The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s multidisciplinary team acts across the firm’s core focal areas of infrastructure, TMT, retail and financial services, and delivers ‘consistently strong and deep legal acumen and a high standard of commercial expertise’. Its deep and longstanding relationships with FTSE 100 and 250 clients means it is regularly called on to advise on major outsourcing and procurement projects, as well as on large-scale commercial agreements. Outsourcing and commercial contracts specialist Nick Pantlin combines ‘high energy, commitment and strong transaction management with keen negotiating and technical legal skills’, and advised Man Investments on a £220m outsourcing of valuation services and shareholder services provided to around 4,000 funds worldwide. TMT practice head Nick Elverston is also recommended.

Within Corporate tax, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP has ‘particularly strong business acumen’ and ‘focuses on getting the job done’. It acts for a range of important clients such as BAA, British American Tobacco, Stagecoach, and BSkyB, with areas of expertise including insurance, investment funds, energy, outsourcing, real estate, and corporate rescue and restructuring. It advised EDF on the UK tax aspects of the £5.8bn sale of its regulated and non-regulated network of distributions assets to an overseas buyer, and Bharti Airtel on its complex, multi-jurisdictional $10.7bn acquisition of Zain Africa. Recommended individuals include Bradley Phillips, Howard Murray, and Neil Warriner.

Within Equity capital markets: UK capability, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘really committed’ team at Herbert Smith LLP provides an ‘incredibly hands-on’ service. The ‘invaluable’ Christopher Haynes recently led in advising Barclays Capital and Citi on the £900m IPO and London listing of Justice Holdings. Elsewhere, the team represented Citi and others on Bank of Ireland’s €1.9bn rights issue and €500m institutional placing; and Deutsche Bank and others on National Grid’s £3.3bn rights issue. Jim Wickenden now leads the capital markets group, which features the ‘commercially astute and pragmatic’ Will Pearce and ‘fabulously experienced’ Greg Mulley.

Within Equity capital markets: US capability, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

The ‘extremely good’ team at Herbert Smith LLP includes four US-qualified lawyers, who are ‘incredibly responsive’ and ‘extremely knowledgeable’. A ‘superstar on the US front’, Adam Wells delivers ‘practical insight on complex deals’, and acted for JP Morgan Cazenove and Oriel Securities in the £175m IPO of Metric Property Investments. Jim Wickenden led in advising NB Distressed Debt Investment Fund on its $440m IPO. Stephen Thierbach has ‘outstanding knowledge and experience’, and Alex Bafi provides ‘sound advice’.

Within EU and competition , Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP is acknowledged as ‘the biggest name for full-on litigation’, but has strong experience across the board. The team is advising BSkyB regarding its appeal of Ofcom’s pay TV statement in the CAT. Other recent work includes acting for Arriva regarding the £1.6bn public offer by Deutsche Bahn; advising London Underground on state aid issues; and advising EDF on public procurement matters. Following Elizabeth McKnight’s move to a part-time position, James Quinney (‘dedicated, knowledgeable and resourceful in looking for a solution’) now heads the group, which has also promoted André Pretorius to partner.

Within Financial services, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Since recruiting Lloyds Banking Group’s former regulatory head Jenny Stainsby, Herbert Smith LLP has increasingly worked with retail banks. Recent highlights include assisting a fund manager in responding to the FSA’s RDR consultation paper and draft rules on changes to the regulation of platform businesses. Patrick Buckingham and contentious expert Martyn Hopper are recommended. Clients appreciate the ‘level of proactive delivery’. Peter Burrell left for Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

Within M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, 250m+, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Arguably one of the most improved M&A teams in the City in recent years, Herbert Smith LLP enjoyed an impressive 2010, advising on 47 UK M&A deals with a total value of £69bn. Its London team has made inroads into the emerging markets that few can match, and the much-vaunted $10.7bn acquisition of African telecoms company Zain by new client Bharti Airtel is illustrative of that. The firm also advised a Fayed family trust on the reported £1.5bn sale of Harrods to Qatar Holding, and was also instructed by Arriva and Northern Foods. Practice head James Palmer is a ‘leader in his field’, and Michael Walter is ‘simply a star’. Malcolm Lombers is a ‘very effective M&A lawyer’, and Stephen Wilkinson is praised as ‘approachable and sensible’.

