Group Seven Limited and Rheingold Management Inc v Ali Nasir & Ors [2017] EWHC 2466 (Ch)

Davis Woolfe acted in a reported case arising out of a substantial fraud of €100 million, followed by an attempt to launder the proceeds using solicitors in London.

Iranian Offshore Engineering and Investment Company v Dean Investments & Ors 

Davis Woolfe acted in this reported case arising out of the purchase of a large drilling rig purchased for USD$87 million, which involved allegations of sanctions busting.

Discovery Land Company, LLC & Ors v Jirehouse & Ors [2019] EWHC 2249 (Ch)

Acting for claimants in successfully securing a contempt judgment against Stephen David Jones. The matters arise from DLC instructing a firm of solicitors in London called Jirehouse in relation to their purchase of Taymouth Castle in Scotland. There was a misappropriation of the purchase funds in excess of USD$20 million and discovery of a legal charge against the property without DLC’s knowledge. Davis Woolfe successfully secured a contempt judgment against the principal at Jirehouse, Stephen David Jones for his failure to disclose the whereabouts of USD$16,050,000 and obtained judgments in excess of £12 million against Jirehouse and other relevant entities.

Gregor Fisken Limited v Mr Bernard Carl [2020] EWHC 1385 (Comm)

Davis Woolfe acted in this reported case involving a USD$44 million Ferrari 250 GTO Series 1 coupé, and its lost (and found) original gearbox culminating in a week-long trial in the High Court.

Fay of London Limited v Axis Specialty Europe SE (Claim No. BL-2022-001754)

Davis Woolfe is acting for Fay of London Limited in respect of a claim against Axis Specialty Europe SE arising from loans procured by Fay of London’s former solicitors, Jirehouse, without Fay of London’s knowledge or consent.

Fay of London instructed Jirehouse, a London-based firm of solicitors, in 2011. In or around September/October 2014, Jirehouse entered into a loan agreement with Bridging Finance Limited entirely without Fay of London’s authority or knowledge. That loan was secured by a legal charge over Fay of London’s property.

Following the misappropriation of the loan monies and the subsequent discovery of the legal charge registered against the property, Fay of London brings this claim to recover its losses. The defendant is the professional indemnity insurer that provided the primary layer of cover to Jirehouse, in the sum of £3 million per claim, at the relevant times. Given Jirehouse has entered into insolvency, the claim is brought pursuant to the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010.

Clearcourse Partnership & Ors v Jethwa [2022] EWHC 1199 (QB)

Representing Mr Jethwa in respect of a claim brought by Clearcourse involving allegations of breach of confidence, misuse of private information and breach of the GDPR. The case settled after mediation.

Clearcourse Partnership & Anor v Jethwa & Ors [2023] EWHC 1122 (Ch)

Acting for Mr and Mrs Jethwa, defending a complex claim in respect of a dispute arising out of the sale of their business to Clearcourse Partnership. The case settled after mediation.

Discovery Land Company LLC & Ors v Axis Specialty Europe SE [2024] EWCA Civ 7

Successful acting on behalf of DLC in respect of a declaration sought under the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) 2010. The claim arises out of the misappropriation of the sums in excess of USD$20 million for the purchase of Taymouth Castle. The insurers were seeking to decline coverage based on allegations of fraudulent activity by the principal in the law firm, Mr Stephen David Jones of Jirehouse.

The case involved complex issues of aggregation, dishonesty and policy construction. Davis Woolfe and counsel were able to secure declarations, which meant the primary layer insurers, Axis, were liable to pay £3 million per claim. This was also refused, solidifying the Davis Woolfe track record of success at every stage of proceedings.

Axis appealed to the Court of Appeal, challenging the interpretation of the exclusion and aggregation clauses, but the appeal was dismissed on both grounds. Following this, Axis applied for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court on the point of aggregation but was also refused.

Liquidation of Esquiline Finance Limited

Davis Woolfe acts on behalf of the Joint Liquidators of Esquiline Finance Ltd in relation to a complex and multifaceted insolvency arising from misappropriated funds in excess of $20,000,000. Collaborating seamlessly with counsel, forensic accountants and connections at international law firms to potentially bring enforcement proceedings in this cross-border matter covering various jurisdictions, including Scotland, England, Iceland, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, United States (Arizona), Jersey, St Kitts & Nevis, Bermuda.

Dispute against Marylebone Cricket Club

Davis Woolfe successfully defended its client against allegations made against him by Marylebone Cricket Club – a body corporate by Royal Charter. Marylebone Cricket Club was defrauded by a former employee – MCC’s Head of Ticketing. According to the MCC,  its former employee accepted bribes by way of cash payments and benefits in kind including, allegedly, from our client. MCC, which threatened to bring a claim against our client therefore claimed against its former employee for breach of contract and fiduciary duty and against a number of defendants, including our client, in the torts of bribery and unlawful means conspiracy. However, as a result of intervention from our firm, all allegations against our client were subsequently dropped in circumstances where no bribery or fraud had been committed by our innocent client.

Additional Cases of Note:

• Representing a Hollywood producer in respect of a professional negligence claim brought against its former solicitors in respect of proceedings issued by a former shareholder.
• Acting in respect of a professional negligence claim on behalf of a client against its former accountants in respect of advice received in relation to a tax avoidance scheme.
• Representing an investment banker in respect of a professional negligence claim brought against his former legal advisors in respect of a high-value dispute with his former business partner.
• Acting for various clients in relation to a number of shareholder disputes and claims relating to failures to make earn-out payments pursuant to sale agreements/share purchase agreements.
• Acting for a client, operating a coffee retail and roastery, who was alleged to have breached his employment contract with their former employer. Davis Woolfe managed to successfully settle the matter without the involvement of the Court and avoid providing draconian undertakings.