Linklaters LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Linklaters LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 1

Linklaters LLP is regarded by some clients as ‘the best team in the ECM markets globally’ and remains among the market leaders for ECM work. The team is equally adept on both bank and issuer-side mandates and boasts deep knowledge in primary and secondary offerings, ‘dual-track’ processes, direct listings, equity private placements, and governance and compliance advice – particularly across UK, US and EMEA markets. Leading US ECM lawyer Pam Shores and seasoned corporate practitioner James Wootton now lead the team as global co-heads of equities following John Lane's retirement in April 2023. Shores advises clients on the full lifecycle of their ECM transactions, from early stage fund raising through to IPOs and secondary market capital raisings, as well as on debt capital markets transactions. Wootton is a go-to name for the full range of corporate and ECM transactions, frequently advising global corporate and financial institutions. Elsewhere in the department, former practice co-head and renowned ECM lawyer Jason Manketo handles complex cross-border transactions in the space, whilst Tom Thorne comes recommended for both his listing rules driven transactions and general equity capital markets expertise.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 1

Linklaters LLP’s ‘world-class’ and ‘extremely knowledgable’ competition group combines market leading expertise with pragmatic and commercial advice, possessing capabilities across the full scope of transactional, regulatory and contentious antitrust matters. The firm is highly sought after by some of the world’s largest companies for merger control filings, enjoying recent success handling Phase II investigations. The team earns further praise for the continued growth of the tech practice, winning Sony as a new client for market investigations and litigation work. The ‘knowledgable’ and ‘pragmatic’ Natura Gracia, a dual-qualified (English and Spanish) practitioner, is the London practice head, and advises on a wide range of competition matters, specialising in state aid and UK subsidies and regulated sectors. Anna Mitchell excels in complex UK and EU merger control, multi-jurisdictional deals and investigations. Co-head of the UK technology sector team Verity Egerton-Doyle has experience across advisory, investigatory and transactional aspects of competition law in the EU and UK and is noted for her experience with the CMA. The firm hired Bruce Kilpatrick from Addleshaw Goddard in autumn 2023. Former practice co-chair Nicole Kar  left the firm to join Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in December 2023.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 1

The ‘first-rate‘ offering at Linklaters LLP is known for its expertise in handling the gamut of PRA, FCA and BoE investigations and enforcement actions. The firm’s cross-border contentious footprint enables practitioners to handle complex multi-jurisdictional mandates. Alison Wilson heads up the global litigation, arbitration and investigations offering. Martyn Hopper is experienced in representing clients before regulators, tribunals and the higher courts. Nikunj Kiri is highly regarded both for his expertise in conducting internal investigations, and representing clients in FSA and FCA investigations and enforcement proceedings. Barrister Clare McMullen brings her experience as counsel in the Enforcement Division of the FCA to the team. Ben Packer regularly handles multiple parallel investigations by authorities into firms and individuals. Counsel Elizabeth Dowd is another key team member.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 1

The ‘stellar’ financial regulation group at Linklaters LLP continues to showcase its capability in handling high-risk and multi-jurisdictional issues, from post-implementation MiFID II matters, CSRD, ESG and Brexit-related work to fintech and payments mandates, among others. Practice leader Martyn Hopper advises investment banks, retail banks, insurers, asset managers and listed companies on regulatory compliance work, and Michael Kent ‘provides exceptional advice’ on matters concerning MiFID II, market abuse and cross-border licensing and conduct issues. Peter Bevan acts for investment managers, private banks, hedge funds and private equity funds, with demonstrable experience advising on new product development and marketing, trading issues and regulatory structuring, while Harry Eddis stands out for his expertise in the fintech arena. Raza Naeem, who handles matters concerning ESG, wholesale and retail conduct, licensing and governance, is another key contact in the team. Carl Fernandes re-located to the firm’s Hong Kong office.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 1

