The Legal 500

2010 was a headline year for many project and finance teams in London. Increasing demand for fuel combined with regional unrest across the Middle East to push up oil prices, ensuring that conventional energy areas remained buoyant.

The news on the renewables side was less positive. The recession hit the public purse hard, resulting in less money being available to invest in new green schemes, and less attractive European feed-in-tariffs. This has injected a great deal of uncertainty into the market.It is too early to predict the effects of the Fukushima disaster on the UK’s nuclear renaissance. So far, the European response to the crisis has been mixed, with Germany’s response the most negative – the government temporarily shut down seven of its nuclear reactors – while others have reacted less stridently; Poland for example, continues to move forward in building its first reactor.

The strong appetite for infrastructure assets was evident through deals such as the auction sale of High Speed 1, the company that owns the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, which sold for approximately £2.1bn. However, commoditised PFI continues to fall further out of favour in the UK, leaving PFI teams to ship expertise further afield to maintain profitability. The export of more complex PPP products to Eastern Europe and the Middle East remains the mainstay of the top-tier practices.

In this chapter, weighting is given to the firms with the broadest coverage of each practice area, hence the tendency of full-service firms to head the tables. The Magic Circle continues to dominate; Linklaters LLP is the only firm in the top bracket of every area, although Allen & Overy LLP is stronger on the project finance side and tops the rankings for infrastructure, oil and gas, power, PFI and water.

The traditional finance specialists are not the only names dominating energy; leading regulated industry players such as CMS Cameron McKenna LLP and Herbert Smith LLP are also well represented, as are US project finance powerhouses such as White & Case LLP and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP.

Norton Rose LLP draws admiring glances for its market-leading renewables and mining practices, and is working to become the pre-eminent name for energy work. SNR Denton and Trowers & Hamlins LLP field strong Middle East practices, which work alongside London teams to offer excellent global coverage.

Outside of the major City firms, national specialists have seen their piece of the pie increase as projects become more standardised. Practices at Pinsent Masons LLP, Eversheds LLP and Addleshaw Goddard LLP all continue to rise in profile.

The focus of this chapter is on work carried out from London, although firms with exceptional regional practices with a national reputation are also covered. Office networks, whether national or international, are an important component of firms’ capability, with cross-office and cross-jurisdictional teams common on deals.

Allen & Overy LLP is a ‘top performer for infrastructure financings’, with ‘great understanding of the market’ and the ability to ‘instil full confidence in the banks’. Conrad Andersen is ‘an undoubted star’ and ‘tops the list for complex infrastructure financings’. Projects head Anne Baldock and corporate partner Susan Howard are also recommended. In 2010 the firm won roles on some of the most sought-after deals in the market, including advising the funders to the winning consortium on High Speed 1 (HS1).

Ashurst LLP is a ‘cut above the rest’, with clients praising the team’s ‘unequalled approachability’ and ‘user-friendly advice’. Mark Elsey is very prolific, and is heading the team advising Crossrail on its flagship rail project. In addition to transport, the firm is also strong in the energy, funds and defence areas. Finance partner Patrick Boyle is ‘technically excellent’, and John Inglis is an ‘asset on any transaction’.

Clifford Chance’s team includes ‘the big names that you want on a deal’, and demonstrated its ‘top-band project finance’ credentials by advising on three separate bids for the £2.1bn HS1 concession, including advising a consortium comprising Morgan Stanley, 3i Infrastructure and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Projects specialist Jeremy Connick is highlighted as ‘directly tackling the legal issues to achieve bankable financing structures’; and Gavin Teague and Andrew Rolfe are also recommended.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP ‘strikes a good balance between attention to detail and commerciality’, and impresses on volume too, advising on over $21.7bn-worth of infrastructure deals globally in 2010. With particular strength on the corporate and finance side, under global infrastructure and transport co-head Nicholas Bliss, the team advised the lead arrangers on the development of a new facility at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Bermuda, and also advised the sponsors on the €1.8bn St Petersburg Pulkovo Airport PPP.

Linklaters LLP would ‘definitely be on the list for any large complex project’, thanks to its ‘technical expertise’ and provision of ‘top-end service’. Bruce White ‘remains one the leading infrastructure lawyers in the market’; Stuart Rowson provides ‘strong support to funders, with an effective but direct style’; and Ian Andrews is ‘knowledgeable and experienced’. Roads were an active area in 2010; highlights included advising the consortium on the development of the €600m Moscow-Minsk Motorway project in Russia.

Norton Rose LLP is valued for its ‘high levels of industry expertise’ and ‘more personal service than the Magic Circle’. The ‘commercial’ Martin McCann heads the team, which is ‘second to none for infrastructure in the emerging markets’. The firm advised the African Development Bank, and a syndicate of Nigerian commercial banks, on the £240m financing of the Main One undersea cable. Mark Berry and Chris Brown are also recommended.

White & Case LLP shines on the project finance side. In a major highlight, it advised Nord Stream on the construction and financing of phase one of the proposed developments of two sub-sea gas pipelines – the third-largest project finance transaction globally to close in 2010. Anthony Fine’s team ‘responds very quickly and diligently’, and stands out for its ‘flexible approach’.

Baker & McKenzie LLP provides ‘seamless service that is always courteous, even under extreme pressure’. Mike Wester heads the firm’s global infrastructure and transport group, and acted for Ma’aden on the $11bn development of a bauxite mine, alumina refinery and related infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is recommended for its ‘focus and commercial acumen’. Transport is a strength, both domestically and internationally, with road and rail providing a steady flow of mandates. The firm advised the Department for Transport on the restructuring of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the sale of HS1. Jason Davies is recommended.

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP’s London office worked alongside the firm’s Hong Kong team to advise Mongolia Railway Infrastructure on the $3bn development of railway infrastructure in Mongolia. Nabil Khodadad and James Simpson co-head the projects and infrastructure team.

At Herbert Smith LLP, Patrick Mitchell heads a global infrastructure team with a leading reputation for energy and transport-related work. Highlights included advising EDF subsidiary NNB Generation on negotiations with the UK government on its proposals for a funded decommissioning programme, which could cost around £11bn.

Hogan Lovells International LLP provides a ‘tailor-made service’, with Steven Bryan recommended for his ‘excellent industry knowledge’ and Andrew Briggs for his ‘ability to look at the bigger picture’. The firm advised Citi Infrastructure Investors on its $1.5bn acquisition of a majority stake in DP World’s Australian shipping terminal operator businesses.

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP specialises in project finance, with energy and natural resources the dominant focus. Cathy Marsh and team head Phillip Fletcher are advising the lenders on the development of the $5bn Ambatovy nickel mine in Madagascar.

Shearman & Sterling LLP continues to advise Alcoa on its joint venture with Ma’aden to develop and finance the $10.8bn Ras Al Zawr Smelter. Co-head of global project finance Nicholas Buckworth is the main contact, and Tim Pick is also very active.

Slaughter and May leads the way in energy-related M&A, advising on over €9.9bn-worth of deals in 2010, but is also involved in some high-profile projects. It continues to act for Lend Lease on the delivery of the infrastructure for the entire 2012 Olympic Park.

The mainstay of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP’s practice is project finance, with a weighting towards the energy and mining sectors. Jamie Logie recently advised on the English law aspects of the financing of the $823m Boleo mining project in Mexico.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s team is led by Adam Dann, who is ‘technically very sound and easy to deal with’. The firm continues to advise Ascent on its UK Military Flight Training System, including the procurement of £1bn-worth of training contracts.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘hallmark is responsiveness, thoroughness, and a clear understanding of how it can help the client achieve its commercial and financial objectives’. Kathy Sharp advised Telereal Trillium on the £650m restructuring of its key facilities management service provider arrangements.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s Simon Mumford is highlighted as ‘unflappable and solution focused’, and Catherine Workman is ‘pragmatic and able to use her great sector experience to best effect’. The firm is advising Thames Water Utilities and United Utilities Water on £8bn-worth of capital works programmes for the next AMP period.