Within M&A: US law capability, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP was boosted by the arrival of capital markets lawyer Stephen Thierbach from Linklaters LLP. Alex Bafi advised Rothschild as financial adviser and sponsor on Liberty International’s proposed £1bn demerger of Capital & Counties.

Within Partnership, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP provides ‘excellent’ transactional advice to professional services firms, hedge funds and fund managers, but it is on the contentious side that it garners most praise. Alan Watts jointly heads the practice alongside Malcolm Lombers, and is considered ‘an expert in partnership matters, with bags of experience’. Gary Milner-Moore is also recommended. Clients include Atticus Capital LP and PwC.

Within Private equity: transactions , tier 5

Although it may lack the strength and depth of some of its peers, Herbert Smith LLP is able to call on a ‘number of very smart people’ including Gavin Davies and James MacArthur, who are ‘superb’. Sector strengths include energy, where it recently advised Barclays Natural Resource Investments on its acquisition of Tulip Oil. Other clients include 3i, Hg Capital, TPG and JC Flowers.

Within VAT and indirect tax, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s broad-based practice achieves ‘outstanding’ results and delivers a ‘top-quality’ service. It acts on a good mix of contentious and non-contentious matters, with energy a key area of growth. It advised Northern Foods on a full range of innovative indirect tax issues in the context of its aborted merger with Greencore Group. Other clients include BAA, on VAT recovery matters, and Norges Bank, BSkyB, and PacifiCorp. Isaac Zailer is ‘very tenacious ’, and Neil Warriner achieves ‘great results with a very friendly style’.

Within Fraud: civil , Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Despite losing Robert Hunter to Herbert Smith LLP in 2009, Allen & Overy LLP retains strength in depth with specialist associates working alongside the highly respected Jonathan Hitchin, Arnondo Chakrabarti and Mona Vaswani. Work highlights included acting for the principal defendants in a $500m claim regarding the sale of LSE-listed company Kazakhgold to Jenington.

Within Fraud: corporate crime, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP is advising several multinationals on the UK aspects of international bribery and corruption investigations; and is acting for a large financial services client in an ongoing FSA investigation. Peter Burrell leads the team, and Graham More is also highly recommended.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

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

Within Commercial litigation, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

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

Within Defamation and privacy Defamation and privacy

Within International arbitration, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

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

Within Overview,

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

Within Professional discipline, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

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

Within Public international law, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

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

Within Tax litigation, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

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

Within Acquisition finance, tier 5

Herbert Smith LLP’s impressive array of blue-chip corporate clients have generated a significant amount of acquisition finance work; Bharti Airtel, for instance, instructed the firm on its $10.7bn acquisition of Zain Africa. On the lender side, the firm has notable expertise in the emerging markets, for the likes of Citigroup, Credit Suisse and Standard Chartered, and has also handled some significant ‘Western’ transactions, including advising Deutsche Bank and others on three cash confirmations in relation to the £11.5bn hostile takeover of Cadbury by Kraft. Malcolm Hitching and Ewen Fergusson are recommended.

Within Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans , Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

With a plethora of blue-chip corporates among its clients, Herbert Smith LLP is ‘spectacularly good’ at advising borrowers on their financing requirements. Ewen Fergusson recently advised Bharti Airtel on the financing of its $10.7bn acquisition of Zain Africa. Jason Fox has an excellent reputation for financings in the energy sector, underscored by his recent representation of BNP Paribas and Standard Chartered Bank on the $3bn financing for BP following the Gulf of Mexico disaster. Other clients include BG Group, EDF Energy and WH Smith.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP is valued for its ‘seamless advice’. Its ‘unflappable, available and responsive’ eight-partner team has taken a number of lead roles, including acting for a steering committee of the senior noteholders in the Fleet Street Finance Two plc commercial mortgage backed securitisation on the restructuring of a €2bn debt pile. The group also acted for Lloyds Banking Group and Deloitte on the insolvency of the Thornfield Group. The ‘user-friendly’ Stephen Gale and ‘experienced’ Kevin Pullen are key figures and continue to work on the Nortel administration; and Simon Chadney is also recommended.

