Commercial Litigation - Zaiwalla & Co

Substantial disputes before the English courts

Zaiwalla & Co acts in high-value litigation before the English High Court and appellate courts, representing international organisations, financial institutions, sovereign entities and individuals of significant wealth. Our work frequently involves jurisdictional challenges, shareholder claims, breach of contract disputes and proceedings connected to international finance.

The firm has been involved in more than 125 reported decisions, reflecting the level at which we operate and the scrutiny our cases attract. We are accustomed to handling litigation that carries financial exposure, reputational consequence and political sensitivity.

Led by Managing Partner Leigh Crestohl, the team approaches each case with rigorous preparation and clear judgement. As a specialist disputes boutique, we are trusted with sensitive litigation where careful advocacy and sustained partner involvement are essential throughout proceedings.

Bank Mellat v HM Treasury

Zaiwalla & Co successfully challenged the UK Treasury’s designation of Bank Mellat under the UK’s Iran sanctions regime in a landmark Supreme Court judgment. The case, recognised by The Lawyer as one of the top 10 cases of 2013, involved the first closed material procedure ever conducted in the Supreme Court. The Court held that the financial restrictions imposed on the Bank were unlawful and disproportionate. In parallel proceedings before the European Court of Justice, the firm also secured the annulment of corresponding EU sanctions. The case remains a leading authority on proportionality, judicial scrutiny of executive sanctions powers and the conduct of closed hearings in national security litigation.

Zaiwalla & Co acts in Sali Berisha v Secretary of State for the Home Department

Zaiwalla & Co acts for Dr Sali Berisha, former Prime Minister of Albania and leader of the opposition, in a landmark challenge before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission concerning the UK Government’s decision to exclude him from entering the United Kingdom on grounds of alleged criminality and corruption. The case represents the first known challenge to the exclusion of a senior political figure from a friendly foreign state. The proceedings raise fundamental questions regarding the lawfulness and proportionality of executive exclusion powers, the reliance on intelligence evidence in closed material procedures and the extent to which allegations may justify interference with an individual’s rights absent conviction. The challenge also addresses issues of procedural fairness, rationality and diplomatic considerations. The outcome is expected to clarify the scope of ministerial discretion in matters engaging national security, foreign policy and public law principles.

Zaiwalla & Co acts in Sali Berisha v Secretary of State for the Home Department, featured in The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2024

From tomorrow, 19 March 2024, the United Kingdom’s Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) will hear a landmark legal challenge by the current Albanian opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Dr Sali Berisha, against the UK Government’s 2022 decision to ban him from entering the United Kingdom on the grounds of alleged criminality and corruption. This […]

“Deep knowledge of case law and arbitration work.”

“The practice is marked by an in-depth assessment of legal issues and great attention to detail.”

Fourth testimonial Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet elit

“The team delivered consistently high-quality legal advice. Their client service was impressive, and they had to travel internationally as a team to meet a client in difficult circumstances.”

“The team was readily available and committed to client care. The team took a proactive approach in aiming to achieve the best result for their client.”

“Very strong international client base and very open to innovative funding models.”

“The team absolutely punches above its weight- it regularly achieves success against larger firms not just in commodities arbitrations, but in appeals (including all the way up to the Supreme Court).”