Luke Tolaini > Clifford Chance LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Clifford Chance LLP is home to a wide-ranging corporate governance practice which advises on compliance, regulatory and risk management mandates and investigations. The team also specialises in shareholder issues for listed companies, including activist investors and contentious company board disputes. Jointly steered by David Pudge and Luke Tolaini, the team benefits from Pudge’s proven track record handling reputationally sensitive board-level corporate governance matters and Tolani’s extensive expertise in corporate crisis events and significant investigatory and investor actions. Steven Fox draws on significant experience advising boards, GCs and shareholders on public company-related law. Richard Crosby brings expertise regarding financial institutions and is a key point of contact for large banking clients. Alanna Hunter is well-versed in matters concerning activist investors, director changes and succession planning.

Clifford Chance LLP’s mining and minerals team works cross-practice on complex transactions for mining majors, junior companies, funds, private equity investors, and financial institutions. Combining energy and mining and metals sector expertise, Craig Nethercott serves as the London head of a globally integrated team. Robert Crothers is a notable contact and a specialist in advising listed companies in M&A, joint ventures, and equity issues. Luke Tolaini supports the team in litigation and investigations, especially in crisis and risk management and enforcement matters.

Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare clients turn to Clifford Chance LLP’s healthcare and life sciences practice for support on complex transactions, including M&A, partnerships and licensing, regulatory compliance and IP matters. The team is also recognised for its proficient handling of complex disputes and regulatory investigations, including competition, antitrust and excessive pricing matters. The practice is co-led by Stephen Reese, a specialist in IP strategy, exploitation and enforcement, and Gareth Camp, who focuses on public bids, M&A, JVs, and restructurings. Noted for his experience in antitrust proceedings, Luke Tolaini frequently advises on corporate compliance and investigations. Ben Jasper and Nissim Massarano are respectively recognised for their antitrust enforcement and litigation work and expertise in EU and UK competition law.

Leveraging its ‘exceptional depth of legal knowledge’, Clifford Chance LLP specialises in complex matters involving parallel criminal and civil elements, including sanctions breaches, tax fraud, bribery and money laundering. The team advises major corporates and financial institutions on cross-border investigations and enforcement actions, supported by integrated forensic accounting capabilities and a well-established global network. Luke Tolaini heads the team, drawing on his ‘technical expertise’ and ‘calm, strategic perspective’ to assist on internal investigations and defence in regulatory and criminal proceedings, with experience engaging with UK and foreign enforcement agencies and securing DPAs. Michael Lyons leads the firm’s sanctions and export control practice, supporting on financial crime investigations, enforcement and compliance, while Christopher David focuses on cross-border matters involving fraud, bribery and corruption.

Clifford Chance LLP remains a leading player in high-stakes antitrust and competition litigation, with an exceptional trial record and expertise spanning both follow-on and standalone claims. The firm is widely recognised for its ability to manage complex, precedent-setting cases, supported by a core London team of dedicated litigators. Led by Samantha Ward, the firm is also regarded as a leading authority on CAT appeals against CMA decisions. Luke Tolaini is a key asset to the team, bringing 20 years of experience in antitrust investigations and litigation. Ben Jasper plays a central role in ongoing excessive pricing mandates.