Within Debt capital markets, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s partners ‘bring a refreshing professionalism to deals, and are always willing to go beyond their job description’. Peter Epp is ‘vastly experienced, especially in emerging markets’, with ‘great negotiating skills’; he recently advised Alfa Bank on its $1bn offering, the largest bond issue by a privately owned Russian bank. Other recent issuer work for the team includes TUI Travel’s £450m convertible bond. Underwriter clients include Goldman Sachs and UBS. Dina Albagli, Jake Jackaman and US-qualified Steve Thierbach feature in an ‘efficient and responsive, friendly and supportive’ team.

Within Derivatives and structured products, tier 4

Herbert Smith LLP’s Jake Jackaman and Dina Albagli handle a broad palette of derivatives work, advising corporates and fund managers, and provide ‘calm and considered advice’. Recent work includes the sale of various derivatives businesses and portfolios, and acting for issuers unwinding trades under Lehman Brothers’ Dante structured note programme.

Within Emerging markets, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s practice focuses largely on corporate and energy work in Africa, India and Eastern Europe. In March 2010 it hired Martin Kavanagh and Matthew Job from Linklaters LLP on the finance side to help boost its Africa practice. Key mandates for the firm included advising Perenco on a $2.8bn reserve-based lending facility, which covers assets in a number of jurisdictions in Africa and Europe.

Within Investment funds, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

‘All round, the best in the market’, Herbert Smith LLP has deep resources and a leading practice in listed funds, and strength in hedge and private funds. Highlights included advising new client Gulf International Bank on an emerging markets opportunities fund, and HarbourVest Senior Loans Europe Limited on its LSE main market listing. The team provides ‘first-rate service, reflected in fast response times, and its “value-added” and proactive approach’. Thiha Tun and practice head Nigel Farr demonstrate ‘deep commitment, broad knowledge and a focus on solutions’, and Tim West is ‘a quietly assertive adviser who spots and anticipates key issues well’. Scott Cochrane and Mark Geday are also recommended.

Within Islamic finance, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP advised Gatehouse on the shari’ah-compliant purchase of student accommodation incorporating a conventional loan; and Al Salam Bank of Bahrain on a shari’ah-compliant mezzanine refinancing of 5 Canada Square. Dubai-based practice head Nadim Khan is recommended.

Within Securitisation, tier 4

Jake Jackaman’s team at Herbert Smith LLP is ‘first class in all respects’. Michael Poulton ‘offers a quality alternative to the top-tier practices, and brings thoughtfulness and energy to the transaction team’. He advised Barclays Capital on a £5.7bn deal for Bank of Ireland, with the highly rated Dina Albagli representing the bondholders’ trustee. Other recent work includes representing a steering committee of senior bondholders on the Fleet Street 2 CMBS.

Within Employee share schemes, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

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’.

Within Employment, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

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’.

Within Health and safety, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

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’.

Within Overview,

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.

Within Pensions, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

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.

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s litigation expertise makes it a strong option for insurance disputes, and although ‘not the cheapest, when specialist expertise is required it’s worth the money’. Its clients include insurers and reinsurers (such as RSA and Travelers), brokers (including Willis and Marsh), and corporate insureds (such as BP, RBS and Lloyds Banking Group). It is acting for Financial Guaranty Insurance Company in Commercial Court litigation concerning alleged fraudulent misstatements. Anthony Dempster is ‘outstanding’ for property claims, and Paul Lewis ‘commands respect’ for his industry knowledge. Practice head David Reston is also highly recommended.

