Overview
Oliver Browne is a partner in the Complex Litigation and Arbitration Practice at Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s London office. A Solicitor Advocate, he helps clients resolve complex cross-border disputes both in court and through arbitration.
With over twenty years of experience, Mr. Browne offers strategic counsel on clients’ most intricate commercial disputes, often tackling novel legal challenges. Renowned for his pragmatic approach, he crafts effective strategies aimed at resolving critical cases swiftly and efficiently.
Specializing in oral and written advocacy, Mr. Browne offers tailored advice to corporations spanning diverse sectors and high-net-worth individuals alike. His extensive experience encompasses navigating complex commercial litigation globally and handling arbitration-related matters across all tiers of the English court system. He is well-versed in international arbitration, having participated in proceedings under the auspices of leading arbitral institutions and on an ad hoc basis.
In addition to his professional endeavours, Mr. Browne is committed to providing pro bono assistance, particularly in matters pertaining to criminal and social justice. He is also actively involved in representing arts organizations and charities in significant disputes. Mr. Browne is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Recognitions
- Leading Individual – Commercial Litigation: Premium, The Legal 500 UK 2024
- Key Lawyer – International Arbitration, The Legal 500 UK 2024
- Key Lawyer – Competition Litigation, The Legal 500 UK 2024
- Ranked – International Arbitration, Chambers UK 2024
- Ranked as a Future Leader in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration 2024 guide.
- “Noted for his representation of African and Indian clients in LCIA arbitrations”…”Oliver is a very good lawyer” – Chambers UK 2024
- Featured in the Private Practice Powerlist 2023 for Arbitration – The Legal 500
- “Very bright, user friendly, down to earth, and really cares” – The Legal 500 UK 2023
- “He is always charming to work with and is very intelligent, which is a great combination”…”Exceptionally well prepared” – Chambers UK 2023
- “He is a very good lawyer – he has an impressive client list and does a good job with client management”…”He is a big picture guy who has a good sense of judgment for where a case is going”…”He has a calm and logical approach to matters” – Chambers UK 2022
- “Exceptional lawyer and leader of teams”…”Gets the best result for his clients”…”Exceptional insights into what is needed to prevail”…”Extremely good with clients. He has excellent judgment, is sensitive to the commercial dynamics of any dispute and understands that litigation is not an end in itself” – The Legal 500 UK 2022
- “He is a strong lawyer and someone you really enjoy working with. He’s really smart and a good advocate”…”A formidable lawyer with a deeply analytical mind”…”Has very sound judgment and is someone clients can rely on in good times and bad” – Chambers UK 2021
- “One of the very top arbitration practitioners in London. He’s not flashy, it’s all about the substance. Really astute, puts together and leads great teams and delivers great results” – The Legal 500 UK 2021
- Featured as one of Legal Week’s litigation rising stars in 2016 as one of the up and coming litigators setting the agenda at UK top 50 and international firms in London.
Representations
- Representation of a major European financial institution and its global subsidiaries regarding issues stemming from the US$65 billion Madoff fraud. Litigation spanned the UK, Ireland, Cayman Islands, BVI, Isle of Man, the United States, and several European countries. Successfully defended the lead defendant in the multibillion-dollar Fairfield Sentry proceedings, with a favorable ruling from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England.
- Counsel to a Saudi financial institution in a prolonged dispute with the liquidators of a Cayman Islands company over asset transfers into a trust. The case involved two appearances before the UK Supreme Court and resulted in a significant judgment in the area of knowing receipt.
- Handling multiple disputes within the energy, oil, and gas sectors, covering exploration, production, midstream, shipping, downstream, transmission, supply, trading, and pricing issues. These cases, collectively valued at over US$10 billion, were resolved through arbitration under the LCIA, ICC, SIAC, and UNCITRAL Rules, or litigation in English courts.
- Management of disputes in the Middle East, including cases under the DIAC Rules and within the DIFC/ADGM financial hubs, across healthcare, construction, retail, financial institution, and investment sectors.
- Advising on restructuring and insolvency proceedings in the English High Court, including the restructuring of New Look Group, Hong Kong Airlines (with a parallel Hong Kong scheme), Survitec, and others.
- Representation of clients in follow-on damages litigation in English and European courts, such as defending Singapore Airlines Cargo in the Air Cargo proceedings and representing Renesas in the Smart Card Chips proceedings, resulting in a landmark judgment on limitation.
- Handling various disputes related to mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, shareholder or founder conflicts, and/or involving bondholders and financial stakeholders. These disputes, adjudicated through arbitration or before English courts, often entail complex legal questions and jurisdictional issues.
- Advising clients in the aviation sector on their disputes, from issues over the delivery and maintenance of airframes and engines, to consumer rights and slot allocations.
- Assisting clients with disputes in the fintech, consumer goods, telecommunications and internet sectors, including complex commercial litigation over valuations and minority interests, disputes involving startups and corporate governance, and arbitrations involving app and game funding, licensing and development.
Matters may have been handled prior to joining Paul Hastings.