Call 2018
“A fantastic commercial junior: outstanding intellect and legal analysis; superb judgement; she is the complete package. Wears her abilities incredibly lightly.”
Legal 500
Adam Collins
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3798
Click here to email
Alfie Sweeney
Team Leader Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6855
Click here to email
Gillian Hughes has a broad commercial practice, specialising in a wide range of commercial litigation including in banking and finance, arbitration, conflict of laws and civil fraud. She is identified as a rising star in Commercial Litigation by Legal 500.
Gillian is frequently instructed in heavy and complex disputes, often international in nature.
Gillian has a special expertise and interest in assignment and is one of the co-authors of the fourth edition of The Law of Assignment (OUP) (with the Honourable Mr Justice Marcus Smith, Rachael Mulheron and Nico Leslie).
Prior to starting practice as a tenant, Gillian was a Judicial Assistant at the Commercial Court, tutor at Oriel College (Oxford) in Contract Law and worked as a research assistant on a project into the contract laws of Asian jurisdictions.
JPMorgan International Finance Ltd v Werealize Ltd [2025] EWHC 1842 (Comm); [2024] EWHC 1437
High-value dispute concerning a shareholders’ agreement connected with JPMorgan’s equity investment of over $800 million in a Greek FinTech payments company called Viva Wallet. Acted for JP Morgan (led by Richard Handyside KC, Rosalind Phelps KC and Rupert Allen KC) in a series of expedited high-profile hearings including Commercial Court trial of claims for anti-suit injunctions and earlier expedited trial dealing with the operation and valuation of a call option.
Joint Liquidators of Kijani Resources Ltd. and Ratio Ltd. v Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited
Acting (led by Nicholas Medcroft KC) for the bank defending a $150 million ‘Quincecare’ claim. The Claimants (acting by their liquidators) alleged that the bank ought to have appreciated that the Claimant companies were the subject of a very substantial fraud. The proceedings raised issues about the nature and extent of a bank’s corporate knowledge, the interaction between AML and Quincecare duties, and the implications of the decision of Lord Sumption in PT Asurani Tugu Pratama Indonesia TBK v Citibank N.A.
EE Limited v Virgin Mobile Telecoms Limited [2025] EWCA Civ 70; [2023] EWHC 1989 (TCC)
Acting (led by Adam Zellick KC) for Virgin Mobile defending EE’s claim for alleged breach of an exclusivity obligation and successfully obtaining summary judgment (upheld on appeal to the Court of Appeal) dismissing the claim as being barred an exclusion clause for anticipated profits.
Modernatx, Inc v Pfizer Limited and others [2024] EWHC 1648 (Pat)
Acting (led by Anneliese Day KC) for Moderna in proceedings for patent infringement in relation to issues arising from whether a voluntary statement made by Moderna took effect as consent under the Patents Act 1977, including issues of conflicts of laws. (One of The Lawyer ‘Top Cases’ of 2024).
Vanquis Bank v TMS Legal Limited [2025] EWHC 1599 (KB)
Acting (led by Edward Levey KC) for the claimant bank bringing claims relying on the unlawful means tort based on the conduct of the defendant in submitting a high volume of alleged irresponsible lending claims (relying on COBS) on behalf of tens of thousands of individuals. A strike-out application brought by the defendant was dismissed in June 2025.
Gama Aviation (UK) Ltd v MWWMMWM Ltd [2021] EWHC 2229 (Comm) and [2021] EWHC 3667 (Comm)
Acting (led by Michael McLaren KC) for a provider of aviation services in respect of claims for unpaid sums under an aircraft support services agreement. Successfully obtaining default judgment and resisting a set aside application; and successfully obtaining a debarring order for failure to pay judgment debts.
Wallis Trading Inc v Air Tanzania Company Limited [2020] EWHC 339 (Comm)
Acting as Judicial Assistant to Butcher J during the trial of claims arising out of an aircraft leasing transaction.
Acting as sole counsel in the County Court on behalf of airlines defending claims brought against them under EU Regulation 261/2004.
JPMorgan International Finance Ltd v Werealize Ltd [2025] EWHC 1842 (Comm); [2025] EWCA Civ 57; [2024] EWHC 1437
High-value dispute concerning a shareholders’ agreement connected with JPMorgan’s equity investment of over $800 million in a Greek FinTech payments company called Viva Wallet. Acted for JP Morgan (led by Richard Handyside KC, Rosalind Phelps KC and Rupert Allen KC) in a series of expedited high-profile hearings including Commercial Court trial of claims for anti-suit injunctions and earlier expedited trial dealing with the operation and valuation of a call option.
