Steven is Head of Litigation, Trusts and Financial Services at Ramparts, where he leads a dedicated team providing comprehensive expertise in litigation and dispute resolution. Steven is a multifaceted lawyer, handling complex civil and commercial disputes and leading transaction mandates, with a strong focus on the financial services sector, including engagements around the sale of private banks with multi-billion-pound assets under portfolio.
In Gibraltar, he is well regarded as a leading Counsel on complex business and trust disputes. He is experienced in high-stakes matters, having been central to two of the largest value trust and commercial cases in Gibraltar’s history. He is widely regarded as a go-to contact by CEOs, Managing Directors and Family Offices, providing practical ad hoc advice and strategic guidance as a General Specialist Counsel.
Steven’s instructions entail high-value disputes with cross-border dimensions, where he has guided clients through complex regulatory and procedural landscapes and has been central in coordinating multi-jurisdictional litigation or arbitration strategies.
Areas of Expertise
Litigation: Corporate, Commercial, Crypto, Financial Services and Trusts / Insolvency and Restructuring / Multi-jurisdictional Disputes & Arbitration / Admiralty Claims (Ship Arrests) / Defamation and Privacy Law
Experience Advising
Record-Breaking Trust Litigation: Acted in a £1.9 billion claim involving parallel injunctive proceedings against a Gibraltar trust as part of an international divorce, one of the highest-value disputes in the jurisdiction’s history.
Multi-jurisdictional dispute involving USA NASDAQ stock exchange: Steven was also responsible for a multi-jurisdictional dispute involving family members with an underlying listed entity in the USA NASDAQ stock exchange with underlying assets of GBP 2.1 billion.
Bilateral Investment Treaty Arbitration: Served as lead Partner in a USD 2 billion claim between a US entity and the Republic of Slovakia concerning oil drilling exploration rights.
Major Insolvency Mandates: Instructed on substantial insurance insolvency cases, including Lemma Insurance (post-administration), Hill Insurance, and acting for a subsidiary in the Enterprise Insurance liquidation.
GVC Holdings Plc (Entain): Successfully obtained an anti-suit injunction restraining proceedings before the New Jersey Courts (United States of America), establishing key precedents on “reflexive effect” under the Brussels Recast Regulation.
Spread Betting Dispute: Represented a leading Gibraltar gaming listed entity on a spread betting case initiated by one of its clients, in the sum of circa GBP 25 million. The case also involved complex issues of investment laws under, inter alia, MIFID II provisions and UK Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) rules
The Royal Bank of Scotland: Managed a court-appointed receivership over shares in a multinational group with real estate assets valued at over EUR 80 million.
Bominflot: Represented this multinational corporate group in a negligence claim against an audit firm valued at over EUR 80 million.
“Steven de Lara has been incredibly responsive and supportive with all of my legal matters. He explains complex issues in a clear and practical way, always acts quickly, and gives me confidence that my case is in safe hands. What I value most is his approachable style combined with real legal expertise — he is thorough, dependable, and always available when I need clarity or reassurance. Steven brings not only excellent knowledge but also a solutions-driven, business-minded approach. His attention to detail and proactive guidance have helped me navigate complex challenges with peace of mind. I would strongly recommend Steven to anyone seeking a lawyer who is responsive, reliable, and truly committed to protecting his clients’ interests.”
Lili Olivero, Founder / Director
Green Wave Ltd (Eco Loyalty Rewards Platform. Winner GFSB Business innovation 2024. Winner ‘Best Green Product’ at the 2024 Nautilus Sustainability Awards. Winner ‘Environmental Impact Award’ 2025. Ladies That Rock the Rock)
Professional Activities
Steven has contributed extensively to legal literature and industry analysis, having drafted numerous articles and guides on the Gibraltar legal landscape and emerging technologies, including:
- Commercial Litigation Guides: Author of several comprehensive Q&A guides and overviews regarding commercial litigation proceedings in Gibraltar, covering procedural steps, evidence, causes of action, and enforcement.
- Complex Claims Analysis: Published strategic rundowns on bringing and responding to complex commercial claims, including establishing jurisdiction, pre-action conduct, and interim relief.
- Technology & Data Protection: Authored pioneering articles on the role of data protection in distributed ledger technology and the necessity of regulatory frameworks for blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
- Commercial Litigation Guides: Contributor of structured guides to complex commercial litigation in Gibraltar for international legal platforms.