Profiles
Paul Fallon
For the past twenty years, Paul has advised a range of multinational companies, primarily in connection with financial services disputes. His clients have included Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. He has also represented a range of other major multinationals (including the Ford Motor Company, Exxon, Texaco and BP) on complex litigation and was heavily involved with both the proceedings resulting from the fraudulent defalcations of Robert Maxwell (where he acted for the Mirror Group of Companies) and for the liquidators of BCCI following the collapse of the Bank in 1991.
Paul is currently acting for a number of off-shore hedge funds in connection with an investigation by the SEC into mutual funds. Last year he appeared successfully as advocate in Grosvenor Casinos -v- National Bank of Abu Dhabi (a case concerning the proper application of the ICC Uniform Rules for the collection of Bills of Exchange).
Helen Mulcahy
Helen is a qualified solicitor-advocate, and has appeared in numerous courts in both Australia and England, including successfully represented two of the defendants in the trial brought by Michael Douglas and Ok! Magazine against Hello! and others. Helen has extensive experience in advising on corporate transactions, particularly in the gaming and retail sectors as well as being heavily involved in advising on financial compliance and enforcement issues (in public and private placements and distribution agreements) in local and overseas jurisdictions.
Helen is currently advising an offshore hedgefund in a claim against a foreign bank which mishandled a large investment, which involves cross border banking law issues.
Simon Munro
Simon qualified as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 1999, and spent over six years working as a commercial litigator in two of New Zealand's top law firms. He has also worked for over two years advising on investigations within the Enforcement Division of the Financial Services Authority. Simon qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2006. Simon joined City Law in January 2008 and he is advising in International Arbitration proceedings relating to pension mis-selling claims consequent upon the disposal of shareholding interests in a UK Regulated Life company. He is also involved in prosecuting claims in connection with the insolvent collapse of an offshore Hedge Fund including claims against the domestic Administrator.
Miranda Austin
Miranda has advised on corporate restructurings, including the restructuring and subsequent sale of Amey plc. She has advised a number of institutions on a broad spectrum of corporate strategies including, for example, advising the Royal Bank of Scotland on the enforceability of insolvency provisions under a £3 billion
credit support agreement. In addition, Miranda has advised on corporate compliance strategies, including the application of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to European corporations.
Miranda is currently advising a client on a gaming law matter and is working for a client preparing for flotation on AIM.
Rita Padam
Rita qualified in 1999 with Ashurst, and spent 18 months on secondment as an investment banker with Close Brothers Corporate Finance. Whilst at Close Brothers, Rita gained considerable experience on corporate finance and merger and acquisition transactions. She was a member of the Close Brothers team that advised on the merger between Whitehead Mann Group plc and GKP Group Limited. She worked on a variety of takeover transactions and numerous secondary offerings for AIM listed companies such as MDIS plc.
At Ashurst, Rita spent much of her time advising corporate finance clients such as Clubhaus plc and investment banks on initial public offerings (both UKLA and AIM) and raising finance by rights issues, open offers and other secondary offerings.
Rita has also advised on corporate restructurings pursuant to Insolvency legislation and various schemes of arrangements for funds such as GT Japan Investment Trust. Rita also gained market leading private equity experience advising private equity houses such as Barclays Capital and 3i.
In June 2005, Rita left Ashurst to join the Gem Group as General Counsel. Rita managed the Group's variety of debt and equity investments.
Henry Farris
Henry joined City Law in August 2006 on a part-time basis whilst completing the Bar Vocational Course at BPP Law School. Henry also undertook pro bono work representing claimants in the Employment Tribunal for the Free Representation Unit. From September 2007 Henry will join City Law as an assistant on a full time basis.
Henry read History with Contemporary Chinese Studies at Nottingham University. He likes skiing and surfing.
Beelia Byron
Beelia has assisted Helen and Paul for several years and has extensive knowledge and experience in international dispute resolution, corporate support and office management. She exudes effortless charm and maintains a cool head in all situations.
Susannah Underwood
Susannah has worked in corporate support across a variety of industries, including high end fashion, property development, banking and law, in both London and Auckland. Her versatility, attention to detail and easy going nature are a huge asset to the firm.