SNR Denton’s practice attracts praise for its transport capability, with roads being a major strength. The firm advised the lenders to Amey Ventures on the £2.8bn Birmingham Highways Maintenance PFI. Matthew Hanslip Ward is recommended, and co-heads the energy, transport and infrastructure team.

Simmons & Simmons’ team is led by Juliet Reingold, and includes Richard Dyton, who is singled out as a ‘strong commercial lawyer with a strong understanding of risk’. The firm acted for the Ministry of Defence on the aborted £12bn Defence Training Review.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s London team works alongside the firm’s extensive Middle East network, specialising in advising governments and sponsors on major infrastructure projects. The firm is advising Bahrain Airport Company on the expansion and redevelopment of the airport.

At Eversheds LLP, group head Michael Grimes is ‘approachable, applies common sense and shows good judgement’, and is praised for his knowledge of the waste industry. Among the firm’s recent projects, it advised Staffordshire County Council on the £1bn waste PFI with Veolia Environmental Services.

Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP acted for International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Asian Development Bank on the restructuring of their respective debt financing in Karachi Electric Supply Company, worth a combined $275m.

Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP is acting for Birmingham City Council on the £650m redevelopment of Birmingham New Street Railway Station. Neil Upton heads the team, which includes rail specialist Andrew Herring.

Hunton & Williams is winning an impressive flow of instructions from Eastern Europe, with Jonathan Simpson, a new arrival from Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker (Europe) LLP, particularly active in that quarter. The firm is representing the government of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia & Herzegovina on the development of its €3.5bn motorway project.

At McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP, Andrew Watson is advising Moreas on the £1.42bn Korinthos-Tripoli-Kalamata motorway project in Greece. Gas pipeline work is also a strong area.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP won an instruction to advise Telenor and VimpelCom on the formation of a NYSE-listed emerging market mobile operator. Alexander Janes heads the practice.

Wragge & Co LLP is ‘very responsive’, and has ‘excellent specialist knowledge’ and ‘good strength in depth’. The firm advised Amey on the £2.7bn Birmingham Highways PFI. David Fennell heads the team, which includes the ‘outstanding’ Michael Whitehouse.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP’s government and infrastructure team, led by Robbie Owen, excels on the planning and procurement sides. The firm is advising Treasury Holdings on proposals to extend the Northern Line to serve its development at Battersea Power Station.

Burges Salmon LLP maintains its sterling record for defence and nuclear matters. Mark Paterson has advised the Minstry of Defence on the recently delayed £6bn Search and Rescue Helicopter Services PFI since 2006.

Dundas & Wilson LLP acted for Scotia Gas Networks on the negotiation of the project funding and construction documentation for the Didcot Biomethane Project. Keith Armstrong heads the team.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP advised across a wide range of oil and gas, power and renewables projects in 2010. National Grid is a trophy client, and has awarded the firm several instructions relating to pipeline projects.

K&L Gates is noted for its ‘knowledge of the market combined with a good depth of skills’. Highlights included advising the IFC in India on the development of a new university and associated infrastructure.

McGrigors LLP has solid experience in BSF schemes, transport matters and energy projects.

Specialist emerging market firm Trinity International LLP has an excellent record in roads, ports and airport projects. It recently advised the IFC and the African Development Bank on debt funding provided to the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund.

Linklaters LLP is the ‘best in the market for corporate work’, with team head Charlie Jacobs ‘the name everyone knows’. Among the firm’s plentiful highlights, it advised Rio Tinto on the sale of a majority interest in its Alcan Engineered Products business, and also on the $1.35bn investment by Aluminium Corporation of China in Rio Tinto’s Simandou iron ore project in West Africa.

Mayer Brown International LLP is a ‘project finance powerhouse’ on the mining side, with Ian Coles highlighted as ‘probably the most experienced lawyer in this space’, and Rachel Speight recommended as ‘concise, reasoned in her analysis, and commercial’. The firm advised the lenders on an $823m project financing to fund the construction and development of the Boleo project in Mexico.

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP is the ‘most sophisticated lender’s counsel for large mining finances’; ‘no other firm has the same track record in acting for lenders on big-ticket mine projects’. Cathy Marsh is an ‘immensely talented lawyer’, and is acting alongside project and asset finance head Phillip Fletcher in advising the lenders on the development of the $5bn Ambatovy nickel mine in Madagascar.

Norton Rose LLP is a ‘big team for project finance’, ‘far more commercial than other firms’, and valued for ‘genuinely structuring deals tailored towards the client’. Group head Martin McCann is in the ‘upper echelon of his peer group’, and is valued for his ‘first-class legal advice’ and ‘propensity to think laterally’. Raj Karia is recommended for corporate work. Highlights included advising the lead arrangers on the $300m European Goldfields project in Greece.

White & Case LLP continues to garner some of the biggest project finance instructions in the field under the leadership of Philip Stopford, who has ‘outstanding knowledge of project finance’, and corporate partner Peter Finlay. The firm is advising the sponsors on the development and financing of the $4bn Guinea Alumina refinery in the Republic of Guinea.

Allen & Overy LLP’s mining offering gets stronger every year, and handles a healthy mix of projects and corporate work. Projects head Anne Baldock advised Calik Holding on its investments in three precious metals licences in Turkey. Dominic Morris is very active on the corporate side.

Baker & McKenzie LLP is ‘very attentive and provides pragmatic commercial advice’. The firm’s major highlight remains its ongoing advice to Ma’aden on the development of an $11bn bauxite mine, alumina refinery and related infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Mike Webster is recommended.

Clifford Chance’s practice is led by James Pay and David Lewis, and advises on finance, corporate and development work. Highlights included advising Vale on its $2.5bn acquisition of Simandou iron assets in Guinea from BSG Resources.

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP advised Vedanta Resources on its $1.34bn acquisition of zinc assets from Anglo American. Nabil Khodadad heads the team.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is ‘best in class’ for corporate work, with joint team heads Julian Makin and Graham Watson recommended for their ‘prompt commercial advice’. Representative clients include Alcan, Rio Tinto and Xstrata.

Jones Day was appointed to act for Base Resources on its Kwale Mineral Sands project financing in Kenya. Michael Pabst is the main contact.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s team is going from strength to strength under the leadership of Glen Ireland. Among the firm’s recent transactions, it advised Norsk Hydro on its $5.27bn acquisition of the majority of Vale SA’s aluminium business located in Brazil.

SNR Denton’s Tom Eldridge is recommended as ‘hardworking and commercial’, and heads a team with ‘market-leading capabilities’. It predominantly handles corporate work, and recently advised Lucara Diamond Corporation on its takeover of African Diamonds.

Shearman & Sterling LLP may be well known as ‘one of the world’s best project finance firms’, but it also packs a punch on the corporate side. It advised African Barrick Gold and Barrick Gold Corporation on African Barrick Gold’s £2.3bn IPO on the London Stock Exchange.

Slaughter and May’s client base is particularly impressive on the mining side. In 2011, the firm advised BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company, on its $40bn offer (eventually withdrawn) for Potash Corporation.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has ‘good mining industry knowledge’, with Jamie Logie singled out as a ‘very constructive and lateral thinker’. The firm advised the commercial bank lenders on the Boleo mining project on intercreditor issues and related commodities hedging.

