of her career she has turned her hand to the full range of corporate and commercial legal practice: M&A, capital markets, private equity, infrastructure projects, privatisations, commercial contracts and secured lending.
Lynn has worked on matters involving many business sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, media, IT, e-commerce, publishing, leasing, construction, insurance, health care, packaging, retail, agriculture, travel.
Lynn has acted on corporate and commercial transactions for major UK and international clients such as China National Petroleum Corporation, China-Africa Development Corporation, ENI, Rosneft, Sony, General Electric, Bertelsmann, Random House, John Wiley, Gazprom, The Highways Agency, Opodo, the Getty family, Reliance Industries, Cinven, Apax, 3i, RBS, Mittal Investments, to name a few.
She has worked on projects in India, China, Canada, Russia, Central Asia, the Middle East, the USA, South America, and Africa as well as in Europe.
Lynn has been in leadership roles since early in her career, managing teams of lawyers and participating in law firm management.
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George MenziesHead of Dispute Resolution
George Menzies
George is a commercial litigation specialist working mainly in the UK legal system but often in conjunction with foreign lawyers or some other overseas element. His recent instructions have included an insurance claim for property damage and business interruption occurring in the West Indies but insured in London and subject to a LCIA jurisdiction clause; a UK professional negligence claim against insurance brokers which was ancillary to earlier proceedings in Florida; the enforcement of exclusivity provisions in a service agreement between a UK Government agency and a private Beijing corporation; the enforcement of a large arbitration award made in Columbia against a UK respondent. Such disputes require both precise handling in the UK as well as an appreciation of the realpolitik of the foreign jurisdictions involved.
George has advised in respect of disputes arising in the following sectors: computer hardware and software products, including the deliberate concealment of defects; waste processing and the construction of MRFs and EfW facilities as well as nuisance claims arising from landfill facilities; business interruption and property damage insurance claims for policyholders, as well as automotive distribution and warranty claims.
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His Honour Anthony Thornton QCSenior Consultant
His Honour Anthony Thornton QC
His Honour Thornton QC was called to the Bar in 1970, took Silk in 1988 and elected a Bencher in 1992.
He was appointed an Assistant Recorder in 1988, a member of the General Council of the Bar from 1988 to 1994, a Recorder in 1992, a Senior Circuit Judge in 1994, Judge of the Technology and Construction Court of the High Court in 1998 and part-time member of the Parole Board from 2002 to 2010.
He was appointed Deputy Judge of the Administrative Court and Queen's Bench Division in 2009 and Judge of the Crown Court and of the First-tier (Mental Health) Tribunal in 2010.
He retired as a Senior Circuit Judge on 13 January 2015.
Anthony is experienced in advising clients on major sourcing and strategic commercial projects and providing innovative solutions to complex initiatives.
Anthony also has significant experience working with clients on commercial disputes, encompassing litigation, arbitration, mediation, investigations and advisory work. He is widely experienced in the resolution of disputes in the construction, energy and infrastructure sectors, both internationally and in the United Kingdom, having successfully led the resolution of numerous substantial disputes.
He advises Costigan King on commercial disputes, both domestically and internationally.
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Amanda LeeConsultant
Amanda Lee
Amanda J. Lee focuses her practice on international dispute resolution. She is admitted as a Solicitor-Advocate (Civil) in England and Wales, and to the Bars of New York State and the U.S. Supreme Court. Her experience encompasses commercial litigation, Privy Council appellate procedure and many forms of ADR, including construction adjudication, international and domestic arbitration, expert determination and mediation. She has advised in respect of disputes arising from a wide range of sectors, including the recycling, hospitality and automotive industries.
She recently served as counsel (led by David Phillips QC) in respect of a Privy Council appeal arising from a decision of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. The appeal raised issues relating to the meaning and effect of an arbitral award and an associated amplification award made by a mediator (acting as arbitrator).
Amanda is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Rising Arbitrators Initiative. She sits as an arbitrator in domestic and international arbitrations (both ad hoc and pursuant to institutional rules).
Amanda is a Director of ArbitralWomen, a member of the Global Advisory Board of ICDR Y&I and Director of Media and Outreach of Arbitrator Intelligence. She is an Ambassador for R.E.A.L. - Racial Equality for Arbitration Lawyers and a member of the Advisory Boards of the Investment & Commercial Arbitration Review and MediateGuru. Amanda co-hosts Delos Dispute Resolution's ongoing 'TagTime' webinar series.
In 2019 she founded 'Careers in Arbitration', a global initiative designed to support those worldwide seeking to enter and progress in the field of international arbitration, with a following on LinkedIn of more than 30,000. Careers in Arbitration aims to promote diversity by levelling the playing field, helping to ensure that those entering the field have access to information about opportunities.
Amanda is a visiting lecturer at the University of Law, UK, where she teaches Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Amanda regularly speaks, publishes and tweets about international dispute resolution, how to develop a career in international arbitration and diversity issues. She delivered the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators' 2021 International Women's Day Keynote Address.