International Finance Corporation and Ninety-One v Persianas Properties Ltd [2025] EWHC 2643 (Comm)
Dispute relating to loan agreements for over $30 million in borrowing and security agreements relating to property in Nigeria. Acting (led by Richard Handyside KC) for the claimant lenders in obtaining anti-suit injunctive relief on the contractual and quasi-contractual bases.
Joint Liquidators of Kijani Resources Ltd. and Ratio Ltd. v Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited
Acting (led by Nicholas Medcroft KC) for the bank defending a $150 million ‘Quincecare’ claim. The Claimants (acting by their liquidators) alleged that the bank ought to have appreciated that the Claimant companies were the subject of a very substantial fraud. The proceedings raised issues about the nature and extent of a bank’s corporate knowledge, the interaction between AML and Quincecare duties, and the implications of the decision of Lord Sumption in PT Asurani Tugu Pratama Indonesia TBK v Citibank N.A.
Vanquis Bank v TMS Legal Limited [2025] EWHC 1599 (KB)
Acting (led by Edward Levey KC) for the claimant bank bringing claims relying on the unlawful means tort based on the conduct of the defendant in submitting a high volume of alleged irresponsible lending claims (relying on COBS) on behalf of tens of thousands of individuals. A strike-out application brought by the defendant was dismissed in June 2025.
Abernethy v Barclays Bank and others [2025] EWCC 1
Acting (led by Richard Handyside KC) for HSBC defending collective proceedings in respect of alleged unfair relationship claims under s. 140 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, including resisting an application for a GLO and challenging use of a single “omnibus” claim form under CPR rule 7.3.
Masters v Marks & Spencers Plc; Masters v HSBC UK Bank Plc
Acting (led by Alex Barden KC) for the defendant lenders in claims brought by an insolvency practioner for alleged breaches of DISP in connection with claims under s.140 CCA in respect of accounts of hundreds of individual debtors.
Fir Tree Capital Opportunity Master Fund LP and others v SBB Treasury OYJ and another [2024] EWHC 3094
Acting (led by Laura John KC) for the claimant noteholders seeking early redemption of notes for breach of the consolidated coverage ratio by the bond issuer and guarantor.
Thompson v Barclays Bank
Acting as sole counsel for the defendant bank defending claims for alleged breaches of contractual and tortious duties of care in connection with the exercise of the bank’s rights as creditor under facility agreements.
Golding v FSCS
Acting (led by James Cuttress KC) for the FSCS in judicial review proceedings in respect of compensation claims relying on section 27 of the Financial Services Markets Act 2000.
Alam/Hacking/Siddique v HDI Global Specialty SE
Acting (led by Ben Lynch KC) for the FSCS intervening in cojoined appeals concerning the limitation position in respect of claims brought against insurers under section 2 of the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010.
Moon v Link Fund Solutions [2022] EWHC 3344 (Ch)
Acting (led by Richard Handyside KC and Rupert Allen KC) for LFS defending claims brought by investors in the Woodford Equity Income Fund, including successfully resisting an application for a GLO.
Allianz Global Investors GmbH & Others v Deutsche Bank AG London & Others [2022] CAT 44
Acting (led by Thomas De La Mare KC and Simon Atrill KC) for a US bank in proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal based on alleged cartel behavior in respect of FX trading.
PJSC Bank "Finance and Credit" v Zhevago [2021] EWHC 2522 (Ch)
Acting for (led by Charles Samek KC and Tetyana Nesterchuk) a Ukrainian bank in liquidation and the Ukrainian Deposit Guarantee Fund in relations to claims in tort and unjust enrichment under Ukrainian law against the bank’s former owner and controller and an application for worldwide freezing injunctions.
Acting for and advising (led by David Railton KC and Craig Morrison) a loan sovereign investment authority in relation to claims for damages and rescission in respect of a transaction allegedly procured by fraud and bribery.
Advising the Financial Services Compensation Scheme on matters in relation to the interpretation of the compensation rules and provisions of FSMA.
Skywind Holdings v Wilson and others [2025] EWHC 3524 (Comm)
Breach of warranty claims (including allegations of fraud) in respect of a share purchase agreement of an online gaming operator company (In Touch Games). Acting (led by Craig Ulyatt) for the second defendant. Appeared as sole counsel in the second defendant’s successful application for third party disclosure from the claimant’s auditors.
Parsdome Holdings Limited v Plastic Energy Global SL
Acting (led by Laura John KC) for the defendant defending claims for alleged fraudulent misrepresentation in respect of an investment.
