Overview
Natalia Gofman practices in international commercial arbitration and all areas of commercial litigation, involving both domestic and international elements, with a particular focus on civil fraud, asset tracing and recovery, enforcement actions, and international banking and finance.
Natalia has extensive experience in complex, high-value and cross-border commercial disputes, working closely with foreign lawyers and counsel from a wide-range of jurisdictions in respect of enforcement proceedings, particularly on matters involving Eastern Europe and CIS countries.
Natalia is consistently recognized by Legal 500 UK for her work in civil fraud and international arbitration. Legal 500 UK 2023 describes Natalia as having "exceptional attention to detail", an "impeccable work ethic" and "a partner-level approach to solving issues."
- Solicitor, England & Wales
- L.P.C., The College of Law
- LL.B., Anglia Ruskin University
Representative Matters
- Represented a UK company in LCIA proceedings against an African company concerning the sale and purchase of steel billets in Nigeria.
- Acted in LCIA proceedings for a UK company in contractual claims relating to development of mineral projects against an African energy company and other entities. Secured several awards totalling approximately US$60 million, currently being enforced in Nigeria.
- Acted for two banks in LCIA proceedings relating to a US$600 million fraud involving the exchange of secured, interest-bearing loans for long-term, unsecured, unrated, and non-income-producing bonds. Obtained an award for US$600 million.
- Represented NBT in a High Court fraud case against multiple defendants, which also involved Russian sanctions-related issues. The case addressed the interpretation of "control" under Regulation 7(4) of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, and whether NBT was indirectly sanctioned through alleged control by the Russian government, which would have barred it from pursuing the claim. Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of NBT.
- Acted for a bank in LCIA proceedings concerning a guarantee liability against a sanctioned Russian businessman. Obtained an award of US$40 million.
- Represented a UK financial institution in a multi-million-pound claim in the English High Court against a UK investment fund, arising from fraudulent acts committed by a former employee of the fund.
- Acted for National Trust Bank in a US$900 million claim against former directors and majority shareholders who engaged in a dishonest conspiracy, misappropriating millions through a complex network of offshore companies. The Court upheld the Bank's claim, finding the principal defendants had orchestrated a scheme involving concealment of bad debts, related-party lending, and falsification of the Bank's accounts (one of The Lawyer's "Top 20" cases).
- Acted for Otkritie Bank, the victim of a US$150 million securities fraud perpetrated by former employees, involving family members and multiple offshore vehicles used to launder the proceeds. Assisted the Bank with enforcement actions in Spain, Israel, Latvia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Georgia following judgment in the English High Court.
News & Publications
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives Seven Practice and Ten Individual Rankings in Legal 500 UK 2026
October 1, 2025
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives Seven Practice Rankings and Nine Individual Awards in The Legal 500 UK 2025
October 3, 2024
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives Seven Practice Rankings, Seven Individual Awards in The Legal 500 UK 2024
October 4, 2023
Media Mentions
February 22, 2022
Media Mentions
Global Arbitration Review Covers Steptoe's Success for National Bank Trust and Otkritie
December 23, 2021
Media Mentions
The Lawyer Names Steptoe's Representation of Pipia as a 'Case to Watch in 2021'
February 17, 2021
Press Releases
Legal Week, The Lawyer Shortlist Steptoe for Litigation Team of the Year Awards
September 25, 2020
Press Releases
The Lawyer Names Steptoe’s Russian Bank Litigation a ‘Top 20 Case of 2017’
January 25, 2017
Noteworthy
- Legal 500 UK, "Leading Associate," Commercial Litigation (2025, 2026)
- Legal 500 UK, "Rising Star," Commercial Litigation (2024)
- Legal 500 UK, "Leading Associate," Fraud: Civil (2026)
Professional Affiliations
- London Solicitors Litigation Association (LSLA)
- LCIA Young International Arbitration Group