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Leading individuals

Clifford Chance’s integrated, sector-wide practice is ‘responsive’ and ‘highly respected’. It represented James Murdoch in the phone-hacking inquiries, and is advising the Belgian government on Dexia Bank’s rescue package. Other clients include the European Commission, TheCityUK, and Reform. Thomas Vinje, counsel Dieter Paemen and practice head Oliver Bretz are recommended. Former practice head Michael Smyth CBE remains a consultant.

The ‘excellent’ team at Hogan Lovells International LLP assisted the Libyan rebel authorities in unfreezing Libyan assets in the UK to fund the revolution. It is advising SABMiller and various local authorities on minimum alcohol pricing proposals in England and Scotland, and also helping longstanding client Ofgem to implement the Smart Meters Rollout Programme. Practice head Paul Dacam and counsel Charles Brasted are recommended.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP has advised Asda on several development projects, most recently in Belvedere. The firm also represents Merseytravel in communications activities, and is helping the Health Professions Council prepare for the government’s Health and Social Care Bill. Jonathan Bracken heads the team. Public relations expert Graeme Elliott joined from Network Rail.

Covington & Burling LLP’s ‘excellent and dedicated team’ is supported by specialists in areas such as information technology and financial services. The firm is advising the Business Software Alliance on EU patent proposals, and working with various companies on a strategy addressing China’s trade barriers. Other clients include Microsoft and Privacy international. Practice head Lisa Peets is recommended.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s public affairs and media relations service is advising Standard Life on policy decisions affecting pensions and long-term savings. Other clients include AstraZeneca, Guernsey Association of Pension Providers and TUI Travel. Mike Pullen heads the team, in which Eben Black and Francis Morgan are also recommended.

SJ Berwin LLP’s ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team is known for representing complainants against government and regulators. It also recently assisted Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in securing a four-year extension to its recycling scheme from the European Commission. London practice head Simon Holmes has the ‘ability to challenge and to think innovatively’.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP assists public and private bodies in interpreting statutory powers and campaigning for changes of law. The firm is advising National Grid on the Energy Bill.

Russell Jones & Walker, part of Slater & Gordon Lawyers represents individuals and trade unions on consumer and public interest issues, and offers free advice via the Your Legal Rights website. Practice head Fraser Whitehead specialises in collective compensation claims.

‘Excellent on all counts’, Steel & Shamash handles a range of work for the Labour Party and its members. Gerald Shamash is praised for his ‘client care’ and ‘political nous’. Barrister Richard Pitkethly is also recommended.

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Legal Developments in London for Public affairs

  • TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS (PROTECTION OF EMPLOYMENT) AND AGE DISCRIMINATION

    I have been asked to cover the topic of Employment law within my half an hour speaking slot today. I have narrowed my subject down to Transfer of Undertakings and Discrimination, with the focus on providing an update on the recent spate of cases on service provision change and on the important developments in the law of age discrimination. Needless to say, in my presentation I shall not be able to cover the level of detail which is contained in my written paper, which I will leave you to read.
    - 11KBW

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