Ashurst LLP has strength in both contentious and corporate work. In a major highlight, it advised the banks on Coal India’s $3.4bn IPO, notable as India’s largest-ever IPO.

Fasken Martineau LLP’s London team is strong on the corporate side under Al Gourley, and attracts praise for its ‘strong response times’. The firm advised the underwriters on Platmin’s $385m equity and debenture offering.

At Herbert Smith LLP, David Clinch has a ‘terrific grasp of mining’, and Craig Tevendale has ‘excellent communication skills’. The firm has a leading contentious practice, but also shines on the corporate side. It recently advised Lonmin on its £160m placing of new shares.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is establishing a solid record for mining work. Among its recent transactions, the team advised Eurasian National Resources Corporation on its $735m acquisition of the outstanding interest in Bahia Minerals from Ardila Investment.

Simmons & Simmons’ team is led by Yves Barratts, and handles project finance and corporate work. Sundance Resources continues to instruct the firm on the development of the Mbalam iron ore project.

Charles Russell LLP is ‘excellent on general corporate advice’, and team head Clive Hopewell ‘consistently pleases’. The firm acted for Centamin Egypt on a $135m fundraising in the UK and Canada. Tau Capital and Energybuild Group are also representative clients.

Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP is advising the national Moroccan phosphates company on the construction of an integrated chemical platform for phosphate treatment. François Krotoff heads the team, and divides his time between Paris and London.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP represented Canadian Gold mining company before the European Commission on the assessment of the sale price of several goldmines in Greece, under EU state aid rules.

Lawrence Graham LLP has a strong AIM practice, and specialises in advising mining clients on corporate finance work. Recent highlights include advising AIM-listed Firestone Diamonds plc on its £51m takeover of Kopane Diamond Developments.

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP attracts praise for its ‘understanding of clients ’ needs’, with team head Jonathan Brooks noted as ‘very commercial’. The firm advised SAT & Co on its $50m investment in ShalkiyaZinc.

In a major coup, Memery Crystal LLP advised Petra Diamonds on its £205m AIM fundraising, one of the largest AIM fundraisings of the past year. Nick Davis heads the team and is recommended.

Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong domestic minerals practice under the leadership of David Brock. The firm continues to advise the Mineral Products Association and CBI Minerals Group on the implementation of the Mining Waste Directive in England and Wales.

Nabarro LLP provides ‘clear, strategic and relevant advice’ under group head Niall Logan. Contentious work is a strong area, and the firm is representing the Department of Energy and Climate Change in the £14bn Miners’ Knee Group Litigation, one of the largest group litigation claims in the UK.

David Ferris’ team at Osborne Clarke acted for Liberum Capital on London Mining’s £200m admission to AIM. Other representative clients include RAB Capital, CD Capital and Hanson UK.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s Sarah Thomas attracts praise for her ‘good negotiation skills’. The firm acted for a consortium of Chinese investors on a $185m investment in AIM-listed Oxus Gold.

TLT LLP’s ‘highly professional and pragmatic team’ is led by Katherine Evans. The firm specialises on the planning side, and is advising Western United Mines on a series of matters relating to the South Crofty tin mine.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP’s team advised Brinkley Mining on Eurogold’s offer for the remainder of the shares in Brinkley. Corporate partner Jan Mellmann is the main contact.

Allen & Overy LLP ramped up its capability through the hire of ‘corporate oil and gas doyen’ Paul Griffin and John Geraghty from Herbert Smith LLP in early 2010; it has ‘unrivalled strength-in-depth’, ‘consistency of quality’ and ‘strong experience of the industry’. On the upstream side, Dominic Morris advised Dana Petroleum on its €328m acquisition of Petro-Canada Netherlands, while downstream highlights included advising SATORP, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and TOTAL, on the $14.2bn Jubail refinery and petrochemical project. Project finance partner Andrew Castle is recommended for his ‘in-depth knowledge and good negotiation skills’.

At Clifford Chance, banking and finance partner Russell Wells is highlighted as ‘simply outstanding’, and is working alongside colleagues in several of the firm’s international offices in advising the export credit agencies and commercial lenders on the financing of the €7.2bn Nord Stream pipeline. John Wilkins is also recommended, and advised TOTAL on all aspects of its joint venture with Saudi Aramco to develop the Jubail Refinery and Petrochemical project in Saudi Arabia.

Herbert Smith LLP provides a ‘balance of business and legal support’ and ‘effective and extremely thoughtful advice’, under global head of oil and gas Stephen Murray. Among the firm’s recent transactions, it advised BG Group on its acquisition of petroleum licence blocks off southern Tanzania, and also acted for BP International on the $300m disposal of its downstream businesses in several African countries. Contentious work is also a noted specialism. Simon Tysoe is ‘very knowledgeable and commercially minded’, and senior associate Alastair Young is ‘easy to work with, and thorough in his approach’.

Linklaters LLP offers ‘an exceptional combination of market-leading corporate, finance and commercial capability’, and ‘always provides excellent professionals, which makes the level of service impressively homogenous’. Recommended partners include Matthew Hagopian (‘very experienced and knowledgeable in project finance’); Manzer Ijaz (noted for his ‘profound sector knowledge’); Fiona Hobbs (‘very experienced in energy in the Middle East’); and Clive Ransome (who gives ‘sensible and commercially focused advice’). The firm advised the finance parties on the $14bn Jubail refinery and petrochemical project in Saudi Arabia.

White & Case LLP has ‘market-leading knowledge of the project finance product and the industry’. Team head Philip Stopford has ‘outstanding knowledge of project finance and the oil and gas sector’; Ellis Baker has ‘outstanding construction contract expertise and negotiation skills’; and David Baker has an ‘excellent understanding of energy projects, and is able to bring this wider knowledge to the table’. The firm acts across the gamut of project finance, corporate and litigation matters. Among its recent work, it advised the sponsors and the project company on the construction and financing of the Nord Stream pipeline.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP draws admiring glances for its ‘leading North Sea practice’, with team head Penelope Warne and oil and gas specialist Bob Palmer well known in the market for this type of work, but also garners instructions from all over the world. It recently advised trophy client BP on the $7bn sale of international oil and gas assets to Apache Corporation.

Hogan Lovells International LLP saw the move of Garry Pegg to King & Spalding International LLP and also the departure of energy and infrastructure head John Cooper, while Matthew Williams joined from Hunton and Williams as head of the firm's energy industry group. David Moss is recommended for his ‘extensive industry experience’, and advised Petrobras on the establishment of a joint venture to develop a calcined petroleum coke plant in Saudi Arabia.

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP signature project finance practice dominates the firm’s oil and gas work, but it also handles corporate matters under Stuart Harray. John Dewar advised the lenders on the provision of a $225m facility to Reliance Industries for the acquisition of a 40% interest in the Marcellus Shale reserve.

Norton Rose LLP’s team is led by Nick Prowse, and specialises in advising oil and gas companies on the full life-cycle of matters. In a major coup, 2010 saw the firm advise OLT Offshore Livorno Toscana on the financing of the world’s first major floating storage and regasification unit.

SNR Denton continues to act for some top-drawer clients, and is advising Total on the disposal of its UK downstream business. Danielle Beggs ‘always provides well-balanced advice’; and Charles Wood is also recommended, recently advising the government of Cyprus on the development of an LNG import terminal and the first importation of LNG to Cyprus.

