Professional background
I provide sensible, timely, strategic advice and identify legal solutions that get real world results as quickly as possible for my clients. I have particular experience acting in major disputes linked with Eurasia (particularly Russia and the CIS region) and Sub-Saharan Africa. I advise governments, large international companies, directors and HNW individuals on a variety of legal issues including contract, shareholder, fraud, negligence, regulatory and whistle blower disputes around the world.
I act for clients in international arbitrations (including those administered under LCIA, ICC, SCC rules and ad hoc arbitrations), in complex litigation in the English High Court, and in support of legal proceedings in other jurisdictions. I am co-Head of the firm's International Arbitration Group – a group that is repeatedly globally ranked as one of the world's leading arbitration practices.
I am consistently ranked as a key individual for premium commercial litigation, international arbitration and civil fraud in the leading legal directories and have been described by clients and peers as: "a fighter through and through", "an excellent tactician", "a stand-out performer", " a consummate lawyer with a great manner that instils confidence", “[possessing an] easy charm, robust litigation style, and strategic and commercial nous." and that “Clients rightly have great confidence in [Dan's] leadership".
I am a Russian speaker and have consistently acted throughout my career for parties with connections to the former Soviet Union. In my spare time I enjoy playing and coaching cricket, cycling, rugby and watching my children get better than me at all of the above!
Education
GDL and CPE (2004-2006)
Inclusive of additional study at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) (2002)
BA Hons Russian* (1999-2003)
Notable deals
- Ongoing successful representation of three of twenty two defendants acting in one of the largest civil fraud claims ever brought in the English Commercial Court (currently valued at USD 14bn), including: a successful jurisdiction challenge in early 2025; and the defeat of a USD 8.8bn worldwide freezing order application in late 2023.
- Successfully defending two of the five western banker defendants in one of the Lawyer magazine's "Top 20 Cases of 2019" in Yukos Finance BV & others v. Stephen Lynch & others [2019] EWHC 2621 (Comm). The Defendant team was also shortlisted for a Legal Business International Disputes Team of the Year 2020 award.
Successfully defending two of the five western banker defendants in one of the Lawyer magazine's "Top 20 Cases of 2019" in Yukos Finance BV & others v. Stephen Lynch & others [2019] EWHC 2621 (Comm). The Defendant team was also shortlisted for a Legal Business International Disputes Team of the Year 2020 award.
Successfully serving proceedings in person and having that service confirmed in relation to a £1bn+ claim in the English High Court against an UHNW non-resident defendant, in the jurisdiction in Alexander Gorbachev v Andrey Grigoryevich Guriev [2019] EWHC 2684 (Comm).
Successfully defending a Singaporean metals trader client in a challenge to a previously rendered LCIA award in the English High Court under ss67 & 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (all claims were abandoned and the underlying award was satisfied shortly before the hearing).
Successfully representing a Covid vaccine purchaser against a Chinese manufacturer for breach of contract and costs in an LCIA arbitration.
Successful work for a sovereign state in its defence of a circa USD 3bn Telecoms licence claim administered under ICC Rules with a Geneva seat.
Successfully challenging a deficient LCIA arbitral award in the English High Court on serious procedural irregularity grounds under s.68 of the Arbitration Act 1996 - P v D, X &Y [2017] EWHC 3273 (Comm).
Successfully representing a Claimant trustee in bankruptcy in recovering undisclosed assets pursuant to one of the largest private bankruptcies in Israeli court history Benkel v East-West German Real Estate Holding & Ors [2021] EWHC 777 (Ch) (30 March 2021).
Tracing and recovering over 90% of funds stolen and moved overseas in a complex invoice fraud perpetrated against a major international client. Funds were held and returned to client in less than six months of the fraud being identified.
Awards & recognition
"Daniel is brilliant at handling big cases, and I absolutely love to deal with him."
"Daniel Hayward is just brilliant. He is very good at dealing with clients and keeping the big picture in mind, and ensuring the whole team work together and achieve the right result for the client."
Daniel is an amazing team player, who acts as a shepherd leading the team to success in even the most complicated cases.
Authored pieces
Fieldfisher recognised in the GAR 100 for the fifth consecutive year
Views from the East: Updates and trends from Russia and CIS-related arbitration
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Rebecca McKee Partner, Dispute ResolutionArbitrationCommercial FraudEnergy and Natural ResourcesFinancial Services
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Marc Krestin Partner, Dispute ResolutionCorporate DisputesDispute ResolutionEnergy and Natural ResourcesInternational Arbitration
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Dr. Alice Meissner PartnerArbitrationCorporate LawDispute ResolutionEnergy and Natural Resources
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Maxime Berlingin Partner, Head of Dispute ResolutionArbitrationAsset ManagementCommercial FraudDispute Resolution
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Dr Philipp Plog Managing Partner - Germany, Technology & DataIntellectual PropertyRetail and ConsumerTechnology, Media and Telecommunications
What others say…
Daniel is an amazing team player, who acts as a shepherd leading the team to success in even the most complicated cases.
Daniel is very cool, calm and collected. He is strategic and gets on well with clients. He is a great advocate who is very clear.
Daniel Hayward is a true star among the younger generation of partners. He has a deservedly loyal client following and is a genuine expert.