Winston & Strawn Welcomes Leading Litigation Lawyer Michael Madden to Its London Office and Global Disputes Resolution Team

LONDON, October 13, 2011 -

Winston & Strawn LLP today announced that Michael Madden, former managing partner of Ashurst’s dispute resolution department, will join Winston as head of its commercial litigation practice in London.  His arrival this winter is the latest in a string of high profile appointments for Winston in London and globally.

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Michael has a strong track record in commercial litigation and arbitration.  He has extensive experience as the lead partner in disputes involving corporate acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures in various industries.  Michael has also advised on disputes relating to international and domestic contracts, finance transactions, tax, defamation, professional negligence, insolvency issues and real estate disputes.  In addition, he has an established track record in administrative law and judicial review.

Among Michael’s many notable cases is a favorable decision before the House of Lords concerning directors’ duties which is a leading case on the use of “poison pill” and other takeover disputes.  He has successfully handled many other significant cases in the Court of Appeal and the High Court including leading cases on injunctions, the exercise of public authority powers and on casino licensing.  

Michael’s corporate clients span numerous sectors, including banks, private equity, financial services, retail, gaming and leisure, real estate and technology.  He has constantly been recommended for his strong client focus and described in the leading directories as “someone you would always want on your side” and a “tough” litigator.  During his term as managing partner of the Ashurst dispute team Michael has overseen the development of litigation and arbitration teams to service global clients including the establishment of such practices in Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong and forging links with clients and lawyers in Beijing and other centres in China.

“We are delighted that Michael has chosen Winston to further develop his highly regarded disputes resolution practice,” said the firm’s managing partner, Thomas Fitzgerald.  ”Michael’s experience and stature within the sector will immediately enhance our dispute resolution capabilities and undoubtedly attract the kind of talent we seek in growing our presence throughout Europe.”

As part of its ongoing global expansion strategy, Winston also recently secured a major coup with the arrival of prominent IP litigators, Richard Price and Gareth Morgan, to its London office, along with several excellent associates.  

Other significant hires recently include former managing partner/CEO of Howrey LLP, Robert Ruyak, and former head of the President’s national Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, Robb Adkins, to its Washington, D.C. and West Coast offices.  

Commenting on his new role Michael Madden said:  ”Winston’s globally acclaimed disputes resolution team has an outstanding reputation and a premier list of clients. I am pleased to be joining the Winston London office at a time of growth and welcome the exciting new challenge of developing not only a London-based disputes resolution team but a truly global offering.”

Thomas Benz, managing partner of Winston’s London office added: “We are delighted that Michael is joining our London team, his strong management experience in developing a cohesive and highly successful disputes team and his track record of managing significant client relationships will be integral to broadening the scope of this practice area both here and globally.”

Michael Madden is an Accredited Mediator (CEDR) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.  He obtained his LLB with honours from the University of London (LSE).

Winston & Strawn LLP is an international commercial law firm with 15 offices in North America, Asia and Europe.  More information about the firm is available at www.winston.com.

Darryl Van Duch, Communications Manager, +1-312-558-6185, dvanduch at winston.com; www.twitter.com/WinstonLaw