The Legal 500

The growing volume of litigation arising from the global recession has been particularly notable in areas such as fraud, white-collar crime, and banking and shareholder disputes, as well as contentious regulatory matters and EU-related cartel claims. Particular geographical areas generating disputes include the Middle East, often in construction matters, while Russia and CIS-related issues have been clogging up London’s commercial courts. The year’s headline natural disasters, in countries such as Australia and Japan, also fuelled some practices’ workloads.

On the banking litigation side, and in the related realm of regulatory investigations, areas of activity include disputes involving derivatives and structured finance products, with a focus on mis-selling, lack of capacity/authority and alleged failure to treat customers fairly. Disputes are also increasingly international in nature, giving rise to related jurisdictional battles. Conflict-free litigation firms able to take on cases against the banks have been attracting an increasing flow of work related to the credit crunch.

London has managed to retain its appeal as a major arbitral centre, but the Court of Appeal’s decision in Hashwani v Jivraj did represent a further challenge to London as a seat of arbitration, as it involved the interpretation of an English piece of legislation which implements an EU Directive. Many of the large London arbitration mandates were in the energy sector, with the number of gas price arbitrations between sellers outside Europe and buyers within Europe increasing. In the world of public international law, the Middle East’s recent uprisings gave rise to advice on sanctions, while bilateral investment treaties remain a strong source of work.

The market remains competitive and fluid. Halliwells’ collapse provided Clyde & Co LLP with the lateral hire of Marko Kraljevic, while Stephenson Harwood beefed up with Sean Jeffrey arriving from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and Sara George from Allen & Overy LLP. Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s former litigation chief Julian Randall exited for Taylor Wessing LLP. Others have been busy consolidating; in 2011, seven partners from Dawsons LLP, plus their assistants, joined Penningtons Solicitors LLP, while Stewarts Law LLP acquired litigation practice Masseys LLP.

As for major moves in arbitration, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s international arbitration head Peter Flint left for Wragge & Co LLP, and Herbert Smith LLP’s David Brynmor Thomas departed for the Bar. In public international law Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Peter Rees QC exited to become Royal Dutch Shell’s legal director.

US firms, which generally fare better in the international arbitration ranking than in the litigation tables, are intent upon growing their London dispute resolution practices. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld launched its London team in September 2009 when it recruited Linklaters LLP’s energy disputes head Justin Williams; and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP hired Olswang’s litigation head Martin Davies and Alex Gerbi, as well as Robert Hickmott from CMS Cameron McKenna LLP. Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP recently took on DLA Piper UK LLP’s Julian Stait and Tom Canning.

The impressive global reach of Allen & Overy LLP, combined with the considerable strength in depth of a ten-partner team, sees it at the cutting edge of the most significant and complex financial disputes. Highlights included acting for RBS in its inter-creditor dispute regarding Cattles plc, where a first instance decision in favour of RBS was recently upheld in the Court of Appeal. Marc Florent is ‘a first-rate litigator who combines excellent analytical skills with a keen appreciation of the commercial needs and priorities of the client’; and Andrew Denny has ‘particular strength in lateral thinking to deliver innovative solutions to complex legal problems’. Tim House is also highly recommended.

Recent highlights for the team at Clifford Chance include successfully acting for JP Morgan in a Court of Appeal hearing involving a claim of around $1bn for the alleged misselling of emerging market debt instruments to Greek-based shipowners. Ian Moulding is ‘a rigorous strategic thinker, who both tests and listens to the opinions of other team members’; Jeremy Kosky is ‘very commercially focused and completely unflappable’; and Martin Saunders is praised for his ‘calmness under fire and his encyclopaedic knowledge’. Simon Davis and Roger Best are also highly recommended.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP assists a wide range of financial institutions. Notable recent work includes acting for the British Bankers’ Association in a significant judicial review application against the FSA and FOS regarding mechanisms for customer redress and the misselling of PPI. Regulatory work included acting for Goldman Sachs on the UK aspects of the issues relating to its ‘Abacus’ CDO. Ian Taylor and Simon Orton are highly recommended. The practice was strengthened by the firm’s hire of three additional partners in the US.

Herbert Smith LLP has a cohesive international practice, and recently acted for Credit Suisse in the Paris courts in connection with alleged misselling of a CDO- linked investment. The team also successfully acted for RBS in achieving summary judgment, upheld at the Court of Appeal, regarding a dispute over a proposed CDO transaction; and acted for the Financial Guaranty Insurance Company in a damages claim arising out of a financial guarantee given in respect of a collapsed $2.5bn portfolio. Damien Byrne Hill leads the team, and Sonya Leydecker is well known in the field.

Hogan Lovells International LLP continues to benefit from its 2010 merger, with an increase in instructions involving cross-border issues. Recent work includes assisting banks in devising strategies for, and subsequently defending, mass consumer claims regarding the enforceability of credit card and loan agreements, and for the repayment of PPI. Jon Holland is ‘much sought after by clients for their trickiest problems and their high-profile disputes’. Andrea Monks is ‘truly an outstanding litigator. She is tactically brilliant and incredibly hardworking, and a delight to work with’. Louise Lamb has ‘excellent knowledge of banking products and operations’.

Linklaters LLP consistently acts in high-value, multi-jurisdictional cases often involving reputational risks. In addition to its continuing work for PwC as joint adminstrators of Lehman Brothers International (Europe), the team is defending Barclays Capital against a high-profile claim by Cassa di Risparmio della Repubblica di San Marino (CRSM) relating to the sale of credit-linked notes under a €700m financing package for two CRSM subsidiaries. Practice head Alan Walls is a well-known and highly respected personality in the field, as is Christa Band, who has significant experience in regulatory investigations and professional disciplinary proceedings.

Slaughter And May has particularly strong experience in class action disputes, and successfully represented HM Treasury all the way to the Supreme Court in relation to the Northern Rock judicial review proceedings. Other recent work for HM Treasury includes successfully acting in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court against the administrators of Kaupthing Bank, who commenced proceedings to determine the ownership of deposits amounting to £147m. The team is also advising Glitnir in contentious matters arising out of its insolvency, including possible claims against derivatives counterparties. Deborah Finkler is recommended.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP has a highly regarded practice valued for its ‘strong technical ability’ and ‘dynamism and hunger’; it is a ‘very agile firm’, and ‘shows more flexibility and openness to change than many of the currently dominant players’. The team has expanded at junior level, and invests in ongoing secondment arrangements with major clients. Recent work includes defending the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) against a claim by JP Morgan in the English courts involving swap transactions and European local authorities, with BVG’s jurisdictional challenge currently on referral to the ECJ. Michael Barnett and Mark Gill are both highly recommended.

Providing a ‘standout service’, Ashurst LLP ‘makes the effort to get to know and understand what you want as a client, tailors its approach, and delivers every time’. Longstanding clients include Goldman Sachs, Nomura, RBS and Santander. Recent work for Wilson Thorburn (who ‘knows how to tactically play a case’) includes acting for RBS in defending a $200m-plus claim by a Taiwanese shipping company regarding freight forwards and options trading. Ben Tidswell and James Levy are also recommended.

Mayer Brown International LLP has a focused and well-structured practice, attracting major domestic and international mandates. The team recently devised an innovative settlement structure for Golden Key Ltd following a series of major disputes regarding its complex SIV restructuring. Andrew Legg leads the team and is highly recommended, and Ian McDonald is a ‘very capable banking litigation lawyer – calm, thorough, experienced and with excellent judgement’.

Norton Rose LLP was boosted by the arrival of Paul Morris from SNR Denton, who has a strong reputation and broad experience in structured products and debt capital markets litigation. Group head Deirdre Walker ‘keeps things on track and is good at deflating attempts to distract, derail or inflame’. Morris, Michael Godden and Radford Goodman are all ‘hugely capable’ and ‘don’t favour getting bogged down in pointless and wasteful mud-slinging but prefer the approach of getting disputes dealt with as swiftly and effectively as possible’. New client wins include The Bank of New York Mellon, Citi, and Deutsche Bank.

Simmons & Simmons attracted a number of new high-profile clients in 2010, including Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Kaupthing Bank, while new litigation panel appointments included Citigroup and Lloyds TSB. Recent work includes advising on contentious issues relating to asset recovery arising from the insolvency of Lehman Brothers International (Europe). The team is ‘innovative and in tune, and able to deliver in all circumstances, and blends individual focus with broad capability’. Colin Passmore, Marc Thorley and Robert Turner are all highly recommended.

Baker & McKenzie LLP has ‘always been able to deal with very in-depth issues in the banking sector’. The team leverages the firm’s large global footprint to act in multi-jurisdictional matters, often involving emerging markets. Edward Poulton (‘a very clever, diligent and empathic lawyer with a human approach’) has been advising major Czech financial institution CSOB in complex multi-jurisdictional ICC arbitration proceedings valued at over $1bn. ‘Consummate team leader’ Anthony Poulton is ‘a very safe pair of hands, and is in his element in heavy financial cases’.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP welcomed Daren Allen from DLA Piper UK LLP, who brings over 20 years’ experience acting for financial institutions. The team works closely with the firm’s derivatives and structured products experts in representing clients affected by the economic collapse. It has also been acting for parties in litigation arising out of freight forwarding agreements under ISDA; and for Eurosail UK 2007 – 3BL plc in a £640m securitisation-related dispute bound for the Court of Appeal. David Hughes leads the team.

‘Outstanding litigator’ Natasha Harrison heads a niche practice at Bingham McCutchen (London) LLP specialising in banking and finance disputes, distressed debt and restructuring litigation, and regulatory matters. The team has ‘real litigation savvy plus a great awareness of how structured finance documents work’. Harrison led a team representing bondholders of Elektrim SA in 11 successful judgments before the English courts, concluding in a total recovery of over €700m.

Clients receive a ‘Rolls-Royce service’ from DLA Piper UK LLP. Nick Marsh and Ioannis Alexopoulos are ‘consummate professionals combining a faultless technical approach with a commercial, user-friendly and down-to-earth style’. Highlights included a precedent-setting Court of Appeal victory for Fortis Bank (now BNP Paribas Fortis) regarding the interpretation of UCP 600. Daren Allen left for Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP has an excellent reputation for acting against major commercial and investment banks in high-stakes litigation and arbitration. The specialist team expanded heavily in 2010, hiring Alex Gerbi and Martin Davies from Olswang, Robert Hickmott from CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, and eight new associates. Co-managing partner Richard East is a ‘feisty litigator’.

SJ Berwin LLP has a growing number of investment bank panel appointments, and has been acting in complex litigation matters involving derivatives and structured products, as well as in high-profile litigation regarding the rights and legitimate expectations of subordinated debt holders. Alex Leitch is ‘one of the finest lawyers in his field in the UK’; his ‘work ethic and dedication are exemplary’. Nick Brocklesby is ‘very bright and strategically astute, an excellent person to have on your side’. Craig Pollack leads the team.

Stephenson Harwood acts on a diverse range of international matters. Recent work includes acting for Natixis in a dispute involving notice served on Goldman Sachs International terminating three credit default swaps with a notional value of approximately $500m. The team is praised for its thorough and proactive approach, and its ability to deal efficiently with very complex litigation. John Fordham and Richard Gwynne are highly recommended, alongside Edward Davis (‘a very bright, sharp and pragmatic lawyer’) and Sunil Gadhia (‘a tough and efficient negotiator’).

Travers Smith LLP is widely thought of as a firm to watch in this area, and one of the few prepared to act against the banks. Recent work includes acting for Sebastian Holdings Inc in claims in the US and London against Deutsche Bank arising from a series of exotic derivatives transactions, involving the construction of ISDA agreements. The team has strength in depth; ‘some of its younger lawyers are developing excellent knowledge of the products and practices of investments banks’. Rob Fell and Andrew King are both recommended.

White & Case LLP’s team acts for banks as well as commercial parties in complex financial disputes, and is able to draw on support from the firm’s banking transactional experts. Recent work includes a dispute regarding rights of set-off under an ISDA master agreement. John Reynolds and Jason Yardley are recommended, and in-house silk John Higham QC has ‘the considerable and unique advantage of being part of the team, which means that he is more immediately accessible’.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is increasingly recognised for its ability to offer a high-quality service across Europe, and is handling an increasing amount of work for German retail and property banks. It has also been advising the liquidators of Stanford International Bank regarding its $8bn estate; and advising on claims relating to PPI. Duncan Aldred is recommended. Robert Hickmott left for Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP.

Acting for and against banks, Clyde & Co LLP continues to receive a strong flow of quality instructions, with an increase in work from international clients. Highlights included acting for a major European bank regarding the handling of certain investments and derivatives. Paul Friedman is a ‘proactive, tenacious and measured litigator with a good understanding of commercial realities’.

Relatively new four-partner boutique firm Cooke, Young & Keidan specialises in acting against the banks, and has made a sustained impact in the market. The firm is ‘responsive and client focused’, and ‘able to take on any of the biggest players in complex commercial litigation’. Philip Young and Marc Keidan are leading a team acting for funds managed by Texas hedge fund Highland Capital Management, in a £35m dispute with RBS regarding financing for a CLO securitisation.

Eversheds LLP has won a number of prestigious panel appointments, and has invested heavily in relationships with existing financial services clients by the placing of core team members in multiple secondments. Recent work includes acting in a €1.6bn dispute involving a range of issues relating to structured products. Matthew Allen leads the team, and is ably supported by Ben Bruton and Manchester-based Jonathon Crook.

Lawrence Graham LLP is acting for the Australian noteholders in relation to the Lehman CDO Programme, and was successful in upholding the validity of the priority provisions under English law, both at first instance and in the Court of Appeal. James Curle and Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry both have extensive experience in cross-border disputes.