Shearman & Sterling LLP’s lawyers have a ‘deep knowledge of market practice and precedents’ and are ‘team players with superb technical skills’, making the firm ‘top of the list for project finance’. Recent highlights include advising Citadel Capital and Egyptian Refining Company on the $3.5bn financing for the redevelopment of a hydrocracking refinery project. Kenneth MacRitchie and Nicholas Buckworth are well known in the market.

Ashurst LLP provides ‘practical advice backed up by energy industry knowledge’. Geoffrey Picton-Turbervill’s team was recently boosted by the hire of Peter Roberts, formerly general counsel at Centrica, and other noted names include Anthony Patten (‘a strong adviser on LNG-related matters’), and Ronnie King (‘a leader in energy litigation’). Highlights included advising Jubilant Energy on the largest oil and gas AIM IPO of 2010.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is ‘excellent on corporate’, with Mark Rawlinson recommended as ‘responsive, creative and approachable’. BP is a major client, and instructed the firm on several matters including its strategic response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and the divestment of all its upstream interests in Pakistan to United Energy Group.

Simmons & Simmons is establishing a strong record under team head Charles Bankes, who ‘impresses with his skilful and effective probing and steering at meetings with regulatory authorities’; and project finance specialist Patrick Wallace, whose ‘charming and quintessential “British gentleman” style is a great asset in difficult negotiations’. The firm continues to advise the project company on the complex €8bn Nabucco gas pipeline project.

Slaughter and May ‘knows the pulse of the market’, and is consistently ‘superb’. Its corporate highlights are numerous, but it also secures a good flow of project and contentious work; it recently advised several lenders on the provision of a $2.6bn debt package to the Egyptian Refining Company to finance its construction of an oil refinery.

Vinson & Elkins RLLP is ‘more client-focused’ than other firms, and ‘treats all clients, big or small, like platinum clients’, offering ‘a true “Rolls-Royce” service’. Team head Alexander Msimang is highly recommended for his ‘expert knowledge and user-friendly approach’, and recently led the team in advising Statoil on the $3.1bn sale of companies holding a 40% interest in the Peregrino oilfield.

At Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Douglas Glass heads a team that has ‘rich and in-depth knowledge of the industry’, with Gregory Hammond noted for his ‘invaluable market knowledge’. The firm advised Bridas Corporation on its $7.1bn acquisition of a 60% interest in Pan American Energy from BP.

Baker & McKenzie LLP advised Sonangol, the state-owned oil company of Angola, on the development of a $12bn refinery on a greenfield site north of Lobito, Angola, while other representative clients include Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries and China National Offshore Oil Corporation. Neil Donoghue co-heads the firm’s oil and gas group, and is recommended.

Baker Botts (UK) LLP is ‘one of the most qualified oil and gas firms’, with one of the strongest global reputations in the sector. The London team is headed by managing partner Antony Higginson, and acted for GdF Suez on several acquisitions as well as on the sale of assets in the UK and Qatar.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP has ‘quality that can be put before a board of international oil companies with confidence’. Mark Saunders is ‘very knowledgeable and reliable’, and Adam Dann is ‘very sound technically and easy to deal with’. The firm advised Gateway Storage Company on the sale of a 20% stake in the Gateway Gas Storage project.

Clyde & Co LLP is ‘outstanding in every respect’, and made a hat-trick of partner hires to cement its position: Sandra Sinclair-Hughes from Watson, Farley & Williams LLP; David Leckie from Maclay Murray & Spens LLP; and George Booth from Simmons & Simmons. Marine-related matters, insurance and corporate work are all strong areas.

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP provides ‘consistently high-quality advice’ under global oil and gas head John LaMaster, who is praised for his ‘wealth of knowledge and experience of the industry’. The team worked alongside colleagues in the Almaty office in advising KazMunaiGas on the issuance of $2.75bn of Eurobonds through its global medium term note programme.

King & Spalding International LLP’s London managing partner Garry Pegg is considered a ‘leader in the field’. He continues to advise Gazprom on all aspects of the proposed multibillion-dollar South Stream pipeline project.

Latham & Watkins LLP promoted Matthew Brown to partner in 2011, bringing the number of partners in the London team to six. Project finance remains the main strength of the practice, with recent work including advising the lead arrangers on the $1.8bn financing of four ultra deep-water drill ships.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP advised Shell on the $640m disposal of its downstream business in Sweden and Finland. It also continues to advise an oil major on the project financing of the $1bn Chad-Cameroon pipeline. Andrew Watson heads the team.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP handles a healthy mix of project finance, M&A and capital markets work. On the projects side, it is acting as sole international finance counsel to the project company on the development of the $3.9bn Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.

Chadbourne & Parke (London) LLP’s Agnieszka Klich advised GDF Suez on the bid to build and finance the Barka 3 and Sohar 2 projects, two greenfield natural gas-fired power plants in Oman.

DLA Piper UK LLP brings ‘dedication and sheer commitment to any project’, under recommended oil and gas head Charles Morrison. Notable highlights included advising Puma Energy on the $296m acquisition of BP’s downstream oil businesses in South and East Africa.

Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP is acting alongside Simmons & Simmons in advising the project company on the development of the £9bn Nabucco gas pipeline. Neil Upton heads a prolific team that is also advising Powerfuel Power on the £2.3bn financing and development of a clean coal plant.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP is ‘prepared to put its neck on the line to deliver no-nonsense, robust advice that clients understand’. Diana France is advising a national oil company on contractual structures for the development and production of hydrocarbons.

At Ince & Co, team head Jeremy Farr is ‘serious, focused and client oriented’, and Renaud Barbier-Emery ‘understands the commercial aspects of clients ’ intentions’. Marine-related work is a strength, and the firm recently advised an offshore drilling contractor on a farm-out assignment.

Jones Day has experience acting for both banks and sponsors on project finance and construction matters. Arman Galledari heads the team and is recommended.

McGrigors LLP delivers a ‘client-focused service with a clear understanding of the issues which matter to an independent operator in the North Sea’. Team head Bob Ruddiman ‘knows his stuff’, and Rosalie Chadwick ‘concentrates on the main points and doesn ’t get hung up on minutiae’. The firm advised global oil services business PSN on its proposed £600m merger with Wood Group.

Douglas Nordlinger’s team at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP specialises on the corporate finance side. It advised Vitol Group and Helios Investment Partners in the $1bn acquisition of parts of Shell’s downstream businesses in Africa.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP continues to advise the government of Jordan on the concession agreement and project structure for Shell’s proposed development of an oil shale project in Jordan. Martin Amison is recommended.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP’s team is led by Jan Mellmann, and impresses with its ‘proper, client-orientated service’. Highlights included acting for Madagascar Oil on its admission to AIM, which raised over £50m.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s Andrew Petry is ‘an outstanding lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the business’. Rockhopper Exploration instructed the firm on three fundraisings and its hire of the Ocean Guardian drilling rig.

At Fasken Martineau LLP, global energy head Steven Beharrell advised Star Petroleum on the acquisition of an oil concession in South Sudan.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP acted for JSC KazMunaiGas on the $330m acquisition of a 50% interest in Mangistau Investments.

Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP advised trophy client the International Finance Corporation on numerous matters including its acquisition of an equity stake in a Middle East oil and gas company.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s team, led by Robert Hamill, advised Fulcrum Utility Services on its reverse takeover of the Fulcrum Group from National Grid and subsequent IPO.

Pinsent Masons LLP ‘knows the industry well’, with Adrian Elliott highlighted as ‘tenacious and proactive’. The oil and gas group specialises in contentious construction matters.

