Tatiana Soroka, the former wife of Russian billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov, is facing a £2 million legal bill as she pursues a negligence claim against Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia and her law firm, Payne Hicks Beach, as reported by The Times.
Soroka, 52, has accused Shackleton – one of Britain’s most well-known divorce lawyers – of failing to act on opportunities to seize her ex-husband’s £200 million super-yacht, Luna, which was docked in Miami for five months in 2017.
Following their divorce, Akhmedov refused to comply with a High Court order requiring him to pay Soroka £453 million. She claims that better legal advice could have led to a more favourable settlement. However, the firm argues that Soroka expressly stated she was “not interested” in impounding the yacht at the time.
The legal battle is set for a 20-day trial next year. In a preliminary hearing, the judge, Master Kaye, acknowledged the estimated £2 million legal costs but noted there was “no breakdown” provided. Soroka had sought to split the trial into two parts, but the judge rejected this, citing the impact on witnesses.
Soroka had attempted to settle the dispute, but Payne Hicks Beach responded that they were “not yet willing to engage.” The firm denies any negligence, stating they had only been instructed to explore the possibility of arresting Akhmedov, not the yacht.
Ultimately, Soroka settled with Akhmedov in 2021, reportedly receiving £100 million in cash and £50 million worth of artwork.