Reed Smith is acting for hedge fund BC Capital Group in credit crunch litigation against Société Générale and Lyxor Asset Management, relating to the management of three structured investment vehicles. Charles Hewetson, Richard Spafford and David Warne offer a wealth of experience in the field.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP has made significant investments in its banking litigation practice. Following on from the arrival of Tom Hibbert from Reed Smith to head up the financial disputes team, the team welcomed former head of commercial disputes at Clyde & Co LLP, Jonathan Wood. The team also has an affiliation with David Doble Solicitors, with David Doble acting exclusively for institutional investors, advising on the legal and structural aspects of complex financial transactions.

SNR Denton’s transatlantic merger has significantly strengthened the team’s ability to deal with international financial disputes with a US element. Richard Caird, who ‘has huge experience which he keeps at his fingertips’, and associate Sam Coulthard (a ‘first-class assistant’ and ‘rising star’) won a comprehensive victory for RBS in a trial culminating in the first court decision to provide judicial guidance on who can bring claims for breach of FSA rules.

Stewarts Law LLP merged with four-partner banking litigation boutique Masseys in 2010, adding to the strength and depth of the team. The practice is focused on acting against the banks, advising on the full range of complex contentious issues arising out of the banking crisis. ‘Real go-getter’ Clive Zietman is ‘measured, realistic and tactical, and a very safe pair of hands’. Andrew Shaw and Keith Thomas are also very highly regarded.

Taylor Wessing LLP received a significant boost with the arrival of three partners from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP: former head of financial services Tim Strong; head of commercial disputes Julian Randall; and the highly regarded Andrew Howell. Recent highlights for the team, led by Shane Gleghorn, includes acting for RBS in a range of contentious matters, as claimant and defendant.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP’s practice benefits from the firm’s strong asset finance capability, particularly in the shipping and energy sectors, generating complex and high-value work for the litigation team. Highlights for practice head Andrew Savage included securing a victory for Lloyds TSB in a complex action concerning the termination of a ship finance lease.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP lost Tim Strong, Julian Randall and Andrew Howell to Taylor Wessing LLP. However the team, which acts against the banks, retains a wealth of experience through group head Neil Jamieson, James Cooper and new partner Chris Brennan.

Bird & Bird has a strong international practice, with particular expertise in the financial services and telecoms sectors. It acted for Finnish telecoms company Elisa Oyj in $60m High Court proceedings issued by UBS involving complex derivative products. Jeremy Sharman is ‘a clever, dedicated and thoroughly charming litigator’; and Sarah Walker has ‘bags of energy and drive, a real clients ’ lawyer’.

Brown Rudnick LLP is well placed to act against major financial institutions, predominantly acting for hedge funds and international investors. It has also been representing a Dutch pension fund regarding potential claims of €250m against one of the world’s largest investment banks. Neil Micklethwaite is well known and highly regarded.

Collyer Bristow LLP’s Stephen Rosen is ‘a real rainmaker who wins the confidence of clients and is very commercial in his approach’. The team has been acting against banks in matters involving the misselling of CDO structures, and ISDA agreements.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s team covers all aspects of the contentious finance arena, and is able to call on the firm’s financial services, and derivatives and structured finance teams. It is acting for Lehman Brothers Finance AG in a claim for over $1.3bn relating to client monies. Andrew Lafferty is ‘experienced and tough’; Kit Jarvis ‘brims with enthusiasm and is full of ideas’; and Duncan Black is ‘a real financial regulatory expert, particularly in funds work’.

Fladgate LLP has a growing reputation, and has been particularly busy acting against Swiss banks. Head of the team Paul Howcroft is experienced in international matters, including conflicts of law and jurisdiction.

Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP has an especially strong niche in stockbroking and investment management disputes. Recent work includes acting for a West African provider of investment banking services in a dispute with a Nigerian bank regarding repo and FX transactions worth over $80m. Chris Warren-Smith and Melanie Ryan are recommended.

Jones Day continues to advise clients such as Standard Chartered Bank plc, Bank of America and RBS, and has also been acting for Lehman Brothers Holding Inc in a claim brought in the US against Barclays. Craig Shuttleworth heads the team, whose advice is ‘practical and commercial but always based on a profound knowledge of the law’. Michael Brown is also recommended.

John Hull at Latham & Watkins LLP is ‘outstanding in every respect: as a lawyer, in client relations, first-class judgement, superb preparation, excellent support’. Recent work includes advising a Middle Eastern bank in arbitration proceedings with a Bahrain-based financial institution regarding the sale and purchase of certain investments.

Macfarlanes LLP is very active in cross-border disputes, and has a broad practice, serving a varied client base. Group head Barry Donnelly ‘combines excellent technical knowledge with strategic awareness’, and is currently representing WestLB in a complex dispute with Nomura.

Mishcon de Reya was recently successful for Bain Capital and the Ideal Standard Group in declaratory proceedings brought by the Strategic Value Master Fund (SVMF) regarding the waiver of alleged events of default. Adam Epstein ‘thinks about the deeper issues’; and Masoud Zabeti is ‘hands on’.

Nabarro LLP is acting for San Marino bank CRSM in a claim against Barclays regarding complex debt products. The team was also appointed to the Lloyds Banking Group panel for insurance litigation and contentious regulatory matters. Jonathan Warne heads the department; and insolvency partner Patricia Godfrey is ‘always on top of her subject’.

Shearman & Sterling LLP is currently assisting ENKA in pursuing enforcement action against two Italian banks, having obtained summary judgment in a claim worth $16m. The highly respected Jo Rickard heads the team; and Richard Kelly is ‘quite an operator’.

Also recommended are: Glovers Solicitors LLP, which is particularly active in the enforcement of secured loans and follow-on claims against guarantors, valuers and conveyancing solicitors; K&L Gates, which is advising in a dispute between Saad Trading and Société Générale regarding a $50m letter of credit; Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP, where the partners are noted for their experience in complex structured products and multi-jurisdictional litigation; Salans, which is strong in the asset-based lending arena, with Kevin Heath ‘an excellent negotiator and strategist’; Squire Sanders Hammonds, where Laurence Winston and Robert Weekes are well-known names; and TLT LLP, which recruited former Halliwells finance litigation partners David Pacey and Richard Clayton.

Clifford Chance is appreciated for its ‘dedication, clear advice and availability’. The practice acted for JPMorgan in the headline Court of Appeal hearing involving a claim for alleged mis-selling of emerging market debt instruments. Ian Moulding is ‘calm and imaginative’; Julian Acratopulo is ‘prompt to react and efficient’; and Matthew Newick has ‘formidable experience’. Jeremy Sandelson heads the team, and Kelwin Nicholls was appointed as partner.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP ‘always remains focused on the objectives’. The practice advised RBS in the high-profile dispute between Liverpool FC and its US owners. The team was also involved in many high-profile global investigations. Christopher Pugh is global practice group head; and Ian Taylor, Geoff Nicholas. Paul Bowden and James Kennedy are ‘efficient and responsive’. Patrick Swain, Raj Parker and Paul Lomas are also recommended.

Herbert Smith LLP ‘delivers what you would expect from the country’s best all-round commercial litigators’. Recent work includes advising an insolvent Swiss company in relation to English law claims against Lehman Brothers affiliates. Sonya Leydecker heads the practice; and Robert Hunter, Kevin Lloyd and Ted Greeno are highly rated. Hardeep Nahal left for McGuireWoods London LLP.

A ‘first-choice firm for professionalism’, Hogan Lovells International LLP was involved in bringing claims for JSC BTA Bank in London in relation to a series of apparently fraudulent transactions, and acted in three highly publicised pensions cases. Lawson Caisley ‘gives his clients a first-class response’. Patrick Sherrington, Chris Hardman and Andrea Monks are also recommended.

Allen & Overy LLP has ‘some of the most talented lawyers in the country’. The practice advised the principal defendants in a claim brought in the Chancery Division of the High Court relating to the sale of Kazakhgold and its subsidiary gold mining operation in Kazakhstan. Tim House’s ‘strategic vision and tactical guile are second to none’, and Jonathan Hitchin ‘inspires confidence’. Guy Henderson, Arnondo Chakrabarti and Peter Watson are also recommended.

Clyde & Co LLP’s promotion of Mike Swangard to the partnership and lateral hire of Marko Kraljevic from Halliwells and David Leckie from Maclay Murray & Spens LLP boosted its practice in the commodities and energy sectors. The firm continues to work across its core sectors of trade, natural resources, transport, infrastructure, real estate and insurance, and has growing capability in banking and finance, and technology matters. Paul Friedman is recommended.

The team at Linklaters LLP ‘throws itself into a case, and is robust but sensible’. The practice advised the joint administrators of Lehman Brothers International (Europe) in the High Court RASCALS application concerning the ownership of approximately £1bn of securities. Michael Bennett is national practice head. Satindar Dogra is ‘thorough in his approach’, and Kathryn Ludlow, Christopher Style QC and Euan Clarke are also recommended.

Simmons & Simmons focuses on financial institutions, energy and infrastructure, TMT and life sciences disputes. The team successfully represented Shell in the Court of Appeal regarding losses suffered following the Buncefield oil terminal explosion. Ian Hammond is international practice head, and Colin Passmore leads the litigation team. Nick Benwell, Christopher Braithwaite, Richard Bunce, Caroline Hunter-Yeats and David Sandy are all well-respected practitioners.

Slaughter and May’s team is ‘commercially very savvy’. It recently advised Liverpool FC in a number of urgent, high-profile court applications. Tax and competition litigation remain active areas for the practice. Richard Clark and Sarah Lee are well-respected litigators, and Nick Archer ‘must have a crystal ball, as things always pan out the way he forecasts’.

Stephenson Harwood’s team ‘masters all the details of a case whilst retaining a global view’. The team represented the former owner of BTA Bank in defending high-value High Court claims for alleged misappropriation and breaches of duties. John Fordham ‘offers outstanding service’; Sunil Gadhia’s ‘litigation strategy views are valued’; and Louis Flannery and Richard Gwynne are also recommended. Sean Jeffrey joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, along with Sara George from Allen & Overy LLP.

‘Totally trustworthy on every level’, Addleshaw Goddard LLP attracted a range of new instructions in financial services litigation, and continued to be instructed by a Russian oligarch in relation to claims he brought in the High Court. Contentious head Richard Leedham specialises in insurance and reinsurance litigation; and John Kelleher leads on product liability matters. Ben Lowans and Mark Molyneux were promoted to the partnership.

At Ashurst LLP, Wilson Thorburn defended RBS in a claim brought by a Taiwanese shipping company which traded freight forwards and options through the bank. Edward Sparrow, Ronnie King and Ben Tidswell are other key figures in the practice. Mark Clarke was promoted to the partnership.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s litigators are ‘technically competent and cost conscious’. The practice is known for its energy, construction and insurance expertise, and saw an increase in financial crisis related disputes. Highlights included acting for the world’s largest shipbroker in headline litigation involving defrauding allegations. Liam O’Connell heads the dispute resolution practice, with Tim Hardy leading on commercial litigation. Guy Pendell, Duncan Aldred and Kirsty Hick are key figures.

Mayer Brown International LLP ‘combines the best elements of a Magic Circle practice with those of a US firm’. David Allen is joint head of the global litigation team; Ian McDonald heads the London commercial dispute resolution practice; and the ‘experienced and sensible’ Andrew Legg heads the finance dispute resolution team. Clare Canning ‘combines steely resolve, intellectual rigour, and conscientiousness’, and Miles Robinson’s ‘attention to detail is second to none’. The team advised the HM Treasury’s independent valuer in assessing compensation due to former Northern Rock shareholders following the bank’s nationalisation.

Norton Rose LLP ramped up with David McKie joining from DLA Piper UK LLP along with Paul Morris from SNR Denton. The practice has sector strengths in energy and transport in addition to financial institutions, and recently acted for the US trustee of the liquidation of Lehman Brothers in a trial concerning the ownership of securities. Deirdre Walker heads the practice; and insurance specialist Susan Dingwall, former practice head Antony Dutton, Sam Eastwood, Charles Evans and contentious construction expert Chris Hill are also recommended.

Reed Smith’s contentious practice includes shipping, energy trade and commodities groups, as well as contentious real estate, construction, employment and competition teams. The firm acted for a hedge fund in relation to the management of three structured investment vehicles. Commercial disputes head Richard Spafford is known in the financial services area, and has experience in professional negligence and insurance. David Warne, Charles Hewetson and Belinda Paisley are highly rated.

SJ Berwin LLP ‘puts a great team together for cases’. It acted for GMWDA in a claim brought for loss of a contract valued at approximately £4bn. Nicola Bridge has ‘that rare combination of being diligent and calm under pressure, whilst able to be aggressive when needed’; litigation head Craig Pollack ‘gets into the nitty gritty of a dispute’; and Tim Beale is ‘a strong communicator’. Nick Brocklesby is ‘experienced in complex litigation’. Rachel Couter joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

Taylor Wessing LLP ‘achieves very impressive results’. Group head Richard Marsh ‘quickly sees through to the core of the matter’; Laurence Lieberman is a banking and financial services disputes expert; and David de Ferrars heads fraud matters, with Anthony Menzies and James Crabtree also recommended on the fraud side. Financial disputes head Shane Gleghorn is ‘a proactive, strategic thinker’. Litigation partners Julian Randall, Tim Strong and Andrew Howell joined from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP. The firm recently assisted ITS in unravelling a complex international fraud involving £52m being taken from nine pension schemes.

