The High Court delivered its judgment on Friday in one of the largest and most complex disputes of recent years, marking a significant victory for the Fox Williams defence team representing Leyla Mammad-Zade (the Tenth Defendant, in the 22-party claim) in the $13.8 billion Russia-related conspiracy case.
Fox Williams were instructed in June 2024, Ms Mammad-Zade having only just been brought into the proceedings, eight months after all the other defendants. The Fox Williams team faced the mammoth task of getting up to speed in a matter of weeks, so that they could prepare and submit Ms Mammad-Zade’s jurisdiction challenge in good time before the September 2024 hearing.
In the judgment, the Judge found in favour of Ms Mammad-Zade in that there was either no serious issue to be tried and/or England was not the proper place to bring the claim. There was also a finding of a full and frank disclosure failing in respect of Ms Mammad-Zade’s whereabouts as presented to the Court for the purpose of service.
The all-female team was led by Evie Meleagros, supported by senior associate Veronique Bergau and associates Sam Tarrant, Olwen Mair, and Gia Andreou . The team instructed counsel Leona Powell and Marlena Valles of Blackstone Chambers.
Commenting on the outcome, Evie Meleagros said: “Securing this result for our client in such a complex and high-stakes matter is an outstanding achievement. The team’s ability to prepare a comprehensive jurisdiction challenge in such a short timeframe reflects their exceptional skill and dedication. It was a huge undertaking, of which I am incredibly proud , as well as the significance of achieving this as an all-female team.”
Authors
Evie Meleagros
Partner
Veronique Bergau
Senior Associate
Sam Tarrant
Associate
Olwen Mair
Associate
Gia Andreou
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