The Legal 500

As the economy remains sluggish, a number of distinct trends have become apparent. In-house HR departments have skilled up over the course of the downturn, and have made redundancy exercises into a ‘tick box’ process. Low-level basic employment advisory instructions have decreased, due to client cost restraints and the availability of online materials. Firms are consequently competing at the higher end of the market, where specialisation gains increased currency.

One area which has continued to show a high level of activity is litigation, in both the High Court and the employment tribunals. The number of trials relating to team moves, restrictive covenants, bonus schemes, and all kinds of discrimination has increased, with employees striving to maintain scarce jobs, and employers taking action to stem the flood of claims. Firms such as Linklaters LLP; McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP; Herbert Smith LLP; Farrer & Co; Fox Williams LLP and Simmons & Simmons have been at the forefront for finance houses and executives, and have witnessed the development of a new thread of litigation – data breaches and privacy issues in defections to competitors. Discrimination in all its forms has also been in the spotlight, with notable cases being fought by Leigh Day & Co; Bindmans LLP; and Russell Jones & Walker.

Another consequence of the recession – attempts to enforce more stringent regulation of remuneration in the financial sector – has led to advisory work for firms such as Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy LLP; while others, from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP to Squire Sanders Hammonds and Ashurst LLP, have assisted corporates to consolidate by transferring employees on divestments.

The change of government has, inevitably, brought wide-ranging legal changes. In the employment field, union firms Thompsons Solicitors LLP, Pattinson & Brewer, and Simpson Millar LLP – and their opponents – are gearing up for a likely increase in collective consultation and industrial action as trade unions flex their muscles over public sector cuts. The ripple effects into the private sector may encourage many growing employment teams to expand further and breakaway firms to set up.

The coalition government’s policy towards immigration led to a bewildering number of rapid changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 immigration categories, throwing firms such as Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal LLP and Fragomen LLP into frantic lobbying and a whirlwind of updating and appeals.

The most significant aspect of the change of government for health and safety lawyers came with the Young report and the 35% cut in the Health and Safety Executive’s budget, leading inevitably to less regulation in the area. However, the passing of the first custodial sentence for a workplace death, together with the potentially bankrupting level of fines which the first corporate manslaughter prosecution (defended by Pinsent Masons LLP) demonstrated, should mean that teams at firms such as Bond Pearce LLP, Kennedys, DLA Piper UK LLP, and Eversheds LLP remain in demand.

The world of pensions law continues to challenge corporates and fund trustees alike. Recent trends include dealing with deficits in pension schemes that have had the potential to run into billions of pounds, and liability management, particularly the management of accrual liabilities. In terms of new legislation, the change of inflation measure from RPI to CPI created automatic changes in the valuation of schemes. Sacker & Partners LLP remains the leading specialist firm and, together with global full-service giants CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, Hogan Lovells International LLP and Linklaters LLP, provides a top-tier service in both contentious and non-contentious pensions matters.

Allen & Overy LLP’s two-partner team provides clients with ‘practical commercial solutions’, leveraging off the reputation and client base of the wider firm as well as handling ‘first-rate’ standalone work. The group advised Goldman Sachs International and others on Ocado’s IPO; Dana Petroleum on its hostile takeover by Korea National Oil Corporation; and Thames River Capital on its high-profile acquisition by F&C. Recommended partners include Paul McCarthy, who has ‘very good knowledge of share plans and employment practice’, and Sylvie Watts, who is ‘always accessible’ and is praised for her ‘excellent response times, and expert advice’.

Clifford Chance’s four-partner team is ‘very responsive’ and ‘always meets deadlines’; it gives ‘considered advice and understands the sensitivities of clients’. New clients include Babcock International Group and Booker Group, joining established names such as Man Group, International Power, and Standard Chartered. It advised Barclays on all aspects of its share and cash incentive plans, and Diageo on matters including the establishment of new all-employee UK share plans. It also advised Man Group on the $1.6bn acquisition of rival hedge fund GLG Partners. Daniel Hepburn (global share plans), Kevin Thompson (employment tax), Robin Tremaine (share plan hedging derivatives), and new partner Sonia Gilbert are recommended.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s two-partner offering demonstrates ‘excellent business acumen and commercial focus’, and has garnered a number of new clients, including BT, to add to its impressive portfolio of names such as Ladbrokes, Promethean World, and British Land. Key highlights included acting on Betfair’s London IPO; advising BP on the renewal of its directors’ share plan; and advising Wolseley on the global share schemes issues arising from its redomestication. Simon Evans and Jocelyn Mitchell are ‘exceptionally competent’.

Herbert Smith LLP’s team is praised for its ‘very good strength in depth’ and ‘fast and efficient’ response times. It advised Arriva on the incentives aspects of its recommended takeover offer from Deutsche Bahn; and Silver Lake and Warburg Pincus on their $3.4bn bid for Interactive Data Corporation. The team also advised Northern Foods on its initially recommended merger with Greencore Group. International clients, such as AXA and Cap Gemini, feature strongly in the firm’s client roster. Partners of note include Mark Ife, valued for his ‘excellent technical knowledge, and practical, commercial approach’; and Paul Ellerman, who has ‘excellent commercial awareness’.

Linklaters LLP’s ‘very impressive’ practice assists a host of blue-chip clients, including AMEC, Burberry, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, J Sainsbury, and Vodafone, and is well placed to supply global share plans services, benefiting from the firm’s international coverage and reputation. Key deals for the two-partner team included advising GDF Suez on its complex €20.2bn reverse takeover of International Power; Korea National Oil Corporation on its $1.9bn hostile takeover of Dana Petroleum; and National Grid in relation to its £3.3bn rights issue. Head of the practice Gillian Chapman is ‘respected in the market’. Highly influential former practice head Janet Cooper is set to retire in autumn 2011.

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s team acts for high-profile clients such as Trinity Mirror, Barclays, SABMiller and Lloyds Banking Group. It advised Amazon EU on the unwinding of employee share and cash incentives on the client’s acquisition of LOVEFiLM. Recommended partner Louise Whitewright has an ‘excellent network of industry contacts’, and ‘makes the complex very simple’. Former partner Jessica McMichael retired in 2010.

The ‘very responsive’ team at Slaughter and May has ‘excellent depth of knowledge’, coupled with ‘strong business understanding’. It advised British Airways on the effect of the proposed merger with Iberia on its existing share option schemes and the position of the employee benefit trust, and acted for Compagnie Financière Richemont on the incentives implications of its acquisition of Net-a-Porter. Other clients include Ocado, and Taylor Wimpey. Eddie Codrington is ‘ahead of all others in knowledge and pragmatic advice’, and Jonathan Fenn is also recommended.

The ‘first-class’ team at Ashurst LLP is praised for its technical strength and responsiveness, and has expertise in transactional matters. It acted for Apax on its $830m acquisition of a majority stake in Sophos, a UK private company, and for Chloride Group on its £1bn takeover. On the non-transactional side, it advised Intermediate Capital Group on the implementation of new share plans for management, which led to the adoption of an omnibus plan. Paul Randall and Barbara Allen are the names to note.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP provides ‘professional, well-communicated’ advice, and demonstrates ‘good knowledge’ across the area. It acted for Hartest Holdings on the share schemes aspects of a cash offer from Elektron, and for TT Electronics on establishing a new, Revenue-approved save-as-you-earn scheme. Nicholas Stretch shows ‘dedication’ and ‘understanding of the client’s needs’.

Norton Rose LLP provides ‘good-quality’ advice at ‘competitive rates’, with a strong transactional offering and expertise in emerging markets and Islamic finance compliance. It advised F&C Asset Management on the incentives aspects of its acquisition of Thames River Capital, and Jupiter Fund Management on the share plan aspects of its IPO, including implementing new deferred bonus, long-term incentive and tax-approved sharesave plans. David Cohen is noted for his ‘extremely competent and practical’ advice, and Monique Fry is also recommended.

Travers Smith LLP is valued for its ‘strong technical depth’ and its ‘clear’ advice, delivered in a ‘concise’ manner. It acts for a number of high-profile clients, among them Virgin Media, Saga, and new name Pinebridge Investments, across a variety of transactional and advisory matters. It advised new private bank Metro Bank on its management incentives scheme, and Bridgepoint on its complex £995m sale of Pets at Home to KKR. Mahesh Varia is recommended.

The ‘excellent’ team at Addleshaw Goddard LLP is ‘attuned’ to the ‘legislation, governance and best-practice’ developments in the sector. It acted for Capita Group on the incentives issues arising in several acquisitions, and advised Assura on share scheme matters. Michael Carter is ‘approachable’ and ‘considers the whole picture’.

Baker & McKenzie LLP advises a host of international blue-chip clients, including Deutsche Bank, BAE Systems, and Bank of America. Significant matters included advising Coca-Cola Enterprises on the UK share plan implications of its split from the Coca-Cola Company, and Ensco on the incentives implications of its redomestication in the UK. Jeremy Edwards is the name to note.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s two-partner practice acted on a number of key mandates, including advising Access Intelligence on the share schemes implications of its acquisition of compliance software specialist Cobent, and Sovereign Reversions on the incentives issues arising from its acquisition by Grainger. Mark Gearing is recommended on corporate employee share plans, and Graeme Nuttall on employee ownership matters.

Noted for its ‘pragmatic, cost-effective’ advice, Pinsent Masons advised longstanding client Pace on its complex and strategic acquisition of Latens Systems, and Misys on the share scheme implications of its disposal of interest in a US subsidiary company, while other clients include Allianz Insurance, Portmeirion Group, and Henderson Group. Judith Greaves is ‘very good’, and ‘finds a solution, not a problem’.

David Dennison at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP is ‘technically sound and helpful’.

Colin Kendon at Bird & Bird shows ‘consummate skill’ in bespoke ‘end-to-end’ plans.

Mathew Gorringe at Eversheds LLP is ‘excellent and extremely thorough’.

John Papadakis at Jones Day is noted for his ‘expert knowledge’ and ‘informative responses’.

Sara Cohen at Lewis Silkin LLP is ‘imaginative and pragmatic’.

Rob Collard at Macfarlanes LLP is ‘highly responsive and pragmatic’.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s Andrew Stanger is noted for his international expertise.

Michael Deeks at Olswang provides advice that is ‘always on time and appropriate’.

The ‘very knowledgeable and competent’ David Pett at Pett, Franklin & Co. LLP is a ‘genuine expert in the field’.

Sam Whitaker is recommended at Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Monica Ma at Simmons & Simmons is ‘professional, responsive and a pleasure to work with’.

James Carter at Speechly Bircham LLP is recommended.