Baker & McKenzie LLP is noted for public law, civil fraud, product liability, trusts and pensions cases. The team represented Ineos Manufacturing Scotland in the recovery of CO2 emissions allowances. John Leadley is highly rated, and Tom Cassels is ‘very sound and grounded’. Andrew Keltie handles cases involving fraud and asset-tracing claims, and specialises in trusts matters. Clients praise the firm’s ‘seemingly limitless resources’.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP saw its former head of litigation Julian Randall, along with litigation partner Andrew Howell and financial institutions head Tim Strong, leave for Taylor Wessing LLP, after which the commercial litigation and arbitration practice merged with the professional and financial disputes group under the leadership of Sarah Clover and Neil Jamieson, who ‘excels in his litigation nous’. Core sectors for the practice include insurance and reinsurance, professional practices, aerospace, transport and trade, technology, manufacturing and healthcare.

Led by Nathan Willmott, Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s team attracts very high praise from clients. The practice saw an increase in international work and also in fraud-related claims. It acted for the issuer in proceedings which have far-reaching implications for UK-based securitisations.

DLA Piper UK LLP is seeing an increasing amount of work from South Eastern Europe, as well as continuing to handle instructions from Eastern Europe and the CIS. Mark Franklin is known for aviation disputes, while energy cases are a key area for practice head Matthew Saunders and Philip Chong. IT disputes expert Lee Gluyas is ‘good at dealing with expert witness issues’, and Richard McGrane is ‘a measured and tenacious negotiator’. Ioannis Alexopoulos is ‘a high-quality professional’, and Nick Marsh is ‘always available’.

Ince & Co advises in disputes across shipping, insurance and reinsurance, finance, energy and offshore, and aviation. Ben Ogden is recommended for contentious insurance work and commercial disputes; and Stuart Shepherd is known for commodities, shipping and commercial disputes, with an increasing focus on fraud litigation.

Jones Day is ‘up amongst the best while remaining down to earth’. In the second stage of the practice’s work for Langbar International, the team secured a further recovery for Langbar and its 2,000-plus shareholders. Craig Shuttleworth is recommended; Stephen Brown is ‘cool under pressure’; Lee Coffey is known for multi-jurisdictional disputes; and Sion Richards concentrates on finance disputes, fraud litigation and contentious insolvency.

Lawrence Graham LLP saw a rise in international disputes, and advised on various construction-related fraud claims brought against BVI companies. Andrew Dobson and Andrew Witts are key figures, while James Curle is noted for cross-border disputes in the banking, funds and financial services sectors, as well as for structured product disputes. Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry is experienced in banking, regulatory, insolvency and fraud matters.

Nabarro LLP’s ‘responses are practical and relevant’. The practice advised Etihad Airways and Aldar Properties in their successful appeal against a judgment issued in favour of Force India Formula One Team. Jonathan Warne heads the team; Peter Fitzpatrick is ‘adept at managing complicated cases’; and George Maling is also recommended.

Pinsent Masons LLP is ‘cost effective’, and noted for its construction and IT disputes experience. Nigel Kissack heads the practice; Rob McCallough is ‘without equal for IT disputes’; David Barker is ‘good at solving complex problems’; and Stefan Paciorek ‘gets the job done’. The firm recently welcomed Richard Slaven and his team from Halliwells.

Travers Smith LLP’s team is ‘commercially sound and technically excellent’. It acted for the joint administrators of Lehman Brothers International (Europe) in a dispute with another bank involving assets valued at over $2bn. Litigation head Jonathan Leslie, Stephen Paget-Brown, Andrew King, Rob Fell, Toby Robinson and Caroline Edwards are recommended.

White & Case LLP ‘shows significant strength in depth’, and expanded with the arrival of the SFO’s former legal and operational policy head Charlie Monteith. The firm represented the Cukurova Group in a dispute concerning the ownership of a controlling shareholding in Turkey’s largest mobile phone company. John Reynolds is ‘client focused’; and Alistair Graham, John Higham QC, Robert Wheal and Jason Yardley are also highly rated.

Praised for its ‘strong sector knowledge’, Bird & Bird acted for a Swedish pension fund in relation to proceedings issued against its securities lending agent, the dispute concerning losses arising out of investments made in Sigma Finance. Jane Player is ‘fantastic for strategy’; Ludovic de Walden is ‘an excellent negotiator’; Sophie Eyre is ‘tactically astute’; and Jeremy Sharman has ‘an eye for detail’. Sarah Walker is also rated.

Davies Arnold Cooper LLP’s ‘offers excellent representation at a very competitive cost’. The team represented Total in civil claims relating to the 2005 Buncefield explosion. John Bramhall ‘secures good deals for his clients’; Jonathan Brogden is ‘a methodical lawyer’; and Karen Boto is ‘extremely capable’. Richard Highley, Nick Young and Philip Davis are also recommended.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s key mandates included a high-value bondholder dispute, and multi-jurisdictional fraud investigations. Lord Peter Goldsmith QC is a ‘superb advocate’; and Sophie Lamb and Karolos Seeger are ‘both excellent’. Peter Rees QC left to join Royal Dutch Shell as legal director.

Dechert LLP recently welcomed Neil Gerrard and Jonathan Pickworth from DLA Piper UK LLP. The practice assisted Pitney Bowes with breach of confidence claims. Bernard Caulfield heads the team, and Andrew Hearn is ‘an excellent litigator’.

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP’s UK practice principally serves clients in the energy, insurance and finance sectors. Globally, the practice is involved in the Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa, and was recently instructed in several financial disputes. David Waldron is ‘pragmatic and proactive’; and Peter Sharp and Deborah Ruff ‘can maintain a high-intensity work pace over a lengthy period of time’.

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP hired Rod Cowper, formerly head of litigation at pre-merger Squire Sanders & Dempsey. The firm has recently been active in asset recovery and corruption work. Kevin Perry is ‘a robust litigator’, and James Maton is ‘unflappable’. Laurence Harris acts in commercial and public law disputes, and leads the London product liability team.

Edwin Coe LLP has a niche as a class action practice, dealing in particular with financial and securities fraud disputes. It acted for shareholders in Cattles, who formed an action group in relation to losses suffered as a result of an error in the company’s accounts. The team is ‘encouraging, supportive and at the same time realistic’. David Greene’s ‘strength is managing complex cases with hundreds of clients’; senior partner Christopher Berry is ‘a safe pair of hands’, and Nick Neocleous is ‘a hardworking and tough litigator’. Michael Whitton specialises in insurance litigation.

Eversheds LLP acts in disputes across the financial services, transport, technology, media and telecoms industries, with cross-border cases being a major growth area for the firm. Mark Davenport is recommended; and John Heaps is ‘exceptional for strategic advice’. Neville Byford and associate Zoe Holland joined from Morgan Lewis.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP provides ‘quality advice and is responsive to tight deadlines’. The practice advised on the Lehman Brothers client money case, currently on appeal to the Supreme Court, and saw an increase in instructions originating from the CIS and the Middle East. Peter Stewart leads the team; and CIS specialist Simon Moore is ‘a strong intellect and clear thinker on complex pre-litigation matters’. Jonathan Ray-Smith joined from McFaddens LLP, while Michael Mulligan moved to Harney Westwood & Riegels’ BVI office.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP is known for contentious shipping, commodity contract, insurance coverage and insolvency matters. The practice advised Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSL in recovering $600m-plus loans. Steven Paull focuses on contentious M&A and shareholder agreements, and project and operating agreements; and Noel Campbell is noted for financial litigation.

Iain Mackie leads the practice at Macfarlanes LLP, and his recent work includes acting for the Municipalities of Haugesund and Narvik in claims against Depfa Bank concerning swap transactions. Geoff Steward advised in a High Court breach of contract dispute.

McGuireWoods London LLP’s 2009 recruitment of a team from Steptoe & Johnson, including Adam Greaves, has now settled in. Greaves’ ‘scope of expertise is remarkable’. The practice saw a fair share of insolvency-related litigation, was active in the area of anti-corruption, and is particularly known for work involving Nordic countries and Russia. Michael Tackley heads the team, and senior associate Rose Parlane has ‘a good grasp of the law’. Hardeep Nahal joined from Herbert Smith LLP.

Mishcon de Reya’s practice is driven by ‘exceptional specialist fraud work’. The team successfully acted in a fraudulent misrepresentation claim brought against a director of a foreign exchange business that went into liquidation. Kasra Nouroozi leads the team, and Gary Miller ‘gets his client the best possible result’. Rowena Herdman-Smith is also recommended.

The ‘solutions-driven’ Richard Bamforth was appointed litigation head at Olswang, succeeding Martin Davies, who left for Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP with Alex Gerbi. The practice’s reputation extends beyond the media sphere in which it has traditionally been pre-eminent, and it recently advised in Commercial Court proceedings that relate to an allegedly sham loan of $120m and loan facility of approximately $345m. Steven Baker’s ‘unflappable presence is a boon in any big case’. Andrew Aglionby joined from Baker & McKenzie’s Hong Kong office.

Osborne Clarke ‘does a fantastic job of positioning itself as a credible and top-level alternative to even the biggest commercial litigation groups’. The practice saw a surge in activity in the areas of financial services and cross-border matters, particularly CIS-related work. Team head Adrian Lifely has ‘good instincts’, and Ed Crosse is a ‘talented litigator’. Senior associate David Kendell is ‘a rising star’.

Known for its insurance experience, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP ‘takes on cases that other claims funders would shy away from’. The group has seen increased activity in claims launched by creditors of insolvent businesses and negligence cases against professional groups. Tim Brown is ‘practical and down to earth’, and former Eversheds LLP insurance specialist David Webster has ‘a good track record’. Former Reed Smith banking litigation head Tom Hibbert is recommended, as is group head Geraldine Elliott. Rupert Boswall focuses on complex financial disputes.

SNR Denton’s Liz Tout is ‘a formidable team leader’, and Richard Caird is also recommended. The firm successfully represented Depfa in a swaps dispute with two Norwegian municipalities.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP is experienced in handling disputes in the shipping, energy, offshore construction and finance sectors. The team secured victory in a Commercial Court action concerning the termination of a ship finance lease, and also obtained a decision of the English Supreme Court in favour of the Government of Pakistan. Andrew Savage is ‘a great strategic thinker’. Robert Platt joined from Curtis Davis Garrard LLP.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges provides ‘high-quality advice together with a commercial approach’. Significant mandates included instructions for Kaupthing Bank, and acting in a £1.5bn High Court and European Court of Justice VAT case. Matthew Shankland ‘manages cases to successful conclusions’. Juliet Blanch joined from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP.

Bristows has expertise in civil fraud, insolvency, complex cross-border disputes and financial services, and has seen an increase in property-related disputes. Kevin Appleton is highly rated, as is the ‘very good’ Mark Brown. Geoffrey Gauci, Charles Pugh and James Irvine are also key figures.

Brown Rudnick LLP’s lack of conflicts means it is well positioned to act against major financial institutions. It represented a Dutch pension fund in respect of potential claims against the asset management arm of one of the world’s largest investment banks. Neil Micklethwaite is ‘excellent’, and admired for his ability to ‘process input from different sides in a calm and inspiring way’; and Stephen Hallam is ‘especially helpful’. The recruitment of Steven Friel from Davies Arnold Cooper LLP further boosted the practice.

Byrne and Partners LLP is ‘a small but highly focused firm’ that is regularly instructed to act against banks and financial services institutions, and has expanded its insurance and reinsurance litigation practice with the recruitment of Yvonne Jefferies from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP. The practice acted in a claim by 550 claimants who invested in tax planning schemes. Bernard O’Sullivan and Nicola Boulton ‘cannot be recommended highly enough’, and Jefferies ‘provides clear, concise advice without fuss’. Elizabeth Seborg was promoted to the partnership.

Charles Russell LLP advised Enigma in a multimillion-pound dispute involving a complex IT software contract, and John Sykes led a team litigating complex matters of banking practice in its role as external administrator of Awal Bank (In Administration) in Bahrain. Stewart Hey is ‘shrewd and has a first-rate network of contacts which he can bring into play’, and the team is noted for its ‘ability to operate in multiple jurisdictions’.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has successfully built up a team of seven lawyers in its UK litigation practice, with Jonathan Kelly ‘an excellent choice for any serious dispute’. The practice was counsel to a joint venture in a shareholder dispute over control of a $2bn Russian retail group, and also advised a number of sovereigns in litigation arising out of sovereign debt defaults.

Cooke, Young & Keidan ‘provides excellent advice at far lower fees’. It acted for funds managed by Highland in a £35m dispute over a financing facility provided for a CLO securitisation. Gerald Cooke and Philip Young have ‘a high level of in-depth knowledge and experience’, and Marc Keidan ‘positions a case such that the other side finds settling to be a far better solution than risking court’.

Covington & Burling LLP acts in disputes involving complex corporate transactions, product liability for pharmaceutical and manufacturing clients, wrongful denials of insurance coverage for policyholders, and IP disputes involving software publishing and life sciences. The team is also experienced in cross-jurisdictional investigations. Roger Enock is recommended.

Known particularly for tax and fraud disputes, Dorsey & Whitney has expanded its London commercial litigation practice. The team acted for 3M Company in its defence of a claim brought in the Commercial Court for revenues due under an earn-out provision in a share purchase agreement. Nick Burkill is ‘a determined litigator’, and Tim Maloney is also highly rated.

Farrer & Co’s core areas are commercial and financial litigation. Team head Jeremy Gordon is ‘a disarmingly courteous and diplomatic litigator’; James Price ‘simply gets on with what needs to be done without pretension or ego’; and Adrian Parkhouse is ‘a brilliant all-round litigator’. Gavin Bacon joined from Simmons & Simmons.

