Addleshaw Goddard is to hire Maria Frangeskides into its commercial disputes team as a partner, based in London.

Maria joins from Orrick, where she built a strong practice advising multinational companies, large corporates and high net worth individuals in Commercial Court litigation and international arbitration, spanning a variety of sectors and with a particular expertise in civil fraud and shareholder and joint venture disputes.  

Maria's hire is part of a strategic drive to grow the firm's already strong capability in high value, cross border disputes.  In January 2021, the firm opened an office in Paris, which includes two dedicated disputes partners, David Pére and Cécile Terret (both of whom do cross border fraud work), expanding its capability across continental Europe. In May 2020 the firm also hired private prosecutions and criminal fraud expert, Polly Sprenger, from US firm Katten Muchin Rosenman, which now allows the firm a unique platform in the cross over space between civil and criminal cases and investigations. 

Maria, who will join the firm on 22 February 2021, has over 30 years' experience in commercial disputes, not only advising clients in civil commercial disputes and fraud matters, but also building a strong practice in international arbitration, including international trade. Before joining Orrick, Maria was head of Coudert Brothers' litigation and arbitration practice in London.

Mark Molyneux, head of AG's commercial disputes team, said: "Maria is a perfect fit for our ambitious commercial disputes team - she has a proven track record in high profile and substantial pieces of litigation, particularly in the fraud, high net worth and funds areas." 

Michael Barnett, Litigation Managing Partner, said: "Continuing to build out our high value commercial disputes platform generally, and Civil Fraud, specifically, is a key driver of our investment strategy in a buoyant international fraud disputes market. Hiring Maria demonstrates our commitment to growing in this market, and will add significant strength to our platform. We are delighted to welcome Maria to the team."