The ‘highly effective’ Jeremy Glover recently joined Reed Smith from Stephenson Harwood.

Ann Casey at Taylor Wessing LLP is recommended.

Nicholas Greenacre is recommended at White & Case LLP.

Allen & Overy LLP provides ‘clear and unobtrusive advice and support’ in matters from post-acquisition integrations, demergers and European Works Council mergers, on the corporate side, to the defence of large-scale claims such as Molvik v Capital International on the contentious side. The partners – ‘superb all-rounder’ Mark Mansell; Stefan Martin; and the ‘direct and no-nonsense’ Karen Seward – are backed up by ‘very responsive and knowledgeable’ associates, and ‘excellent PSL’ Sheila Fahy.

In addition to a heavy contentious workload, Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘pragmatic and proactive’ group advised global clients in relation to a team move and an outsourcing. Team head and ‘great coordinator’ Christine O’Brien advised Shire Pharmaceuticals on integration issues following its acquisition of Movetis; and John Evason continues to advise British Airways on industrial relations issues, successfully defending a Court of Appeal case brought by the cabin crew union. Daniel Ellis is singled out for his ‘strong professional skill set’. ‘Intellectually one of the best’, Paul Harrison has ‘excellent technical knowledge which sits well with his pragmatic style’.

Herbert Smith LLP’s experience ranges from domestic and international restructurings and acquisitions, to advisory matters for Jaguar Land Rover, Easyjet and Pilkington, and contentious matters including employee investigations and bonus disputes. The team is ‘first choice ’ for ‘the more complex, cerebral, high-value and reputational issues’. The ‘wise’ Andrew Brown advised Indian telecommunications company Bharti Airtel on its $10.7bn acquisition of Zain Africa. ‘Dream team’ Andrew Taggart and litigation specialist Ian Gatt QC obtained a victory in the Court of Appeal in the Geys bonus dispute. Tim Leaver is ‘commercial, innovative, and thorough’.

Simmons & Simmons is the adviser of choice for a raft of investment and asset managers, and hedge funds. The bulk of the team’s work is contentious; in 2010, instructions included a range of disputes over bonus payments, high-value discrimination actions and whistleblowing claims. Practice head Simon Watson is ‘outstanding – strategic, commercial and very client friendly’; and newly promoted partner Andrea Finn is ‘very smart, and a very able litigator’. The team ‘combines its legal knowledge with a strong commercial perspective’, and its ‘strategic approach and the depth of its bench set it apart’.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP is a strong choice for instructions on sensitive, reputational issues, and has a growing presence in the financial sector. Lisa Mayhew joined from Jones Day, and ‘solid legal intellect’ Marian Bloodworth – ‘first rate at substantial litigation for respondents’ – joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP. ‘Elder statesman’ Fraser Younson ‘rolls up his sleeves and gets on with it like one of the troops’, and recently advised Jardine Lloyd Thomson in court action over a team move from Aon. Rebecca Harding-Hill, who ‘provides an exceptional service’, completed the groundbreaking Tullet v BGC case.

Lewis Silkin LLP is ‘a big player in the employment world’. Clients range from law firms seeking to outsource or hire, to senior executives and employers in High Court litigation. The team was joined by the ‘commercial and practical’ Lisa Patmore from Pinsent Masons LLP, adding to its acknowledged strength in trade union law, and recent highlights include securing Court of Appeal approval for EDF Energy Powerlink’s contingency plans against industrial action. Among the 15 partners, Carolyn Soakell is a ‘responsive, tough negotiator’; Karen Baxter ‘extremely approachable’; Russell Brimelow ‘very knowledgeable’; Jonathan Carr a ‘superb all-rounder’; Michael Burd an ‘outstanding lawyer’; and Ellen Temperton ‘highly professional’.

Clifford Chance’s team attracts very high praise from clients. The ‘hardworking’ Alistair Woodland has been leading the advice to financial services sector clients such as Goldman Sachs, Barclays and Morgan Stanley on the implications of the remuneration reforms. On the strategic restructuring and M&A side, Imogen Clark oversaw the employment aspects of Man Group’s £1.1bn acquisition of rival hedge fund GLG Partners. Chris Goodwill is ‘calm, measured and wise’, and recently represented Nomura in a complex claim involving regulatory, bonus and discrimination issues.

Kathleen Healy heads Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s team, which advises global employers on advisory, contentious and transaction-related matters. It recently advised on a global investigation for Cattles, and a confidential investigation into financial accounting matters; and assisted Northern Rock, Deutsche Bank and Mitsui on executive pay and FSA remuneration issues. Global EPB head Nick Squire is ‘good to have beside you in a difficult situation’.

Linklaters LLP has a ‘high-quality, top-end practice catering especially to major banks and financial institutions’, with a similarly high-profile corporate client-base. Recent projects have included major restructurings, and a number of sales and disposals, notably four multibillion-pound sales for RBS entities involving international transfers and TUPE matters; these were all handled by Jean Lovett, who is ‘extremely quick at grasping the issue’. ‘Great tactician’ Nicola Rabson continued to represent Commerzbank in ongoing bonus payment litigation.

The variety of instructions received by Mayer Brown International LLP in 2010 is indicative of the depth of Nicholas Robertson’s team: a bonus claim case worth several million pounds; several senior-level board exits, including three for the same brand-leading company; and the £1.7bn buyout of the RBS WorldPay business. Bernadette Daley ‘approaches every legal challenge in a pragmatic way’, and Robertson shows ‘all-round excellence’.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP is instructed by FTSE 100 companies and financial services organisations, including Associated British Foods, BAE Systems, Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank. A highlight of 2010 was the successful defence of a whistleblowing case against Laing O’Rourke, involving an unusual award of an indemnity costs order; Michael Leftley, who ‘never fails to deliver’, was the key partner on this. Alasdair Simpson has a strong board-room following, and delivers ‘outstanding service in terms of responsiveness, effectiveness, and value for money’.

Beachcroft’s London team gained new clients including Royal Mail in 2010, adding to its financial services and commercial sector clients. The ‘responsive, available, knowledgeable, and pragmatic’ Khurram Shamsee and Zoe Wigan lead on complex litigation for banks, insurers and brokers. Charles Newman is experienced in business transfers and outsourcing for NHS bodies and private commercial sector clients such as Balfour Beatty.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is valued for its ‘very down-to-earth approach and fast response times’, and has gained new clients such as Deutsche Bank, Reed Elsevier and ConocoPhillips. Anthony Fincham’s group recently advised a major bank on its international redundancy programme. Sarah Ozanne and Ian Watson ‘provide sound practical advice’, and recently advised on the transfer of staff to five different law firms on the administration of Halliwells.

Michael Powner now heads Charles Russell LLP’s 30-lawyer team, and added the FA to his list of sports and retail clients. David Green is a key adviser to corporates and law firms on restructurings and senior team reorganisations; Nick Hurley impresses with his ‘strategic and commercial approach to complex and highly sensitive issues’; and Helen Brooks is a tribunal specialist with a technology and media focus. In 2010 the team assisted Arquiva on a major restructuring, and wagamama on due diligence in preparation for sale.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s team, headed by boardroom disputes specialist Tim Marshall, ‘inspires confidence’. Following the high-profile Tullet Prebon v BGC cases, Marshall defended RBS in a team move case. Susan Fanning has handled international corporate restructurings for clients such as Pfizer. Jonathan Exten-Wright is a disability discrimination expert, and recently advised the government on proposed legislative changes.

The ‘excellent’ team at Farrer & Co is ‘thorough, with a good tactical awareness’, advising employers in the education, institutional and professional services sectors. David Smellie and William Dawson have a solid reputation among peers for their representation of senior executives in the financial and FTSE 100/250 sector. Jonathan Eley impresses with ‘his calm approach and ability to see the wider picture’; public sector specialist Rachel Lewis is ‘professional, commercial and pragmatic’; and Anna Gregory is singled out for her ‘dedication and tough negotiating style’.

Fox Williams LLP excels in complex and groundbreaking litigation on behalf of individuals and organisations, making new law relating to PILON notices in Raphael Geys v Société Générale, and to retention of confidential information in another high-profile action in 2010. The team is valued for its ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, and ability to innovate and to give clear, understandable, and authoritative advice’. Practice head Jane Mann combines ‘a razor-sharp intellect and detailed knowledge of relevant case law with first-class negotiating skills and keen tactical awareness’.

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s team has ‘great expertise’. It is headed by David Harper, who recently deployed his ‘tremendous experience in difficult employment disputes’ for an energy sector client in the employment tribunal. Elizabeth Slattery has ‘great judgement in high-value employment litigation’, notably senior executive remuneration cases in the financial services sector. Jonathan Maude and Marian Bloodworth left in 2010.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP has ‘one of the few employment departments in the City capable of competently running large pieces of High Court litigation’, as illustrated by its epic battle in the team-poaching case Tullet Prebon v BGC. The ‘very knowledgeable, superbly responsive, and no-nonsense’ Katie Clark recently assisted Barracuda plc in a discrimination case; and the newly promoted Sharon Tan, ‘a tremendously clever lawyer’, assisted Expedia in multi-party negotiations averting collective claims. Alison Wetherfield ‘will fight’ for clients.

Mishcon de Reya ‘goes the extra mile every time’. Notable successes in 2010 included completing the Dresdner bankers’ action over bonus payments, and the defence of a discrimination case for The National Magazine Company. The team is ‘very professional, hands-on and approachable’, and advises both employers and employees. The ‘tough and masterly’ Joanna Blackburn is ‘an awesome lawyer – legally, tactically, commercially’; and Greg Campbell is ‘an exceptional lawyer and trusted counsel’. Sarah Keeble joined from Olswang in March 2011.

The ‘approachable and knowledgeable’ Julie Quinn at Nabarro LLP is active on behalf of finance sector clients such as HSBC in High Court and tribunal matters, from team moves to bonus payments and discrimination. She is also instructed on strategic HR issues and national and international projects. The team is ‘accessible, and gives practical and easy-to-follow advice’.

Osborne Clarke delivers ‘Magic Circle advice for a lot less money’. The team has assisted Greene King, Betts, and Gaz de France Suez on numerous senior executive terminations; and has experience in complex whistleblowing and discrimination cases, including for Credit Agricole in the Court of Appeal – a matter which will provide guidance on long-term compensation for discrimination. David Cubitt is ‘outstanding – you would want him on your side, or at least off limits to the other side!’