Fasken Martineau LLP’s ‘advice is always commercial, and based upon a good understanding of the law and the industry involved’. The team advised Kuwait Airways in litigation arising out of the alleged theft of the client’s fleet by Iraqi Airways during the invasion of Kuwait. Robert Paydon heads the group, and Chris Gooding, Adrian Jones and Sukhi Kaler are also key contacts. Alex Ferrari is an ‘aggressive litigator and problem solver who achieves favourable and prompt results’.

In addition to its commercial litigation expertise, Finers Stephens Innocent LLP has a white-collar criminal and regulatory team led by Ian Ryan, as well as civil fraud specialists Sue Thackeray and Steve McCann, and contentious insolvency expert Tim Bignell. Thackeray attracts high praise from clients, and McCann is ‘always calm in a crisis’. Andrew Wigston led the team in advising Fashion TV Russia in relation to claims arising out of a licence agreement. Group head Philip Rubens is also recommended.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s commercial litigation practice extends to insolvency, employment, regulatory investigations and investigations by the SEC and DoJ. Philip Rocher and Lord Charles Falconer QC are recommended; Falconer represents clients before regulatory bodies and foreign courts.

Irwin Mitchell LLP ‘staffs cost-effectively, and the quality of output is high’. The team recently acted in litigation against a bank in relation to a fraudulent loan. Jeremy Marshall ‘gets things done. He also manages the team effectively and in an inclusive manner, engendering confidence’.

K&L Gates’ ‘service is excellent’. The team advised investment manager Proteus in a High Court claim for management and performance fees due. Team head John Magnin is ‘strategically brilliant’, and Robert Hadley is also highly rated.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s London practice includes seven partners. The team represented a Kuwaiti provider of financial services in a series of disputes before the English courts. Philip Clifford is recommended.

Lewis Silkin LLP acted for Fulham FC in an unfair prejudice petition brought against the Premier League and its chairman. Tom Coates is ‘an outstanding, strategic litigator’; Clive Greenwood handles commercially sensitive partnership and LLP disputes; and Philip Foster advises in complex regulatory infrastructure matters.

Memery Crystal LLP’s ‘retention of its independence adds value at a personal interaction level’. The team assisted in a dispute concerning the termination of a joint operating agreement related to a $1bn Algerian oil and gas project. Harvey Rands ‘formulates views which combine the pragmatic, commercial and legal aspects of a situation’; and Bree Taylor is also recommended.

Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP covers civil, regulatory and corporate criminal proceedings, and recently defended the largest price-fixing case in Europe. Jonathan Wheeler has ‘a first-class brain’, and Alan Owens has ‘good judgement’. Kevin Roberts is also a key contact.

Payne Hicks Beach is a strong choice ‘when the stakes are high and results are required’. The group’s commercial litigation expertise is complemented by expertise in private client, family and property disputes, as well as professional negligence, tax and sports cases. Team head Richard Butcher ‘pursues a case until the end result is achieved’; and Stephen King has ‘a tough but sensible approach’.

Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP ‘provides detailed technical advice in a manner that is easily understood’. The practice’s core area is civil fraud, but it also handles commercial litigation and shareholder disputes, competition litigation and trust disputes. Senior partner Keith Oliver ‘sets the standards for the firm and is reflective of those standards’; Jonathan Tickner is ‘accessible and speedy’; and Sarah Gabriel is also highly rated.

Salans saw an upturn in banking and financial sector litigation, and also in claims against directors for misfeasance, wrongful and fraudulent trading, and professional negligence claims. Adrian Giles is ‘commercial and easy to deal with’, and senior partner Lionel Rosenblatt and Smeetesh Kakkad are also recommended.

Jo Rickard heads the group at Shearman & Sterling LLP, which recently advised the purchasers of Liverpool FC in court proceedings relating to the attempt by the previous owners of the club to prevent the sale. Richard Kelly is also recommended.

Speechly Bircham LLP’s ‘advice is timely, and focused on the questions asked’. The team is building a reputation for its work alongside the firm’s financial services group, working on investigations and advising on corporate crime issues. Stephen Dobson has ‘a pragmatic approach to issues’. Jonathan Whitehead handles contract and corporate disputes, professional negligence cases, class actions and financial services litigation.

Squire Sanders Hammonds is known for media and advertising disputes, as well as sports-related cases, and team head Paul Oxnard is experienced in heavy-engineering and finance cases, injunctive work, white-collar fraud matters, and energy and telecoms disputes. Simon Price leads the contentious financial services and pensions practices in London, and Vicky Brown advises advertising and marketing clients. Sports law head Stephen Sampson handles disputes over players, IPR issues, broadcasting disputes and the full range of contract/tort disputes.

Steptoe & Johnson is noted for telecoms, technology, energy, insurance and international trade disputes, and has particular strength in Russia and the CIS, India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. Ray Werbicki is recommended. Tom Sprange left for King & Spalding International LLP, while insurance litigator Damian Cleary joined from Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP.

Stewarts Law LLP acts against major UK banks, but also acts in commercial disputes, fraud, professional negligence, property, insolvency and international trade matters. It is appreciated for its ‘deep knowledge and expertise’. Clive Zietman heads the department; Sean Upson is ‘tremendously clever’; and Jane Colston is also highly recommended. Andrew Shaw is also a key contact. The firm recently acquired litigation law practice Masseys LLP.

Thomas Eggar LLP is ‘good at relationship building’. The practice acted in a multimillion-pound dispute arising from a purchase of assets. Victoria Brackett ‘understands clients ’ businesses’, and Robert Kenyon also attracts praise.

Drydens is a recognised ‘heavyweight’ in the sector, and has increased its dedicated team to include 176 members, hiring several new solicitors, one being debt specialist Steve Heighway, who previously held senior positions at HL Interactive and Optima Legal. The ‘forward-thinking’, Bradford-based firm handles high-volume work for a number of large financial institutions, with a particular focus on secured debt recovery. 2010 saw it reappointed to the panels of two major lending clients, and newly appointed to the panel of a market-leading debt purchaser. The practice remains under the leadership of Philip Holden, and includes the ‘pragmatic’, ‘supportive’ and ‘focused’ Phil Harling.

Irwin Mitchell LLP undertakes a significant amount of pre-litigation work across its eight regional UK offices. In 2010, the ‘efficient’ and ‘easy-to-work-with’ team received instructions in relation to over £31.8m of debt, of which it successfully recovered around £17m. Clients include a major national accountancy firm, government bodies, and a chain of decorating material suppliers. Barry Hogg heads an 11-strong team in London.

The ‘well-organised’ and ‘efficient’ Clarke Willmott LLP acts for local authorities, managing agents and a number of utility companies. Previous work for longstanding client the London Borough of Harrow helped the firm win new instructions from the London Borough of Enfield, which has subsequently instructed the Taunton-based team in the recovery of unpaid liabilities in the region of £25m. The group continues to receive instructions from Welsh Water, and has recently taken on approximately 17,000 fresh cases for another new client, Thames Water. ‘Outstanding’ department head Jane Dunlop ‘runs a very tight ship’. Her team is praised for ‘quick response times’, and its ability to ‘grasp the intricate details of the more complex issues’.

The ‘proactive’ and ‘efficient’ practice at Moon Beever recently expanded its London operation by acquiring a small West End firm, adding one partner and three solicitors to the group. Its 50-strong Essex team continues to undertake volume debt recovery work on behalf of The Insolvency Service, local authorities and utility companies (including British Gas). As part of the firm’s expansion, a new specialist department has been created to deal exclusively with utility debt and complex collections. Frances Coulson leads the ‘exceptional’ practice, which is always willing to ‘go the extra mile for clients’.

Based across Bradford, Newcastle and Glasgow, Optima Legal continues to recover secured and unsecured loans for debt purchasers and large commercial lenders (including Bank of America and Barclays), with a particular focus on property repossessions and credit card debt recovery. Experienced litigator Denise Loney heads the team, which was recently appointed to Clydesdale Bank’s legal panel.

West Midlands firm Coltman Warner Cranston LLP specialises in debt recovery for commercial clients in the UK and Europe, including a leading high street retailer, a large electrical wholesales company, and a national parcel carrier. Commercial litigation and insolvency specialist Larry Coltman heads a 26-strong team.

Fairfax Solicitors Limited was formed in 2009, as the product of a management buyout of Eversheds LLP’s unsecured recoveries department. The Leeds-based practice has gained a number of blue-chip clients including JP Morgan, Lloyds Banking Group, Santander and American Express. Recent highlights include its appointment to the HMRC recovery panel, and the successful recovery of £100,000 of child benefit on behalf of the Child Support Agency. Team head Peter Wordsworth has an ‘educated appreciation of the diverse businesses that he serves’, and is praised for his ‘hands-on’ approach. Jonathan Holt (a former Eversheds LLP commercial partner) is also recommended.

Commercial litigator James Fairbairn heads the debt recovery team at SNR Denton. Recent highlights for the Milton Keynes based practice include acting for several large banks in relation to rent recovery, banking claims and finance agreements, and assisting a prestigious boarding school in recovering tuition fees.

Carter-Ruck is ‘pre-eminent in the field’ of defamation and privacy claimant work, and is praised for its ‘strength through the whole team, from the senior partners through to the junior solicitors’. The nine-partner team provides a ‘master-class service’, and is ‘extremely responsive’ as well as ‘fair, balanced and professional’. It successfully acted for the Prime Minister of Bahrain in relation to a complaint against The Sunday Times; and also advised Professor Robert Service and Dr Rachel Polonsky regarding a complaint over anonymous reviews of their works posted on the Amazon website. Other clients include Sir Elton John, Simon Cowell, Kate and Gerry McCann, Michael Winner, the Prime Minister of Turkey, Tesco, Leeds United FC, and Al Jazeera. Adam Tudor is ‘thorough’, and has ‘excellent knowledge of the law’; Claire Gill is ‘excellent’; Nigel Tait is ‘cool and calm, and a tactical genius’; and Alasdair Pepper stands out for his ‘pragmatic’ approach.

‘Top-notch defendant practice’ Davenport Lyons provides clients with ‘commercial, sensible, clear and succinct’ advice, and has a ‘thorough understanding of the publishing industry’. It continues to act for notable clients such as MGN Ltd, Express Newspapers and Private Eye, and its ‘impressive’ client roster also includes HarperCollins, Carlton Books, and Macmillan Publishers. The ‘first-rate’ Kevin Bays and ‘personable’ and ‘dependable’ Robin Shaw are singled out, and the team’s more junior members are also ‘of the highest calibre’. Philip Conway left the firm in January 2011 to join Conway and Conway.

Providing a ‘personal, no-nonsense service’ David Price Solicitors & Advocates is a ‘first-class’ boutique that ‘punches well above its weight’. Headline work included acting for the Daily Telegraph, in relation to a libel claim brought by tennis player Robert Dee. The firm also regularly advises clients such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority and The Law Society on defamation matters. ‘Realistic and patient’ name partner David Price was recently appointed as a QC.

The team at Farrer & Co delivers a ‘high-quality service’, and is ‘extremely efficient’ and ‘pleasant to deal with’. Headline work included defending News Group Newspapers (News of the World) in relation to ongoing allegations of phone hacking by newspaper journalists. It is also advising The British Library on the legal issues relating to the digitising of its hard copy newspaper archives. Key individuals include the ‘exceptional’ Julian Pike, and the ‘first-rate’ Benjamin Beabey. Associate Michael Patrick is ‘highly recommended’, alongside solicitors Patrick Callaghan and Rowena Cordrey.

Geraldine Proudler heads an ‘excellent team’ at ‘leading firm’ Olswang, which includes the ‘standout’ Dan Tench and Ian Felstead, who was promoted to the partnership in May 2010. Key work included advising Ernst & Young LLP and several of its partners in a high-profile libel claim. It also advises Tom Cruise, Tamara Mellon, Microsoft, Expedia and ITV.

Noted for its ‘practical approach and sheer depth of knowledge’, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s ‘edge comes from being a defendant-only practice’. The three-partner team is ‘quick and user friendly’, and advises a broad range of clients including Google UK, Associated Newspapers, Bloomsbury, the Financial Times, Independent News & Media, Times Newspapers, and Trinity Mirror. Team head Jaron Lewis is ‘very focused on client needs’; David Hooper is ‘excellent’; and the ‘pragmatic’ Keith Mathieson has ‘an enormous amount of knowledge on this area of the law’.

A ‘firm of choice for celebrities’, Schillings is renowned for its strong reputation management practice, fielding a ‘high-quality team’ of five partners with ‘excellent knowledge of defamation and privacy law’; it is ‘highly qualified’ and ‘delivers excellent results’. Its high-profile client base includes names such as Madonna, Kate Winslet, Nicolas Cage, Daniel Craig, Angelina Jolie, Russell Brand, David Walliams and Christiano Ronaldo, and it also acts for corporate clients such as HBOS, Gap, Harrods, Royal Mail Group and Syco. Recommended partners include the ‘expert’ Rachel Atkins; Gideon Benaim; Rod Christie-Miller; John Kelly; and the ‘renowned’ Keith Schilling.

The ‘excellent’ team at Atkins Thomson has a ‘wealth of experience in the field of defamation and privacy’. Headed by renowned ‘experts’ Graham Atkins and Mark Thomson, the firm advises a number of high-profile clients including Sir Michael Parkinson, Lily Allen, Kate Beckinsale and Jude Law. The firm is acting for a number of clients in relation to the recent high-profile phone hacking allegations, and is also assisting with complaints of paparazzi harassment.

