Trevor Mascarenhas
Partner

It has been said of Trevor that he possesses the full suite of talents of an outstanding litigator: commanding knowledge of the law, excellent judgement and a strategic brain. Having him on the team is like having a silk and a top-quality partner rolled into one. (The Legal 500 2024)

Trevor is a hugely experienced disputes lawyers, having been a partner of the firm for over 20 years. He has received numerous accolades in commercial litigation, arbitration, civil fraud, asset recovery and banking litigation.  He is known for his expertise in cross-border disputes, and his track record includes getting results for his clients in many ground-breaking cases..

The Directories Say

Legal 500

• Trevor is consistently ranked in band 1 for Civil Fraud, and in the 2025 edition was described as 'one of the outstanding intellectuals in the sector – a brilliant mind', 'an absolute pleasure to work with, with really sensible and nuanced judgement; he's really impressive' and 'absolutely fantastic.'
• He has also been recognised as 'a mastermind who is very knowledgeable and experienced', 'phenomenally intelligent', a 'superb litigation strategist', 'a real detail person who can drill down into issues', 'a fantastic thinker who is always full of ideas' 'incredibly hard-working, a very good thinker (with) a great attachment to the details' and having 'the best legal mind of any solicitor I've worked with'

Chambers and Partners Litigation Support

• In global asset recovery, it was said of Trevor that: 'He is a very, very clever guy and works on a lot of cross-border stuff'. One satisfied client explains: 'He is deeply involved in all processes and offers non-standard solutions to complex problems.'

Legal 500

• Trevor is in the Hall of Fame for commercial litigation, a Leading Partner for civil fraud and recommended also for banking litigation. Testimonials include he 'is the best of the best … has superb technical skills and tactical nous [and] is great to work with'. 'Trevor is probably one of the cleverest lawyers in London today and also a brilliant litigator.'
• He is also lauded for his 'excellent client-facing skills', 'expertise, strategic thinking and international experience' as well as his 'in-depth understanding of asset recovery laws and regulations both domestically and internationally, enabling [him] to navigate complex legal landscapes adeptly'. He is said to have 'legendary powers to get superb results for clients.'

Who's Who Legal

• Trevor has been identified as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Asset Recovery and a Thought Leader in Commercial Litigation. It is said that he 'is distinguished as “one of the most experienced fraud solicitors” in the market and a top-tier litigator' and 'a favourite among peers and clients in the asset recovery space, who say he is “a really fantastic, intellectual lawyer, with a great manner”.'
• Other quotes from market sources include that “Trevor is a distinguished and eloquent asset recovery lawyer” and that “He is a sensible person who always does a brilliant job”.

Client Choice

• Trevor is a former winner of the Client Choice Award for Arbitration and ADR in the UK. Surveying senior corporate counsel only, this award recognised Trevor's exemplary client service and his ability to add real value to clients' businesses - above and beyond other players in the market.

Notable Experience

• Acting for a Middle Eastern bank in numerous successful applications in a multi-jurisdictional asset recovery case, including succeeding in the Court of Appeal on whether legislation to prevent frauds on creditors could be circumvented by use of companies; establishing that foreign judgments can be enforced under English common law even if not enforceable in the foreign jurisdiction; and satisfying the English Court that its costs orders could be enforced in the UAE.
• Acting for two of the principal defendants in successfully challenging jurisdiction to a USD $1 billion fraud claim brought by a UAE bank alleging deceit and conspiracy to injure.
• Successfully challenging jurisdiction for a defendant to a successive claims brought by the Libyan Investment Authority in respect of hundreds of millions of dollars of investments with major financial institutions alleged to have been procured through bribery.
• Acting for one of the world's largest private equity funds in the successful defence at trial of a €1 billion claim brought by liquidators of a Greek telecoms company under UK insolvency legislation
• Acting for a Kuwaiti businessman in the successful defence at trial of a USD $1 billion claim alleging conspiracy to injure.
• Acting in a USD $2 billion LCIA Arbitration in the mining sector and related injunctive proceedings.
• Acting in successful appeals to the Supreme Court, House of Lords and Privy Council.
• Acting for a company listed on the main board of the London Stock Exchange in a USD $500 million claim against its former owners, obtaining freezing orders in four jurisdictions and search orders at three premises.
• Acting in a USD $450 million SCC arbitration in the oil and gas sector and related court proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.
• Representing a television channel in the successful defence of a USD $70 million breach of contract claim.
• Acting for a businessman in the successful pursuit of a multi-million-dollar professional negligence claim against a prominent city firm of solicitors.
• • Providing expert evidence on English law for foreign arbitral and court proceedings

Background

Trevor graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in mathematics before obtaining a law degree from London University. He has authored numerous articles for publications such as the Journal of International Banking Law and Regulation, Trust Law International, International Company and Commercial Law Review, European Lawyer, New Law Journal, Legal Business and the E-Commerce Law Reports. Trevor is also a founding member of the Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association.

Contact Trevor