John Colvin

Legal Director, Manchester

Practice Areas

Prior to joining FS Legal as a Legal Director in September 2022, John has occupied partner-level roles at a number of well-established legal practices in the North-West of England and headed legal teams.

John has many years of experience as a Commercial Dispute Resolution Solicitor and practising Commercial Mediator. He has enjoyed particular expertise and success in high value , complex and technical disputes covering a wide array of clients and business sectors. In recent years he developed a niche in banking and financial services litigation.

John’s previous role as an In-house legal adviser for a major PLC provided a valuable and first-hand appreciation of the drivers and commercial objectives of a business, an essential starting point in formulating a resolution strategy for clients.

Noted in previous editions of the Legal 500 as “Brilliant” for Commercial Litigation and “highly regarded” for Banking Litigation.

Notable cases

  • Claim brought on behalf of a Family Trust with a substantial pleaded value of over £50m, involving derivative (“swaps”) products and assertions of duress .and unconscionable conduct against a major Commercial Bank. Case settled prior to trial listed for 5 weeks.
  • Conducting appeal of a claim on behalf of a Brewery against a major financial institution , where documentation cast doubt upon the propriety of the evidence advanced at trial. Settled at mediation prior to Appeal hearing.
  • Claims of Malicious Prosecution and Misfeasance in a Public Office arising out of the failed prosecution of a various individuals involved in the formation and promotion of a Tax Avoidance Scheme.
  • Successfully resolved a claim on behalf of a US- based finance broker for commissions arising out of investment sourced for a large Claims Management Company. Extensive disclosure exercise involved and pursuit of specific classes of documentation enabling a settlement of 75% of the pleaded claim.
  • Defending in its entirety a complex claim against a HNW individual involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation and claims against high value real estate , along with a substantial net payment to the client in terms of counterclaim and legal costs.
  • Successful outcome in the Land Tribunal arguing for the proper construction of an overage clause in the context of a harbour development. Defeated claim that the overage rights had come to an end thereby protecting the client’s commercial interest in the development.

Career History

2021-2022- Glenville Walker , Partner

2020-2021- Escalate Disputes Limited (a litigation Funder) , Partner

2017-2020- Kennedys (following merger with Berg), Senior Associate

2012-2017- Berg, Partner

2010-2012-  In-House Counsel and Advocate, Speedy Hire Plc

 

Lucy Amison