Within Insurance litigation: for policyholders , Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP is a ‘knowledgeable and well-respected operator’ in policyholder litigation, with key areas of strength being the financial institutions and property sectors. In the energy sector, it advised BP on insurance recoveries connected to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and successfully represented Chevron in a dispute arising from the Buncefield explosion. Christopher Foster and Alexander Oddy are ‘quick to appreciate the context of the policyholder’s situation’, and are recommended along with Paul Lewis and practice head David Reston.

Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s team, headed by Geoffrey Maddock, advised Friends Provident Life and Pensions on its £165m acquisition of Bupa Health Assurance, and JPMorgan on selling the Save & Prosper insurance and pensions businesses to Chesnara. Other clients include Canada Life, Swiss Re and Zurich. Adam Levitt and new partner Hammad Akhtar are also recommended.

Within Insurance: insolvency and restructuring, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s highly knowledgeable team works to ‘excellent response times’. Christopher Foster and Laurence Elliott, who ‘are persistent and thorough’, led the team in advising the FSCS on the restructuring of Welcome Financial Services.

Within Personal injury: defendant, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s ‘meticulous’ Howard Watson has considerable expertise in high-value personal injury claims, and specialises in group actions. The firm predominantly focuses on claims exceeding £1m. It advised TXU’s administrators on asbestos claims brought against one of its group companies. Anthony Dempster is also recommended.

Within Product liability: claimant Leading individuals

Within Product liability: defendant, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s focus is very much on big-ticket work; clients instruct the team ‘when specialist expertise is required’, and its ‘speed of response is exceptional’. The outstanding Anthony Dempster ‘has the ability to summarise and simplify very complex issues, bringing one up to speed in a short period of time’. Howard Watson and Alexander Oddy are also recommended.

Within Professional negligence, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP acts for claimants and defendants in many sectors, including financial services and insurance, legal services, technology, and construction. The renowned David Reston heads the insurance and reinsurance disputes group, and Sonya Leydecker heads the litigation and arbitration department, whose ‘service is consistently excellent’. The 18-partner team also includes the ‘high-quality’ Alexander Oddy, and Paul Lewis, who maintains ‘good client relationships’.

Within Contentious trusts and probate, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Litigation powerhouse Herbert Smith LLP has an established reputation for contentious trusts and probate work, and has the advantage of being able to draw on expertise across its network of global offices. Fraud and asset tracing specialist Robert Hunter, who heads the trusts litigation group, is ‘extremely impressive, and has fantastic legal and strategic nous’. Standout practitioner Rupert Ticehurst left to join Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Within Overview,

In terms of notable partner moves, star practitioner Rupert Ticehurst left Herbert Smith LLP for Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, beefing up the firm’s capacity to handle trust disputes; and Charles Russell LLP lost the head of its contentious trusts practice, Morven McMillan, who moved to Cayman Islands firm Mourant Ozannes. In the family sphere, Tom Amlot left Harbottle & Lewis LLP to join Alexiou Fisher Philipps; and Speechly Bircham LLP lost Richard Hogwood to Stewarts Law LLP and John Nicholson to Irwin Mitchell LLP.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, tier 4

Herbert Smith LLP will miss the ‘sure-footed’ expertise of Rupert Ticehurst, a ‘first-rate’ practitioner who has moved to Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP. ‘Legal goliath’ John Wood remains a consultant to the practice, which can draw on the firm’s strength in complex, large-scale litigation.

Within Infrastructure, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

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.

Within Mining and minerals, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

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.

Within Oil and gas, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

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’.

Within Overview,

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.

Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) , Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

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.

Within Private finance initiative (PFI) , Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

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.

Within Water, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

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.