Pinsent Masons LLP’s team is structured around sector specialisms, and works with clients such as Allianz, Kier, Morgan Stanley and Wal-Mart. Helen Farr is ‘good at analysing complex matters and relaying them in lay person’s terms’, and recently defended a Lloyds Banking Group client in the £1m Constantine whistleblowing case; and Bob Mecrate-Butcher is noted for TUPE issues. Team head Michael Ryley is ‘excellent, with a great deal of experience’. Lisa Patmore and Tom Flanagan left during 2010.

Headed by Sean Nesbitt, Taylor Wessing LLP hired new partner Niki Walker from Addleshaw Goddard LLP in May 2011, bringing in-house experience to the international-facing team. It received new instructions from KPMG, Threadneedle Asset Management and Targus in 2010. It gives ‘pragmatic, realistic and considerate advice which shows respect for the employee or employees’.

Travers Smith LLP ‘provides a first-class service’. It acts for 3663, Pinewood Shepperton Studios, and Raytheon Systems, alongside new gains Groupon, Nomura and L’Oréal. The practice ranges from corporate restructurings to senior board appointments and litigation, including whistleblowing and group actions. The ‘outstanding’ Siân Keall is ‘very commercial and balanced’. The ‘impressive’ Ed Mills was promoted to partner in 2010.

A significant majority of Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP’s instructions are on contentious matters. Volunteer sector specialist and ‘safe pair of hands’ Lucy McLynn acted in volunteer discrimination case X v Mid-Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau, following success in Coleman v Attridge. The ‘formidable’ William Garnett applies ‘great clarity of thought and strategy’ on behalf of employers and senior executives, recently advising eight traders on their move from Merrill Lynch to Schroders. Promoted to partner in 2010, Paul Seath is ‘absolutely excellent in terms of his knowledge of the law and user friendliness’.

The ‘versatile’ team at Bird & Bird, headed by Ian Hunter, was instructed by new clients in the technology, public services and air travel sectors on operational and strategic HR issues; and handled litigation relating to boardroom bust-ups and fallout from administration proceedings. Clients rate highly the team’s ‘strategic approach’ and ‘professionalism’, singling out the ‘incredibly understanding and knowledgeable’ Elizabeth Lang and ‘safe pair of hands’ Warren Wayne.

At Dechert LLP, the ‘realistic’ Charles Wynn-Evans has a strong reputation in contentious matters for both employers and employees, acting for several senior executives on severance negotiations in 2010. The ‘first-class’ Jason Butwick has expertise in incentive planning, spin offs and reorganisations, and defended a High Court claim against RWC Asset Management entailing novel aspects of partnership law.

Eversheds LLP’s large national resource is complemented by international capacity; it recently advised a leading investment bank on changes to its European bonus scheme, and a global HR consultancy on an international acquisition. Fiona Bolton and Paul Fontes lead on contentious matters, achieving settlements for financial services and energy sector clients in whistleblowing and bonus-clawback claims in 2010. Martin Hopkins ‘brings experience and fresh thinking to complex issues’.

Macfarlanes LLP is known for its work in the financial services, retail and media sectors on matters of reputational risk, and assists Lotus Formula 1 with day-to-day advice. Daniel Lavender and Séan Lavin are recommended for complex contentious matters.

New practice head Paul Griffin at Norton Rose LLP replaced Peter Talibart, who joined Seyfarth Shaw in 2011. The team acted for Tube Lines in resisting strikes by the RMT and TGWU; and was instructed by HSBC on the departure of CEO Michael Geoghegan and chairman Stephen Green in 2010. The team has added Citibank to its roster of financial services clients.

Olswang continues to support household names in the media and technology sectors on restructurings and litigation. The ‘extremely proactive and commercially astute’ Melanie Lane advised on several major outsourcings in 2010, for clients such as BBC Worldwide and Sony. Recent work for practice head Daniel Aherne includes assisting a national finance house in Court of Appeal litigation involving constructive dismissal claims. Sarah Keeble moved to Mishcon de Reya.

The partners at SJ Berwin LLP are ‘thorough, patient and go the extra mile’. Carl Richards advised Lloyds Banking Group on the transfer and spin-off of Bank of Scotland Integrated Finance’s business assets and management function; and Hilary O’Connor assisted a financial services giant on a recent acquisition. Nicola Kerr is experienced in defending tribunal claims in the financial services sector.

The team at SNR Denton advises financial, retail, TMT, energy and infrastructure sector clients on corporate HR matters and disputes. Notable instructions in 2010 included advising EDF Energy on two major IT outsourcing projects, and an investment bank on several tribunal claims. The ‘user-friendly’ team, headed by Pauline McArdle, also advised on the Jarvis insolvency.

Squire Sanders Hammonds gained new clients including Cath Kidston, Coats and Gucci in 2010. The team provides transactional assistance, tribunal representation and strategic advice to clients from financial and professional services to manufacturing and leisure. Delivering ‘joined-up thinking and not just a silo response to specific questions’, Caroline Noblet, David Whincup, Alison Treliving and Jane Bullen are ‘commercial, and sensitive to the issues ’. Janette Lucas has ‘excellent technical legal knowledge’.

Withers LLP is strong in the senior executive field; headline instructions included Antonio Horta-Osario’s move from Santander to Lloyds Banking Group; and Sir Stuart Rose’s departure from Marks & Spencer. Elaine Aarons is singled out for her ‘tenacity, dedication in the pursuit of her clients ’ interests, and sheer hard work and ability’. The ‘amazingly shrewd’ Meriel Schindler has ‘a wealth of practical and tactical strategies up her sleeve’. Clients include Tate and Lotus Renault GP.

At Ashurst LLP, Caroline Carter is an adviser of choice for sensitive boardroom moves, recently assisting Morrisons on succession planning and new client Mecom on the departure of CEO David Montgomery. Crowley Woodford resolved issues over equal pay, strike action and the use of temporary workers on Serco’s £650m waste improvement partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s team has ‘in-depth understanding of financial services’. The team is headed by the ‘go-to’ Robert Hill, and is noted for its advisory role on forthcoming public sector pay changes. The ‘responsive and proactive’ Chris Holme is ‘very good at translating complex legal issues into practical actions’.

CM Murray LLP stands out for its work on senior City executive exits and appointments; high-value discrimination claims; and team moves and restrictive covenants. Clare Murray and Bettina Bender are ‘highly responsive and professional’, and provide ‘calm, measured advice combined with persistence when needed’.

At Dundas & Wilson LLP, ‘response times are quite incredible; and business acumen and industry knowledge second to none’. Graham Paul is ‘incredibly responsive, totally reliable and highly knowledgeable’. The firm recently defended Candy & Candy in the Court of Appeal, in relation to a bonus claim.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP drafted the employment and equal pay code for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and gained new instructions from organisations including the Bar Council in this area. In addition to public sector clients, the group advises Manpower, TNT and Accenture on TUPE and outsourcing matters. Richard Kenyon and Margaret Davis are ‘excellent’; James Warren provides ‘great customer service and has vast knowledge of employment law’; and newly promoted partner Nick Thorpe is an ‘outstanding lawyer’.

Lawrence Graham LLP has expertise in public sector reorganisations. Recent instructions include defending a claim for bonuses by a dismissed broker; and assisting in retrieving confidential information misappropriated by a senior employee. Helga Breen acted successfully for the OLC in the groundbreaking Law Society of England and Wales v Secretary of State for Justice and the OLC. The ‘confident, understanding and professional’ Yvonne Gallagher is ‘full of common sense’.

Clients are impressed by the ‘responsiveness’ of Gary Freer at McGrigors LLP. The group won a place on the panels of Balfour Beatty and Steria in 2010, and assisted on a number of tribunal claims and a reorganisation. The ‘enthusiastic’ team is ‘willing to step outside the box’.

Morgan Lewis assists clients such as Morgan Stanley, Lazard and EDF Energy on disputes, contractual issues, and HR arrangements arising in transactions. Matthew Howse advised CBS Outdoor on the reorganisation of its London Underground operations; and assisted Argo International Holdings on the recruitment of an underwriting team.

Reed Smith is notable for its international capabilities, and acts for clients such as the BBC, BT and RBS. The team has recently assisted with global bonus payment issues, and dismissals relating to industrial action, and advised Channel 4 on an outsourcing project. Robin Jeffcott is ‘outstanding in his technical ability, as well as providing a commercial view’.

Michael Bronstein now heads Salans’ team, following the move of the ‘experienced, knowledgeable’ Barry Mordsley to a consultancy role with the firm. Bronstein presided over two reported cases relating to breaches of employment contracts, and also advised on the employment aspects of Sahaviriya Steel Industries’ acquisition of Tata Steel’s Redcar plant.

Slaughter and May’s team has almost returned to pre-credit crunch levels of transactional activity, recently advising British Airways on director and senior executive issues in relation to its proposed merger with Iberia; and Punch on TUPE-related implications of asset transfers. Roland Doughty is the key partner; and Lizzie Twigger is ‘extremely hardworking and tactically astute, and has particularly good commercial sense’.

At Speechly Bircham LLP, Alan Julyan and William Granger are noted for their assistance to corporates and individuals in relation to boardroom issues. Emma Bartlett provides ‘clear-headed and forensic analysis of the facts’. The ‘exceptional’ Robert Thomas successfully acted for Yell in the Court of Appeal, in Donna Norman v Yellow Pages Sales, a case relating to the taxability of a compromise agreement. Senior associate Juliet Carp and the ‘supremely qualified and experienced’ Richard Linskell impress on international and UK matters.

Stephenson Harwood handles a full range of employment matters for commercial, financial, and public sector entities. It notably advised pharmaceutical company Eisai Europe on senior-level departures, and Heli-One Canada on a proposed partnership with the UK military services. Restrictive covenants expert Kate Brearley is ‘highly responsive, pragmatic and thorough’.

Oliver Brettle and Stephen Ravenscroft at White & Case LLP assist in relation to senior executive remuneration packages, redundancies and disputes, many arising in transactions. In 2010 they advised Acergy on HR plans for the merger and integration process with Subsea 7.

Jane Fielding now heads the team at Wragge & Co LLP. Clients include the Department of Health, Dyson and HSBC. Trevor Gibson has assisted in relation to investigations of employee fraud for financial services, consumer product and local government clients. The team also handles litigation and reorganisations.

The five partners at niche employment firm Archon Solicitors are instructed by large-scale employers and individuals, with sector strengths including education, air transport and leisure. Rob McCreath and Jill Scott recently advised the trustees of Becta on its closure, including TUPE issues, potential redundancies, and senior management and trustee issues.

The experienced team at Bevan Brittan LLP assists large multinationals such as Hochtief, as well as NHS trusts and local authorities, with strategic advice and representation in contentious matters.

