Robin Rathmell

Spear’s Review

Qualified in both the UK (as a barrister) and the US, Robin Rathmell’s comprehensive practice at Kasowitz Benson Torres covers fraud, money laundering and other forms of financial misconduct. Acting on behalf of HNWs and institutions, the vast majority of his cases are international and complex in nature, usually spanning several jurisdictions.

Adroit at working offensively and defensively on global litigation strategies, Rathmell understands the parallel reputation issues that can emerge in such cases.

‘Litigation issues for UHNWs are typically multifaceted, involving a combination of in-court and out-of-court strategies, and span a variety of jurisdictions,’ he says. ‘It’s important to have a central coordinating counsel who can outline how results affect other parallel proceedings and the overarching global strategy.’

Adviser Profile

Dual-qualified as an English barrister and US lawyer, Robin Rathmell represents UHNWIs and institutions in cross-border disputes involving, asset forfeiture, contentious trust disputes, and international sanctions regimes. He often coordinates global strategies tailored to a client's specific goals, while proactively identifying and mitigating his clients' anticipated needs. 

Mr Rathmell has extensive experience handling reputation management and crisis communications issues arising from engagements involving allegations of fraud, money laundering, and other financial misconduct. ‘It is crucial to devise bespoke strategic solutions when representing UHNWIs whose circumstances change – often at short notice – requiring offensive, counter-offensive, and defensive strategies in relation to their issues,’ he says. These solutions are not limited to traditional litigation based approaches, but combine legal strategies with complimentary solutions including reputation management, lobbying, political outreach and national security cooperation.

One of the cases Mr Rathmell has worked extensively on this year has been acting as counsel to Princess Corinna Sayn-Wittgenstein in connection with ongoing criminal investigations and other proceedings surrounding Juan Carlos I, the King Emeritus of Spain. 

Beyond his immediate practice, Robin Rathmell is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners and a Fellow of the International Compliance Association. Prior to joining Kobre & Kim, he practised as a barrister at Serle Court, focusing on offshore trusts disputes and international commercial litigation. A graduate of the University of Cambridge, Rathmell holds a double first-class honours degree.