Headline matters for the ‘exceptional’ team at Finers Stephens Innocent LLP included advising Julian Assange in relation to the legal difficulties surrounding Wikileaks; and advising the governments of Jamaica and Mauritius regarding a review and restructuring of their libel laws. The three-partner team is ‘very knowledgeable, and has exceptional expertise in UK libel law’. Mark Stephens is ‘first rate’, and Sue Thackeray is also highly recommended. Nicola Solomon left for a role as general secretary of The Society of Authors.

Rated as ‘absolutely first class’, Harbottle & Lewis LLP’s practice is ‘knowledgeable, experienced and astute, and has excellent strength in depth’. Clients include various senior members of the Royal Family, David and Victoria Beckham, Simon Fuller, Kate Moss and Sir Alex Ferguson. Gerrard Tyrrell is ‘one of the best media lawyers in Britain’, and works alongside ‘excellent’ senior associates Louise Prince and Jo Sanders.

The ‘fantastic’ team at Simons Muirhead & Burton provides pre-publication advice to a number of major book and magazine publishers including Time Out, Random House and Orion Publishing, and acts for a growing number of film companies. It has also handled a number of high-profile libel instructions (both claimant and defendant), recently successfully representing the claimant in an action against Slough Borough Council after the claimant was wrongly placed on its Violent Persons Register. Team head Razi Mireskandari is a ‘brilliant lawyer’; Louis Charalambous is ‘first rate’; Martin Soames is ‘extremely knowledgeable’; and Stephen Shotnes is ‘excellent’. The firm also benefits from the expertise of in-house barrister Lucy Moorman.

With ‘excellent business understanding’, the three-partner team at Taylor Wessing LLP is valued for its ‘solid, practical advice’ and ‘fast responses’. Key work included advising the Evening Standard in relation to a libel action commenced by Jacqueline Lait, the former Conservative Party MP for Beckenham. Other clients include American Media, Associated Newspapers, Macmillan Publishers and The Motley Fool. Team head Niri Shanmuganathan has an ‘excellent understanding of media law and is fully aware of the 24/7 needs of clients’. Neil White and Chris Jeffery are also recommended; and senior associate Timothy Pinto is ‘outstanding’.

Led by the ‘impressive’ Caroline Kean, the two-partner team at Wiggin LLP is ‘committed, hardworking and capable’. It successfully advised Trinity Mirror in defending the Sunday Mercury regarding its investigation into a possible telecommunications pyramid selling scheme, and acted for Times Newspapers Ltd in successfully fending off a PCC complaint by Andrew Wakefield, the doctor at the centre of the controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine. Kean is a ‘staunch defendant lawyer’ singled out for her ‘vast intellect’ and ‘strategic sense’. Amali de Silva is ‘excellent’.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s ‘first-rate’ and ‘proactive’ team has a ‘strong’ reputation management practice, acting for well-known companies and their officers; it advises high-profile names such as Barclays Bank, British Airways, Co-Operative Group, Primark Stores and Tiger Aspect Productions. It also advises on defamation matters for its strong corporate client base. Practice head David Engel is ‘excellent’, and managing associate Korieh Duodu is also recommended.

Led by the ‘formidable’ Susan Aslan and ‘experienced’ Sue Charles, headline work for the team at Aslan Charles Kousetta LLP included advising Channel 4 Television, Studio Lambert and producer/director Jane Preston in a defamation action brought by Matt Fiddes, who featured in a documentary on the arrival of the famous Jackson family in the UK. The team also acts for CinemaNX, and continues to advise Reed’s stable of over 60 magazines including New Scientist, Estates Gazette, Computer Weekly and Farmers Weekly.

Notable work for the ‘commercially pragmatic’ team at Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP included advising Fairtrade Foundation and Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International in connection with a BBC Panorama broadcast about the West African cocoa trade. It also advises ActionAid, Bill Kenwright Ltd, Citizens Advice, Portman Group, Shelter, and Times Newspapers. Team head Rupert Earle is ‘outstanding’; and Martin Kramer and Sean Egan are also recommended.

The ‘excellent’ team at Charles Russell LLP has ‘strength in depth’, and stands out for its expertise in television matters, acting for ITV, Channel 4, ITN and APTN, among others. It also advises on defamation and privacy matters, for clients such as The Football Association. Team head Duncan Lamont and Nick Armstrong are ‘incredibly experienced’, and associate James Quartermaine is ‘an excellent lawyer’.

‘Highly competent and timely in its advice and work’, the team at Collyer Bristow LLP recently welcomed Kate Macmillan from boutique firm Gallant Macmillan LLP. Team head Steven Heffer is ‘very good at getting to the core of an issue’, and Dominic Crossley is also recommended. The firm acts for Max Mosley in libel, harassment and privacy matters, and is leading his application in the ECHR challenging the current application of privacy law in England and Wales.

Russell Jones & Walker is known as the firm of choice for defamation work for the Police Federation, but also has a strong practice advising private clients. It advised a Dyfed Powys police officer in a successful libel action against ITV Wales/S4C, after the officer was identified in error as the subject of criminal proceedings. Team head Jeremy Clarke-Williams is ‘sensitive to the needs of clients’. The firm recently suffered a blow with the departure of joint practice head Sarah Webb to Payne Hicks Beach.

The team at Withers LLP is ‘excellent in all respects’; its ‘ability to assimilate and engage makes it easy and effective to deal with’. Key clients include the RSPCA, Renault Formula 1, Anton Du Beke, and Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay. Practice head Amber Melville-Brown has ‘excellent technical and commercial acumen’, and Jennifer McDermott is also recommended.

Key individuals in Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s ‘top-notch’ team include Graham Shear, Ian De Freitas, and senior associate Joby Davies.

Bindmans LLP advises both claimants and defendants in libel and privacy proceedings, and recently represented Chris Bryant MP, Brian Paddick, Lord Prescott and Brendan Montague in high-profile judicial review proceedings against the Metropolitan Police. Department head Tamsin Allen is praised for her ‘practical and sensible approach’.

The ‘prompt and proactive’ the team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is headed by Tim Hardy.

DLA Piper UK LLP is ‘highly recommended’ for its work in the area.

Andrew Hearn heads the team at Dechert LLP.

The ‘renowned’ Tony Jaffa leads the team at Foot Anstey.

Goodman Derrick LLP’s practice is led by the ‘knowledgeable’ Paul Herbert.

H2O Law LLP is recommended for its expertise in reputation management.

Christopher Hutchings recently joined the team at Hamlins LLP from M Law.

Gordon Williams heads the ‘high-quality’ team at Lee & Thompson .

The team at Lewis Silkin LLP is ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘prompt’.

Alex Fox heads the team at Manches LLP.

Paddy Gardiner recently joined Michael Simkins LLP as practice head from Eversheds LLP, while Catherine Fehler left for Swan Turton.

Ramona Mehta heads the team at Mishcon de Reya, which is known for its reputation management expertise.

At recently established firm PSB Law LLP, Simon Smith ‘is outstanding, and provides an extremely high level of service’.

Reed Smith is noted for its ‘high-quality and reliable advice’. It acted for a Hollywood actor in a defamation claim regarding an unauthorised biography.

Keith Ashby heads the team at Sheridans.

The team at Swan Turton is led by the ‘excellent’ Catherine Fehler who joined from Michael Simkins LLP. Former team head Jonathan Coad left the firm for Lewis Silkin LLP.

Allen & Overy LLP is recognised for its English anti-suit injunction work, and was instructed by the ICC itself in a case which has significant implications for the future of London as a leading seat for international arbitration. The practice also acted in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Senegal. Judith Gill QC, Stephen Jagusch, Richard Smith and Mark Levy are widely praised.

A ‘cut above the rest’, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP ‘prepares rigorously for hearings’. The team advised MTN in its ICSID arbitration against the government of Yemen, marking the first time a UAE investor filed a claim at ICSID. Department head Constantine Partasides is ‘quick to master complex subjects’; Jan Paulsson joined in London from the Paris office, and ‘adds excellent value’; and Geoff Nicholas is also recommended.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP’s ‘level of industry knowledge and experience is unparalleled’. The practice represented Vivendi in three parallel arbitrations in relation to the acquisition of a Polish Telecom Company. David Kavanagh is ‘brilliant’, and Patrick Heneghan ‘achieves results’. Bruce Macaulay is ‘a highly competent advocate’, and Karyl Nairn is ‘in a league of her own’.

At WilmerHale, Gary Born’s ‘talent as an advocate is widely acclaimed’. The practice’s experience includes an LCIA arbitration involving a shareholders’ dispute between two telecoms companies. Steven Finizio, Wendy Miles and Franz Schwarz are key contacts.

Clifford Chance has excellent practitioners in Audley Sheppard, Rob Lambert and Alex Panayides. Panayides ‘stands out as clever and knowledgeable; and Sheppard is valued for his ‘technical ability and commercial acumen’. The practice represented a Russian property developer in multimillion-dollar ICC proceedings. Clients praise the team’s ‘exemplary work and ability to draw upon specialists in other fields’.

With an integrated London and Paris offering, Herbert Smith LLP’s ‘expertise is excellent. The team is well rounded and works together very smoothly’. Highlights included securing victory for Stagecoach Group in a contractual dispute arbitration. Paula Hodges is ‘pragmatic and responsive’, and Craig Tevendale is ‘an excellent communicator’. Matthew Weiniger and Graeme Johnston are also strong practitioners. David Brynmor Thomas left for the Bar.

The team at Clyde & Co LLP worked on cases across its core sectors of trade, commodities, energy, natural resources, transport, infrastructure, real estate and insurance, but was also instructed in financial institution related cases. It benefits from the firm’s network of overseas offices, and lateral hires in Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East and the US. John Whittaker, Ben Knowles and Michael Swangard are key figures.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Sophie Lamb was promoted to partner in 2010 while Peter Rees QC left to become Royal Dutch Shell’s legal director. The team acted in a multimillion-dollar arbitration arising out of a failed joint venture. Lord Peter Goldsmith QC, David Rivkin, Mark Friedman and Karolos Seeger are well-respected lawyers.

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘determined and analytical’ practice head Michael Davison and Markus Burgstaller are experienced in advising on maximising investment protection and acting in investment disputes, and Davison has recently been active in telecoms and energy disputes. Simon Nesbitt is ‘very sharp’, and Kieron O’Callaghan is focused on energy, mining, commodities, international trade and natural resources. Clients appreciate the team’s ‘ability to react quickly in a truly international environment’.

Bringing together arbitration expertise across three continents, Linklaters LLP’s recent work includes acting for and against states and state entities, advising on bilateral investment treaty claims, and acting in shareholder disputes and cases within the telecoms and energy sectors. International arbitration head Greg Reid and Christopher Style QC are well respected.

Norton Rose LLP is ‘extremely efficient and quick’, and has seen an increase recently in Singapore and Middle East related work. Team head Joe Tirado ‘gives out-of-the-box solutions to very complex problems’. Steve Abraham is noted for construction and engineering-related disputes.

Stephenson Harwood houses ‘deep levels of expertise’. The practice continued to advise Nigeria’s state-owned oil concern in a case involving the defence in England of an attempt to enforce a Nigerian arbitration award. Louis Flannery is ‘outstanding; he combines strong academic knowledge and understanding of the subject with an excellent, practical grasp of the issues’; and commodities specialist Peter Bennett is ‘very attentive’. Richard Gwynne is noted for cross-border arbitration, and Kamal Shah is experienced in acting for clients in Africa and India.

White & Case LLP’s ‘response times are perfect’. The group is recognised for its construction and energy expertise, while other key matters included disputes arising out of the financial crisis, market movements in materials prices and defaults in derivative transactions. International arbitration head Phillip Capper is ‘top of the class’; Paul Cowan is ‘particularly good’; and Charlie Lightfoot is ‘a rising star’. David Goldberg, who divides his time between London and Moscow, joined from SJ Berwin LLP with two associates.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP ‘gives excellent service and shows technical knowledge of the issues’. The team acted in ICC arbitration proceedings against a Turkish contractor active in the Moscow market. Department head Nic Fletcher, Carol Mulcahy, and Michael Polonsky are recommended. Caroline Pope’s move to Abu Dhabi bore fruit in the form of a number of construction and real estate development disputes.

Noted for its European and CEE network, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP ‘consistently delivers sound advice’. The firm has a well-respected energy arbitration practice, and is also known for engineering and insurance work. Guy Pendell is department head, and ‘effective litigator’ Ben Holland, Rupert Choat and Omar Qureshi are also recommended.

Covington & Burling LLP’s London-based team is led by Gaëtan Verhoosel and senior of counsel Stephen Bond, a former ICC International Court of Arbitration secretary general. Bond is ‘an excellent strategist and a consummate advocate’. The practice stands out for its investment treaty work and insurance coverage practice for policyholders.

DLA Piper UK LLP advises several sovereign states and is particularly focused on work for Russian and Ukrainian-related energy businesses, with the Latin America side enhanced by the firm’s Miami office opening. International arbitration head Matthew Saunders, Ioannis Alexopoulos, and project and infrastructure specialist Philip Chong are highly rated, as are Kate Knox and the ‘truly outstanding’ Nick Marsh.

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP was particularly active in shareholder disputes, including a number of disputes over options, as well as in energy and insurance-related work. Deborah Ruff leads the London group.

Eversheds LLP recruited Neville Byford and associate Zoe Holland from Morgan Lewis, while ‘wonderful case co-ordinator’ and senior associate Andy Moody joined from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP. The practice acted for one of the largest manufacturers of fertilisers in Eastern Europe in a claim brought under the BIT between Lithuania and the Republic of Serbia. Stuart Dutson ‘makes sure the case is moving towards where the client wants to end up’.