Shepherd and Wedderburn advised Cairn Energy on the $8.5bn sale of shares in Cairn India to Vedanta Resources. Kevin McGrory heads the team, which also counts Bord Gáis Éireann and Seven Energy as clients.

Stephenson Harwood attracts praise for its ‘focus, imagination, innovation and determination’. It advised Motor Oil Hellas on its €245m acquisition of several of Shell’s downstream operations.

Bird & Bird is recommended for its construction work, particularly on the pipeline side.

Bond Pearce LLP ‘impresses with the speed and quality of its advice’. It advised Noble Energy on the sale of its entire North Sea business.

Specialist shipping firm Curtis Davis Garrard LLP provides ‘commercially driven advice’ under ‘acclaimed maritime lawyer’ Simon Curtis. The firm recently advised on the $1.2bn acquisition of two semi-submersible drilling rigs.

E&A Law’s Ana Stanic represented an African independent energy company in contentious matters arising from a disputed gas field.

Gide Loyrette Nouel LLP acted for the African Petroleum Producers’ Association in the review and analysis of its oil and gas legislation and regulation.

K&L Gates acted for Jordan Energy and Mining on an upstream oil shale development.

In 2010, Lawrence Graham LLP advised upstream oil and gas company Cove Energy on two placings, which raised a combined £135.7m.

McCarthy Tétrault hired Richard Temple from Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP in 2011. Highlights included advising Heritage Oil on the sale of its Ugandan assets to Tullow.

Memery Crystal LLP secured an instruction from Petro-Canada UK on the £240m sale of a package of UK offshore oil and gas assets to Dana Petroleum.

Osborne Clarke is representing British Gas at the High Court in an energy portfolio trading act dispute with Guardian Industries.

Reed Smith is strong in contentious construction matters, and is acting for Cameron International Corporation in arbitration proceedings against Global Supplies (UAE).

SJ Berwin LLP advised First Calgary Petroleum on its admission to AIM and its eventual £492m takeover by Eni SpA.

At Winston & Strawn London, Zoë Ashcroft advised SEPLAT Petroleum Development on the acquisition of interests in three major oil blocks in the Niger Delta.

Allen & Overy LLP impresses with its ‘strong knowledge base and level of commitment’, coupled with ‘considerable resource support’. Anne Baldock’s team ‘covers all the bases’ and includes Timothy Arnheim on the Middle East power side; Gareth Price on nuclear; and construction specialist Mark Walker. Highlights included advising Rosatom on the development of the Akkuyu nuclear plant in Turkey, and advising the lenders on the £235m Drax forward start facility refinancing.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP has ‘excellent sector knowledge’. Regulated industries head Robert Lane is a ‘market leader’; emerging markets specialist Vivek Gambhir is noted for his ‘knack for putting forward convincing arguments’; and Munir Hassan is rated for renewables work. In a strong illustration of its regulatory prowess, the firm is advising National Grid Offshore on its bid for OFTO transmission assets.

Clifford Chance is recommended for its ‘deep industry knowledge’, ‘commercial pragmatism’, and ‘understanding of the peculiarities of power project financing’. Practice head Andrew Grenville is an ‘institution’; the ‘imaginative’ Jeremy Connick has ‘deep experience in bank financing’, and is a ‘confident problem solver’; corporate specialist Brendan Moylan is a ‘tenacious advocate’; and Russell Wells has ‘outstanding legal skills’. The firm advised International Power on GDF SUEZ’s £17bn reverse takeover of the power company.

Herbert Smith LLP is ‘the “go-to” firm for power’, with ‘unbeatable experience across finance, regulatory and litigation’. Nuclear and conventional power remain notable strengths. Highlights included advising EDF on the £5.8bn sale of its electricity network distribution businesses in the UK. Mark Newbery heads a ‘commercial and strategic team’ that includes the ‘razor-sharp’ Stephen Murray and ‘leading nuclear specialist’ Julia Pyke.

Linklaters LLP’s team ‘adopts a high level of judgement and consistency of advice’, and is ‘one of the most experienced in the City’. Jeremy Gewirtz is ‘commercial, with an in-depth knowledge of the energy sector’; and John Pickett is noted for his ability to ‘propose solutions in order to break deadlock situations in complex negotiations’. The firm advised GDF SUEZ on its reverse takeover of International Power.

Ashurst LLP provides ‘technical and commercial knowledge and experience’, with Peter Roberts and the ‘highly pragmatic’ John Inglis recommended. In addition to its strong Middle East power practice, the firm is active domestically, and advised DONG Energy and Scottish Power Renewables on a joint venture to develop the West of Duddon Sands wind farm.

In 2010, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP hired Alan Rae Smith from Allen & Overy LLP to head its London energy team. It is ‘simply the best for nuclear’, with Sally Roe and Jonathan Isted highlighted for their ‘excellent industry understanding and commercial awareness’. The firm advised Westinghouse on new commercial arrangements with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP has advised on over half of the projects closed in the Middle East during the last decade. Phillip Fletcher is the ‘best equipped and most sophisticated lender’s counsel around’; and John Dewar has ‘deep knowledge of the sector’. The firm advised the lenders on the financing of the Barka 3 and Sohar 2 IPPs in Oman.

Norton Rose LLP is ‘the firm to beat on the green side’, and has an ‘enviable ability to cream off the top-tier mandates’, under head of renewables Simon Currie. Other recommended names include Richard Metcalf, who leads the firm’s electricity practice, and head of nuclear Peter Hall. The firm is advising Boyabat Elektrik ÜRETIM VE Ticaret on the $1.1bn project financing of a dam and hydroelectric power plant.

At SNR Denton, Charles Wood is an ‘undoubted leader in the field’, and Danielle Beggs is a ‘very good lawyer who always provides balanced advice’. The firm handles a broad spread of power project financings, regulatory matters and corporate work; recent transactional highlights include advising Ofgem on the second transitional tender round for offshore electricity transmission.

At Shearman & Sterling LLP, project finance co-head Nicholas Buckworth is ‘the man you want in your corner’, and Kenneth MacRitchie is also recommended. The firm has strength across project finance, litigation and corporate matters, and in 2010 advised International Power on its offering of €250m senior notes.

Slaughter and May demonstrates ‘technical excellence in the energy sphere’, and shines on the corporate side, in line with the firm’s signature practice. Deals included advising Irish electricity utility ESB on the acquisition of Northern Ireland Electricity, the Northern Irish electricity transmission and distribution business of the Viridian Group. Hywel Davies is the main contact.

White & Case LLP provides ‘well-documented advice without being too dogmatic’. David Baker is ‘first class’, and Jason Kerr is a ‘market leader’. The firm has the capacity to work on any side of a deal, covering power projects, and renewable and nuclear matters. In a headline instruction, the firm advised EIB on its €450m participation in the development of a €1bn offshore wind farm.

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s nuclear credentials skyrocketed in 2010, with notable work including advising KEPCO on the $20bn development and financing of a nuclear power plant in the UAE. Hugh Stewart heads the team, which includes Neil Donoghue.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP is ‘responsive and reliable’, and power specialist Deborah Greenwood is a ‘very capable pair of hands’. In a major highlight, the firm advised Oman Power and Water Procurement on the $1.7bn Barka III and Sohar II IPPs.

Chadbourne & Parke (London) LLP specialises in international project finance, attracting a steady stream of mandates from the Middle East and Africa. In 2010, Robin Mizrahi advised Aldwych as sponsor on a hydropower IPP in Tanzania.

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP’s ‘refreshingly pragmatic’ team is led by Nabil Khodadad, and includes ‘regulatory expert’ Scott Brodsky, who is applauded for his ‘immense talent and charisma’. The firm is advising Palestine Power Generating Company on the development of a $300m IPP.