Amanda was recognised as a Rising Star in the inaugural Legal 500 UK Arbitration Powerlist and is listed in the inaugural Lawdragon Global Litigation 500.
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Alexander GallagherSenior Associate
Alexander Gallagher
Alexander qualified as a solicitor in 2016, specialising in litigation, investigations and regulatory law. He is experienced in a wide area of law from media to tax, having worked in dispute resolution acting for corporates and individuals in multifaceted disputes. He has worked in a number of different business sectors including media, energy, agriculture, automotive industry, insurance and e-commerce. He has expertise and knowledge of the inner workings of financial services blacklisting with a particular regard for anti-discrimination, data protection and privacy rights. He is experienced as an investigator and has dealt with sensitive and complex matters. He also has been a member of a disciplinary panel of an international news broadcaster in London.
Alexander graduated from the University of Edinburgh with an MA in Arabic and Persian.
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Tatiana SwafferAssociate
Tatiana Swaffer
Tatiana is an Australian qualified Lawyer with broad experience in commercial and financial services litigation and fraud investigation.
She has worked on high profile litigation and arbitration cases at many reputable law firms such as Herbert Smith, Freshfields, Baker & McKenzie and Linklaters.
Tatiana has extensive experience with multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution, particularly with construction and financial fraud investigation cases. She has also provided legal assistance for high value property conveyancing and financial contract negotiations with global counterparties.
Tatiana is admitted as a Lawyer of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Australia. She completed her Practical Legal Training at The College of Law in Sydney, Australia with Commendation and Practical Legal Training at The College of Law in London and graduated from the University of Kent at Canterbury.
Tatiana also speaks fluent Russian.
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Nadia ArmahLegal Assistant
Nadia Armah
Nadia qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor in Ghana in 2017. She has worked with a corporate law firm in Ghana and also functioned as a legal clerk for His Lordship, Justice Julius Ansah, Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
At Costigan King, Nadia assists with Commercial Litigation and dispute resolution in a broad range of practice areas. She also assists with non-contentious matters.
Nadia graduated with a distinction in a Masters in Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science in December 2019. Her specialism is in Corporate and Securities Law with a focus in International Commercial Arbitration, Corporate Finance and Financial Regulation. She obtained her LLB from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana.
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Alice WhaleLegal Assistant
Alice Whale
Alice supports the management team in the day-to-day business management of Costigan King; including legal compliance, administration, HR and facilities.
Alice is currently studying for the Legal Practice Course at The University of Law. Alice graduated with a distinction in a Masters in Law from the University of Exeter in December 2017. Her specialism was in International Commercial Law with a focus in Corporate Law and Governance, Banking Law, Mergers and Acquisitions and World Trade Law.
Previously, Alice has worked at the Prudential Regulatory Authority and has experience in financial regulation.
Management Team
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Victoria BennettPractice Director
Victoria Bennett
Victoria is responsible for the day to day business management of Costigan King; including legal compliance, administration, HR and facilities. Victoria is also responsible for overseeing and implementing best practice for guiding the financial and strategic direction of the firm.
Victoria has extensive experience working at international law firms and has spent time managing various legal departments.
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Lucy IvimyFinance Director
Lucy Ivimy
Lucy is a qualified barrister (non-practising) and a qualified investment analyst with an MBA from the London Business School.
Whilst practising as a barrister, Lucy gained extensive experience in employment, criminal and general common law practice.
Lucy is a former city fund manager and her financial roles have included the following:- as a Fund manager she had sole responsibility for US$500m of pension fund investments in the Indian Subcontinent
- whilst working on the Capital markets Asian desk, Lucy was responsible for
successfully developing Schroders role and profile in the emerging Indian international syndicated equity placement market; and - as an Equity Analyst, based in Singapore, she worked in the aviation, shipping, telecoms and plantation and defence sectors.
Lucy is also currently a local councillor in Hammersmith and Fulham. Her Council roles have included:- Deputy Leader of the Opposition;
- Chair of the Housing, Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee and Chair of the North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee: looking at the reorganisation of London's accident and emergency hospital services;
- Cabinet Member for Housing: dealing with the implementation of 200m decent homes programme through 13,000 local authority owned homes; bringing the independent ALMO running H&F Homes back into direct control of the Council;
- Chair of the Planning Committee, which involved agreeing the agenda for committee meetings, dealing with contentious issues and chairing the sometimes heated public meetings; and
- Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee which involved sitting on or chairing numerous licensing tribunals.
In addition to the above, Lucy has experience in industry analysis and consultancy, including analysis of new media and communications, specifically the then newly emerging satellite/cable TV industries and the mobile communications industry, analysis of the Greek Cypriot tourism industry and preparing evidence for the Stansted public inquiry. -
Jodie HandleyOperations Assistant
Jodie Handley
Jodie supports management in the day-to-day operations of the firm. She has extensive experience in all administrative duties, resource management and IT.
Jodie also forms part of the marketing team, supporting in the planning and organisation of events, seminars and business opportunities.