Focused on big-ticket arbitrations, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP counts Yukos International and Telecom Egypt as clients. The team successfully defended a petition to stay a BIT arbitration. Cyrus Benson is recommended.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s Philip Clifford is best known for his work in the oil and gas, energy and construction industries, but also acts in the financial sector. The team represented a Cayman Fund in an LCIA arbitration regarding a major shareholder’s right to redeem its shares.

Able to offer ‘a great deal of expertise’, Reed Smith is noted for its experience in arbitrations under investment treaties and the Energy Charter Treaty. The firm is also focused on developing its Bermuda Form work; and the lateral hire of three partners from Pinsent Masons LLP, including its international arbitration head Gordon Bell, added further depth to the infrastructure and JV disputes practice, particularly in construction and energy. Gautam Bhattacharyya ‘gets involved in the details’, and joint international arbitration chair Belinda Paisley is also recommended.

Shearman & Sterling LLP’s London group grew to three partners with the promotion of Richard Kelly. Key matters included representing Viorel Micula as claimant in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Romania under the Sweden-Romania bilateral investment treaty. David Reed has advised in arbitrations involving commercial, construction, oil and gas, investment, engineering, IT and shipping matters. Alex Bevan is a key practitioner.

Simmons & Simmons is known for its energy, infrastructure, construction and financial services expertise, and also acts in multimillion-dollar arbitrations in the life sciences and TMT sectors. A growth area was the Middle East, with the team seeing a proliferation of disputes in both property and energy, and arbitrations across Africa also increased. Simon Morgan and David Sandy are highly rated.

Slaughter and May shows ‘extraordinary dedication to the job, combined with superb technical skills and customer focus’. Key matters included advising a leading European utility group in its successful defence of a $1.4bn damages claim, subject to LCIA arbitration. Department head Nick Archer is recommended.

London and Leeds-based Simon Kamstra leads the group at Addleshaw Goddard LLP, which received new instructions from a number of FTSE 100 clients. Jon Tweedale, Jamie Harrison and Kent Phillips are also recommended, along with new partner Mark Molyneux.

Ashurst LLP’s ‘value-for-money service is excellent’. The practice saw growth in terms of profile, client base and size of instructions, and expanded its Asian practice, especially in Indonesia. Ronnie King’s ‘advice is based on his ample experience’, and Tim Reid is also recommended.

Baker & McKenzie LLP ‘provides excellent service and manages workloads efficiently’. The practice advised in various claims arising from M&A and banking transactions involving Eastern Europe, and Ukraine in particular, and also experienced growth in projects-related arbitrations, particularly oil and gas in the Middle East. Jeremy Winter is recommended, and Edward Poulton is a ‘practical, knowledgeable, stress-free lawyer’. Of counsel and former global international arbitration head David Fraser retired.

Recognised for its energy expertise, Baker Botts (UK) LLP’s recent instructions have included BIT matters and disputes under the Energy Charter Treaty. Jay Alexander transferred to the London office while former London team head Mike Lennon relocated to Houston. Alejandro Escobar became a partner.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP was counsel to the Russian Federation in three parallel arbitrations in The Hague, the claims totalling more than $50bn and alleging unfair treatment and expropriation in violation of the Energy Charter Treaty. Jonathan Blackman is highly rated.

Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP is praised for ‘timely, sophisticated, and useful advice’. David Howell leads the team, and senior associate James Rogers is ‘fantastically responsive’.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP’s arbitrations usually stem from the energy, insurance, shipping and commodities sectors. Steven Paull has a particular focus on the upstream and offshore oil and gas industry and infrastructure projects.

Ince & Co, appreciated for its ‘cost-effective advice’, has experience across shipping, insurance, international trade and commodities, energy, construction, engineering and energy matters. Steven Fox’s ‘assistance is tremendously valuable’.

With Ulrich Payne joining from Simmons & Simmons and Ben Sanderson from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP’s London arbitration group grew to six full-time arbitration partners. Chris Colbridge has a ‘good strategic approach’, and Rajinder Bassi and Chiraag Shah are also key contacts.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s construction arbitration practice remains strong. In addition to having transatlantic strengths, the practice works closely with the firm’s Asian offices on mandates for global financial institutions and manufacturing entities. Michael Regan heads the team; Philippa Charles focuses on disputes arising out of cross-border contracts; and Rani Mina was promoted to partner.

Olswang’s ‘advice is promptly given’. The team welcomed Andrew Aglionby from Baker & McKenzie LLP, where he was Asia Pacific international arbitration head, and its international profile should develop further with the firm having recently established offices in Madrid and Paris. Department head Richard Bamforth and Steven Baker are recommended.

Most of Pinsent Masons LLP’s arbitration practice is construction and energy related. Although the number of dedicated partners in London decreased from 15 to 12 in 2010, the team is ‘excellent for legal strategy’ and ‘resolves disputes on a cost-effective basis’. Mark Roe heads the practice, and Jonathan French is ‘responsive, without overlawyering every issue’.

Led by Justin Michaelson, SJ Berwin LLP ‘top-notch lawyers’ are well known for acting in specialist private equity arbitration disputes, and continues to focus on Russia, Central Asia and CEE work, including politically sensitive commercial disputes in Russia. Per Runeland is also a key practitioner, and Mark Hoyle joined as a partner in Dubai. David Goldberg left for White & Case LLP.

Vinson & Elkins RLLP is active beyond its core strengths of energy and infrastructure, and investor-state disputes work, becoming increasingly involved in construction, shipping and shareholder disputes. IDR group head James Loftis and associate Mark Beeley have ‘exceptional expertise’. Construction litigator Nick Henchie joined from Mayer Brown International LLP.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP secured victory for the Government of Pakistan in the Supreme Court of England, the dispute reportedly only the third recorded case in which English courts refused enforcement of an international arbitration award under the New York Convention since implementation in England 35 years ago. Andrew Savage is ‘an excellent strategist’. Robert Platt joined from Curtis Davis Garrard LLP, and focuses on the shipbuilding, offshore construction and power sectors.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges welcomed former McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP global arbitration head Juliet Blanch, who is ‘an exceptional lawyer’. Highlights included advising the respondent in relation to claims brought by a Cayman-incorporated private equity fund regarding a joint venture investment. Matthew Shankland is recommended.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld’s London group was established in 2009 when the firm hired Linklaters LLP’s energy disputes head Justin Williams to head the new practice. In 2010 the practice recruited partner Michael Stepek and counsel Matthew Parish from Hogan Lovells International LLP. The team represented VimpelCom in defending ad hoc proceedings in London commenced by its shareholder Telenor, which claims pre-emption rights in relation to shares to be issued by VimpelCom under a $20bn M&A transaction. Williams ‘gives honest advice about how to win an arbitration’.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is an ‘easy-to-work-with firm that acts on its own initiative within specified guidelines’. The firm has arbitration capabilities in Hong Kong/China and Singapore, and its São Paulo office is now fully active. Group head Maurice Kenton has ‘a real ability to lead assistants and to get the very best out of them’. Former international arbitration head Peter Flint left for Wragge & Co LLP.

Bird & Bird’s ‘service is truly outstanding’. The group is known for its expertise in the aviation, communications, energy, IT, life sciences and sport sectors. Jonathan Taylor has an ‘outstanding legal mind’; Max Duthie ‘shows a level of dedication and commitment that is greatly appreciated’; and Sarah Walker and Jane Player are also highly rated.

Davies Arnold Cooper LLP is notable for its experience in construction and engineering arbitrations. The team includes practice head Rowan Planterose, John Goodman, Danny Gowan, and Michael Blackburne, who recently joined the firm from Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP.

Most of Fenwick Elliott LLP’s work in the area relates to construction, infrastructure and energy projects. Its Middle East practice expanded, while the CIS region remains an important market for the group. Richard Smellie is a key figure.

K&L Gates’ practice expanded internationally through the opening of new offices, such as in Warsaw through the legacy Hogan & Hartson team. In 2010, the London group was involved in 12 international arbitration matters. Ian Meredith is highly rated.

Lawrence Graham LLP was joined by former Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP partner Antony Woodhouse, who specialises in insurance and reinsurance disputes. The team has been active across financial services disputes, Dubai-related construction mandates, energy matters, insurance arbitrations, and Russia-related work. Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry has ‘excellent strategic qualities’; and David Breslin ‘does a great job of providing both legal and strategic advice’.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP welcomed Clyde & Co LLP’s former joint head of international arbitration Jonathan Wood; and Clive Thorne, who joined from Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP and is experienced in IT and IP arbitrations. The practice has been active across insurance, reinsurance, construction, IP/IT and international trade matters.

SNR Denton has ‘strength in depth comparable to a Magic Circle firm but has the feel of a friendly boutique practice’. Known for its energy expertise, the team also won instructions relating to shipping, construction, aviation and IT. Liz Tout heads the team; and senior associate Matthew Vinall is ‘an excellent manager of heavy arbitration work’.

Salans welcomed Africa projects expert Ian Sellars from Watson, Farley & Williams LLP. The firm’s traditional geographical areas are the CIS and CEE regions, with real estate and infrastructure projects particular areas of strength, as well as investment treaty cases. George Burn is recommended.

Steptoe & Johnson has a ‘highly knowledgeable practice’, and recently acted for Motorola in a joint venture dispute in ICC arbitration. Ray Werbicki is a key figure. Tom Sprange left for King & Spalding International LLP.

The ‘outstanding’ Jane Andrewartha is a top-flight disputes partner at Clyde & Co LLP who splits her time between her contentious insurance practice and mediation, where she has an absolutely first-class reputation. On top of her experience in insurance and reinsurance, her expertise as a mediator extends across the full range of sectors and disciplines, including banking and finance, commercial, aviation, commodities, employment and construction,.

An ‘excellent operator’ who can ‘charm even the hardest litigant into reaching a settlement’, David Cornes (Independent) enjoys a superb reputation, particularly for construction-related matters, where ‘as both an engineer and a lawyer he offers a rare insight into the matters he mediates’. Praised for his ‘quietly effective and efficient’ approach, he is ‘quickly able to create a rapport’ with clients, ‘and to gain their trust, all of this using a light touch and good humour’. Solicitors praise him as ‘excellent in terms of preparation work, general understanding and knowledge of the facts and figures, which, combined with his calm, friendly and forthright persuasive manner, very often results in amicable settlement’.

The ‘forthright and energetic’ Charles Dodson of Independent Mediators is considered ‘an excellent mediator’ who ‘is reluctant to let any negotiation fail, and ensures that parties keep engaged with the mediation process’. A former litigation partner and managing partner at Lovells, Dodson’s recent mediation expertise includes a fraud and international asset tracing case for an overseas investment banking group, as well as disputes in the insurance and energy sectors. His mediations in the past year have ranged in value from £60,000 to £300m.

Phillip Howell-Richardson of Independent Mediators has an excellent track record in mediations, particularly those with an international dimension. A former commercial litigator, he has 20 years of experience acting as a mediator, and has been full time since 2005. He covers the full range of sectors, and is regularly involved in major, multi-party disputes. He is also a consultant at SJ Berwin LLP, where he heads the firm’s alternative dispute resolution unit.

Mark Jackson-Stops, founder of In Place of Strife, is highly recommended, and for many ‘a starting point when looking to appoint or recommend a mediator’. As one satisfied client reports: ‘Without exception, he has quickly got to grips with the issues and gained the trust and respect of all the parties to the dispute, enabling him to calmly but forcefully challenge their often entrenched views and to achieve settlement on terms which each party can live with, but which often exceed their expectations at the start of a mediation’. He is also praised for ‘always following up with the parties, to ensure that where settlement is possible, it is achieved’.

The ‘absolutely top-notch’ Michel Kallipetis QC of Independent Mediators is one of the best-known and most active mediators in the UK. In the past year he has mediated on disputes worth between £25,000 and £500m, covering the full range of areas. He ‘gets to the nub of the dispute immediately, so that, even if you don ’t settle, you know you will have made good progress on the key issues by the end of the day’.

The ‘highly effective’, ‘excellent, hardworking and intelligent’ Jon Lang of In Place of Strife climbs a tier on the back of some very good feedback from clients, who praise him as ‘not afraid to engage and challenge views or strategies in a constructive manner’, and ‘always working extremely hard to exhaust every avenue to reach an agreement’. ‘His patience and good humour can enable even the most intractable disputes to be resolved, and he goes the extra mile in pursuing settlement.’ While he covers all manner of mediations, clients note that his background as an IP partner at White & Case LLP makes him a very good choice for IP mediations.

A firm favourite and regular ‘first choice’ for instructing solicitors, Mark Lomas QC of Independent Mediators boasts an excellent track record, having conducted well over 300 mediations since he became an accredited mediator 2001. Clients single him out for his willingness to ‘work extremely hard during the mediation to get to the crux of the claim and the nub of the issues’. He is also considered ‘extremely effective in the way that he not only discusses legal issues and highlights the risks, but also considers all practical issues’.

Seen as something of a mediation pioneer, Bill Marsh of Independent Mediators is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished ‘top-rank’ mediators in the market. Since going into full-time mediation in 1991, Marsh has been involved in a number of mediations that have been in the public domain, including the dispute between Dame Shirley Porter and Westminster City Council, and also the disputed takeover of Brighton & Hove Albion FC. As well as domestic mediations he is also involved in numerous major international cases, including a recent £1bn transatlantic pharmaceuticals dispute.

Andrew Paton divides his time between mediation and his role as partner in charge of risk management and professional indemnity at Pinsent Masons LLP. While he might not be as active as some of the mediators on this list, he has established a ‘top-tier’ reputation among clients, and was involved in 52 mediations in 2010. He mediates on all manner of commercial disputes, and has been heavily involved in professional negligence, insurance and construction matters.

