Branch Austin McCormick is excited to announce that our commercial litigation and family teams have been ranked in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500 directory.
The litigation team brings a wealth of expertise and were praised for offering a “deep bench of efficient and effective lawyers”.
Our family lawyers, who really care about looking after our clients in difficult personal situations were described by clients as “meticulous”, “dedicated and hardworking” and “charismatic”.
Commercial Litigation
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Branch Austin McCormick LLP‘s ’deep bench of efficient and effective lawyers’ is experienced in cross-border cases containing challenging jurisdiction issues. The firm also houses experts in litigation involving sanctions. The 11-member dispute resolution team is led by Hal Branch, who has longstanding experience in commercial and general litigation. The practice also includes international disputes specialist Eugene Matveichuk, who ‘handles difficult litigation situations calmly and authoritatively’; Tatyana Talyanskaya, who focuses on complex cross-border litigation; and ’creative’ disputes practitioner Joseph McCormick.
Testimonials
- ‘Branch Austin McCormick has a deep bench of efficient and effective lawyers, allowing it to deliver a great service to clients. They take a very sophisticated approach to resolving problems, particularly for HNW individuals.’
- ‘The team members collaborate very well together, such that the client does not need to be concerned with who is doing what; the client can rest assured that the team is handling matters and will deliver what is needed. Billing is efficient and fairly handled.’
- ‘Eugene Matveichuk is pragmatic and realistic, and handles difficult litigation situations calmly and authoritatively.’
- ‘Eugene Matveichuk is experienced and hands on, and gets on with finding solutions for particular problems. He is not afraid of a fight but knows when to seek a compromise.’
- ‘Joseph McCormick is 100% invested in cases and truly cares as much as they do. It seemingly doesn’t matter what time of day or day of the week they contact him, they always seem to receive a response within minutes.’
- ‘Joseph McCormick is a star. He really knows his stuff. Very knowledgable but also creative – a firm grasp of detail, while also constantly considering the wider strategic picture. A lawyer clients want in their corner, not the opponent’s.’
- ‘Joseph McCormick and Tatyana Talyanskaya provide a tailored, high-end boutique service to clients in difficult situations.’
- ‘Tatyana Talyanskaya and Joseph McCormick make a great double act. Assiduous and a pleasure to work with.’
Work highlights
- Defending the Government of Vanuatu against proceedings brought by Unimed Glory, and prosecuting claims against Unimed that it had unlawfully sold Vanuatu’s fishing quota of Jack Mackerel.
- Acting for Hamdi Akin Ipek and Koza in UK litigation following the confiscation by the Turkish State of Ipek family assets, including the Koza Group.
- Acting for numerous UK depositors in separate cutting-edge cases against Lebanese banks, which includes successfully establishing jurisdiction in the English Courts against a Lebanese bank.
Family Law
‘A quality firm with excellent representation’, Branch Austin McCormick LLP is headed up by ‘experienced litigator’ Saika Alam, working with Julius Brookman, whose expertise is in international matters. Caroline Ford is noted for her non-court dispute resolution skills, and the team gained solicitor and mediator Robyn Allardice-Bourne in December 2023. – Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Julius Brookman is always available, he gives great advice with a thorough understanding of the court system, he is always good humoured and patient, takes time to explain things and I feel he genuinely cares about a good outcome for all of us.’
- ‘Branch Austin LLP are beginning to assemble a collection of fine family lawyers who have a natural commitment to non court dispute resolution.’
- ‘Saika Alam is an experienced litigator and collaborative practitioner that always gives good sound advice.’
- ‘Robyn Allardice-Bourne is a charismatic family lawyer with a good reputation for TOLATA and Sch 1 cases.’
- ‘Caroline Ford is always firmly in her clients corner. Her case preparation is meticulous. She leaves no stone unturned. She is also very personable and quickly wins the confidence of others.’
- ‘This is a boutique firm with excellent representation.’
- ‘A dedicated and hardworking team, Branch Austin LLP is skilled in a variety of areas of law with specialists in all fields.’
- ‘Saika Alam makes sure there are no stones left unturned and is thorough and detailed in her consideration of all matters and all papers.