Jesper Christensen heads Bircham Dyson Bell LLP’s team, whose credentials in public and private sector industrial action make it a strong choice for employers seeking to prevent business disruption.

Specialist healthcare firm Capsticks advises the Department of Health, NHS entities and PCTs in high-profile litigation, and is assisting in developing the legal framework for the NHS reforms. Recent cases include Woodcock v Cumbria PCT; Sarkar v West London Mental Health NHS Trust (relating to dismissal procedures); and Tapere v SLAM (relating to TUPE). Peter Edwards is ‘very knowledgeable’;Martin Hamilton and Tina Elliott are ‘absolutely top rate’; and Andrew Rowland is ‘measured and knowledgeable’.

Insurance sector specialist Clyde & Co LLP recently assisted an Islamic insurance provider in a boardroom dispute, and defended a union claim against an overseas operation of a UK plc. Guildford-based Stephen Blunt is ‘down to earth, practical, accessible at all times, and highly commercial’.

Covington & Burling LLP regained the ‘calm and measured’ Chris Walter and his team from Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker (Europe) LLP in 2010. Clients include Merck/Schering-Plough; Marsh & McClennan Group; and Microsoft.

At Davenport Lyons, practice head Marie van der Zyl and Nic Hart (a ‘very supportive, proactive adviser’) assist clients including Mott MacDonald and Penguin Books on contentious issues. The team recently acted for Stringfellows in a case concerning the employment status of lapdancers.

Davies Arnold Cooper LLP is instructed by senior individuals, global brand names and major professional services players on contract negotiations and disputes, and transaction-related matters. Chris Syder ‘applies his first-rate mind to international employment policy and legal challenges’; Nick Hine is ‘very practical’; and Wendy Trehy ‘understands commercial needs’.

Predominantly a respondent firm, Doyle Clayton Solicitors also acts for senior-level claimants. The five-partner team recently added Paddy Power and Prudential Health to its varied mix of clients. Senior partner Darren Clayton is ‘a seasoned and extremely professional lawyer who has the gravitas and acumen to work at board level’; and Jessica Corsi ‘gets to the issues quickly and pragmatically’. The firm has opened a Canary Wharf office.

At boutique firm Fox, the ‘peerless’ Ronnie Fox brings ‘outstanding experience, judgement and service levels’ to senior executives and corporates in relation to departures and strategic hires.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP has experience advising well-known figures in the media and broadcasting industries. Howard Hymanson is praised for his ‘calmness, tenacity, and attention to detail’; and Marian Derham is ‘highly diligent’.

Mark Taylor at Jones Day advises premium corporates such as Alsthom Power Services on HR aspects of their business. Recent matters include advising L&G on IT outsourcing to IBM, and on the administration of Connaught. Lisa Mayhew has joined Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Kemp Little LLP’s ‘very responsive, practical, decisive, and flexible’ team has a wealth of experience in restructurings, outsourcing and claims, across a wide range of sectors. David Williams is ‘extremely commercial and has a great grasp of the relevant law’.

Kennedys’ ‘impressive team’ is a strong choice for heavily unionised industries. The ‘tenacious and sensible’ Allan Finlay, and Fiona Morgan have ‘great depth of knowledge’; and Matthew Leake is ‘a fantastic lawyer’.

Latham & Watkins LLP assists leading corporate clients such as Yahoo! and Diageo on global HR integration and organisational issues.

Magrath LLP is ‘top of the class for quality, speed, and value for money’, and provides partner-led advice to claimants and respondents in reputation-critical cases. Adele Martins ‘sees the commercial aspects’, and Susan Thompson ‘facilitates highly successful outcomes’.

Manches LLP has recently secured favourable outcomes in strike action negotiations and in tribunals for large organisations and individuals. Sarah Johnson provides ‘practical advice on options and solutions’. The team’s retail sector knowledge is a key feature for clients.

Memery Crystal LLP’s ‘exceptional team’ assists companies such as NordLB, and also private clients. Stephen Milne is ‘very astute and commercial’.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers Legal LLP has strength in employee rewards and pensions, and has advised a major global bank on international incentive regulation.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP strengthened its offering in 2010 with the addition of former Wragge & Co LLP partners Andrew Hodge and Partick Brodie, who specialise in public and financial sector reorganisations. Cath Thorpe is ‘a go-to person for legal knowledge and commercially sensible advice’.

Simons Muirhead & Burton receives instructions from a wide range of household names, and in 2010 took a working time claim to the Court of Appeal. Makbool Javaid is ‘an exceptional lawyer with an eye for business needs’; and Ewan Keen is ‘extremely efficient, engaging and practical’.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has significant experience in the housing, charity and health sectors on dismissal claims and contractual disputes, particularly in relation to transfers of personnel. Emma Burrows and Tania Tandon are both ‘excellent in terms of customer focus and legal knowledge’.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP’s recent caseload includes advice to an individual on dismissal from EDF Energy, and to businesses in the shipping, education and property sectors. Elizabeth Buchan and Angharad Harris ‘offer workable solutions within a prompt timeframe’.

Wedlake Bell LLP’s three-partner team advises the likes of Aquascutum, Diageo and Hyatt on UK employee matters. It assisted Convergys Corporation on the sale of its HR management division to Northgate Arinso in 2010. ‘Advice is simple and practical, and translatable into the work place’.

At Blake Lapthorn, practice head Alexandra Bonner and the ‘highly efficient’ Bridget Wood offer ‘direct, clear, and to-the-point’ advice on team moves, restrictive covenants, outsourcing and public tenders, particularly in the recruitment sector.

Linda Farrell and her team at Bristows are rated as ‘extremely responsive, very savvy, and very practical’, and act for employers such as C5 and Capgemini Group.

Burges Salmon LLP is notable for its ‘innovative’ approach to client management; the quality of its client-base; and the strength of its team, which ‘brings business acumen to the advice provided’.

Clarkslegal LLP handles tribunal defence and advisory work for Carillion, Lafarge Cement, and News International. The team includes the ‘outstanding’ Michael Sippitt; Helen Beech; and the ‘pragmatic and precise’ Simon Lapthorne.

DMH Stallard LLP gained Blair Adams from Shepherd and Wedderburn, expanding the group’s capability on the transactional side. The team handles tribunal matters for clients such as Moss Bros.

A highlight for DWF LLP was the successful defence of a £33m race and disability discrimination claim brought by a barrister against Four New Square.

Devonshires stands out for its ‘unrivalled knowledge of high-end employment issues in social housing’. Amanda Harvey is ‘charismatic and full of drive’; and Nicola Philp ‘has proven a steely negotiator’.

Edwin Coe LLP achieved a major success for City financier Mark Lowe in the complex £4.1m case brought by Jordan Wimmer in 2010: one of a raft of actions successfully handled by the team. Rachel Harrap is ‘everything that a client would want: astute, realistic, and analytical’; and the ‘very talented’ Linky Trott is ‘particularly good with sensitive discrimination issues’.

Cerys Williams at Fasken Martineau LLP provides ‘forthright advice and quick execution, and is very strategic in her thinking’.

Media sector specialist Finers Stephens Innocent LLP saw a growing workload in remuneration, redundancy, and discrimination matters in 2010. Practice head Carolyn Brown ‘devises workable strategies for moving forward’.

A highlight for Fladgate LLP was advising German manufacturer Palm Paper on its acquisition of Cheshire Recycling Limited from administrators, led by Brian Palmer.

Hempsons advises the NHS nationally on matters including consultants’ and directors’ employment; equal pay; tribunals; and restructuring.

The team at Irwin Mitchell LLP was boosted by the arrival of works council specialist Tom Flanagan from Pinsent Masons LLP, joining the ‘dogged’ John Hayes.

Kingsley Napley LLP’s four-partner team brings significant experience to bear on contentious and advisory matters for employers and senior personnel in the accountancy, legal, and commercial sectors.

James Davies at Laytons attracts high praise from clients, and acted for Patrick Evershed in his high-profile claim against New Star Asset Management, involving alleged constructive unfair dismissal and whistleblowing.

Levenes Employment provides ‘outstanding’ advice at a lower cost than City firms. Audrey Onwukwe ‘fights hard for her clients’; and Victoria Willson is ‘very strong, technically and tactically’.

Penningtons Solicitors LLP was joined by Paul Mander from Dawsons LLP, and hotel and leisure specialist Julian Yew from Wedlake Bell LLP.

RadcliffesLeBrasseur has been active advising charities, healthcare providers, care homes and senior executives.

Russell-Cooke LLP’s team acts for individuals, SMEs and charities. Jane Klauber ‘deals with difficult situations in a sensitive manner’; and associate Fudia Smartt is ‘going to be a real star’.

Sheridans’ team advises employers and senior executives in the entertainment sector to great effect. Ray Wann and Neisha Glynternick are ‘the best in the music space’.

Thomas Eggar LLP ‘puts employment law and best practice into real terms’.

Thomas Mansfield LLP provides a ‘personalised service’ to a wide range of businesses and individuals. Jonathan Mansfield and Neill Thomas are highly rated by clients.

At Twenty Twenty Law Limited, the ‘service-oriented’ David Greenhalgh assists corporates and individuals in relation to high-risk dismissals and strategic decision-making. Adecco is a new client.

The arrival of Jo Keddie and Susan Kelly at Winckworth Sherwood has seen the practice expand to include advice to individuals and SMEs, as well as educational bodies. The team is ‘willing to go the extra mile to deliver a high standard of service’.

The following US firms all have high-level practices, but generally smaller teams than their City counterparts: Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP, where the ‘commercial and professional’ Henry Clinton-Davis advises clients such as SpaceNK; Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, which has notable employment and pensions capability; Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP, where Neil Adams specialises in team moves in the financial services sector; Faegre & Benson LLP, which acts for 3M, GE and Hearst publishing; Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where James Cox advises a number of global players; Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP, where Naomi Feinstein is recommended; K&L Gates, where Paul Callegari is valued for his ‘direct and pragmatic approach’; McGuireWoods London LLP, which took on Jonathan Maude from Hogan Lovells International LLP in 2011; Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP, recommended for its outsourcing, privatisation, and data protection expertise; Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker (Europe) LLP, which hired Suzanne Horne from Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP, where ‘great communicator’ Nicola Whiteley has experience ranging from grievances to acquisition issues; Weil, Gotshal & Manges, notable for its insolvency-related experience; and WilmerHale, where David Andrews impresses.