Nicholas Pryor is another leading name at Independent Mediators, and comes highly recommended by clients, who praise him for his intelligent and courteous approach. A hugely experienced mediator, he has been conducting mediations since 1986 and his cases over the past year have ranged in value from £25,000 to £300m.

Considered by clients to be ‘very good indeed’, Stephen Ruttle QC forms an integral part of Brick Court Chambers’ highly rated mediation service, and undertook 55 mediations in the last year. On top of his commitments in the UK, Ruttle also regularly conducts mediations in Hong Kong, Athens and the US. 40% of his workload comes from the shipping and banking sectors, with the rest spread across a broad array of commercial disputes.

A former disputes partner at Addleshaw Goddard LLP, Quentin Smith (Independent) has built up a very strong following in the market. He is noted for his impeccable professional expertise and thorough preparation, which helps him win the trust of the disputing parties. As a full-time mediator, he has mediated over 450 disputes, and has maintained a very impressive settlement rate.

Based in Edinburgh, John Sturrock QC, the CEO of Core Solutions Group Limited, is without peer when it comes to Scotland-based mediations, and is also one of the very best for London, UK-wide and international disputes. He mediates on a broad range of disputes, including agriculture, energy, real estate and IP matters, and is highly recommended.

‘The god of everyone’, according to peers, clients also rate Tony Willis of Brick Court Chambers extremely highly, and take comfort in the fact that he is always ‘his usual accomplished self’. Others note the much-appreciated ‘gravitas’ he is able to bring to heavyweight, multi-party, multibillion-dollar proceedings; his previous experience as head of litigation and managing partner of Clifford Chance certainly helps him command respect.

The ‘excellent’ William Wood QC of Brick Court Chambers wins huge respect for being ‘blunt and to the point’ and for possessing a ‘very good, easy’ and ‘no-nonsense style’. In addition, ‘he keeps the mediation process moving forward, and always has a mastery of the relevant facts and issues’. Wood handles the full range of matters, and has recently been involved in a multibillion-dollar mediation relating to derivative investments.

The ‘excellent’ Tony Allen of CEDR Solve is a ‘real smooth operator’, and a regular first choice for personal injury and clinical negligence mediations. Clients pay tribute to his ‘perseverance and common sense’, which often ensure that that parties reach acceptable compromises in tough negotiations. ‘He is always switched on, and knows the facts and the issues surrounding the case very well.’

Philip Bartle QC of Littleton Chambers has a very strong track record in professional negligence disputes, and his experience extends to broader commercial, insurance, employment, real estate and personal inheritance matters.

Amanda Bucklow of In Place of Strife is praised for her ‘innovative and refreshing style’; ‘she is very engaging and unstuffy, and probably her greatest strength is her ability to build a rapport and empathy with the clients’.

The ‘calm and efficient’ Elizabeth Jones QC of Serle Court comes ‘absolutely unhesitatingly’ recommended. She is ‘very knowledgeable in the law’, and unafraid to be ‘a tough operator, and can use that if a party at mediation needs to be brought into line. On the other hand, she is sympathetic to anyone in a difficult situation’.

The ‘very good’ Lawrence Kershen QC of In Place of Strife is ‘particularly impressive’. He is regularly involved in high-end mediations, ranging from defamation disputes, to finance, IP, engineering and professional negligence matters.

Jonathan Lloyd-Jones, the Oxford-based chairman of Blake Lapthorn, is praised for his ‘good style of connecting not only with solicitors but also claimants. He reads people and situations well, which often leads to a settlement’. Clients also commend his persistent approach: ‘if a claim has not resolved at the mediation, Jonathan will always go the extra mile to see whether or not he can assist in resolving the claim thereafter’. He has recently acted in several multi-party professional negligence claims.

The ‘excellent’ Karl Mackie CBE, chief executive of CEDR Solve, is highly recommended, as ‘measured, incisive and effective at achieving outcomes even in difficult mediations’. He enjoys a very good reputation in the market, both as an ambassador for the profession and as a mediator, and in 2010 was awarded a CBE for his services to mediation.

The ‘excellent’ Frances Maynard of CEDR Solve ‘strikes the perfect balance’ between sustaining empathy and maintaining a tough stance on mediations. Clients also praise her ‘rigorously impartial’ approach, and her willingness to go ‘beyond any normal expectations of a professional mediator’. She is particularly recommended for employment disputes, especially in the financial services industry.

The ‘polite and diligent’ Charles Middleton-Smith of Squire Sanders Hammonds is appreciated for his ‘quietly persuasive and very patient approach’, which is an ‘effective method of unblocking barriers to settlement’. He has a strong track record for large claims, and ‘his style is open and inclusive; he can be quite directional without appearing to be beating the parties into making a deal’.

Philip Naughton QC, former head of chambers at 3 Serjeants’ Inn, may not be as active as he once was, but when he is used he remains undoubtedly one of the best mediators in the market. His expertise covers the full range of disputes, including energy, insurance, maritime, fraud and construction matters. He spent over 100 days in mediation in 2010, including on major domestic and international disputes.

The ‘very effective’ Christopher Newmark of Spenser Underhill Newmark LLP is popular among major law firms, and is praised as being ‘personable, hardworking and a pleasure to deal with’; ‘his star is very much in the ascendant’. He is also noted for his ‘informal style’, which is ‘balanced by rigour and purpose at key moments’.

‘One of the founding fathers of mediation’, David Richbell at In Place of Strife has ‘all the qualities necessary for a good mediator: he is modest, highly experienced and utterly committed to helping the parties find resolution’. He is considered one of the go-to mediators for construction disputes.

Beverly-Ann Rogers of Serle Court has few rivals when it comes to mediating trust and probate disputes, where she has a superb reputation for handling difficult situations ‘brilliantly’. She is ‘excellent at deciding in advance how to structure the mediation and how to make the parties feel at ease’, and attracts praise for her ‘complete mastery of complex issues’ and ‘pleasant but firm style’.

‘One of the best mediators in the country’, Colin Russ (Independent) – a former head of litigation at DLA Piper UK LLP in Birmingham – is praised for his ‘good technical legal knowledge and very affable style’, and his ability to ‘quickly win the trust of the parties’, while working ‘very hard to achieve a successful outcome both on the day and afterwards’. He is also considered ‘excellent at building rapport with both clients and lawyers’, and is ‘patient and persistent in pursuing the resolution of the most intractable of cases’.

Michael Shane of Atkin Chambers is especially well known for his experience in mediating major international construction disputes, often involving significant infrastructure and utilities projects. He also has a good track record in broader commercial, banking and IP mediations.

The ‘extremely effective’ Stephen Shaw of Lamb Chambers comes highly recommended, particularly for property-related disputes. ‘He is very patient and an excellent listener, which is critical in mediation’, and is also praised for his ‘calm and considered approach, which can have the effect of defusing some stressful and anxious mediations’.

The ‘outstanding’ Patrick Walker at Squire Sanders Hammonds is commended for his ‘excellent service’, ‘light, friendly, inclusive approach’, and ‘exemplary’ mediation management. He is ‘measured, highly intelligent, calm, and very client friendly’, and is especially well regarded for property-related disputes, thanks in part to his background as a property litigator.

The ‘leading’ team at Capsticks has a ‘well-deserved reputation for excellence’, and is praised for its ‘good, up-to-date knowledge of regulatory law and issues’. Headed by John Witt, the five-partner team has ‘a wealth of experience’ in the healthcare sector, acting for five out of the nine healthcare regulatory bodies in the UK. Clients include the General Dental Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the General Chiropractic Council, the General Optical Council, the General Social Care Council, the General Pharmaceutical Council and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Key individuals include the ‘excellent’ Mark Whiting; and Peter Steel, who is ‘able to produce top-quality work within tight deadlines’. Also recommended are Daniel Purcell, Annie Sorbie, Jane Barker, and the ‘conscientious’ Shaun O’Malley.

Led by the ‘very approachable’ Matthew Lohn, the team at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP ‘makes a real effort to get to know a client’s business’, and is ‘friendly and helpful to work with’. Key developments for the firm included winning a competitive tender to conduct fitness-to-practise investigations on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. It is also currently advising the GMC on its role and participation in the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry. Mary Timms is ‘excellent’, and Judith Chrystie is ‘very professional’.

RadcliffesLeBrasseur is ‘renowned for its strong healthcare practice’, but also has ‘genuine, first-class and reliable expertise in the field of solicitors/SRA regulation and disciplinary law and process’. It is instructed by medical and defence organisations, and defends healthcare practitioners in disciplinary and regulatory cases, as well as specialising in defence work for solicitors facing disciplinary and regulatory proceedings. Key individuals include the ‘extremely bright’ Alex Leslie; the ‘extremely knowledgeable and charismatic’ Ralph Shipway; Nigel West, who has ‘great experience’; and Richard Privett, who is ‘very able and personable’.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP ‘stands out for its depth of experience, consistency in talent, ability, and quality of service’. With a ‘renowned’ healthcare practice, the firm advises clients including Dental Protection, Abbey Legal Protection, the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians, Vision Express, Boots UK, and the Medical Protection Society. Gary Allison has ‘a wealth of experience and good tactical ability’; Vicki Swanton is ‘first rate’; Juliette Mellman-Jones is ‘an effective lawyer with excellent client-management skills’; and Manchester-based Michael Brown is a ‘clever and analytical lawyer’. Mark Shaw recently joined the firm from Hempsons.

Bevan Brittan LLP’s ‘excellent team’ is led by the ‘renowned’ Iain Miller. It was appointed to advise the Solicitors Regulation Authority in relation to its involvement in the administration of Halliwells. Other notable clients include the Architects Registration Board, the Care Quality Commission, the General Teaching Council for England, and The Law Society.

Key clients for the ‘impressive team’ at Blake Lapthorn include the Association of Accounting Technicians, the Access Dispute Committee, and the General Dental Council. Notable individuals include Christopher Alder, who is ‘highly recommended’; Nick Leale; Southampton-based Stephen Murfitt; and the ‘knowledgeable’ Bradley Albuery, who heads the eight-partner team.

Hempsons fields an ‘excellent’ team headed by the ‘exceptional’ Chris Morris, whose ‘attention to detail’ is ‘first class’. It is experienced in defending general medical practitioners, dental practitioners and optometrists through all stages of the General Medical Council’s, General Dental Council’s and General Optical Council’s procedures. It also represented the Dental Defence Union in a professional conduct committee case before the General Dental Council.

Stephen Parkinson heads a ‘formidable’ team at Kingsley Napley LLP. It is ‘renowned for its expertise’ in the police sector; longstanding clients include the Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association. It also advises clients such as the Health Professions Council, the General Teaching Council and the General Optical Council. John Harding, Julie Norris and Nicola Hill are also recommended.

Key work for the team at Mills & Reeve LLP included successfully repelling four threatened applications for judicial review made against the General Dental Council. It also advised The Law Society in two challenges to its complaints-handling function brought by solicitors where professional service had been found to be inadequate. Ian Mayers heads the team, and Richard Sykes is recommended for his experience in advising educational institutions. Kevin Duce is also recommended.

Praised for its ‘ability to understand the needs of the client’, the team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP continues to advise a range of large regulators across the fields of healthcare, veterinary medicine, law and accountancy, such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the General Pharmaceutical Council. The ‘brilliant’ Nicole Curtis was promoted to the partnership in 2010; Katrina Wingfield is an ‘outstanding advocate’; and Geoffrey Hudson’s ‘knowledge and expertise are particularly comforting in complicated disciplinary proceedings’.

Managing director John Williams is recommended at Bankside Law. He has advised the MDU and United Chiropractic Association.

The ‘excellent’ team at Beachcroft is led by the ‘knowledgeable’ Stephen Hocking, and is praised for its ‘good response times’. Key clients include the Chartered Institute of Builders, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, the Family Health Services Appeal Authority, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, and the MDU. Christopher Briggs, previously of Halliwells, joined the Manchester team.

The ‘first-rate’ Simon Eastwood heads Eastwoods Solicitors’ three-partner team, which is experienced in representing medical professionals in regulatory and disciplinary matters. It also represents individuals from a variety of other sectors, including sport. Surjit Dubb was recently promoted to the partnership.

Herbert Smith LLP’s ‘outstanding’ team is led by the ‘formidable’ Andrew Lidbetter. With the ability to handle high-profile cases, its client base includes the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, the National Lottery Commission, and The Accountancy & Actuarial Disciplinary Board.

Irwin Mitchell LLP’s ‘top-notch’ practice is active in representing professionals from the educational, healthcare, financial and legal sectors. Sheffield-based Andrew Lockley heads the team; and Sarah Wallace in London is also recommended, particularly for her experience in representing individuals facing FSA disciplinary proceedings.

Led by Peter Fitzpatrick, who is ‘strong on tactics’, the team at Nabarro LLP provides ‘consistently high-quality advice’, and is particularly ‘highly regarded in medical and dental discipline’. It advises members of the MDU in regulatory proceedings before the General Medical Council and in disputes with primary care trusts.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s ‘first-rate’ team represents professionals across the areas of financial services, healthcare, accountancy and law. The ‘renowned’ Clare Jaycock heads the medical regulation team; Jonathan Davies and Steven Francis are recognised for their expertise in the financial services sector; and Dorothy Flower is also singled out for praise. Richard Burger was recently promoted to the partnership.

Key clients for the ‘proactive and efficient’ practice at Russell-Cooke LLP include The Law Society, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Institute of Legal Executives, the Taxation Disciplinary Board, the Architects Registration Board, and the General Dental Council. The ‘massively experienced’ Peter Cadman heads the five-partner team, and is praised as ‘a calm but fierce defender’. Matt Bosworth is ‘very able’.

