• William Charles

    Regional Partner / New York

  • Tel +86-21-6061-3463

    Email qinchao@zhonglun.com

  • Practices

    Blockchain and Digital Asset Practice,Global Asset Recovery Practice,Investment Fund Litigation,Investment Advisor & Asset Manager Litigation,Blockchain,Fraud & Asset Recovery

William Charles

William Charles, a partner in Quinn Emanuel's London office, focuses on complex, high value commercial disputes and investigations. Will has exceptional experience across a range of sectors, including banking and financial services, private equity and credit, asset management, technology and energy.

Clients have praised Will as "outstanding," noting his "invaluable guidance" and "brilliant client service." Legal 500 highlights his practical, commercial approach to resolving disputes successfully, supported by his deep knowledge and exceptional technical ability, with clients noting that Will "stood out as very practical in his advice. To the point guidance, and a clear way of communicating", with “deep banking experience”, providing “a masterclass in legal knowledge and technique”. Another client describes him as "sharp, responsive, and easy to work with."

Will represents an impressive roster of clients, including leading global financial institutions, private equity and private credit firms, asset managers, investment funds, energy companies, and technology businesses. He also advises financial services professionals across all seniority levels, including C-suite executives.

  • Notable Representations

    Representing a FTSE 100-listed alternative investment management firm, successfully defending claims against an investment vehicle brought by a co-investor in a high-profile shareholder dispute relating to a substantial private equity and credit investment in the technology sector (Maloney v Falcon VII Investment SARL [2025] EWHC 240 (Comm)). Cited by The Lawyer as one of the Top 20 cases of 2025.

    Representing a leading global investment management firm in the defence of a high-value Commercial Court claim brought by a UK pension fund alleging negligence and breaches of contract in relation to a c.£500 million investment in a portfolio including US mortgage-backed securities (MBS).

    Representing a major global private equity firm in confidential expert determination proceedings of substantial value following a major acquisition in the European energy sector.

    Representing a global asset management firm in relation to complex civil fraud and shareholder claims worth c.£180 million, brought in the English High Court against third party investment managers and numerous corporate entities located in several jurisdictions. Listed by The Lawyer as one of the Top 20 cases of 2014.

    Representing a senior investment banking executive co-defending (with the investment bank) complex civil fraud claims brought in the High Court of very substantial value relating to the high-profile collapse of the Icelandic bank, Kaupthing.

  • Bar Admissions/Professional Qualifications

    Solicitor, England and Wales

    Solicitor Advocate, Higher Rights of Audience (Civil)

  • Education

    University of Oxford, M.A. (Oxon)

    BPP University Law School, PgDL

    BPP University Law School, L.P.C.