TLT expands financial services disputes and investigations team with senior hire

TLT has further expanded the strength and depth of services it offers financial services firms with the appointment of Thomas Lillie, financial services disputes and litigation specialist, as managing associate in its ever-growing Manchester office.

Thomas, who was formerly head of legal, lender services and partner at Aberdein Considine, has a wealth of experience in complex retail mortgage and financial services litigation, with a particular focus on acting for banks, building societies and other lenders and debt servicers. Thomas joins the Manchester office to support partner, James Chadwick and legal directors, Roisin Bell, Steve Walpole and Chantal Peters in the day-to-day management and development of the financial services disputes and investigations team.

A trusted name in the sector, Thomas’ expertise includes defending financial institutions when claims or allegations are made against them or their officers and/or directors. His practise also includes advising on dispute resolution strategies, including counselling financial institutions on the use of negotiation, mediation and arbitration to limit exposure to court proceedings in the public domain, which could have significant financial and reputational impacts for firms.

Some of Thomas’ recent work has seen him act for a large retail bank in complex mortgage litigation involving multiple parties and claims of fraud, representing a UK retail bank in defending complex multi-party litigation brought under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, and acting for a UK digital challenger bank in relation to fixed charge receivership concerning a defaulting corporate borrower with complex lending arrangements.

James Chadwick, partner at TLT commented: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Thomas to our team, further strengthening our service and expertise in financial services disputes and litigation in the North West and nationally. This is an exciting time to be joining the team in Manchester during a significant period of growth. We look forward to working with Thomas to continue delivering outstanding results for our clients.”

Thomas said: “Having a trusted legal advisor when it comes to dispute resolution is of vital importance to financial institutions. Without having a detailed strategy in place, firms could be placing themselves at risk of significant reputational and financial losses. It’s important that businesses are well-informed and supported in this area. I’m looking forward to working with clients in England and Wales, advising them from both a litigation and compliance perspective. It’s an exciting time to be joining TLT in Manchester after the team was recently awarded law firm of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards. I’m looking forward to working with the firm’s dedicated and talented financial services disputes and investigations team.”