News Type: Headlines

LONDON – Michelman Robinson today announces that Akshay Sewlikar has joined the firm as a partner in its Commercial and Business Litigation practice, further strengthening its international arbitration, complex litigation and investigations offering.

Dual-qualified in India and England and Wales, Akshay advises corporates, financial institutions and sovereigns on high-stakes disputes and regulatory inquiries. His practice spans international arbitration, English High Court litigation, and sensitive investigations, particularly in the financial services, energy, infrastructure and mining sectors.

Akshay brings over a decade of experience representing clients in proceedings under LCIA, ICC, SIAC and DIFC rules. He has a particular expertise in acting for and against states and state-owned entities.

He has acted in major sovereign bond arbitrations, bond litigations, regulatory inquiries and commercial fraud disputes, and was part of the team representing the Premier League in the first ever financial fair play proceedings against Everton FC.

He also has significant experience in financial crime, sanctions, antitrust and tax-related investigations. Akshay regularly advises on internal inquiries, whistle-blower issues, and cross-border defence strategies for high-profile institutions. He joins from Linklaters, where he was a Managing Associate in the arbitration and litigation group and was recognised as a “key lawyer” in Legal 500’s international arbitration rankings.

He previously served as a Judicial Assistant at the High Court of England and Wales and completed a secondment at an investment bank, overseeing disputes and regulatory matters across EMEA. Before moving to the UK, Akshay practised at the Bombay High Court, appearing in a range of civil, criminal and arbitration matters.

Akshay’s arrival marks another important step in M|R’s strategic growth in London, following the firm’s recent launch of its first international office. He joins alongside Daniel Burbeary, another partner in the firm’s Commercial and Business Litigation practice in London. The firm’s expansion also follows the formal integration of the firm’s Corporate Crime and Investigations group, which includes Ruth Paley, Polly Sprenger, John Gibson and Lily Dou.

“Akshay is a world-class disputes lawyer with the international perspective and depth of experience that reflects exactly what we’re building here in London,” said Sanford Michelman, the firm’s Chairman and Co-founder. “As we establish and expand our footprint, we are focused on attracting top-tier talent who can offer immediate value to our clients. Akshay’s arrival signals that intent.”

“This is an exciting time to be joining Michelman Robinson,” said Akshay Sewlikar. “The London office is growing with real momentum, and the firm’s energy, ambition and cross-border outlook immediately resonated with me. I’m looking forward to helping shape our London disputes and investigations offering from the ground up.”

LA-Founded Firm Marks Official Entry with High-Profile Corporate Crime and Investigations Team

LONDON – Michelman Robinson has officially launched its first international office in London, marking a major milestone in the firm’s global strategy and reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-impact, business-first legal counsel across the UK and Europe.

The move reflects MR’s focus on strategic, commercially grounded lawyering – designed to help clients navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic financial and legal markets.

With a multi-disciplinary team now operational in London, the firm will grow rapidly over the next 12 months to advise on matters across disputes, restructuring, corporate law, finance, insurance, aviation, employment, ESG, technology, and IP.

Already in full operation, the London office is actively advising clients across sectors, signalling both immediate capability and long-term commitment.

“London is not only a gateway to international markets, but also a stage on which our brand of strategic, business-first lawyering can truly shine,” said Sanford Michelman, Chairman and Co-Founder of the firm. “This move is entirely client-driven. We’ve listened, and now we’re here.”

The London office, operated by MR’s affiliate Michelman & Robinson UK LLP, has marked its entry to the UK market with the arrival of an elite corporate crime and investigations group including Ruth Paley, John Gibson, and directories-ranked team Polly Sprenger and Lily Dou.

This group brings deep experience from senior roles in law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Conduct Authority, as well as long-standing careers at the criminal Bar. Their arrival marks a significant step in the firm’s strategy to build a high-calibre, multi-disciplinary team in London – one designed to meet rising demand for international expertise and deliver sector-shaping legal counsel.

The team is supported by associates Charlotte Moss, Ross Lennox, Alice Mills, Lizzy Williams and Patrick Lloyd.

MR’s expansion into London is part of a broader strategy to build a transatlantic platform that combines deep sector expertise with commercial agility. The firm, founded in Los Angeles in 1999, has grown steadily across the U.S. and is known for its business-minded approach in sectors including financial services, advertising and digital media, hospitality, insurance, music, aviation, and technology.

This forward-looking mindset is also reflected in the firm’s development of its closed-network AI platform – a clear demonstration of MR’s foresight in harnessing technology to benefit clients and lawyers alike.

“Our presence in London signals more than growth; it signals intent,” Michelman added. “We’re building a global platform equipped for modern legal challenges and positioning our clients – current and future – to always be three moves ahead.”

Further strategic hires are expected in the coming months as MR continues to expand its footprint at Norton Folgate, 16 Blossom Street, Spitalfields.

Michelman Robinson has launched its first international office in London, marking a major milestone in the firm’s evolution and expanding its ability to serve clients in one of the world’s most dynamic legal and financial centers.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1999, MR has grown steadily across the United States, building a reputation for business-minded counsel in sectors including financial services, advertising and digital media, hospitality, insurance, music, aviation, and technology. The London launch answers the call of clients with cross-border interests who have long sought the firm’s presence overseas.