Hogan Lovells International LLP attracts praise for its ‘exceptional industry knowledge’, with power specialist Richard Tyler highlighted for his ‘determination and client focus’ and ability to ‘add value’. In 2010 the team advised John Lewis Partnership on several alternative energy projects. In a major coup, it hired energy partners Matthew Williams and John Deacon from Hunton & Williams in 2011.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s historical construction strength ensures a good flow of power mandates. Paul Rice heads a group that is advising London Array Limited on the procurement of phase 1 of the £2bn London Array scheme, the first 1GW offshore wind farm. Matthew Collinson, formerly in house at Inexus, joined as a consultant.

Simmons & Simmons’ is winning some high-profile instructions on the alternative energy side, such as advising Holmen on the Workington Mill Biomass CHP Plant in Cumbria. Team head Charles Bankes is an ‘outstanding regulatory lawyer’.

Vinson & Elkins RLLP advised Hg Renewable Power Partners on several mandates in 2010, including its partnership with Vestas Northern Europe and the development of the Ytterberg wind farm. Mark Coker is recommended.

In 2010, Addleshaw Goddard LLP hired Roger Clayson, former head of legal at the NDA, as legal director. The practice encompasses conventional energy, nuclear and renewables, and was recently instructed by Geothermal to review the regulatory regime in England and Wales.

Burges Salmon LLP has ‘extremely good knowledge of the nuclear sector’, and is applauded for its ‘steady growth, rather than the current fashion for opening expensive offices all around the globe’. The firm advised the NDA on the £500m disposal of Springfields Fuels and its nuclear fuel business to Westinghouse.

Clyde & Co LLP bolstered its team through the hire of George Booth from Simmons & Simmons. The firm is advising African Minerals on a £3bn development, including a power station, in Sierra Leone.

DLA Piper UK LLP boosted its nuclear capability with the hire of Darren Walsh, formerly in-house at British Nuclear Group. Ian Wood is also recommended for nuclear work, and led advice to Magnox North and Magnox South on their integration into a single company.

Dundas & Wilson LLP ‘works hard to ensure the best outcome’, and joint energy head Andrew Renton has an ‘excellent understanding of construction’. The consortium 3SE instructed the firm in relation to the Bradford and Calderdale Joint Waste Project.

In renewables, Eversheds LLP is a ‘leader in policy and project structuring’, and advised RWE npower renewables on the mammoth £1bn Gwynt y Mor project. Michelle Thomas ‘keeps divergent objectives on track’; and Marcus Trinick’s knowledge of the wind industry is ‘second to none’.

Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP advised IFC and Asian Development Bank on the restructuring of a $275m debt financing in Karachi Electric Supply Company. Andrew Hart is very active.

Latham & Watkins LLP’s team continues to go ‘from strength to strength’, with Dennis Nordstrom and Simon Dickens considered ‘leaders in the field’. The firm advised Clean Energy Solutions on the construction of a wind farm in Ukraine.

Mayer Brown International LLP’s group is led by Robert Hamill, and is distinguished by its ‘excellent quality of service’. The team advised Ex-Im Bank on a $580m solar power project.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is well known for its specialism in nuclear, and George Borovas’ team in London has a growing profile. The group acted for Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation on the purchase of four nuclear power reactors.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP excels on corporate and finance matters, under the leadership of Douglas Nordlinger. The firm advised China Huaneng Group on its acquisition of a 50% stake in InterGen.

Squire Sanders Hammonds advised Cerigo Développement SARL on the provision of a £50m funding package to establish and develop Windberry Energy, and also on the provision of a £50m funding package to establish and develop e-Gen Partners.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP maintains a pre-eminent reputation for Middle East power projects, and acted for the government of Jordan on its second wind IPP at Fujeij. Martin Amison is the principal London contact.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP has established a leading record for wind matters, and in 2010 it advised a syndicate of lenders on the largest financing ever closed in the offshore renewable energy sector: the €1.289bn financing of the second and third phases of Thornton Bank.

Wragge & Co LLP is valued for its ‘good knowledge of the industry, availability and interesting ideas’, and is garnering increasingly high-profile deals, such as advising Covanta on a £500m industrial eco-park. Derek Goodban’s team is also strong in nuclear.

Bevan Brittan LLP’s waste practice continues to flourish. It advised Covanta on its bid for a fuel use procurement contract with North London Waste Authority.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP is advising National Grid on the planning and property aspects of the Hinckley Point Transmission upgrade. Robbie Owen heads the team.

Bond Pearce LLP’s Luke Gabb is highly regarded for renewables work. Among the firm’s recent highlights, it is acting for East Anglia Offshore on the development of the East Anglia Round 3 Offshore Wind Farm zone.

Boutique firm E&A Law focuses on energy and arbitration matters under energy specialist Ana Stanic. It notably represented a client in an ICC arbitration brought by a US coal supplier.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s team is led by Roger Sargologo, and is strong on the planning side. It advised Southern Gas Network and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks in 2010.

Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP is an ‘energy specialist’. The group, led by Neil Upton, has come on in leaps and bounds since its establishment in 2010, and is advising Powerfuel Power on the £2.3bn financing and development of a ‘clean coal’ plant.

Hunton & Williams was dealt a blow with the departure of Matthew Williams and John Deacon to Hogan Lovells International LLP in 2011. The firm advised a multinational energy name on potential acquisitions of waste-to-energy plants.

In 2010, Jones Day’s London team was involved in advising Up Energy Holding on a $70m senior debt financing.

K&L Gates focuses on renewables, particularly the solar and biomass sectors. The firm was appointed to advise Land Energy on a combined heat and power facility.

Lawrence Graham LLP broadened its practice beyond its signature AIM work to advise UK tidal energy company Marine Current Turbines on its bid for a lease for the world’s first commercial wave and tidal leasing round.

Martineau’s Birmingham-based team ‘knocks the socks of the competition in terms of value for money’. Andrew Whitehead advised National Grid on the provision of services across the England-France sub-sea interconnector.

Andrew Watson’s team at McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP was bolstered by the arrival of David Birchall in May 2010, from what is now SNR Denton. Birchall is recommended for his ‘longstanding expertise that results in tailor-made and pragmatic advice’.

McGrigors LLP is applauded for its ‘commercially driven advice’ and ‘sound knowledge of the industry’. AES Wind Generation instructed the firm on its acquisition of Your Energy’s wind portfolio.

Morgan Lewis scored a coup with the arrival of ‘fantastically knowledgeable’ nuclear specialist Susan Quint from BNFL. The firm is assisting EDF Energy with licensing, regulatory and governance matters relating to its nuclear new build programme.

Nabarro LLP provides ‘advice tempered with technical knowledge’, to clients such as UK Power Networks and Barking Power. Tom Bainbridge is well respected for his ‘easy-going manner and high level of understanding’.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP’s team is building a solid reputation under Alexander Janes, particularly in emerging markets. It acted for Green Power on the development and financing of a wind project on the North Polish coast.

Osborne Clarke is ‘far better value than City firms but with an equivalent level of service and ability’. Western Power Distribution instructed the firm on several matters in 2010.

Reed Smith has a good record for litigation as well as transactional work, and is representing waste-to-energy player AE&E Lentjes UK in several construction and engineering disputes.

TLT LLP’s ‘first-rate renewables team’, led by the ‘superb’ Maria Connolly, won an instruction from TIF Group to advise on solar photovoltaic energy schemes.

