Expertise

Over the past few years, he has been involved in several actions against banks, a task that most central London law firms are unable to undertake as a result of conflicts of interest.

Clive also acts as a supervising solicitor appointed by the court in search order cases. He has been involved in several high-profile search order cases including the Ferrari secrets case and the Elton John stolen refuse dispute.

Recognition

For Clive’s work in Banking Litigation, Chambers describes Clive as a “vastly experienced commercial litigator Clive Zietman is highly sought after to lead many high-profile and complex financial disputes. He regularly represents leading financial institutions as well as multinational corporations and institutional investors. Sources regard him highly for his “great presence and great judgement” and also say: “He understands the banking world and he’s robust and strong in negotiations.”

For his work in Civil Fraud, Chambers says “Clive Zietman heads the firm’s commercial litigation department and is highly regarded for his work in this field. He often advises on disputes which have significant fraud aspects to them. Sources describe him as “an excellent lawyer who is tremendously experienced,” with one adding:  “He is particularly good at dealing with extremely difficult clients – he has a phenomenal ability to take them in hand and make sure they do what they ought to protect themselves.”

The Legal 500 notes that Clive “obtains first-class results” and is “an excellent strategist”.

Experience

Clive has acted in several well-publicised cases, including:

• Acting for 83 bankers in a case against Commerzbank regarding unpaid bonuses
• The RBS shareholder litigation concerning the 2008 right issue
• The high-profile diamond business dispute between Lev Leviev and Arcadi Gaydamak

Career

On qualification in 1985, Clive joined Herbert Smith where he worked for many years as an assistant. He set up his own firm in 1994, which grew to become a 13-partner firm seven years later. Clive was Head of Commercial Litigation at Manches from 2004 until 2009, when he joined Stewarts.

Publications

Clive has written widely about fraud and dispute resolution both in the legal and national press and lectures regularly on both subjects.

Personal

Clive’s hobby is litigation.