Russell Jones & Walker provides ‘startlingly good value for money’, advising senior executives, employees and unions. Recent highlights include the public sector sex discrimination case Lynford v Sussex Police; human rights case Home Office v Tariq; and acting for some 2,500 British Airways crew in an indirect race discrimination matter. ‘Rising star’ Samantha Mangwana, who was promoted to partner in May 2011, led on the Fawcett Society’s innovative challenge to the government’s 2010 budget. Each member of the team is ‘an expert in their field’; senior executive specialist Clive Howard ‘accurately assesses the merits of a case, then gets his client the best deal’; Paul Daniels ‘fights for his clients every inch of the way’; and Julie Morris’ ‘charm conceals great intellect and a stubborn insistence on standing up for her client’s rights’. Other recommended practitioners include ‘excellent strategist’ Edward Cooper and discrimination specialists Emma Hawksworth and Arpita Dutt. Trade union specialist Alison Humphry joined in 2011 from Thompsons Solicitors LLP.

The ‘high-quality practice’ at Bindmans LLP is ‘particularly capable’ on complex whistleblowing and discrimination claims, in 2010 acting in numerous high-profile cases including animal rights belief discrimination case Joe Hashman v Orchard Park Garden Centre. Shah Qureshi ‘gets things done in a very calm fashion, always keeping an eye on the bigger picture’; and Shazia Khan is ‘ruthlessly efficient’.

The ‘excellent’ team at Leigh Day & Co is ‘at the cutting edge of equality law’. Camilla Palmer – ‘probably the leading discrimination solicitor in the country’ – achieved victory for Miriam O’Reilly against the BBC. Chris Benson is ‘an outstanding lawyer, combining enthusiasm, innovation, energy and humour’, with expertise in discrimination issues including multi-claimant equal pay claims such as the ground-breaking Abdulla v Birmingham City Council.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP is the key union adviser, acting for individual claimants – with Rakesh Patel prominent – and the unions themselves. Victoria Phillips took a case on working time to the ECJ on behalf of BALPA in 2010; and Neil Johnson acted for Unite in its dispute with BA before the Court of Appeal. Equal opportunities is a specialist area.

Pattinson & Brewer advises employees on matters such as equal pay and discrimination, and has a wealth of experience in industrial action matters and disputes for unions. Binder Bansel and Paul Statham lead the team.

Simpson Millar LLP added the GMB to its list of union clients in 2010, and also saw a growing number of instructions from individuals. The ‘excellent’ Joy Drummond is ‘personable, forthright, thorough, punctual, accommodating and very professional’, and has 27 years’ experience advising on trade union issues (including constitutional matters) and discrimination claims.

Stewarts Law LLP’s new employment team is led by ‘first-class lawyer’ and former Lewis Silkin LLP partner Gareth Brahams, and provides a ‘genuinely bespoke, intelligent and effective service’ for claimants and employers. It includes the ‘excellent’ Tim Spillane, formerly of Simmons & Simmons.

Nighat Sahi at Webster Dixon LLP is rated highly for her ‘firm and efficient’ handling of cases. Practice head David Tyme specialises in professional misconduct cases.

Bond Pearce LLP acts on both the prosecution and defence sides of health and safety cases. The team represented New Look in the first fire safety appeal, and prosecuted the first appeal under the new fatality sentencing guidelines. The ‘high-quality regulatory enforcement team’ is experienced in the retail and hospitality sector. Hilary Ross ‘always provides clear, pragmatic and business-focused advice’; and Jon Cooper has an ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, so can steer you through to the practical application of legislation’.

DLA Piper UK LLP provides national coverage from its regional centres of excellence. It advised Total in the investigation of the Buncefield explosion; and is assisting on compliance with fire safety regulation following the Maddingley tower block fire. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Theresa Hitchcock advises major clients in the steel, construction, housing and leisure industries on UK and EU regulation. The ‘tactically astute’ Roy Tozer ‘rarely calls it wrong’ on contentious matters.

Eversheds LLP provides clients with crisis management, representation and training. David Young ‘stands out for his tactical nous, common sense and speed of response in emergencies’; and Kevin Elliott and the newly promoted Katharine Vickery are ‘responsive, professional, thorough, and pragmatic’. The firm recently acted for Marks & Spencer in an asbestos management prosecution, and EDF Energy, Tarmac and Nestlé are also clients.

Kennedys has an outstanding practice defending companies and directors against regulatory prosecutions and criminal charges. The team, headed by the ‘doyen of serious health and safety work’ Richard Crockford, handled some 55 fatal incident investigations in 2010, including representing a national railway company in the Potters Bar inquest, and a senior fire officer in a manslaughter prosecution involving four firefighters. Crockford, Daniel McShee and David Wright are ‘through-and-through health and safety lawyers, who stand out on the compliance and technical side’.

Pinsent Masons LLP is the first firm to have taken a charge of corporate manslaughter to trial under the new legislation, defending Cotswold Geotech. It advises other clients in the retail, education and engineering sectors on regulatory matters and in investigations. Kevin Bridges is noted for his ‘understanding of real underlying issues and practicalities’; and Simon Joyston-Bechal for his ‘legal knowledge and application’.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP represented TAV Engineering in the Buncefield prosecution; and is assisting Lowry Homes in relation to allegations of corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter. John Goodman and David Knapp ‘demonstrate extensive knowledge’.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s global network attracts international clients wishing to take pre-emptive action in the form of audits and establishing compliant procedures. The team also assists clients in the engineering, offshore energy, and insurance industries in relation to prosecutions and inquests. Practice head Jan Burgess is valued for her ‘quality of service, accuracy and timely delivery’.

Howard Watson at Herbert Smith LLP has 20 years’ experience advising high-profile clients in the energy, industrial, medical, transport and leisure sectors on serious, reputation-damaging matters, and conducts both civil and criminal cases. The team has ‘great experience of the approach of the HSE and enforcing authorities’, and its advice is ‘thorough and in depth’.

The ‘very able’ Lukas Rootman heads Nabarro LLP’s ‘commercially astute’ regulatory defence team. The group handles complex instructions from clients in the risk-prone sectors of chemicals, waste, and mining, and provides strategic advice to ensure compliance and protect reputation.

Burges Salmon LLP assists a wide range of clients with operational safety, governance and risk management advice, and in safety authority investigations and prosecutions. Ann Metherall and Chris Jackson are rail sector experts; Metherall leads the firm’s 24-hour major incidents response team.

Niche firm Fisher Scoggins Waters LLP is experienced in defending construction and utility clients and police forces on high-profile charges involving fatalities. Mark Scoggins and Charlotte Waters are the key figures in the practice.

Osborne Clarke has seen a rise in demand for assistance on compliance with legislation, recently assisting Tata Technologies and Imperial Tobacco. The team has also assisted with prosecutions relating to fatalities. Clients include ROK, RWE npower, and Eurostar.

Russell Jones & Walker is instructed by individuals, unions and other organisations. It recently advised in relation to investigations into the activities of government bodies and senior scientists; and a fire in council property. It also acted in the defence of manslaughter charges relating to the Hatfield train derailment. James Carlton is ‘a strategic thinker, energetic, and extremely competent’.

Simmons & Simmons’ cross-departmental group provides support on corporate transactions and projects; policy guidance; and advice on regulatory matters and contentious situations. ‘Pragmatic’ associate James Taylor leads on advice to SanDisk, the Ministry of Defence, and various major players in the oil and gas and banking sectors.

BCL Burton Copeland stands out for its focus on the gravest contentious cases, on behalf of the defence, and for ‘doing it with real attention to detail’. Recent clients include Trafigura, in international criminal investigations; an employee of MITIE, in relation to a hospital fatality; and transport, haulage and food preparation clients in relation to fatalities. Guy Bastable ‘combines intellectual rigour with an unrivalled commitment to each case’.

Beachcroft’s national team is a key adviser to clients such as Allianz, on prosecutions arising from investigations and criminal prosecutions of its insured. The London team is involved in the defence of Swift Horsman against a criminal prosecution relating to a fatality. Patricia Baxter is now a consultant.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP focuses on the defence of prosecutions and advice on investigations for insured clients such as Comet and Tata, and for insurers such as Aviva and AXA. Clients appreciate the personal touch of the team, and recommend Jonathan Edwards (‘strong on interactions with regulators’) and Jennette Newman.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is experienced in defence matters, and advised British Pipeline Agency in the Buncefield case. Jonathan Isted’s team has ‘sound industry and specialist knowledge’ which has recently been called on by clients in the oil and gas and nuclear sectors seeking advice on the regulatory environment. The firm also advised an airline in a PACE investigation.

Greenwoods Solicitors’ ‘flexible and always effective’ assistance to defendants runs from out-of-hours emergency response to interfacing with the police and HSE; incident investigation and reporting; media management; and remedial action. Major recent work includes advising a FTSE 100 company in a fatal accident investigation, and successfully defending a motorsport circuit owner following the death of a competitor. Philip Tracey ‘always provides sound advice’.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP covers a wide range of health and safety issues, including advising in relation to fairgrounds and fire safety. It is ‘rapidly becoming one of the more respected outfits’ in the area, and is noted for its ‘depth of knowledge and ability to put the client at ease’. Nick McMahon has ‘excellent judgement, and is a good strategic thinker’.

SNR Denton has significant experience in defence matters in the rail sector; and also provides advisory services to the retail and energy sectors. In 2010, senior associate Sam Boileau led the compliance audit of London Overground for MTR, and advised on the health and safety aspects of the administration of Jarvis. Recent highlights include defending Total Waste Limited in relation to multiple charges under the Fire Safety Order 2005.

At Shook, Hardy & Bacon International LLP, Mark Tyler ‘inspires confidence and is quietly effective on all levels’. The group is active in the courts on behalf of major corporate clients in the ports, waterways, energy and logistics sectors, and also advises on risk management, best practice and strategic planning.

Squire Sanders Hammonds strengthened its London team with the addition of the former head of Weightmans LLP’s regulatory practice, Andrew Sanderson. The team is particularly experienced in the construction, chemicals, waste, transport, and power generation/distribution sectors, and advises Renewables UK, National Grid, EDF/British Energy, Live Nation, and Veolia.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP has acted on the prosecution and defence sides in relation to health and safety compliance. Corporate clients include Tesco, JD Wetherspoon and Selfridges, for matters ranging from investigations to Food Safety Act compliance. Craig Baylis and Jeremy Bark are recommended.

Bevan Brittan LLP counts BUPA, Amlin and Costain as clients, as well as numerous public healthcare providers. The team is recognised as a health sector and coroner’s court specialist, and has corporate manslaughter experience.

Fiona Gill leads Davies Arnold Cooper LLP’s environment and health and safety group, which deals with matters ranging from minor workshop breaches of regulation to gross negligence manslaughter, and oil and gas incidents.

