The move sees the growth of Serle Court’s commercial, international civil fraud, group actions and private international law teams.
Russell has significant expertise and experience in business and human rights. His practice lies at the intersection between criminal and civil wrongdoing with a strong international slant. He has substantial experience of class actions, international crimes, ‘white collar’ crime, economic sanctions, bribery and corruption, and corporate liability claims.
Alongside several other barristers from Serle Court, Russell is instructed for the 200,000+ group claimants in respect of the Fundão Dam disaster litigation, one of the largest group actions ever brought before the English courts, involving the collapse of the Fundão Dam in 2015, described as the worst environmental disaster in Brazilian history. The jurisdiction hearing will take place in Manchester for 8 days from 22 July 2020.
Commenting on the appointment, John Petrie MBE, chief executive at Serle Court, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to welcome Russell Hopkins to Serle Court. His background in the fields of commercial litigation and civil fraud together with his class action expertise makes him a perfect fit. Russell has been working with Serle Court for over a year on the Fundão Dam disaster litigation, and already feels part of the Serle Court family.’
Commenting on his appointment, Russell said: ‘I am thrilled to join Serle Court. I’ve already been made to feel hugely welcomed, despite the restrictions that we’re all working under at the moment. Serle Court’s reputation for private international law, civil fraud and international commercial disputes is a big draw. I look forward to continuing to build my practice together with Serle Court’s brilliant barristers and staff.’