Assisting Richard Lissack KC in preparing an expert report on matters relating to the Bribery Act 2010 and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in connection with a Californian arbitration concerning claims relating to earn-out provisions in a share purchase agreement.
Acting for and advising the purchaser and guarantor under an SPA in relation to claims for dishonest assistance and conspiracy in respect of the purchase price (led by Edward Levey KC).
Acting for and advising (led by David Railton KC and Craig Morrison) a loan sovereign investment authority in relation to claims for damages and rescission in respect of a transaction allegedly procured by fraud and bribery.
International Finance Corporation and Ninety-One v Persianas Properties Ltd [2025] EWHC 2643 (Comm)
Dispute relating to loan agreements for over $30 million in borrowing and security agreements relating to property in Nigeria. Acting (led by Richard Handyside KC) for the claimant lenders in obtaining anti-suit injunctive relief on the contractual and quasi-contractual bases.
Sandoz AG v Bayer Intellectual Property [2025] EWHC 2201 (Pat) and [2025] EWHC 2503 (Pat)
Acting (led by Jeffrey Chapman KC) for Sandoz AG in a damages inquiry against Bayer involving a patent allegedly obtained by fraudulent misrepresentations. Sandoz’s claim raises issues as to the principles applicable to damages inquiries, including the scope for recovery of disgorgement damages under a cross-undertaking. Appeared as sole counsel for Sandoz at the CMC.
Skywind Holdings v Wilson [2025] EWHC 3524 (Comm)
Breach of warranty claims in respect of a share purchase agreement of an online gaming operator company (In Touch Games). Acting (led by Craig Ulyatt) for the second defendant. Appeared as sole counsel in the second defendant’s successful application for third party disclosure from the claimant’s auditors.
Vanquis Bank v TMS Legal Limited [2025] EWHC 1599 (KB)
Acting (led by Edward Levey KC) for the claimant bank bringing claims relying on the unlawful means tort based on the conduct of the defendant in submitting a high volume of alleged irresponsible lending claims (relying on COBS) on behalf of tens of thousands of individuals. A strike-out application brought by the defendant was dismissed in June 2025.
Modernatx, Inc v Pfizer Limited and others [2024] EWHC 1648 (Pat)
Acting (led by Anneliese Day KC) for Moderna in proceedings for patent infringement in relation to issues arising from whether a voluntary statement made by Moderna took effect as consent under the Patents Act 1977, including issues of conflicts of laws. (One of The Lawyer ‘Top Cases’ of 2024).
EE Limited v Virgin Mobile Telecoms Limited [2025] EWCA Civ 70; [2023] EWHC 1989 (TCC)
Acting (led by Adam Zellick KC) for Virgin Mobile defending EE’s claim for alleged breach of an exclusivity obligation and successfully obtaining summary judgment (upheld on appeal to the Court of Appeal) dismissing the claim as being precluded by an exclusion clause for anticipated profits.
Chocolate City v WEA International Inc [2023] EWHC 2874 (Comm)
Acting (led by Tamara Oppenheimer KC) for the defendant (a Warner Music Group company) in a dispute relating to whether a facility agreement contained a right of prepayment and raising issues of conflicts of laws (on jurisdiction and choice of law). Successfully obtained reverse summary judgment in favor of Warner’s construction and dismissing Chocolate City’s claim.
Epsilogen Limited v Abzena (Cambridge) Limited (Commercial Court)
Acting (led by Rosalind Phelps KC) for the defendant contract development and manufacturing company defending claims for alleged breaches of contract based on alleged failures to comply with allegedly applicable cGMP (ICHQ7, EU Directive 2003/94/EC and FDA guidance) in developing and manufacturing a novel antibody drug.
Gama Aviation (UK) Ltd v MWWMMWM Ltd [2021] EWHC 2229 (Comm) and [2021] EWHC 3667 (Comm)
Acting for (led by Michael McLaren KC) a provider of aviation services in respect of claims for unpaid sums under an aircraft support services agreement. Successfully obtaining default judgment and resisting an application to set aside; successfully obtaining a debarring order for failure to pay judgment debts.
Parsdome Holdings Limited v Plastic Energy Global SL
Acting (led by Laura John KC) for the defendant defending claims for alleged fraudulent misrepresentation in respect of an investment.
Assisting Richard Lissack KC in preparing an expert report on matters relating to the Bribery Act 2010 and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in connection with a Californian arbitration concerning claims relating to earn-out provisions in a share purchase agreement.
