Sean Adams is a Commercial Disputes and Risk Advisory partner, working with a broad range of domestic and international clients. He operates from our offices in Birmingham, and London and frequently travels internationally, including in his role as Head of the Gowling WLG Nordic Desk.
Sean's practice is focussed on commercial litigation and arbitration, and he regularly handles corporate and commercial disputes across a number of sectors (including the Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing sectors, which he co-leads). Sean's experience includes working with businesses and advising on disputes within the automotive, aerospace, financial services, sport, food & beverage, retail & leisure, real estate, healthcare, tech and energy sectors).
Sean specialises in breach of contract claims, tort and negligence claims, post-M&A / acquisition disputes, investor and shareholder disputes, and serious and complex fraud claims. He also has significant experience handling supply chain disputes and assisting clients in seeking or responding to applications for urgent injunctive relief. Sean also has experience dealing with FinTech disputes, particularly related to cryptoassets and blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Sean can also assist clients in assessing and responding to the rapidly increasing risk of ESG-related litigation (including the defence of group litigation proceedings).
Sean focuses on helping clients analyse risks and their legal options in order to avoid or resolve disputes with minimal impact on their ongoing business, whether through litigation, arbitration, expert determination or alternative dispute resolution. Although disputes and disagreements are an inevitable part of corporate life, and have increased due to recent economic pressures and global uncertainty, Sean's aim is to help clients obtain an efficient and cost-effective resolution which limits disruption to their underlying business where possible. When formal proceedings are required, as they often are, Sean is well-versed in the associated tactical and procedural requirements and has experience in supporting clients throughout the process, whether before the English Courts or international arbitral tribunals, deploying an experienced team to secure the client's desired objective. Sean also advises clients on potential litigation financing options / funding arrangements.
Sean's client base is based in both the UK and internationally, including private individuals, and multinational corporations. Sean regularly represents manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers in the automotive and aerospace sectors, consumer-facing brands and businesses across the food & beverage and retail & leisure sectors, various stakeholders and businesses in the energy sector (particularly renewables), participants in the sport sector from individual athletes to teams, and large banking, asset management and private equity clients in the financial services sector.
Sean is also part of the Gowling WLG Pro Bono Committee, and supports and leads on a variety of pro bono cases where litigation / disputes support is needed. Sean also plays a significant role in a number of the firm's diversity & inclusion initiatives.