The corporate risk management group at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP not only assesses and provides training on compliance, but also handles corporate defence. It acts for clients in the leisure, retail and telecoms sectors.

Greenwoods Solicitors LLP in Peterborough is recognised for its compliance advisory practice, and its abilities in the contentious environment. Kathryn Gilbertson is highly rated by peers.

Hextalls LLP represents insurers, companies and individuals under investigation and facing prosecution by the HSE and other authorities, and also provides risk management support. John Yates is the key contact.

The team at Hogan Lovells International LLP advises on environmental and climate change issues affecting energy sector clients, and health and safety aspects of transactions.

The ‘very responsive’ Caroline May heads the team at Norton Rose LLP, which acts for energy, utility, transport and engineering clients. In 2010 the team advised on a fatality in the oil sector, and provided training to Drax Power and others.

The ‘hardworking and ideas-led’ team at Stephenson Harwood was recently successful in averting criminal proceedings against a client. Tony Woodcock is ‘a good, practical operator with a keen eye for client need’.

Also of note are: Clyde & Co LLP, for its energy sector specialisation; the ‘pragmatic, sensible’ Anne Davies, now at Crowell & Moring; D avid Egan at Irwin Mitchell LLP; Kingsley Napley LLP, whose criminal law background is an advantage in investigations by maritime authorities, among others; Weightmans LLP’s strong national team; and Plexus Law, which ‘continues to push the boundaries’.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is commended for its ‘personalised and professional service’ in immigration matters. The team increased its roster of blue-chip financial institution, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, IT, engineering and retail clients, as well as high-net-worth individuals in 2010. It acted on over 250 Tier 1 applications over the course of the year, and advises on the Points Based System (PBS) and the licensing regime. Caron Pope, Nadine Barnole and Louise Carson are ‘highly responsive, proactive and professional’; and Siobhan Owers has ‘a pragmatic view and can anticipate the issues employers will encounter in the increasingly onerous immigration requirements’.

Kingsley Napley LLP has ‘enormous experience and great depth of practice ’, covering business and EU immigration law for clients ranging from small independent organisations to multinational corporations. Sector strengths include financial and legal services, IT, engineering, pharmaceuticals, media, fashion and construction. The group has expertise in the recent changes to the PBS, and made several creative and successful applications on behalf of individuals in 2010. Elspeth Guild is ‘top notch on EU law’; and Andrew Tingley is one to watch.

Laura Devine Solicitors is recognised as a leading player in the field, covering three areas of immigration: business; personal; and human rights. Clients include large US corporates, international and domestic fashion houses, and individuals and organisations from the music and entertainment industry. ‘Intellectual giant’ Laura Devine and ILPA chair Sophie Barrett-Brown are highly respected practitioners, attracting praise from peers and clients alike.

Magrath LLP has put in place innovative technological systems and training to ensure that clients can keep abreast of the changing immigration law environment. The team provides a bespoke service to corporate clients on sponsorship applications, and solicitor-led advice to high-net-worth individuals; it assisted a £10m investor with an application in 2010. Ben Sheldrick and Sharmila Mehta provide ‘commercial advice which is succinct and practical’.

At Penningtons Solicitors LLP, Nichola Carter is ‘very easy to work with’ and now heads the firm’s business team, focusing on the needs of corporate and education sector clients, while Philip Barth takes on high-level asylum cases. A particular highlight of 2010 was the judicial review of a decision made on a language teaching case which has had a decisive effect on the PBS.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal LLP is an immigration powerhouse; it added some 22 members to its team in 2010, and is now 55 strong, and won major clients to add to an already bursting roster of global names in the oil and gas, finance and corporate sectors. The ‘outstanding’ team ‘always strives for the right answer’, and attracts praise for its international connections and commercial and political understanding; clients are particularly impressed by ‘wholly respected expert’ Julia Onslow-Cole, who is ‘extremely well networked in the industry’; Anjali Greenwell; and Lindsey Barras, who is ‘extremely knowledgeable and provides excellent client service’.

Baker & McKenzie LLP provides a ‘superior’ service to a range of global corporate clients. It recently assisted engineering teams from Egypt, India and Kazahkstan to work in the UK. Senior associate Tony Haque is the key contact, and Shizuko Fujimoto is on hand for Japanese clients.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP advises corporates and individuals, and provides innovative and robust solutions to business immigration refusals. Clients include Agip and Atlantic Records; charitable foundations; and prominent sports and entertainment industry personalities such as Snoop Dogg. Barrister Shahram Taghavi challenged the legality of Tier 1 and Tier 2 caps in JCWI v SSHD; and won a landmark asylum law decision declaring that the practice of setting out immigration laws in policy documents in PBS cases was unlawful (SSHD v Pankina). Philip Trott and Christopher Randall are ‘outstanding practitioners’; Peter Moss has ‘a knack for spotting winning arguments’; and Ben Maitland is ‘a canny operator’.

Fragomen LLP fields a large team, including four partners, dedicated to facilitating the global movement of staff for over 500 corporate clients. Aside from UK law, the practice covers EMEA, Ireland and consular applications for the US, India and China. The firm plays an active role in lobbying, most recently on the PBS and caps to Tier 2 entry.

Niche firm Gherson is commended for its ‘commitment to going the extra mile to achieve a successful result’, including challenging the authorities. ‘Extraordinarily energetic adviser’ Roger Gherson heads a team ‘unafraid to try something new and to think laterally’ to solve issues, from the limit on Certificates of Sponsorship for FTSE 100 companies to personal immigration cases of great sensitivity. Kathryn Bradbury is ‘knowledgeable, approachable, supportive, and thorough, with very good interpersonal skills’.

Mishcon de Reya acts primarily for high-net-worth clients from emerging markets on business and personal immigration cases. The team deals primarily with exceptional cases, successfully presenting requests for reconsideration when entry clearance has been refused and lobbying to secure successful reversals of negative decisions in individual cases. Nationality cases are a key strength; the team is well connected within the nationality directorate, and has a 100% success record in fighting appeals on human rights and overstay cases, often based on the rights of individuals and families. Kamal Rahman provides an ‘excellent and consistent service’, and is ‘very good with international clients’.

Speechly Bircham LLP advises an extensive client base from sectors such as media, entertainment and financial services, as well as high-net-worth individuals. It has an excellent success rate in licence applications for employers, and also handles complex personal immigration matters. Tracy Evlogidis is recommended, and senior associate Nick Hobson is ‘a shining star who will undoubtedly go far’.

At Bindmans LLP, Alison Stanley is ‘in a league of her own’ for personal immigration applications with human rights (torture and private life) aspects, and is active in children cases. Liz Barratt specialises in Dublin II asylum cases, Turkish Association agreements, and trafficking matters. The team is also active on behalf of Tier 1 entrepreneurs and in Tier 2 enquiries.

Clyde & Co LLP has seen a recent increase in compliance and audit-related work for blue-chip clients wishing to retain A-rated sponsorship status. It also handles personal matters, including political asylum and entry clearance for inter-country adoptions. ‘Superlative professional’ Jonathan Chaimovic and his team deliver ‘commercially orientated solutions that achieve the outcomes the business desires’. Associate Tim Richards is one to watch.

Gulbenkian Andonian brings its strong background in human rights work to immigration cases. Dave Vasoodaven has a portfolio of successful Article 8 cases, and recently successfully prevented the deportation of an Iranian civil rights protester, and same-sex partners. Part-time immigration judge Bernard Andonian acted in over 40 cases concerning the trafficking and overstay of Vietnamese nationals. Teni Shahiean handles business immigration and sponsorship licence applications.

Since the arrival of Andrew Osborne, Lewis Silkin LLP has acted for a raft of new clients including Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Carphone Warehouse and Jaguar Landrover. ‘Although a big organisation, it maintains relationships on a personal level’, providing solutions tailored to individual cases. Osbourne and George Koureas are both highly rated.

Taylor Wessing LLP is distinguished by the dedicated and expanding China and US groups within its immigration team. Client wins in 2010 included the Agricultural Bank of China, and the group also advised LinkedIn and China Union Pay. The ‘quick-to-respond’ Vikki Wiberg heads up the China team, and Charlie Pring is the key contact for US matters.

‘Very professional and trustworthy’ associate Jonathan Goldsworthy at Bird & Bird leads on matters from sponsorship licences under the Tier 2 and Tier 4 schemes to the changes to the PBS. Clients include major brands in the telecoms and IT industries, Hollywood celebrities, and sports personalities and governing bodies.

At Fox Williams LLP, key contact Matthew Davies assists US and other clients, in the financial, professional services and technology sectors.

SNR Denton advises multinational companies and small businesses on the procedures for obtaining work permits, Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications, and Home Office concessions.

Squire Sanders Hammonds has seen a recent increase in pre-audit compliance checks; and ‘fights for its clients’ before the UKBA exceptional cases panel. Clients include Gucci; Foster + Partners; and Michael Page Recruitment. The ‘highly professional’ Annabel Mace is now a partner.

Wright Hassall LLP’s team focuses on business immigration, advising clients ranging from SMEs to multinational blue-chips on PBS applications and corporate relocation issues. The firm also handles instructions from individuals. Marian Dixon has a City background and experience as a tribunal judge.

Niche firm DJ Webb & Co has a specialist team headed by the ‘very knowledgeable’ David Webb. It is instructed by businesses and individuals, and receives referrals from other law firms.

Duncan Lewis & Co has a substantial track record, at Court of Appeal level and above, on human rights cases, setting precedent in 2010 in ZO (Somalia) v Secretary of State for the Home Department. James Packer and Naim Rahman are recommended by clients and peers.

Graeme Kirk at Gross & Co has over 30 years’ experience in business and personal immigration.

Gülay Mehmet Solicitors is recommended for sports sector clients.

Stephens Scown LLP comes highly recommended for its ‘breadth of knowledge, standard of representation, and extremely creative approach to cases’. The ‘exceptionally thorough’ Judith Hockin is highly praised for her approachability.

Sturtivant & Co is recommended for the business sector. ‘Fantastic lawyer’ Karen Sturtivant is ‘a mover and shaker’.

The ‘first-class’ Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP is a ‘brilliant firm’, and advises on Tier 1 applications and significant numbers of human rights and civil liberties cases.

Wilson Solicitors LLP is ‘exceptional’ for personal immigration and asylum matters. Michael Hanley and Matthew Davies are recommended.

Associate Robert Sparks now leads Fisher Meredith LLP’s practice, advising corporates and individuals. The firm has lost its legal aid franchise; that team has moved to Lawrence Lupin Solicitors.

