Fieldfisher Strengthens Banking And Finance Litigation Team With John McElro

Fieldfisher Strengthens Banking And Finance Litigation Team With John McElroy

Fieldfisher has made a significant addition to its banking and finance litigation team in London by hiring John McElroy, a seasoned Partner from Hausfeld. McElroy, who will join Fieldfisher on July 29, brings with him two decades of experience in banking litigation, having represented a diverse range of clients including corporate claimants, bondholders, institutional shareholders, and major international banks.

During his eight-year tenure at Hausfeld, McElroy served as head of commercial disputes and built a reputation for handling high-stakes cases. His previous roles include positions at Quinn Emanuel and Travers Smith, as well as training and qualifying at legacy Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, now Clyde & Co. Notable cases in his career include representing a solar energy company in a $20 million ISDA dispute and a UK energy company in a $500 million financing transaction dispute.

McElroy expressed his enthusiasm for joining Fieldfisher, citing the firm's established expertise in banking litigation, regulatory, and transactional matters. "I wanted to deepen my practice at a firm with comprehensive banking expertise," McElroy stated. Fieldfisher's banking litigation team, comprising partners such as Andrew Lafferty, Carly Schiff, Donna Goldsworthy, and others, offers a depth of resources not available at Hausfeld.

Fieldfisher has a track record of handling high-value litigation, including representing Ukrainian oligarch Igor Kolomoisky in a $4 billion fraud claim. McElroy sees Fieldfisher's growth and the arrival of notable partners as an attractive opportunity. "I knew I would get the support I needed as a partner," he added.

Known for his versatility, McElroy will continue to engage in a broad range of disputes at Fieldfisher, with an expected shift towards more banking and finance litigation. His role in arbitration will also remain significant, bolstered by his involvement with Arbitration Ireland. Additionally, McElroy is vice president of the London Solicitors Litigation Association (LSLA) and a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the legal industry.

Colin Gibson, head of dispute resolution at Fieldfisher, welcomed McElroy's arrival, stating, "John’s joining will spearhead our focus on banking and finance litigation. His impressive track record in complex litigation and our leading team will be highly desirable to clients."

A Hausfeld spokesperson acknowledged McElroy’s contributions, and London managing partner Nicola Boyle praised his efforts in growing the disputes team. "We are grateful to John for his contributions to strengthening the practice and wish him the very best," Boyle said.

McElroy is eager to contribute to Fieldfisher’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, emphasizing the importance of a diverse legal profession at senior levels. "One of my focuses at LSLA is ensuring a well-rounded and diverse population in law firms," McElroy remarked.

With this strategic hire, Fieldfisher aims to enhance its capabilities in banking and finance litigation, positioning itself for continued success in high-value disputes.