Within Administrative and public law, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Fielding an ‘outstanding team’, Herbert Smith LLP remains a forerunner in public law. A ‘premier destination’ for clients, the team is advising BAA in a judicial review, and is also representing TUI Travel among others in a judicial review of the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to enforce common rules on compensation. A ‘star performer’ and ‘the best public lawyer in the City’, Andrew Lidbetter has ‘unrivalled expertise’ in commercial and regulatory judicial review work. ‘Rising star’ Nusrat Zar offers ‘strong practical solutions’, and acts for the National Lottery Commission.

Within Civil liberties and human rights, tier 5

Herbert Smith LLP is acting for Public Law Project on a pro bono basis in a Supreme Court appeal. It also represented Justice and Liberty before the Supreme Court in two cases relating to the use of secret evidence. ‘A master in his field’, Andrew Lidbetter is able to ‘disseminate complex legal points in layman’s terms’.

Within Local government, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP undertakes contentious and non-contentious local government work. The team continues to act for the city of Sheffield on the £1bn redevelopment of its retail quarter, and for Bracknell Regeneration Partnership on the joint regeneration project of Bracknell town centre. It also advised the London Development Agency on securing permission from the Secretary of State for the regeneration of Crystal Palace Park. Andrew Lidbetter heads the team, and Richard Forsdyke is also recommended.

Within Overview,

In the public law arena, claimant and commercial firms are ranked together in one table. City firms Herbert Smith LLP, Hogan Lovells International LLP and Baker & McKenzie LLP all have standout practices, while Beachcroft, Bindmans LLP and Leigh Day & Co remain leaders on the claimant side. Bindmans LLP also has a market-leading human rights and civil liberties practice, with other firms such as Irwin Mitchell LLP, Bhatt Murphy Solicitors and Pierce Glynn Solicitors singled out for particular expertise in niche areas, including mental health and prison law cases.

Within Commercial property, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP has ‘unrivalled industry knowledge’ with a ‘very commercial, efficient and knowledgeable team’ that is ‘excellent at managing transactions’. New clients include Norges Bank Investment Management, which the firm advised on acquiring a 25% interest in the Crown Estate’s £1.8bn Regent Street portfolio; and Oxford Properties Group, which was advised on the £600m joint venture development of the 47-storey Leadenhall Building (the Cheesegrater). Practice head Ian Cox is ‘very focused’, and Richard Forsdyke has ‘strong business acumen combined with market knowledge’. James Barnes and Donald Rowlands are also recommended.

Within Construction, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP is ‘particularly strong in the latter stages of projects’, and provides ‘advice and service that is very well pitched commercially’. The group recently advised EDF Energy on procurement elements of its new nuclear power stations at Hinkley and Sizewell, and advised Land Securities on its £650m Trinity Quarter shopping centre in Leeds. Nicholas Downing is the main contact for non-contentious work, while Mark Lloyd-Williams leads on contentious matters. Construction litigator Tony Dymond is ‘incisive, rigorous and determined’. Associate Emelita Robbins ‘works well with clients’.

Within Environment, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP has ‘good industry knowledge’ for energy sector and contentious matters. Practice head Louise Moore, who is recommended for her ‘practical experience and clear advice’, has led on transactions for Chevron and Essar Energy, and advised EDF on its nuclear newbuild programme. In litigation, the practice has been advising an investment group on allegedly stolen EU ETS allowances; and a multinational on high-value pollution damage claims in the US.

Within Planning, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP focuses on mixed-use, commercial and infrastructure projects, and has particular strength in the nuclear sector. Matthew White and practice head Patrick Robinson are ‘effective, approachable strategists’. Robinson led on securing consent for Heron International’s luxury hotel complex in Bishopsgate, and Hammerson’s application for the London Wall Place office scheme. White continued to lead on EDF Energy’s nuclear power station proposals, and secured consent for the London Development Agency’s Crystal Palace Park regeneration scheme. Clare Fielding acted in a successful appeal regarding redevelopment of Greenwich market, and represented Real Estate Opportunities on the £6bn Battersea Power Station regeneration scheme.