Shepherd and Wedderburn has particular experience on the regulatory and renewable sides. The firm won appointments to the panels of SMartwind, Siemens and Bord Gáis Éireann.

Taylor Wessing LLP’s energy team is led by corporate partner Dominic FitzPatrick, but also spans finance, environmental and regulatory. It was appointed to advise on the decommissioning of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in Lithuania.

Trinity International LLP specialises in project finance in emerging markets, and is noted for its ‘exceptionally creative’ and ‘commercial’ partners. The firm advised African Development Bank on the financing of the Lake Turkana wind farm project.

Allen & Overy LLP fields ‘more than good lawyers: it also houses good dealmakers’ – particularly on the finance side, where ‘few come close’. Anne Baldock’s team includes Conrad Andersen, who is ‘one of the best commercial lawyers in the market, offering a unique blend of pragmatic, commercial and legal guidance’; Andrew Castle, who ‘has exceptional knowledge of the waste industry’; and David Lee. In 2010, health, education and transport were all active areas, but the highlights were advising the funders to the successful consortium on the High Speed 1 (HS1) PPP sale, and defying the slowdown in health to advise the lenders on the successful close of the £627m Southmead Hospital project.

Ashurst LLP is a ‘cut above the rest’, with ‘in-depth knowledge’ and ‘impressive strength in depth’. Team head Mark Elsey ‘consistently deploys his team skilfully’; Logan Mair is a ‘great all-rounder’; Philip Vernon is ‘technically excellent’; and Jason Radford is also singled out. Despite the slowdown in UK PFI, the firm retains an enviable balance between international and domestic work. Indicative of its standing in the national market, the firm is the main adviser to Crossrail on its high-profile rail project. The firm also advised the Skanska/Innisfree consortium on the $1.35bn Nya Karolinska Solna Hospital PPP in Sweden.

Linklaters LLP ‘does the job quickly, expertly and without the fuss’. Project finance head Bruce White has ‘unsurpassed knowledge of the sector’; Stuart Rowson is noted for his ‘good commercial sense’; and Ian Andrews is also recommended. On the international side, the firm advised the consortium on the €600m Moscow Minsk Motorway PPP, while among its domestic mandates it advised a Carillion-led consortium on the £627m Southmead Hospital PFI.

The team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is ‘flexible, and able to navigate challenges’. Although Frank Dufficy left the practice in 2010, it retains a ‘strong group knowledge that ensures expertise isn ’t reliant on one partner’. Recommended names include Jason Davies, who is ‘always considered and commercial’; and Paul Smith, an ‘exceptional communicator who translates complex legal points into plain English’. Transport is a major strength, and the firm is advising the DfT on the restructuring of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Clifford Chance fields a ‘first-rate’ team, with Andrew Rolfe praised as a ‘good commercial lawyer’; Gavin Teague singled out for his ‘in-depth sector knowledge’; and David Bickerton recommended for his ‘customer-facing approach’. In a strong illustration of its infrastructure pedigree, the firm secured several mandates on the same deal in 2010, advising two separate consortia, and the senior funders to a third group, bidding on the auction sale of the UK’s HS1.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP may not have the volume of the top-tier firms, but its focus on complex pathfinder projects ensures a healthy deal flow. The firm ‘strikes a good balance between attention to detail and commerciality’, and is advising the DfT on the Thameslink rolling stock project, which comprises a hybrid contractual structure involving traditional rolling stock leasing as well as PPP/PFI elements.

DLA Piper UK LLP is praised for its ‘good client-facing skills’ and ‘willingness to go that extra mile’. Led by Colin Wilson, the team includes Liam Cowell, who is respected for his ‘non-combative style’. Transport and defence are strong areas, and the firm is advising Halton Borough Council on the £2bn development of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge.

At Herbert Smith LLP, the ‘hugely experienced’ Patrick Mitchell heads a team that includes Nicholas Tott and new arrival Matthew Job from Linklaters LLP. Transport, particularly rail, is a specialism: ‘what the firm doesn ’t know about rail just isn’t worth knowing.’ Highlights included acting for London & Continental Railways on its disposal of HS1.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is ‘very approachable’ and ‘deal focused’; standout names include ‘technical’ team head Adrian Walker and the ‘down-to-earth’ Andrew Briggs. The firm advised Serco on the DCMF Belmarsh West Prison PFI, notable as the first prison contract to be awarded in the UK to an alliance of the private and voluntary sectors.

Norton Rose LLP is praised for its expertise in the waste and transport sectors. PFI head Martin McCann ‘articulates positions in a robust and logical way’, and Mark Berry has the ‘ability to address challenging issues’. The firm advised in relation to the tender to award a PPP sub-concession to develop a fuel hydrant system at Cyprus’ Larnaka Airport, acting for the airport company.

SNR Denton’s team, led by Matthew Jones, has a longstanding reputation for transport work along with strength in Middle East power and infrastructure projects. In line with its pre-eminent roads practice, the firm advised the lenders to Amey Ventures in relation to the £2.8bn Birmingham Highways Maintenance PFI.

Michael O’Connor’s team at Addleshaw Goddard LLP saw the departure of Richard Guit in 2010, but welcomed the arrival of legal director Roger Clayson from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). Waste is a prolific area for the firm; it recently advised Biogen Greenfinch on five food waste treatment procurements.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP ‘focuses on key points to deliver practical advice’, with Jim Buchanan valued for his ‘ability to rapidly identify issues and develop pragmatic solutions’. Defence, development and transport are key areas, with recent work including advising Ascent on the UK Military Flight Training System PPP.

Eversheds LLP’s team, led by Michael Grimes, garners a steady flow of high-profile domestic projects, but is also increasingly involved in international work. The firm advised Staffordshire County Council on a £1bn waste PFI with Veolia Environmental Services.

In 2010, Pinsent Masons LLP welcomed the arrival of Daniel Tain from Shadbolt. They bolster a ‘committed team’ led by waste specialist Simon Mumford, and including the ‘very experienced’ Barry Francis. The firm is advising Veolia on the Staffordshire Waste PFI.

Simmons & Simmons is a ‘trusted adviser’ and provides an ‘excellent level of service’, with areas of specialism including defence work. Juliet Reingold advised the Ministry of Defence on the £12bn Defence Training Review PFI project. Richard Dyton is an ‘innovative thinker’.

Domestically, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is known for public sector work, where it is considered ‘best in breed’. Internationally, it has an extensive Middle East network that ensures a varied diet of complex pathfinder PPPs. Highlights included advising Essex County Council on its £1bn BSF project.

White & Case LLP ‘competes against top-end firms effectively’ under Anthony Fine, who is commended for his ‘great work ethic’. It notably advised Mafraq Motorway Group on a tender for the $2.5bn development of the motorway section between Mafraq and Ghweifat in the UAE. Simela Karasavidis ‘manages difficult situations with the lightest touch’.

Wragge & Co LLP is valued for its ‘partner-led service’, and ‘top-tier quality provided by a friendly team’. In a headline deal, Stephen Kenny’s group advised Amey on the £2.8bn Birmingham Highways PFI, the largest-ever local government highways PFI.

Baker & McKenzie LLP advised the consortium on the financing of the redevelopment of a hospital in Bermuda, notable as Bermuda’s first-ever PPP. Calvin Walker is ‘quick to see the commercial ramifications of proposals’.

Bevan Brittan LLP’s Sharon Renouf is ‘very approachable’. Traditionally strong in public sector work, the firm also has a solid private sector client base, and advised Aviva on the funding of phase four of Lewisham’s BSF programme.

