Jason Woodland
Jason is a partner in our Fraud & Civil Disputes team. He advises both individuals and corporates on complex disputes, often involving allegations of fraud. He has over 15 years' experience of representing clients in court proceedings and arbitrations.
Jason has represented a large number of clients in fraud disputes, and often deals with cases involving urgent injunctions (including freezing orders and search orders).
He advises claimants seeking to trace and recover the proceeds of fraud, both in England and abroad, using the wide range of powers available to the English courts.
Jason also acts for defendants who may be subject to draconian court orders. Jason has acted for both claimants and defendants in contempt proceedings brought to enforce English court orders.
Most of Jason’s work involves an international element, and he is used to co-ordinating proceedings in multiple jurisdictions including Russia, Ukraine, Switzerland, Hong Kong, the United States and all the major off-shore jurisdictions.
Where allegations of fraud are made, there are often parallel criminal investigations and Jason is used to advising on cases where there are such investigations.
Jason also represents parties to arbitrations, and has experience of proceedings under ICC, UNCITRAL and LCIA rules as well as ad hoc arbitrations.
Chambers 2025 ranks Jason for Civil Fraud, noting his broad experience in handling high-value disputes arising out of alleged fraudulent activity and his notable expertise in claims related to joint ventures and corporate transactions, including multi-jurisdictional matters. Clients praised Jason as being “very impressive technically”, “very focused, calm and very good on strategy”, for “being very impressive technically and a very good lawyer”, and for providing “great service and [having] great knowledge in international cases". In Legal 500 2024, another client said that “Jason Woodland is a great operator and a star of the future”.
Case examples
Acted for a Russian businessman Alexander Tugushev on Commercial Court claims brought against Vitaly Orlov and others relating to one of Russia’s largest international fishing businesses.
Representing the Republic of Mozambique in defending a series of claims arising out of the "Tuna Bond scandal".
Represented a prominent Russian businessman in defending contempt proceedings.
Acting for the English Department of Health in a major competition claim against a pharmaceutical company.
Defending a well-known Russian individual against a claim by a Russian state enterprise.
Related expertise
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Asset Tracing & Recovery
- Civil Fraud
- Commercial Litigation
- Competition & Antitrust
- Criminal Cartels
- Directors’ Duties & Disqualification
- Employee Fraud
- Fraud & Commercial Disputes
- Freezing Injunctions & Search Orders
- Insolvency & Bankruptcy
- International Arbitration
- Mediation
- Trust Litigation