Humphries Kerstetter LLP

Since its establishment in 2009, HK has been trusted with complex business disputes and investigations by clients across a range of sectors. Many clients are referred by full-service international law firms, foreign lawyers, and senior members of the English Bar. The firm serves clients in financial services, energy, defence, insurance, information technology, international trade, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, media, construction, and extractive projects. With partners experienced in banking and financial services, HK maintains a particularly strong client base in this area, acting for and against investment banks, private equity houses, and fund management companies.

The firm has significant expertise in managing international disputes requiring proceedings in foreign courts, international arbitration, application of foreign law, or involvement of sovereign states. Where matters of foreign law arise, HK collaborates with market-leading firms with the necessary jurisdictional expertise. Its partners are experienced and technically proficient, having trained at London-based large international law firms. Several lawyers are solicitor-advocates with experience conducting High Court trials or final arbitration hearings.

Specialising in commercial dispute resolution, HK operates conflict-free and focuses on delivering excellent client service. The firm handles high-value and complex commercial litigation and arbitration across multiple sectors and provides strategic and commercial guidance before disputes reach courts or tribunals. The team prioritises meticulous preparation, innovative problem-solving, and skilled negotiation to achieve efficient and satisfactory resolutions. Most matters are resolved without trial, with the firm offering compassionate, personalised support that reflects client needs and perspectives. International experience allows HK to account for local cultural influences in dispute management and strategy.

Partner availability and personal engagement are key features of the firm’s practice, with streamlined teams deployed to minimise inefficiencies and cost. HK provides prompt, efficient service and responds effectively to urgent inquiries and tight deadlines. Its hourly rates are competitive relative to other City law firms and litigation boutiques, with alternative fee arrangements and risk-sharing options offered where appropriate.

The firm has received consistent recognition for the quality of its work and client service. HK is regularly ranked in The Legal 500 for litigation expertise and is “Top Tier” for Commercial Litigation (mid-market). The firm has been shortlisted three times by The Lawyer for Boutique Law Firm of the Year and by Legal Business for Litigation Team of the Year.

Commercial Litigation: HK has extensive experience in court litigation across all levels of the English higher courts and often manages litigation relating to international disputes in offshore or foreign jurisdictions. The firm handles disputes in areas including banking and financial services, companies (shareholders and directors), commercial contracts, competition and group actions, fraud and corruption, IT and technology, pharmaceuticals, licensing and distribution, international trade, shipping, insurance and reinsurance, mergers and acquisitions, funds and private equity, private international law, professional negligence, senior executive compensation, and poaching.

International Arbitration: The firm acts in arbitrations under all major international rules, involving multiple legal systems or general principles of international law. HK develops global strategies and assembles case-specific teams of international lawyers to manage complex cross-border disputes, including matters involving sovereign states. Services cover mergers and acquisitions, complex sale, licensing and distribution agreements, joint ventures, investment treaty disputes, industrial projects, government contracts, financial instruments, and international trade. Experience spans sectors such as oil and gas, mining and minerals, defence, pharmaceuticals, shipping, media and telecommunications, financial services, international services and consultancy, and construction. Partners also accept appointments as arbitrators in domestic or international disputes.

Collective Redress: HK is active in ‘class action’ work, primarily representing businesses and organisations as claimants. The firm collaborates with litigation funders and ATE insurers and is familiar with market norms for documentation and pricing. Current mandates include actions involving Google and Blackmore Bond, with additional class actions in technology, data, and financial services. HK is recognised for settling claims, including a group of 700 merchants and local authorities in interchange fees litigation against Mastercard and Visa, as well as cases involving fraudulent investments, failed SIPP and property schemes, data breaches, failed tax schemes, and stock-drop claims. The firm has the legal expertise, funding, and team strength to handle class actions efficiently, typically recovering fees and disbursements only from successful recoveries.

Investigations: HK conducts internal investigations across sectors and advises clients in regulatory, disciplinary, and enforcement proceedings before authorities including the Financial Conduct Authority, the Upper Tribunal, and the Financial Reporting Council. The firm has acted in high-profile international regulatory investigations, such as interest rate, FX, and overseas corrupt payments matters. Representative investigations include financial reporting irregularities for a multinational, allegations of inappropriate conduct by a bank CEO, and compliance reviews for a major utility company in North Sea oil and gas operations.

Staffing:
5 Partners
2 Consultants
17 Other fee earners