Within Property finance, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP provides a ‘top level of service and a great team’, advising lenders, investors and developers. Ongoing work includes acting for Lloyds Banking Group and Deloitte on the Thornfield Group’s £400m-plus insolvency. The team also advised Carlyle on financing the £440m acquisition of the White Tower portfolio. Gary Hommel ‘impresses with knowledge of UK financing, insight into risk and creative solutions’, and Simon Chadney is ‘very good on cross-border financing’.

Within Property litigation, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s team leverages the wider firm’s reputation in disputes to attract some excellent mandates. It recently advised Standard Life in a high-profile civil fraud claim against the property developer Topland. Martin Dawbney and practice head Matthew Bonye are recommended. Senior associate Frances Edwards is ‘clearly very bright’.

Within Brand management, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

At Herbert Smith LLP, Joel Smith handled trade mark disputes for Rockwool, Sky and Jennifer Anniston, and Mark Shillito represented easyJet against easyGroup. The team advised BSkyB on its acquisition of Virgin Media Television. Robert Hunt is ‘an excellent litigator who is prepared to take chances’.

Within Intellectual property, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s seven-partner team is led by Nick Gardner and is commended for its ‘excellent industry knowledge, and technical and commercial skills’. Mark Shillitto advised easyJet Airline Company against easyGroup UK; Joel Smith, who ‘goes the extra mile to reach agreement’, successfully represented Rockwool in the High Court in a comparative advertising dispute; and Sophie Rich, Sebastian Moore and David Wilson are advising longstanding client Abbott on patent-related matters. Recently promoted partner Andrew Moir impresses with his ‘professionalism and excellent results’.

Within IT and telecoms, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Clients appreciate Herbert Smith LLP’s ‘seamless service’. The team is especially strong in contentious matters and complex global transactions. Highlights included successfully representing BSkyB in its high-profile case against EDS; representing Bharti Airtel on its $10.7bn acquisition of Zain’s 15 African mobile networks; and advising Atmel, EMC, Google, and BAT on IT infrastructure projects. Recommended individuals include global head of TMT and ‘excellent problem solver’ Nick Elverston, who has ‘outstanding industry knowledge’; Nick Gardner, who is ‘a great commercial thinker’; and Dan Pearce. Data protection specialist Christopher Rees and Mark Turner head the firm’s IT practice. Amanda Hale was promoted to partner.

Within Media and entertainment, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith LLP’s team, led by the excellent Nick Elverston, acts for corporate clients including Google, IPC Media and BSkyB, on matters ranging from regulation to rights issues and restructurings. Highlights in 2010 included advising Warner Bros on its acquisition of a majority stake in Shed Media, a deal led by Gareth Roberts and Alex Kay. Joel Smith, Alan Watts and senior associate Hannah Wardell are also recommended.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

At Herbert Smith LLP, team head Sophie Rich is ‘second to none’, and advises Abbott on European patent issues concerning blockbuster product Humira. Mark Shillito and Sebastian Moore are co-ordinating Europe-wide patent litigation to protect Eisai’s Aricept and Pariet from generic competitors. Regulatory work includes advising Reckitt Benckiser on the action by the Department of Health. Sanofi-Aventis is a new client.

Within Aviation, tier 5

Herbert Smith LLP has acted for BAA since its privatisation in the 1980s, and represented the client in an investigation by the Competition Commission, its disposal programme, and plans to further develop Heathrow. The group advised a number of industry players on gaining permission for a judicial review of the CAA, and acts for clients such as easyJet, Etihad and Virgin Atlantic.

Within Rail, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Adrian Clough’s team at Herbert Smith LLP displays ‘strength in depth and is able to cover all requirements to demanding time scales’. The group acted for the vendor on the sale of HS1; Arriva on its takeover by Deutsche Bahn; and Al Shoula Consortium on its bid to serve as contractor on Phase 2 of the €10bn Haramain High Speed Rail Project. Patrick Mitchell ‘stands out for his overall legal knowledge and leadership in health and safety’. Martin Kavanagh and Matthew Job joined from Linklaters LLP.