Neil J. Oxford
Locations
Bar Admissions
New York
Education
University of Cambridge, LL.M., First Class Honors University of Aberdeen, LL.B., First Class Honors
Neil Oxford is Chair of Hughes Hubbard & Reed and a partner in the firm’s Litigation department.
As Chair, Neil sets the firm’s strategic direction and leads its continued growth as a preeminent independent law firm. He serves as a principal ambassador for the firm, strengthening relationships with clients and the broader business and legal communities and advancing the firm’s reputation in the United States and internationally. His focus is on further enhancing the qualities that distinguish Hughes Hubbard: independence, exceptional client service, sophisticated cross-border capabilities and a sustained commitment to excellence.
Alongside his leadership responsibilities, Neil maintains an active practice focused on complex commercial litigation, international disputes and investigations. Having practiced in both the United Kingdom and the United States, he brings a transatlantic perspective to high-stakes matters for U.S. and international clients, including commercial disputes, international arbitration, investigations and regulatory matters.
Neil is a seasoned cross-border litigator who represents sovereigns, global companies and other institutions in disputes involving substantial financial and reputational stakes. His work includes major fraud-recovery matters arising from sophisticated international schemes. He currently represents multiple sovereign victims of cum-ex dividend arbitrage fraud, including the Danish tax authority in proceedings to recover proceeds of an alleged $2 billion fraud. The Hughes Hubbard team has secured a $500 million jury verdict and a $165 million bench-trial victory in that litigation, in addition to negotiating settlements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
Since becoming Chair in 2024, Neil has pursued a strategy of selective growth centered on Hughes Hubbard’s distinctive strengths as an independent international firm. He has overseen investments in complex disputes, international arbitration, investigations, regulatory enforcement and finance; expanded the firm’s senior talent in New York, Washington and Paris; and strengthened its Washington litigation and arbitration platform through the combination with Schulman Bhattacharya. He has also led efforts to sharpen the firm’s market position and communicate the advantages of its independence, cross-border capabilities and collaborative approach to client service.
Highlighted Matters
In re Skat Tax Refund Scheme Litigation, 356 F. Supp. 3d 300; Stein v. Skatteforvaltningen, No. 23 Civ. 2508 (NRB) (S.D.N.Y.): Representation of the Danish tax authority in federal and state courts seeking to recover more than $2 billion allegedly obtained through fraudulent tax-refund claims. The Hughes Hubbard team has secured a $500 million jury verdict and a $165 million bench-trial victory and has negotiated settlements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
Oberon Securities, LLC, v Primary Health Properties PLC et al (S.D.N.Y.), representation of defendants in funding fee dispute.
Representation of defendants in $130 million fraud case (Miami Dade County, Fl).
In re Sears Holdings Corporation, et al., U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York (S.D.N.Y.), representation of the Honorable J. Douglas Cunningham Q.C., the Litigation Trustee for Sears Canada Inc.
Representation of world-leading aerospace and defense company in connection with anti-corruption reviews, related investigations and arbitrations
In re Nortel Networks, Inc., 532 B.R. 494 (Bankr. D. Del. 2015; Superior Court, Ontario, Canada), representation of insolvency administrators of Nortel Group’s European, Middle Eastern, and African affiliates in a first of its kind cross-border trial over allocation of $7.3 billion in proceeds of asset sales
In re Lehman (US Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York (S.D.N.Y.)), representation of trustee in trial of claims arising from the sale of Lehman Brothers’ broker-dealer business to Barclays Capital
In re Lehman Bros. Holdings Inc., 445 B.R. 143 (Bankruptcy Court S.D.N.Y. 2011); In re Lehman Bros. Inc., 478 B.R. 570 (S.D.N.Y. 2012) “Lehman’s Trustee Set for Windfall After Court Ruling on Barclays Deal,” Financial Times, Feb. 24, 2011
In re Lehman (US Bankruptcy Court, S.D.N.Y. 2013), representation of trustee in litigation and settlement of over $30 billion in claims by insolvency administrators of Lehman Brothers’ European broker-dealer
BBX Capital Asset Management LLC v. Catalfumo, et al. (17th Judicial Circuit, Florida 2013), representation of Royal Bank of Canada (Channel Islands) Limited in defense of fraudulent conveyance claims
USA, ex rel. John Raynor v. National Rural Utilities Co Op, et al. (Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals 2012), representation of the auditor of an electric utilities co-op in a whistleblower action under the False Claims Act, resulting in dismissal of all claims relating to alleged auditing fraud
In Re: National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation et al. (District of Delaware 2013), representation of the auditor of an electric utilities co-op in a RICO action, resulting in dismissal of all claims, and currently on appeal
Wilmington Trust Co. and ORIX Aviation Systems Ltd. v. Rolls-Royce PLC and IAE International Aero Engines AG (Court of Session, Scotland 2011), opinion on New York law in connection with litigation in Scotland regarding aircraft lease and liens
Bernshtein v. City of New York and Brockmann (S.D.N.Y. 2011, 2d. Cir. 2012), defense verdict at a jury trial of claims of civil rights violations by the City of New York and the arresting NYPD officer (directed verdict dismissing claims against the City and jury verdict dismissing claims against officer; upheld on appeal)
Travelex v. Jackson (New York Supreme Court 2010), judgment against employee for multimillion-dollar embezzlement
Weiss v. Deloitte Tax LLP (NY Supreme Court, Second Dept. 2009), briefed and argued appeal resulting in a decision affirming dismissal of professional negligence claims against a tax advisor
DeCrane Aerospace Inc. v. Deloitte Financial Advisory Services (NY Supreme Court 2009), dismissal of a professional negligence claim against forensic accountants and award of a counterclaim
In re Scottish Re Group Securities Litigation (S.D.N.Y. 2008), dismissal of securities fraud claim against the auditor of a reinsurance company, leading to a favorable settlement on the remaining claim
Old Ladder Litigation Co., LLC v. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (S.D.N.Y. 2008), dismissal of a professional negligence claim against the auditor of a manufacturing company
Representation of Merck in Vioxx and Fosamax product liability litigation, and related congressional and governmental investigations into Vioxx
Heel Stone v. Evisu (S.D.N.Y. 2004), dismissal of a temporary restraining order and complaint against a clothing manufacturer
Pro bono representation of a wide variety of individuals and organizations, including Riverside Language Program
Previous Experience
Prior to joining Hughes Hubbard & Reed in 2001, Neil qualified as a solicitor in Scotland and practiced commercial litigation at Maclay Murray & Spens LLP in Glasgow.
Professional Activities
Founder and vice-president, Scottish Bar Association of New York
International Committee, Law Society of Scotland
Court Admissions
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
News & Insights For Neil J. Oxford
View All News & InsightsNeil Oxford Appointed to Law Society of Scotland’s International Committee
Neil Oxford has been appointed to the International Committee for the Law Society of Scotland.
Hughes Hubbard Recognized in The National Law Journal’s 2026 Elite Trial Lawyer Awards
Hughes Hubbard has been recognized as a finalist for The National Law Journal’s 2026 Elite Trial Lawyer Awards in the Securities Litigation/Shareholder Rights category.
Second Circuit Panel Hears SKAT Revenue Rule Defense Argument in $2.1B Fraud Appeal
Hughes Hubbard is continuing its representation of the Customs and Tax Administration of the Kingdom of Denmark, or Skatteforvaltningen, in ongoing appellate proceedings before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit arising from a $2.1 billion fraud scheme.
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