Also notable for their work in the area of immigration are: Clifford Chance; Davenport Lyons; Dundas & Wilson LLP; Eversheds LLP; Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP; Macfarlanes LLP; Paragon Law; Pinsent Masons LLP; RadcliffesLeBrasseur; Russell-Cooke LLP; Simons Muirhead & Burton; Steeles Law LLP; Travers Smith LLP; and Watson, Farley & Williams LLP.

The pensions team at Allen & Overy LLP, led by the ‘exceptionally client-focused’ Maria Stimpson, provides ‘responses that are very quick, as and when required’. Highlights included advising the trustees of the Burmah Castrol Pension Fund in relation to the merger of the fund into the BP Pension Fund. Other clients include Cable & Wireless, HBOS trustees and Lloyds Banking Group trustees, ICI Pension Fund trustees, Pfizer trustees, and Schroders trustees. Recent high-profile successes in contentious matters include acting for UBS and Prudential. Däna Burstow gives ‘clear, practical advice’; and Neil Bowden’s ‘advice has proven accurate and watertight in some crucial decision-making’. The investment funds expertise of Pavel Shevtsov and Paul Phillips, and the litigation know-how of Jonathan Hitchin and Joanna Page, augment a first-class practice that also benefits from the vast experience of consultants Mervyn Parry, Jonathan Goodwin and Derek Sloan. ‘Fees are given in advance, accurate and good value for money.’

The ‘outstanding’ team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is ‘a really class act’. ‘Between them it has everything: powerful and focused litigators, real technical knowledge, and great commercial instincts.’ The group recently completed a pensions structuring on behalf of Coca-Cola, and advised Black & Decker trustees on the negotiation of a parent company guarantee for the whole of the scheme’s liabilities. In disputes, the group acted for the successful claimants in ITS v Knell, the PNPF (Pilots) litigation and the MNRPF (Merchant Navy) litigation. The eight-partner team is led by ‘great businessman’ Nigel Moore, and includes Mark Atkinson, who ‘combines a powerful intellect, litigation nous and excellent client skills’; Mark Grant, who ‘fizzes with ideas and is excellent to work with in litigation situations’; Neil Smith, who is ‘a joy to work with, combining an easy style with tactical awareness and real fight when litigating’; and Keith Webster, who is ‘strategically fantastic and shows great judgement’.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is ‘used to dealing with the very biggest and most complex cases – nothing will rattle them’. Recent non-contentious highlights include advising Kingfisher plc and the trustee of the NAAFI Pension Fund. High-profile litigation instructions included acting in Pilots; acting for the trustee of BT Pensions Scheme; and assisting the trustee of the Nortel Networks UK Pension Scheme and the Board of the Pension Protection Fund. ‘Very able lawyer’ Jane Samsworth heads up the non-contentious group, which includes Katie Banks, who ‘takes time to understand the client’s business needs’; Stephen Ito, who has a ‘calm, analytical approach’; Duncan Buchanan, who has ‘a strong grasp of the technical issues’; and Claire Southern, who is ‘thorough, practical and pleasant’. In disputes, group head Angela Dimsdale Gill’s ‘knowledge of the pensions industry is probably unparalleled amongst pensions litigators’; and Nicholas Heaton is ‘strategically and tactically acute’.

Linklaters LLP is ‘extremely responsive and proactive in its work, both intellectually and as a matter of implementation of strategy’. Ruth Goldman’s team includes Isabel France, who is ‘not just technically good from a pension point of view, but also has a wider understanding of business requirements and takes a pragmatic view of situations’; Tim Cox; Claire Petheram; and Rosalind Knowles. Disputes expert and ‘excellent thought leader’ Mark Blyth is ‘thoroughly engaged, and shows very good situational judgement and substantive depth’. The group is ‘very responsive, and advice is direct and thorough without being over officious’. The firm is currently advising Diageo Pension Trust Limited on a funding solution involving establishing a pension funding partnership holding whisky spirit assets, and the Trustees of Pearson on the merger of two defined benefit sections of the Pearson Group Pension Plan. In disputes, the group continues to represent the Pilots National Pension Fund.

Sacker & Partners LLP stands out for its ‘willingness to be proactive’. It is advising Northern Rock on its resale, and Nestlé UK on changes to its pensions arrangements. It has also recently advised on litigation involving the Prudential Pension Scheme; and assisted the Port of London Authority in the Pilots litigation. Senior partner Ian Pittaway is ‘particularly good for strategic advice’; and head of the dispute resolution practice Katherine Dandy’s ‘strengths include thoroughness, competence and strong empathy with the client’. Fiona Franklin is an ‘excellent communicator of complex issues’; Robin Simmons is ‘particularly good when a tenacious approach is required’; and Paul Phillips’s ‘advice and work ethic on major contracts is second to none’. David Saunders ‘gives legally sound advice combined with common sense’. Also recommended are Chris Close, Edward Hayes, Peter Murphy, Helen Baker, and Mark Greenlees. Jonathan Seres has retired.

Baker & McKenzie LLP has a team of ‘good project managers who look for solutions rather than problems’. The firm recently advised the trustee of the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund, Alliance Boots, and CSC Computer Sciences Ltd on pensions matters, and represented plan members in the case of IMG v German. Practice head Robert West has ‘an encyclopaedic knowledge of the pension industry’, and is ‘technically very sound, but applies knowledge commercially’. Jeanette Holland and Arron Slocombe are ‘both very personable and easy to deal with, while clearly having strong technical knowledge’; and Chantal Thompson has ‘deep, sound knowledge of pensions legislation’.

Nicholas Sherwin’s group at Clifford Chance includes some of ‘the best pensions lawyers in the industry. They respond in a split second, know it all inside out, and are expensive by the hour but affordable in value terms’. Active clients include Barclays, Melrose, Siemens, Shell and Citigroup. Clare Hoxey is ‘an excellent listener responding to any concerns or challenges in a measured way’, and Hywel Robinson is ‘top of his class’. Head of the pensions litigation practice Imogen Clark is ‘very responsive, and has excellent technical depth’.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has recently advised Goldman Sachs on its pensions de-risking strategy, and assisted the UK government on the proposed private sector investment in Royal Mail and the consequent transfer of over £30bn pensions liabilities to the government. David Pollard has ‘a complete grasp of the complex regulatory framework underpinning UK pension provision, and the ability to translate said complexities to clients in a clear, authoritative but nevertheless pragmatic manner’. The ‘excellent’ Charles Magoffin is also recommended. Dawn Heath, who was promoted to counsel in 2010, ‘presents very complex issues clearly and calmly’.

Ian Gault’s pensions group at Herbert Smith LLP is ‘commercial, responsive and knowledgeable’, and has ‘very good strength in depth’. The firm recently advised on EDF’s sale of its UK distribution network, and on the global insolvency of Nortel. Other high-profile clients include the Railways Pensions Scheme, the Electricity Supply Pensions Scheme, and The Law Society. Dan Schaffer has ‘commercial acumen’ and is ‘a good communicator of technical issues’; and Roderick Morton ‘provides astute commercial thinking in clear support of business objectives’. Alison Brown is also recommended, and Paul Lewis is recognised for his growing pensions litigation practice.

Mayer Brown International LLP is ‘able to recruit exceptional individuals and tailor their service to suit the client’. Its clients include EDF Energy Group, Littlewoods, Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund and Prudential Staff Pensions Limited. Practice head Anna Rogers ‘provides authoritative, considered and pragmatic guidance’; Ian Wright is ‘good at problem solving’; and Martin Scott is a ‘good communicator’. Pensions litigation head Philippa James’ ‘cheerful character conceals a resolute determination to ensure that the best interests of her clients are being served’; and Stuart Pickford has ‘a thorough understanding of pensions law and practice’.

Slaughter And May rises in the non-contentious ranking this year, with a team of lawyers who are ‘sensitive to the practical needs of solutions, and use language which is very easy to understand, clear and concise without being patronising at all. They clearly know their trade’. Clients include Royal Mail, Uniq plc, Mercer and SEB. Jonathan Fenn is ‘an excellent communicator’; Charles Cameron has ‘long experience and provides excellent advice’; and Philip Bennett is ‘a good advocate on behalf of the trustee board in negotiations’. ‘Excellent pensions lawyer’ Roland Doughty combines ‘intellect, communication skills and stamina’. Sandeep Maudgil commands great respect among peers, and Eddie Codrington is also recommended. The ‘methodical’ Richard Clark heads the contentious side of the practice.

Travers Smith LLP recently advised on changes to the Dow and Gatwick Airport pension structures. Paul Stannard is ‘a very commercially sensitive lawyer, who is able to see the big picture and come up with solutions while staying cognisant of the complexities of the problem’; Peter Esam is ‘particularly good at dealing with trustee boards’; and Philip Stear is ‘always prepared to go the extra mile for you’. Andrew Block has ‘excellent knowledge that enables robust solutions in very quick timescales’. Jonathan Leslie’s pensions litigation group advised the trustees of the Lehman Brothers’ Pension Scheme, and continues to act for Stena Line Limited in relation to the Merchant Navy case.

Wragge & Co LLP rises a tier in the non-contentious ranking, and is noted for its ‘focus on delivering pragmatic and cost-effective advice that is solution focused’. Clients include Philips Pension Fund, Mitchells & Butlers Pension Plans, AMEC Pension Plan and ICL Group Pension Plan, and also corporates such as United Biscuits (UK) Limited, Premier Foods, GKN and Interserve plc. Recommended partners include Glyn Ryland, Jason Coates and pensions litigator Peter Shave. Richard Black and Paul Feathers ‘treat the client’s scheme issues as personal, and work hard to create relationships with trustees and other advisers’.

Eversheds LLP joins the top tier for pensions disputes this year. Pensions litigator Giles Orton is ‘very inventive’, and his team has been busy advising Port of Tyne Authority in Pilots, and John Masteron in Nortel. On the non-contentious side, Jay Doraisamy ‘approaches the issues with intelligence and sensitivity’; Anthony Arter is ‘keen to find positive solutions for all parties’; and Jeremy Goodwin ‘effectively combines a detailed understanding of the law and his clients ’ business interests’. Harold Lewis is now a consultant at the firm.

Macfarlanes LLP ‘responds promptly to any queries and stands up for the interests of its clients’. The firm recently advised on the funding of the £950m EMI Group pension fund; assisted Pernod Ricard on the successful conclusion of funding negotiations in relation to the Allied Domecq Pension Fund; and acted for IMG in successful Court of Appeal proceedings. Head of the pensions group Hugh Arthur has an enviable market reputation, as does Jane Marshall. Camilla Barry is also held in high esteem.