“London is not only a gateway to international markets, it’s a stage on which our brand of strategic, business-first lawyering can truly shine,” said Sanford Michelman, Chairman and Co-Founder of the firm. “This move is entirely client-driven. We’ve listened, and now we’re here.”

The London office, which is operated by MR’s affiliate Michelman & Robinson UK LLP, will initially focus on dispute resolution and corporate crime and investigations, while also extending MR’s capabilities in restructuring, corporate law, finance, insurance, aviation, labour and employment, ESG, technology, and IP. Helping to lead the launch is Hooman Yazhari, a seasoned restructuring partner with cross-continental experience and a reputation for building high-performing teams.

“London is the natural next step for the firm, and our opportunity to reimagine what a transatlantic law firm can be,” Yazhari said. “We’re not importing a template—we’re building something unique: a collaborative, nimble, people-first culture that attracts the very best talent and puts clients at the center of everything we do.”

Already, the firm has welcomed litigation partner Daniel Burbeary , along with highly respected finance lawyer Andrew Shutter, and is assembling a top-tier global corporate crime and investigations team, including Ruth Paley, Polly Sprenger, and John Gibson, all of whom are expected to join through 2025. Lily Dou, a specialist forensic accountant who has advised on some of the largest corporate crime enforcement cases in the UK, has also joined the London office as a partner to build out the full-service investigations offering. The MR London partnership is currently operating as a non-SRA authorised law firm while its application for authorisation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority remains pending.

Members of the Bar of England and Wales, Paley, Sprenger, and Gibson are currently working with MR on an interim consultancy basis, assisting with the set-up of operations and helping to shape its culture and vision. In the meantime, they continue to act in a number of high-profile and complex client matters as self-employed practitioners, until they are formally admitted to the MR London partnership following the grant of the requisite regulatory permissions.

In the meantime, Michelman adds, “Our presence in London signals more than growth; it signals intent. We’re building a global platform equipped for modern legal challenges and positioning our clients—current and future—to always be three moves ahead.”

We’re proud to share that Chambers USA 2025 has recognized excellence at Michelman & Robinson! The firm has been ranked in Band 4: Insurance: Insurer nationwide, and our own Elizabeth Tosaris has been individually ranked in Band 3 in the same category. Chambers describes M&R as a go-to for insurance carriers, brokers, agents, and reinsurers, especially when it comes to regulatory work and California Department of Insurance matters. As for Elizabeth—long recognized by Chambers—clients call her “an excellent attorney,” “deeply sophisticated,” and “exceptional” when navigating high-stakes insurance regulation. No surprise to us—congrats to Elizabeth and the entire Insurance team!

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For the fourth year in a row, Sanford Michelman has been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA500, an annual list of the most influential leaders across the city’s civic, corporate, and cultural landscape. As chairman and co-founder of Michelman & Robinson, Sanford continues to shape the legal marketplace in L.A. and beyond by taking on high-stakes, “bet-the-company” litigation for companies across industries. Congratulations to Sanford—one of L.A.’s most impactful changemakers—on this well-earned recognition.

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We’re proud to share that Sanford Michelman and Dana Kravetz have been named Top 100 Lawyers by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This well-deserved recognition reflects not only their exceptional legal work, but also their visionary leadership, deep commitment to client service, and enduring impact on the profession. Congratulations, Sanford and Dana, on this outstanding honor!

For the eighth year running, Billboard has named Michael Poster a Top Music Lawyer. Michael continues to lead the way in high-value catalog acquisitions, including the secondary sales of music rights (think investor-to-investor catalog deals), where he’s helped shape the market with groundbreaking deal structures—like a private equity-style exit model now widely adopted across the industry. From representing legendary artists like Neil Sedaka and Eve to advising global investment firms, he’s at the forefront of music deals that are redefining the business. Congratulations to one of the sharpest minds in the business—this repeat honor is as deserved as it is impressive.

For the eighth year running, Billboard has named Michael Poster a Top Music Lawyer. Michael continues to lead the way in high-value catalog acquisitions, including the secondary sales of music rights (think investor-to-investor catalog deals), where he’s helped shape the market with groundbreaking deal structures—like a private equity-style exit model now widely adopted across the industry. From representing legendary artists like Neil Sedaka and Eve to advising global investment firms, he’s at the forefront of music deals that are redefining the business. Congratulations to one of the sharpest minds in the business—this repeat honor is as deserved as it is impressive.

We’re thrilled to share that Super Lawyers has once again recognized the outstanding talent at M&R! Please join us in congratulating our 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars—a well-earned honor that reflects their dedication, expertise, and impact in the legal field.

 

Big wins and high stakes—Sanford Michelman is no stranger to either. The Daily Journal has just named him among the country’s Leading Commercial Litigators for 2025, recognizing his extraordinary skill in handling bet-the-company cases. At M&R, Sanford’s strategic focus and “three moves ahead” mantra continue to set the bar in complex litigation. Congratulations, Sanford, on this well-earned distinction!