Ali does not approach legal problems like most lawyers. Instead, he treats legal problems like a puzzle – he enjoys finding the pieces that fit, even if he has to invent some new ones! Ultimately, for Ali it is all about strategy. Understand what the end game is first and then work out how you will get there. Of course that requires an understanding of the law but sometimes it also requires understanding of its loopholes. Ultimately, Ali’s approach is to make the law work for you and to make you laugh whilst doing so.
Not only does Ali head up the Restructuring & Insolvency team but he is also head of Edwin Coe’s disputes resolution department which encompasses the various dispute resolution teams. This includes responsibility for strategic planning, renewal and innovation in order to make the Edwin Coe disputes resolution department the best that it can be in line with its stellar reputation and acting for high-profile clients.
In his Insolvency Disputes practice Ali acts for both licensed insolvency practitioners but also company directors, debtors and their families, whether being pursued by a liquidator or a trustee. Acting for both sides gives Ali an advantage in anticipating both the end game and the likely tactical approach an opponent is going to take. Examples of Ali’s work include:
• Defending directors being investigated for acting in breach of their duties as directors such as misfeasance, dissipating assets and unlawfully participating in tax avoidance schemes.
• Company directors facing claims for unlawful dividends, outstanding directors’ loan accounts and unlawful trading.
• Advising directors of potentially insolvent companies on how to minimise the risk of such claims including the risk of allowing their company to continue trading.
Ali also has considerable experience of specialising in commercial disputes acting for a range of medium-sized companies and high net worth individuals in the following matters:
• Shareholders’ disputes and claims of unfair prejudice.
• Allegations of fraud ranging from diversion of assets, false invoicing and diverting business opportunities.
• Contractual disputes ranging from breach of contract, enforcing restrictive covenants and disputes involving defective goods and services.