The ‘first-rate’ Rosemary Rollason heads the team at Russell Jones & Walker, whose clients include the General Optical Council and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. It is currently instructed by numerous families in relation to the coroner’s inquests into the 7/7 London bombings. Rod Fletcher is also recommended.

Led by Tom Cassels, who has ‘expert and diplomatic client-handling skills’, Baker & McKenzie LLP ‘excels’ as a team. Ian Mason recently joined the practice from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP.

With an ‘expert level of knowledge’, Melanie Carter heads the team at Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP, which represented the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in the Court of Appeal case Coke-Wallis v The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Dinah Tuck is ‘first rate’.

Stephen Grosz heads the team at Bindmans LLP, which acts for the College of Psychoanalysts UK, the Association of Child Psychotherapists, and the Association of Independent Psychotherapists.

David Reissner leads the team at Charles Russell LLP, which acts in relation to fitness-to-practise hearings and investigations brought by the General Pharmaceutical Council, as well as handling criminal prosecutions and inquests involving healthcare professionals.

Peter Jones heads the team at Eversheds LLP, which is highly recommended.

Noted for his ‘ability to fight hard for his clients’, Ian Ryan heads the team at Finers Stephens Innocent LLP.

Angela Horne heads the team at Hill Dickinson LLP, whose clients include the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund, Quinn Insurance, Dental Protection, the Medical Protection Society, the Veterinary Defence Society, and The Birth Centre.

Legal Risk’s three-partner team is led by Frank Maher, and provides clients with ‘first-class advice’.

The ‘first-class’ team at Mayer Brown International LLP is led by Clare Canning, who is ‘good at focusing on the big picture’, and ‘excellent at dealing with clients’.

Stephenson Harwood’s ‘excellent’ team is led by Tony Woodcock.

Allen & Overy LLP ‘needs no introduction to an informed PIL audience’. The practice advised clients with business interests in Libya and Iran, on the impact of sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, the EU, and the US on asset freezing and tracing, and on force majeure clauses in contracts. It was also instructed by AES in commencing an ICSID arbitration against Kazakhstan. Stephen Jagusch has ‘an excellent command of issues and strong communication skills’; Anthony Sinclair has ‘fantastic analytical skills and a broad range of PIL knowledge’; and counsel Jeffrey Sullivan is ‘extremely personable and trustworthy, and displays strong and detailed knowledge of current legal issues’. Judith Gill QC, Mark Levy, Edward Murray and senior associate Tom Sebastian are key contacts.

Clifford Chance represented the Government of Poland in defending an Energy Charter Treaty claim, and advised in an ICSID arbitration brought under the Netherlands-Nigeria BIT, concerning expropriation of rights under a production sharing contract. Team heads Audley Sheppard and Rae Lindsay are recommended, as are consultants Jeremy Carver and Andrew Dickinson.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP saw growth in investment arbitrations arising out of CIS, Middle East and African countries. The team has also developed an active sanctions practice, and handled state immunity issues arising out of contracting with state or quasi-state entities, and the firm’s international human rights group has been active in relation to corporations’ human rights responsibilities. Highlights included advising MTN in its ICSID arbitration against the government of Yemen, under the UAE-Yemen bilateral investment treaty and Yemen’s Investment Law, marking the first time a UAE investor has filed a claim at ICSID. Global PIL head Jan Paulsson, team head Constantine Partasides and counsel Sylvia Noury are recommended.

Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP’s experience includes issues relating to land and to maritime boundaries. It advised the National Boundary Commission of Nigeria on matters of interpretation where significant issues remain unresolved on the maritime boundary relating to straddling oil deposits. Tim Daniel and Alan Perry are well regarded.

Herbert Smith LLP was strengthened by the arrival of Andrew Cannon as a senior associate from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Christian Leathley, who joined as of counsel from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP. Recent work for the practice includes advising in long-running arbitration proceedings brought under the LCIA rules in connection with the US’ softwood lumber dispute with Canada. Matthew Weiniger ‘impresses clients; he provides sound and skilful legal advice’.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is increasingly carving a niche in investment treaty disputes. The practice represented the Slovak Republic against the Eureko Group in a challenge to a jurisdictional award on the basis of the Netherlands-Slovak Republic BIT. Team head Michael Davison and Markus Burgstaller are recommended.

Led by Gary Born, the team at WilmerHale has broad experience in matters involving public international law, foreign states and state-owned entities. Representative experience includes advising in an arbitration between two African nations over territorial sovereignty.

Clyde & Co LLP’s PIL practice draws on the firm’s international trade and dispute resolution expertise. The team is increasingly involved in disputes arising under investment treaties, acting for and against governments in relation to expropriation, fair and equitable treatment, discrimination, and denial of justice claims. PIL work is also relevant to the firm’s work concerning contract frustration, sovereign immunity, and international debt issues, and it has expertise in sanctions-related advice. John Whittaker, Ben Knowles and Michael Swangard are key practitioners.

DLA Piper UK LLP extended its London offering, with Maria Alcalde joining from WilmerHale and Alex Price and Silvia Farre Munoz from Herbert Smith LLP. Highlights included defending the government of Georgia in $700m investment treaty arbitration claims. Matthew Saunders and Kate Knox are recommended.

Eversheds LLP ‘provides a solid and reliable service’. Boundary disputes are a particular specialism, and the practice has seen a growing number of instructions in relation to investor-state cases. It recently acted for two Lithuanian investors in the first international investment arbitration undertaken against Serbia. London team head Stuart Dutson is ‘the star; the practice largely revolves around his knowledge and expertise’.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s ‘knowledgeable and professional’ London team recently saw the departure of Robert Volterra and Stephen Fietta, but has been instructed in new investment treaty disputes and in various PIL matters related to recent events in the Middle East and North Africa. Highlights included acting for Macedonia in a major investment arbitration proceeding at ICSID, brought by an Austrian energy company under the Energy Charter Treaty and the Austria-Macedonia bilateral investment treaty. Philip Clifford is experienced in resolving a broad range of disputes for states and commercial entities, and Charles Claypoole has ‘deep knowledge’ of international boundary disputes and the Law of the Sea.

Linklaters LLP offers a ‘high level of quality, and prompt and reliable advice’. Highlights included advising the Republic of Poland in the defence of a €2.5bn claim under the French/Polish BIT, and acting in a high-profile case in which $50m damages were won in international arbitration proceedings concerning the expropriation of a mining and metals project in Latin America. Greg Reid leads the team. Associate Philomena Cleobury is also a key contact.

Baker & McKenzie LLP, on the international human rights front, acted for UNHCR as intervener in a high-profile refugee law case. On the trade side, the group is split into customs, trade remedies, outbound trade compliance, and WTO matters. Group head Edward Poulton, London arbitration head Jeremy Winter, and trade practitioner Ross Denton are key figures.

Baker Botts (UK) LLP’s Alejandro Escobar is experienced in advising on investment treaty disputes, boundary issues, the Law of the Sea, and international trade agreements, and has handled matters involving multiple jurisdictions and overlapping treaty obligations.

Carter-Ruck is at the forefront of challenges to the asset-freezing regime introduced in the aftermath of 9/11. Team head Cameron Doley was instructed by the government of the State of Qatar in relation to border and energy rights disputes, and transnational investment and broadcasting issues. Guy Martin is ‘excellent’.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP’s highlights included acting as counsel to the Republic of Argentina, together with the Procuración del Tesoro de la República Argentina, in claims brought at ICSID under the Argentina-Italy bilateral investment treaty by holders of interests under multiple Argentine bonds, the case marking the first attempt to pursue a mass claim in an ICSID arbitration. Jonathan Blackman and David Sabel are recommended.

At Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, Jessica Gladstone joined from her role as a legal adviser to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, while Peter Rees QC left to join Royal Dutch Shell as Legal Director. The team advised the defendant in proceedings initiated by the government of Belize to impose an anti-arbitration injunction preventing the defendant from pursuing an investment treaty arbitration under the UK-Belize BIT. Lord Peter Goldsmith QC, Sophie Lamb, David Rivkin and Karolos Seeger are recommended.

Reed Smith has ‘a strong understanding of the issues at stake’. The team successfully defended the Tanzanian state-owned electricity company, TANESCO, in a substantial ICC arbitration brought by a Houston-based company. Practice head Belinda Paisley and Gautam Bhattacharyya are key contacts.

Clients praise Steptoe & Johnson’s ‘knowledge of US laws’. Recent work includes advising on bilateral investment treaties, state immunity, sanctions and anti-corruption matters. The practice was lead counsel in an investment dispute arbitration with the Republic of Zimbabwe after a family’s farming and forestry operation was nationalised. Matthew Coleman is a well-respected practitioner, and David Lorello is ‘technically strong’.

The ‘innovative’ team at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP provides a very broad range of contentious tax services and is noted for its capabilities on complex multi-jurisdictional matters. It acted for ITV in a multimillion-pound dispute with HMRC which will have wide ramifications for many individuals working in the media, and also represented PokerStrategy in tax disputes and related issues arising in a multitude of jurisdictions. Key longstanding clients include the Aegis Group and the Football Association. ‘Excellent’ group head Liesl Fichardt is highly regarded and praised by clients and peers alike.

The ‘excellent’, three-partner team at Dorsey & Whitney provides ‘comprehensive, all-round’ advice to a variety of high-profile clients including Pirelli, Marks & Spencer, and Siemens. Areas of expertise include Group Litigation Orders and EU tax matters. The team has acted in numerous big-ticket cases, including ongoing advice to test claimants following a case against HMRC contending that the UK’s legislation on thinly capitalised companies was in breach of the EC treaty; and is also acting for 24 multinationals in a challenge to the UK’s CFC and dividend taxation rules. Head of the group Simon Whitehead has an ‘excellent grasp of the subject’; EU expert Paul Farmer ‘really listens to the client’s input’; and Michael Anderson gives ‘sound’ advice.

Herbert Smith LLP’s ‘superb’ tax litigation offering is impressively broad, drawing on a large pool of highly capable lawyers, and is praised for its ‘flexible and innovative’ approach. It acted for the Law Society of England and Wales in a Court of Appeal case which ruled that legal professional privilege should not be extended to cover legal advice given by accountants. Other clients include BAA, Barclays Capital, Maersk, and O2. Recommended practice head Heather Gething provides ‘a calm clarity of analysis and a strong feeling of support’ to clients. Rupert Shiers joined the team from McGrigors LLP.

McGrigors LLP’s three-partner team is praised for its ‘thoroughly professional approach, delivery and client care’ and its commitment to client relationships. It acted for Philips in a corporation tax dispute referred to the ECJ, and for Legal & General in a complex and high-value corporate tax matter. GLOs have also proved an area of success for the team. Group head James Bullock and Jason Collins are ‘top class’ and ‘full of practical ideas and insights’. Rupert Shiers left in April 2011.

Slaughter and May’s ‘seamless’ practice is valued for its ‘high levels of technical expertise’, and excellent multi-jurisdictional capabilities. The team acted for Morgan Stanley in relation to an appeal by HMRC following a dispute arising from the inter-relationship between the US and UK tax regimes; and it also acted for Nationwide in a substantial dispute with HMRC regarding the tax treatment of a structured finance transaction. Other clients include Bank of Ireland, and Ford. Practice head Sarah Lee is recommended.

DLA Piper UK LLP has a ‘very knowledgeable team’, and acts on the full range of investigations and direct and indirect tax disputes for clients including Commerzbank, HSBC, and Universal Studios. Recent areas of success include representing banks in relation to compulsory disclosure notices from HMRC. Simon Airey is ‘good on niche matters’; and Les Allen is ‘approachable and helpful’, and has ‘excellent litigation skills’.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has ‘strength in depth’ and the ‘toughness to deal with the stresses of litigation’, with its ability in corporate tax matters a large component of the strength of its contentious offering. It was recently instructed by a multinational banking group in nine separate disputes involving a leasing transaction. Other clients include AstraZeneca, and Eclipse Film Partners. Team head Helen Buchanan has ‘considerable tactical and strategic skills’.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is praised for its ‘practical advice’ and ‘excellent response times’, and acts in a diverse range of disputes, with the firm’s extremely strong VAT capabilities contributing to its strength in contentious indirect tax matters. The team acted for The ECU Group in a dispute with HMRC relating to the VAT liability of the management of foreign currency exposure of multi-currency loans, and for Weight Watchers UK in a VAT appeal relating to an assessment time limit extension. Greg Sinfield and Kevin Ashman are the key figures.

Linklaters LLP acted for BP in relation to the reclaiming of SDRT charged by HMRC in alleged breach of the EC Capital Directive, and also acted in an appeal to the tax tribunal concerning a joint venture which made a number of property investments. Michael Sanders is a key figure in contentious tax and EU matters, and Dominic Winter is also recommended.

The team at PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal LLP has grown substantially in recent years, and benefits from the firm’s close relationship with its sister accounting firm. It has strong capabilities in GLOs and contentious indirect tax matters, and recently acted for a group of claimants in an SDRT GLO brought to recover funds allegedly paid in breach of EU law. It also acted for Prudential in a significant case over the issue of adviser privilege. Mark Whitehouse and Nick Skerrett are names to note.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s team combines ‘first-rate legal knowledge’ with ‘practical experience of HMRC’s internal workings’. It has notable expertise in GLOs, and is led by recommended figures Jonathan Levy and Adam Craggs, who is noted for his ‘commercial acumen, and focus on the desired result’.

Ian Hyde is recommended at Pinsent Masons.

Hartley Foster at Olswang is noted for his ‘rare ability to balance commercial tactics within the litigation process’.

Maryanna Sharrock and Sanjay Mehta are recommended at Stephenson Harwood.