DS Law (formerly DaySparkes) is a commercial litigation firm based in the heart of London’s legal quarter, which specialises in complex commercial, banking, fraud and arbitration disputes, frequently with an international dimension to them.

We aim to deliver exceptional, director-led, advice and representation at realistic charge-out rates, with an emphasis on rigorous analysis and helping our clients to achieve their commercial objectives at the earliest possible stage.

Our core practice areas consist of commercial litigation and ADR; banking and financial disputes; commercial “white collar” fraud; and international arbitration, but we also advise on a range of other litigation issues, including company, professional negligence and property disputes.

We are conflict-free, meaning that we are able to act against banks and large institutions without fear or favour. In recent years, we have acted for a range of domestic and international clients, including victims of banking fraud, hedge funds, private equity houses, and high net worth individuals in a number of significant and high profile cases. We are currently proud to be representing a large number of victims of the high-profile HBoS Reading fraud.

Our lawyers are drawn from leading international law firms and have a wealth of legal and tactical knowledge. We are frequently asked to assist with the obtaining/defending of freezing injunctions and other forms of urgent, interim, relief.

We are consistently recognised in the Legal 500 as a leading firm for both commercial and banking litigation.

What people say about us

  • [DS Law] banking litigation team is led by the ‘outstanding‘ Michael Sparkes … and is viewed by clients to 'punch above their weight’. It is best known for its director-led, forensic approach. It works across diverse banking dispute work, including claims involving banking fraud, alleged market abuse, securitisation disputes and crypto-currency disputes.
    Legal 500 – 2022
  • Achieving 'excellent results at a low cost', [DS Law]' diverse commercial litigation practice covers professional negligence claims, director and shareholder disputes, market abuse claims and insolvency-related matters. It is also active in cryptocurrency disputes, property litigation, VAT fraud, and cases involving freezing injunctions. The track record of 'impressive' Michael Sparkes includes disputes against major international banks. Director Gopi Binning is 'one to watch'. - Legal 500 2022
    Legal 500 – 2022
  • Michael Sparkes "quickly cuts through difficult legal problems and presents them in a commercial way"
    The Legal 500
  • ‘Michael Sparkes – diligent, considered and tenacious. Will not let go of a case until he gets a good result for his client.... Gopi Binning – super-bright and all over the detail of a complex case.’
    Testimonial from Legal 500 2021 Edition
  • ‘This is a boutique practice where you get immediate access to the partner.'
    Testimonial from Legal 500 2021 Edition
  • Michael Sparkes is recommended.
    The Legal 500
  • 'Michael Sparkes understand what clients need in conflict situations and never fail to deliver'.
    Testimonial from Legal 500
  • ‘Experts in unraveling complex disputes and offering the necessary guidance throughout their resolution. They offer excellent judgment in all situations and are freely available to contact. They are very ably supported by Gopi Binning who is extremely diligent in all respects and an excellent communicator.'
    Testimonial from Legal 500 2021 Edition
  • ‘[DS Law] provide an excellent, first-class, comprehensive service. Attention to every detail and communication on a personal level cannot be bettered. Superb resourcefulness in pursuing and resolving all issues is provided without fail.'
    Testimonial from Legal 500 2021 Edition
  • ‘Michael Sparkes has exceptional experience in banking disputes with a track record of positive results for his clients. His tough yet personable approach proves both comforting and successful. Gopi Binning is a rising star in the area, showing legal expertise, client focus and commercial acumen.'
    Testimonial from Legal 500 2021 Edition
  • ‘They don’t leave any stones unturned, and have provided results we did not think possible.'
    Testimonial from Legal 500 2021 Edition
  • 'The team is expert at complex, financial disputes, but are in a small enough practice to be nimble.'
    Testimonial from Legal 500 2021 Edition
  • ‘Michael Sparkes is diligent, considered and tenacious – he will not let go of a case until he gets a good result for his client.'
    Testimonial from Legal 500 2021 Edition
  • “I chose to work with [DS Law] after discussions with various other law firms. The decision was based on their professionalism, their relevant experience and their track record of success. They operated with integrity and passion, they wanted to understand and listen to the complex nature of my potential case. They wanted justice." -Client
    Client Testimonial
  • “I would highly recommend the firm for its knowledge and expertise. From a lawyer, particularly in relation to banking litigation, a client wants to have the confidence that the lawyer concerned has an in depth understanding of how the banking industry works. I believe that [DS Law] has a very superior knowledge of this sector.”
    Client Testimonial – 2021
  • “As the Director and Founder of my bespoke media agency business I found myself in uncharted waters when a key, multibillion dollar global client breached a number of very complex contracts under various differing countries/ legal jurisdictions. I can say with my hand on heart, I would never have been able to navigate the challenges and stresses that this dispute caused me in both my business and private life over long period of time without the team at [DS Law].”
    Client Testimonial – 2021
  • The 'excellent boutique' litigation practice [DS Law] is a conflict-free law firm that acts for a range of companies, hedge funds and high-net-worth individuals and is 'able to take on interesting and complex financial disputes'.
    The Legal 500
  • [DS Law] is 'a class outfit that comprises super lawyers with great experience'. ... Michael Sparkes recently handled several complex disputes against international banks.
    The Legal 500
  • “Brilliant job! Many thanks for everything. Your hard work, clear advice and patience has truly paid off. ”
    Client
  • [DS Law]' 'offers highly effective partner-led non-conflicted litigation to individuals and corporates'.
    The Legal 500
  • [DS Law] is a specialist litigation boutique firm, where named partners Michael Sparkes ... 'actually handle clients' cases, rather than delegating them to inexperienced trainees and associates'. Sparkes heads the banking litigation department, and has handled a number of complex disputes against major international banks... Gopi Binning is a dispute resolution lawyer within the firm who has extensive experience of advising on freezing orders and other forms of interim relief.
    The Legal 500
  • 'It is a boutique firm that has well-known expertise in bank litigation. The team has expert knowledge of the banking industry and explains the intricacies of the law in a clear and concise manner.'
    Testimonial for the Legal 500
  • “I still revel in the Victory you gave me.”
    Client
  • Michael Sparkes is 'very bright and capable'.
    The Legal 500
  • "[DS Law] adopt a commercial approach"
    The Legal 500
  • "Very effective and represent good value for money"
    The Legal 500
  • "An excellent boutique firm" that litigates an increasing number of high-value, complex disputes.
    The Legal 500
  • Sparkes ..is 'really switched on when it comes to financial disputes and offer an admirable pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to claims'.
    The Legal 500
  • 'Seasoned litigators in the financial sector, who bring to bear their considerable experience, attention to detail and client care, and hire the best specialist barristers known to them, when and as required.'
    Testimonial for the Legal 500