Sullivan & Cromwell

Tell us about your biggest trial win from January 2018 through June 2019 and how you achieved the result for your client.

As lead trial counsel, I obtained judgment for Barclays after a bench trial in New York state court. BDC Finance contended that Barclays had defaulted under an [International Swaps and Derivatives Association] agreement by failing to dispute a $40 million collateral call that BDC made during the height of the 2008 financial crisis. BDC claimed over a $1 billion in alleged damages. While the transaction and contract terms are complex, we prevailed by simplifying our case to focus the court on the only relevant issue—Barclays' clear compliance with ISDA's dispute provision. The court's ruling also provides valuable guidance concerning compliance with ISDA's dispute provision to participants in the trillion-dollar derivatives market.

Share two trial tips that have been key to your success.

1) You must present a simple but compelling narrative showing why your client deserves to prevail on the merits. Resist the temptation to address all of your adversary's arguments—instead focus on your client's narrative.

2) Your direct witnesses must testify through their own voices; scripted witnesses do not persuade.