Jessica Wakelin

Jessica represents high-net worth individuals and corporate clients in high-value complex commercial disputes. She regularly works with multi-jurisdictional teams of lawyers, experts and other professionals in proceedings arising out of civil fraud and contractual disputes.

Jessica also undertakes advisory work for a Formula 1 Team.

Jessica joined LK in 2023 and was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2025 after completing her training contract and LPC LLM at the firm. Jessica has a BA (Hons) in History and Religious Studies from The College of William & Mary in the US, a Master of Arts in Human Rights from University College London, and a GDL from the University of Law. She also attended a Law and Public Policy Program at The National Law School of India University in Bangalore, India.

Jessica is a member of the Society for English and American Lawyers

Experience

The Public Institution for Social Security v Al Wazzan (as representative of Al Rajaan) & Others

Acting for four of 45 defendants in a c. US$1 billion international fraud claim brought in the Commercial Court by the Kuwaiti State pension fund, The Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS). The claim centres on allegations of long-running schemes to make and conceal corrupt payments, including alleged secret commissions paid to PIFSS’ most senior officer over a period of two decades. The matter raises complex, multi-jurisdictional issues requiring detailed consideration of Kuwaiti, Swiss and English law. The proceedings were recognised among The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases” in both 2020 and 2025 and remain one of the most substantial pieces of litigation ever brought before the Commercial Court, with a 12-month trial concluding in March 2026.

Eletson

Acting for an international energy transport operator group specialising in oil and gas cargoes, in ongoing disputes with its former owners, shareholders and affiliated companies, valued at least U$650 million.

The disputes arise primarily from the client’s former owners’ refusal to comply with the terms of a Chapter 11 restructuring plan approved by the US Bankruptcy Court, resulting in extensive legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions in respect of the ownership and control of the company, and its fleet of maritime vessels.

The global nature of the dispute requires LK to coordinate with local counsel in various jurisdictions including the US, Greece, Malaysia, Liberia, and Japan.

UHNWI – Agency agreement

Acting for our client and his mother in an LCIA arbitration brought by a BVI company in connection with work allegedly carried out under an agency agreement to assist in the recovery of two high-end leasehold properties in London.

IPO Agreement Dispute

Acted for an individual and company in a dispute concerning fees payable in connection with an imminent IPO. The dispute centred on the priority of payment of sums raised by the IPO. The opposing party allegedly intended to distribute IPO proceeds to third parties ahead of our clients in breach of an agreement. We prepared urgent injunctive relief to prevent distribution of the proceeds and secured a timely resolution of the matter.

Respondent in Contempt Proceedings

Acting for the respondents to an application for committal for contempt of Court regarding various alleged breaches of worldwide freezing and injunctive orders in High Court proceedings. LK was instructed to act shortly before a substantive hearing of this application, and was successful in obtaining an adjournment of the hearing.

Formula 1 Advisory Work

Advising a Formula One team on the interpretation and application of various FIA Formula One regulations, including the FIA International Sporting Code and the F1 Sporting and Technical Regulations, in relation to regulatory compliance and potential disputes arising during the championship season.