Ciara is a Solicitor in the Commercial Litigation & Arbitration department at Eldwick Law. With experience in commercial, constitutional, and competition litigation, Ciara brings a unique and critical perspective to every case she handles. She works closely with her team to provide specialist legal advice, catered to her clients’ specific needs.
In addition to the UK, Ciara is also admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, where she has successfully litigated complex commercial and regulatory disputes.
Prior to joining Eldwick Law, Ciara served as a Law Clerk at the Constitutional Court of South Africa. She has also previously held roles at the High Court of South Africa and the commercial law firm of Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr in Johannesburg, as well as an advisory role to the Office of the Chief Justice in South Africa.
Both Ciara’s passion for law and her commitment to her clients are evident in her meticulous case analysis and strategic preparation, ensuring the best possible outcome for clients in high-stakes disputes.
Arbitration
- Acting for a Latvian multi-national company in fraud proceedings arising out of an Arbitration before the German Arbitration Institution (DIS). Successfully applied to have the Award before DIS recognised before the High Court of London, and then applied to enforce the Award. Now proceeding with contempt and insolvency proceedings, including a winding up and bankruptcy order.
- Acting for a company incorporated in Kazakhstan in a potential arbitration before the London Maritime Arbitrators’ Association.
Experience in Litigation
- Representing a client accused of breaching injunction orders, with the potential consequence of being held in contempt of court. Successfully secured an adjournment and now instructed on three key proceedings, including challenging the Bank’s possession order claim, defending an interim charging order and defending against a bankruptcy petition.
- Representing the claimant in a complex dispute involving the alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of investment funds. The case involves significant assets, including West End properties. The claim is ongoing, with a trial expected.
- Representing a group of franchisees in fraudulent misrepresentation claims against former CEO and Chairman of a national franchise company. During proceedings, this claim was consolidated with 3 others, totalling to an aggregate value of circa £5 million.
- Advising shareholders of a Kazakh-based company who were granted shares as part of a remuneration package and who now seek compensation for the loss of those shares due to disputes that arose after distribution. The case involves a challenge brought by the government of Kazakhstan’s General Attorney.
- Advising shareholders and creditors of a Kazakh-based oil and gas extraction company in relation to potential claims against directors for breaches of directors duties as well as derivative claims and minority shareholder rights claims under the UK Companies Act 2006, and claims under the Insolvency Act 1986.
Experience in Sanctions and Regulatory
- Advising on and drafting an updated Sanctions Policy for a company in Kazakhstan, ensuring compliance with sanctions regulations related to Russia across the UK, USA, EU, Canada and Australia.