Nabarro LLP rises a tier in the non-contentious ranking this year. Clients include IBM UK Pensions Trust, Arcadia Group, and the Legal Services Commission Pension Scheme, and it advised the Shoreham Port Authority in Pilots. Jennifer Bell ‘delivers well-thought-through, clear, practical advice and doesn’t sit on the fence’. Also of note, Kate Richards is ‘very thorough and receptive to suggestions to adapt service delivery to suit the client’s needs’. Disputes specialist Jonathan Warne is ‘very experienced, and entirely on top of his subject’.

Peter Ford’s pensions group at Norton Rose LLP also rises a tier this year; it is ‘responsive and expert in this complex area’. Work highlights included advising Axa on the sale of the majority of its UK life business to Resolution, and acting for the Cheviot Trust in contentious matters. Lesley Browning’s ‘strength is her ability to communicate with those for whom pensions is an alien topic, but she also has a depth of technical knowledge which allows her to interact with other professionals’.

Representative clients of Pinsent Masons LLP include Nortel, Mercer and the trustees of Heinz and the Ericsson pension schemes. National head of pensions Alastair Meeks is ‘a high-profile individual in the pensions world’; Christopher Berkeley ‘provides quality advice in a commercial and timely manner’; Iona Whitaker is able to ‘explain complex legal issues’; and Matthew De Ferrars has ‘excellent client skills and is a strong communicator of technical detail’. Carolyn Saunders is ‘knowledgeable, responsive and thorough, and has a sense of humour’; and Isabel Nurse-Marsh is ‘tough and knowledgeable but user friendly’. Raj Sharma is also recommended.

Simmons & Simmons provides ‘technical expertise of the highest quality’. The group is currently advising on the UK pensions issues on BASF’s €3.1bn acquisition of Cognis. Michael Wyman has ‘a real eye for detail and an ability to interpret and “read between the lines”, which ensures his advice addresses issues both on and below the surface’; and Monica Ma ‘stands shoulders above her competitors’. Ian Hammond and Caroline Hunter-Yeats deal with contentious matters, and have specialist expertise in actuarial negligence cases.

Squire Sanders Hammonds climbs a tier in non-contentious this year. It continues to advise the Trustees of the Sea Containers 1990 Pensions Scheme, and recently advised the Trustees of the Alliance UniChem Scheme in its buy-in/buy-out transaction with Pensions Insurance Corporation. Simon Price ‘combines intellect, business acumen and good humour’; and Clifford Sims’ ‘leadership and ability to cover all the aspects of often complex negotiations and tight deadlines is exemplary’. Wendy Hunter heads the practice; national head of pensions disputes Emma King, based in Birmingham, has a ‘highly professional and caring attitude’; and Kris Weber is also recommended.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP has a specialist, national SIPPs and pensions product practice, and advises corporate and public sector clients as well as trustees. Recent transactional work includes advising new clients Wolseley, Barclays and the AA. Catherine McAllister, who recently completed a six-month secondment at Barclays, leads the pensions group, which includes Rachel Rawnsley, Jade Murray and litigator Susan Garrett.

The ‘excellent’ Steven Hull, valued for his ‘industry knowledge and business acumen’, heads the ‘knowledgeable and commercial’ team at Ashurst LLP, which rises a tier in the non-contentious ranking this year. Although small, the group handles complex and high-profile work, including recently advising the US Unsecured Creditors Committee of Nortel US, and the lenders to Readers Digest. Angela Pearson handles pensions litigation at the firm.

Burges Salmon LLP acts for the Trustees of the Westland Pension Scheme, Misys plc, Honda and Chanel, among others. Richard Knight’s group includes Clive Pugh, who is an ‘expert on regulatory issues, provides strategic insights, and is pragmatic’; and Justin Briggs, who ‘takes a sensible, practical approach, is knowledgeable, and is great to have on your side’. Tim Illston is also recommended. The team rises in the ranking this year.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s clients include National Grid Electricity Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme, and the Allied Domecq Pension Fund. ‘Outstanding partner’ Michael Cowley ‘does not sit on the fence’; and Tamara Calvert is ‘one of the most approachable and balanced lawyers you could hope to meet. Couple that with sound practical knowledge, common sense and pragmatism and you have an unbeatable package’. Matthew Swynnerton is also recommended.

Jones Day has seen an increase in work across scheme closures, bulk transfers and scheme mergers, and acts for high-calibre clients such as Hanson Limited, The Church Army Pension Scheme and Scotts Miracle-Gro. Head of department Rosalind Connor and Stephen Brown are recommended, and of counsel John Papadakis also has significant expertise in the area.

At Lawrence Graham LLP, Robert Smith ‘speaks authoritatively and provides pragmatic advice’; Ron Burgess is ‘hugely knowledgeable and poised, and is excellent at playing different parties off against each other while calmly steering a case to victory’; and Adam Bushby is ‘able to understand the issues in an instant’. Clients include Société Générale and Portsmouth Water. Up a tier in the dispute resolution table this year, the firm represented Bristol Port in the Pilots litigation.

Reed Smith ‘impresses with a tangible personal commitment which transcends normal commercial commitment’. Clients include the Civil Aviation Authority Pension Scheme, Pearl Group Staff Pension Scheme, and Skanska. Practice head Simon Hartley is ‘pragmatic, with an incisive mind’; and Justine Senior is ‘an exceptionally gifted lawyer’. Keith Wallace is also highly regarded. Nicholas Donnithorne left the firm in 2011 to join Babbé in Guernsey.

At Speechly Bircham LLP, Penny Cogher has ‘undoubted acumen and industry knowledge’; and Jane Wolstenholme has a ‘very good technical grasp of all the issues and provides good, solid, practical advice’. The group as a whole is ‘strong, and a pleasure to work with. The advice given is always appropriate for the context, and the team has a genuine regard for value for money’.

Recent new client wins for Stephenson Harwood include Norfolk Lines, Metallgesellschaft, Conrad Ritblatt, and The Church Mission Society. Mark Catchpole has ‘excellent commercial instincts and is a pleasure to work with’, and is ‘very reasonable and measured’; and Philip Goodchild is ‘responsive, available and approachable’. Sue Millar, who heads the firm’s financial litigation group, has considerable pensions dispute resolution experience.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP assisted on Rothesay Life’s completion of a full risk transfer with its client Radius Systems. Other clients include Molson Coors Brewing Company, and the Trustees of the Sira Pension Scheme. ‘Outstanding pensions lawyer’ Norman Russell and David Dennison are recommended.

Martin Poore heads the pensions group at Dickinson Dees LLP. Suzanne Duff has regulatory expertise and works closely with the firm’s corporate recovery team on PPF matters. Alex Rodger and pensions disputes specialist Craig Monty are also recommended. The firm enters the pensions disputes ranking this year.

At Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, practice head David Gallagher and Michael Calvert handle non-contentious mattters. The ‘quite exceptional’ Simon Moore is a commercial litigator with a growing pensions disputes practice, and the firm rise a tier in the contentious ranking this year.

K&L Gates attracted new clients such as RBC cees and Fitch Ratings in 2010. Danny Tsang is praised for his ‘exceptional responsiveness, and ability to translate complex pension law into business speak to help the client make commercial decisions’. Pensions litigator Anne McCarthy is also recommended.

Osborne Clarke rises a tier this year in the non-contentious table, and also enters the disputes table. Recent work includes advising Imperial Tobacco Pension Fund in relation to a £125m investment into a fund of hedge funds focusing on investment in commodities and commodity-related strategies. Jonathan Hazlett is ‘very bright and a first-class communicator’; and Paul Matthews is ‘very approachable and easy to understand even on complex matters’.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s clients include HDI Gerling UK Limited, SCA Group, Veolia Environmental Services, and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers. Charles Suchett-Kaye is ‘very knowledgeable and commercially minded’; and Philippa Connaughton is ‘very good technically, but also practical and commercial’.

At SJ Berwin LLP, practice head Wyn Derbyshire is recommended for his ‘fantastic technical knowledge and formidable intellect, combined with a feet-on-the ground, pragmatic and client-friendly approach’. New client wins include Premium Aircraft Interiors, Boporan Holdings, and Crest Nicholson Pension Scheme.

SNR Denton recently advised Lehman Bros, defending 32 companies in the Lehman Brothers Group against financial support direction proceedings brought by the Pensions Regulator. Elmer Doonan provides ‘strong, consistent advice’; Andrew Patten is ‘extremely knowledgeable and very helpful’; and Alan Jarvis has ‘good knowledge of UK pensions law and practice’.

At Taylor Wessing LLP, Mark Smith is noted for ‘the superb depth and breadth of his technical knowledge’; he has ‘a very analytical mind, and often sees creative solutions to problems, both of which are very useful for dealing with knotty pensions issues’. The firm recently acted for three companies in the Lehman Brothers Group, successfully defending them against financial support directions that the Pensions Regulator was seeking to impose.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP recently advised the Trustees of the Pall (UK) Pension Fund on an index-based longevity swap. ‘Outstanding’ lawyer Mark Howard ‘combines both technical and communication skills’.

At Beachcroft, Neil Bhan is ‘measured and considered’, and consistently provides ‘good advice’. His team is currently advising on the winding up of the SEDA Plc pension scheme.

Charles Russell LLP’s clients include the government of the Bahamas. Caoimhe O’Neill is noted for her ‘knowledge, energy, and responsiveness, and is very practical. She has the ability to quickly understand the issues’. Newly promoted partner Michael Jones ‘provides clear and well-reasoned advice’.

Anne Taylor’s pensions group at Irwin Mitchell LLP recently advised Liverpool Victoria on its retirement solutions business.

At Latham & Watkins LLP, Stephen Brown is the contact for pensions advice. He leads the firm’s employment and benefits practice in London.

David Farmer’s pensions team at Olswang recently advised the BBC in relation to its programme of pensions reform. Andrew Campbell is also recommended.

At Trowers & Hamlins LLP, ‘customer care is excellent, knowledge levels are strong, and advice is very sound’. Clients include Essex County Council and The Trustees of the Anglo American Steel Fabricators Pension Scheme. Diane Preston and Martin McFall are recommended.

Wedlake Bell LLP advises clients such as the Dairy Crest Group Pension Fund, Kawasaki Pension Scheme and the Natixis Pension Schemes. Clive Weber has ‘excellent technical knowledge and experience’.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges’ pensions practitioners are ‘well versed in their practice area’. Clients include Shop Direct, GE and Advent International. Joanne Etherton is ‘very knowledgeable, responsive, and prepared to go the extra mile’.