Assisting Richard Lissack KC in preparing expert reports on matters of English law (including choice of law and product liability) to be adduced in proceedings in the Supreme Court of New York in connection with alleged claims against various talc manufacturers for alleged exposure to asbestos contaminated products.
Advising a seller under a SPA in connection with a dispute as to the preparation of a completion accounts adjustment.
Advising on various issues relating to the law of assignment.
Gillian has particular experience of advising and acting for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). She carried out a secondment with them in 2022, during which she advised them on various matters in relation to the FCA Handbook rules and FSMA provisions. More recently, she has also acted for the FSCS in successfully defending judicial review proceedings and as an intervenor in proceedings before the Court of Appeal on issues relevant to their work and objectives.
Golding v FSCS
Acting (led by James Cuttress KC) for the FSCS in judicial review proceedings in respect of compensation claims relying on section 27 of the Financial Services Markets Act 2000.
Vanquis Bank v TMS Legal Limited [2025] EWHC 1599 (KB)
Acting (led by Edward Levey KC) for the claimant bank bringing claims relying on the unlawful means tort based on the conduct of the defendant in submitting a high volume of alleged irresponsible lending claims (relying on COBS) on behalf of tens of thousands of individuals. A strike-out application brought by the defendant was dismissed in June 2025.
Alam/Hacking/Siddique v HDI Global Specialty SE (heard by the Court of Appeal in March 2024)
Acting (led by Ben Lynch KC) for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) intervening in cojoined appeals concerning the limitation position in respect of claims brought against insurers under section 2 of the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010.
Moon v Link Fund Solutions [2022] EWHC 3344 (Ch)
Acting (led by Richard Handyside KC and Rupert Allen KC) for LFS defending claims brought by investors in the Woodford Equity Income Fund, including successfully resisting an application for a GLO.
Acting as part of the counsel team for the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in relation to its investigations into the collapse of Carillion Plc, resulting in the highest fine that the FRC has ever imposed.
Moon v Link Fund Solutions [2022] EWHC 3344 (Ch)
Acting (led Richard Handyside KC and Rupert Allen KC) for LFS defending claims brought by investors in the Woodford Equity Income Fund, including successfully resisting an application for a GLO
Abernethy v Barclays Bank and others
Acting (led by Richard Handyside KC) for HSBC defending collective proceedings in respect of alleged unfair relationship claims under s. 140 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, including resisting an application for a GLO.
Masters v Marks & Spencers Plc; Masters v HSBC UK Bank Plc
Acting (led by Alex Barden KC) for the defendant lenders in claims brought by an insolvency practioner for alleged breaches of DISP in connection with claims under s.140 CCA in respect of accounts of hundreds of individual debtors.
Acting for (led by Thomas De La Mare KC and Simon Atrill) an American bank in collective proceedings brought against it in the Commercial Court and in proposed proceedings before the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Alam/Hacking/Siddique v HDI Global Specialty SE (heard by the Court of Appeal in March 2024)
Acting (led by Ben Lynch KC) for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) intervening in cojoined appeals concerning the limitation position in respect of claims brought against insurers under section 2 of the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010.
The Republic of Korea v Mohammad Reza Dayyani & others [2019] EWHC 3580 (Comm)
Acting as a Judicial Assistant to Butcher J during the hearing in a s. 67 application to set aside an arbitral award of claims brought pursuant to the Korea-Iran Bilateral Investment Treaty.
The Republic of Korea v Mohammad Reza Dayyani & others [2019] EWHC 3580 (Comm)
Acting as a Judicial Assistant to Butcher J during the hearing in a s. 67 application to set aside an arbitral award of claims brought pursuant to the Korea-Iran Bilateral Investment Treaty.
ICC arbitration
Acting (led by Bankim Thanki KC and Simon Atrill KC) in a substantial ICC arbitration relating to alleged breaches of a Share Purchase Agreement. Claims exceed $1 billion.
Working as part of the legal team in an ICC arbitration relating to a high-value oil and gas dispute involving allegations of fraud, breach of contract and termination for repudiation.
Acting as part of the counsel team for the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in relation to its investigations into the collapse of Carillion Plc, resulting in the highest fine that the FRC has ever imposed.
Advising (led by Patricia Roberston KC) in connection with potential negligence claims against a firm of solicitors and counsel.
An article written by Fountain Court’s Nicholas Medcroft KC and Gillian Hughes…
Following a three-day expedited trial in June 2025, the Commercial Court (Foxton…
In a case likely to be of considerable interest to the banking…
Adam Collins
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3798
Click here to email
Alfie Sweeney
Team Leader Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6855
Click here to email
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