Clifford Chance's lawsuit against SocGen can continue in London, appeal court rules

LONDON (Reuters) - Clifford Chance's lawsuit against Societe Generale over the law firm's representation of the French lender in a dispute over a $483 million gold deal can continue in London, the Court of Appeal ruled on Monday.

Clifford Chance acted for Societe Generale between 2008 and 2017 after it sued Turkish jewellers Goldas Kuyumculuk Sanayi Ithalat Ihracat in London in relation to 15.725 metric tons of gold bullion.

Societe Generale's case against Goldas was ultimately dismissed, prompting the bank to accuse Clifford Chance of negligence.

Clifford Chance applied to London's High Court for a declaration that it was not liable to Societe Generale.

Societe Generale argued that any dispute should be heard in France but that application was rejected in October 2023 by the High Court. The French lender's appeal against that ruling was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on Monday.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James)