Burges Salmon LLP’s team is led by Mark Paterson, and excels in nuclear, defence and public sector work. Among the firm’s recent transactions, it continues to advise the Minstry of Defence on the £6bn Search and Rescue Helicopter Services PFI.

In 2010, Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP utilised its London experience to advise on PPP matters in the US: The firm advised Meridiam Infrastructure on The Long Beach Court Building PPP, notable as the first non-transport PPP in California.

Hunton & Williams’ practice is winning a high volume of deals from Eastern Europe. It is representing the government of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia & Herzegovina on its €3.5bn motorway project.

McGrigors LLP is valued for its ‘good commercial understanding’, and for the consistent quality of its team. Adrian Eakin’s group advised on a series of BSF, LIFT and regeneration projects in 2010.

Mills & Reeve LLP’s team head Raith Pickup is valued for ‘working as part of the team with no airs and graces’. The Minstry of Defence is a trophy client; the firm is currently advising it on two contracts for the long-term maintenance of engines for the Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft.

Nabarro LLP’s Stephen Matthew gives ‘clear, concise advice’, and has a ‘commercial appreciation of the issues’. The firm is acting for Wandsworth Borough Council on its £300m BSF project and the separate delivery of the Bolingbroke Free School.

Bird & Bird’s focus is almost exclusively defence and outsourcing matters. The firm advised BAE Systems on the refurbishment and outsourcing of military air traffic control in the UK.

Capsticks ‘adds value to a deal through its unequalled knowledge of the health industry’. In 2010, the firm was busy advising health sector clients on variations to PFI arrangements, as well as handling new NHS LIFT schemes.

Clyde & Co LLP ‘focuses on the key issues’, with Liz Jenkins and Robert Meakin recommended on the construction side of PFI projects. Clients include Kier Regional, Galliford Try and Skanska.

Devonshires is strong on the housing and health side. In 2010, the team completed a share purchase on behalf of two registered providers relating to an existing PFI project.

Andrew Renton’s team at Dundas & Wilson LLP is ‘responsive and easy to work with’. It advised Tay Valley Lighting on a £78m street lighting project.

Midlands-based Freeth Cartwright LLP advised Stockport Health Enterprises on Phase 2 of its project to build a range of new polyclinic health facilities.

Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP acted on several substantial PFIs, in the transport, energy and housing sectors. Frank Patalong is the main contact.

K&L Gates’ Cathy Harris is ‘fantastic at client relations’. The firm is advising Laing O’Rourke on the £270m Barking & Dagenham BSF project.

Osborne Clarke’s team is led by Chris Wade, and recently advised Campus Living Villages as sponsor on the Bedfordshire university accommodation project.

Speechly Bircham LLP advised Higgins Group on the construction of the Myatts Field Social Housing PFI.

Squire Sanders Hammonds’ team has ‘expertise across all relevant areas including projects, banking, construction and public law’. The firm is advising West Wiltshire District Council on its £76m non-HRA Social Housing PFI project.

Stephenson Harwood is advising UK Power Networks Services on the concession contract for the implementation of an electricity distribution system for the London 2012 Olympic Park.

Walker Morris advises on a broad array of waste, education and housing projects. In 2010 it was appointed to the Legal Services Framework Panel for the Consortium of London Boroughs.

Winckworth Sherwood is known for its housing practice, under team head Andrea Squires.

Allen & Overy LLP is the ‘best firm for managing complex multi-jurisdictional transactions’, and ‘understands, interprets and has empathy with the nature of commercial relationships in the water sector’. The practice spans domestic regulation through to international project financings, acting for banking clients, water companies and governments. The ‘exceptionally pragmatic’ Conrad Andersen is noted for his problem-solving skills, and is recommended for structured finance, recently advising the banks and bond arrangers on the refinancing of Osprey.

Herbert Smith LLP has ‘the leading water specialist in town’ in Trevor Turtle, who is singled out for his ‘encyclopedic knowledge of the water industry’. Regulatory work is a recognised strength, but the firm also wins headline deals on the corporate and finance sides. Among its recent highlights, it advised EDF on the £5.8bn sale of its network distribution assets, including water-related interests; and also advised Scottish Water on price review matters.

Linklaters LLP’s reputation for structured financing in this area is second to none; it is the only firm to have advised on all the structured utility bonds programmes completed in the water sector to date. Julian Davies heads a team that advised Anglian Water’s holding company, Osprey Acquisitions, on the £475m refinancing of a syndicated loan. The team is also active in corporate matters.

With notable strength on the construction side, Pinsent Masons LLP was recently instructed by the Degremont, Sumitomo and Aljomaih Power and Water Company consortium in relation to its bid for the $250m financing and development of a new sewage treatment plant in Bahrain. Mark Lane is highly recommended.

While SNR Denton attracts praise for its Middle East practice, the firm also packs a punch in domestic mandates. Nick Graham advised Thames Water on the outsourcing of its managed metering services, while Christopher McGee-Osborne continued to advise the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company on the Salalah IWPP.

White & Case LLP continues to excel in major project financings. It advised the sponsors on a $2.5bn financing of a water and power project in Fujairah in the UAE; and also advised the lenders on the Bahraini Muharraq Wastewater Treatment PPP Project.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s ‘consistently excellent team’ is now led by Patrick Somers following John Hurdley’s departure to Bircham Dyson Bell LLP in 2010. The firm is advising trophy client Thames Water on numerous projects including the Thames Tunnel; the Mogden STW extension; and the Deephams Sewage Treatment Works extension.

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP is strong on the projects side, and recently advised Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority on two waste water treatment projects worth $1bn.

Lenders’ specialist Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP advises on big-ticket project financings, and is applauded for its ‘reliable, cutting-edge and commercial advice’. Deals included advising the lenders on the $3.5bn Marafiq IWPP in Saudi Arabia. John Dewar is recommended.

At Norton Rose LLP, Peter Hall heads a water group that covers the full gamut of financing, regulatory and environmental issues. The firm advised London Thames Gateway Development Corporation on several linked applications by Thames Water Utilities. Dalkia and Ofwat are also representative clients.

Shearman & Sterling LLP has a strong record in advising on headline Middle East water projects from London, under the leadership of co-head of global project finance Nicholas Buckworth. Clients include Rabigh Arabian Water & Electricity Co.

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s Mike Webster is advising Southern Water on the development of a £300m wastewater treatment plant and sludge recycling facility.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP has ‘excellent knowledge of industry regulation’, with new arrival from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP John Hurdley attracting particular praise. Clients include the Environment Agency, South East Water and Southern Water.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP continues to advise the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on various regulatory matters, including advice on desalination issues.

DLA Piper UK LLP advised Northern Ireland Water on a range of matters following the winter frozen pipes crisis.

Dundas & Wilson LLP is acting for the Environment Agency on its Banbury and Cobbins Brook flood alleviation schemes.

Eversheds LLP has a solid record on the regulatory side, and advises across the full spread of competition, environment, real estate and contentious matters.

Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP secured a good result for Bristol Water in its groundbreaking challenge to Ofwat’s price review. Regulatory specialist Stephen Tupper is recommended.

McGrigors LLP secured several contentious instructions through the hire of a three-partner construction team from Squire Sanders Hammonds. The firm also has experience in waste water projects.

Osborne Clarke has ‘outstanding and in-depth knowledge of the utilities sector’. Litigation is a strong area of focus for the team, which recently represented Thames Water in a large group action.

Simmons & Simmons’ Charles Bankes heads a team that specialises in regulatory and litigation matters but also has experience in IWPPs and desalination projects.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s London office works in conjunction with the firm’s strong Middle East network to advise on major water projects including sewage treatment plants.