Hal Branch Partner - Dispute Resolution and Immigration
Hal is head of Dispute Resolution. He has a wide range of expertise gained from over 30 years of experience in numerous areas of practice, including commercial and general litigation, inheritance disputes, employment, family law and immigration.
+44 (0) 20 7851 0123
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Profile
Back to teamHal advises international and domestic clients, both corporates and individuals, in complex disputes. Those disputes are resolved either by litigation, arbitration or alternative dispute resolution. The areas of work of particular interest and expertise include cross border litigation in contractual disputes often involving fraud and issues arising from sanctions and unexplained wealth orders. Hal has extensive knowledge of directors’ duties and of shareholder disputes often requiring urgent applications to the Court.
In addition, Hal’s practice includes :
- representing clients in criminal proceedings, in particular advising corporate clients and senior management on financial crime and fraud matters, as well as regulatory investigations.
- family work with particular emphasis on the resolution of complex financial issues (both for married couples and unmarried couples) as well as dealing with the arrangements for children following the breakdown of a relationship. Hal also regularly advises on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.
- and in respect of contested Wills and claims under the Inheritance (Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
- acting for claimants in defamation cases.
By reason of the complex and challenging points of law that have arisen Hal has frequently represented clients in the Court of Appeal and been part of creating new case law as a result. Hal’s approach is always to look after his clients’ best interests, while offering supportive and constructive advice as to the best available strategy, taking matters to trial when necessary.
Hal studied Modern History at London University and thereafter Law at the College of Law, London.
Out of the office, Hal is interested in developing his garden from what was farmland and travelling.
Expertise
- Business crime
- Dispute Resolution
- Family law
- Employee Legal Advice
- Solicitors for employers
- Tax Investigations
- Tax Specialists
- Private client Solicitors
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Career Highlights
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Unimed Glory S.A. v The Republic of Vanuatu
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Moutreuil v Andreewitch [2020] EWCA Civ 382
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Colin Johnston v Lady Natalie Elsie Wackett [2019] EWHC 3353 (Ch)
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Coroner’s Court
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Caroline Gibbs -v- Lakeside Developments Ltd [2018] EWCA Civ 2874
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Re M [2016] EWCOP 42
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Caroline Gibbs -v- Lakeside Developments Ltd [2016] EWHC 2203
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Bennett v Bennett & Oths [2018] EWHC 1931 (Ch) (Mr George Bompas QC)
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Meir Levin v Michael Tannebaum (2013) LTL 18/11/13 Ch D
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Philip Afia v David Mellor QC PC and Others LTL 3/12/13
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Baturina v Times Newspapers Ltd [2011] EWCA Civ 308
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JSC BTA Bank v Mukhtar Ablyazov and others – High Court Chancery Division
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Innovatis Investments Fund Limited v Ejder Group Limited [2010] EWHC 1851
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Northbrook v Abbey Estates Limited (June 2009) Court of Appeal
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Lichter & Schwartz (a partnership) v Rubin [2008] EWHC 450 (Ch D); [2008] WLR (D) 93
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Godfrey v Torpy and Others [2007] EWHC 919 (Ch)
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Manches LLP v Carl Freer [2006] EWHC 991
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Green -v- Deutsche Bank Group Services [2006] EWHC 1898 (QBD)
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Ch.D Re: Landhurst Leasing [1999] BCLC 286, Ch.D
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Charleston and Another -v- News Group Newspapers Ltd and Another [1995] 2 All ER 313
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