Trusted by some of the biggest corporates in the market, the ‘fantastic’ lawyers at Linklaters LLP offer ‘strength in depth, excellent technical abilities and good teamwork’. Drawing on the expertise of specialist groups including tax, antitrust, employment and technology and working alongside a network of 30 international offices, the wide-ranging practice covers the full gamut of corporate work, advising buyers, sellers and financial advisers on public takeovers, joint ventures, corporate restructurings such as carve out transactions, as well as private M&A and equity capital markets work. Simon Branigan, global head of corporate and co-head of the firm’s bank sector has extensive experience in the mining, retail and consumer, oil and gas and financial services sectors. Aisling Zarraga, who serves as global co- head of Linklaters’ life Sciences and healthcare sector, leads on some of the largest M&A and joint venture transactions in the market, advising global pharmaceutical companies, healthcare services and biotech businesses, as well as companies from other industries, such as mining. Sought out by financial institutions such as PricewaterhouseCoopers is Tracey Lochhead , whose practice spans public and private M&A, joint ventures, loan portfolio sales and corporate restructurings. Ian Hunter  advises domestic and international clients on general corporate governance, M&A transactions and equity offerings, and has a  particular emphasis  on the natural resources and mining sector, as well as  UK Takeover-Code governed transactions and UK Listing Rules reform. James Inglis‘s practice covers public and private M&A, corporate governance advisory work and capital raisings, while global head of the technology group, Derek Tong, also assists clients with joint ventures, strategic investments and restructuring. Other key names to note include firmwide senior partner and chair Aedamar Comiskey, Iain Fenn  and Fionnghuala Griggs. The practice has seen a number of departures including Nick Rumsby (now Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton), Jessamy Gallagher   (now Paul Hastings LLP), Stuart Bedford (now KPMG Law) and Dan Schuster-Woldan  (now at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP); however, it remains a strong team.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 1

Linklaters LLP fields a ‘first-class’ practice that acts for leading banks on high-profile domestic and cross-border disputes, including issues that engage regulatory scrutiny. The ‘detail-oriented’ practice is able to draw on expertise within the financial regulatory, banking, capital markets, and structured finance practices at the firm, and assists clients on cutting-edge litigation. Forming the leadership of the team are Alison Wilson, a specialist in FCA enforcement investigations, s166 reviews, and internal investigations, and Christa Band, with a practice focusing on crisis management, regulatory investigations, and enforcement proceedings. Integral to the team, is Susana Cao Miranda, ‘one of the profession’s unrivalled stars’. Patrick Robinson has a broad practice with expertise in structure products, capital markets, and derivative disputes. At associate level, ‘first-rate’ Marc Lenzo and ‘partner in the making’ Rachel Metcalf are recommended.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 1

Praised for its ‘faultless technical detail’ Linklaters LLP 's broad incentives practice is well placed to advise public and private companies on major corporate transactions, global compliance and the design and implementation of executive and all-employee incentive arrangements. Known for its expertise in the financial services sector, the group assists clients from a range of sectors including retail and transport infrastructure. Alexandra Beidas leads the team, with her varied case load including advising on major corporate transactions and senior management hires and terminations. Cara Hegarty is noted for her expertise in advising boards and senior executives on remuneration strategy. ‘Commercial player’ Bradley Richardson has deep experience of advising on the establishment and operation of employee and executive remuneration programmes, while Nancy Price frequently assists major companies with assessing and managing the risks involved with international share plans.

Employment > Employers Tier 1

Linklaters LLP is known for its handling of sensitive employment matters, including the ongoing management of whistleblowing allegations, renegotiations of senior employee contracts and unfair dismissal claims with criminal law elements. The team is led by Nicola Rabson, a specialist in conduct investigations and crisis management mandates. Also key within the team are Jean Lovett, who heads up the transactional and regulatory arm of the practice, and Sinead Casey, who has a strong litigation record and also handles investigations work. Counsel Emma Gray, whose experience includes advising on the employment aspects of fraud and executive-level terminations, is a further name to note.

Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 1

The ‘well-organised' and ‘very strong' pensions dispute resolution team at Linklaters LLP regularly deals with high-stakes and high-profile pensions litigation, with recent work involving long-running moral hazard cases brought by the Pensions Regulator and litigation dealing with rectification. The ‘very intelligent‘ Mark Blyth heads the large practice, in which the key names to note are the ‘excellent‘ Philip Goss, the ‘unflappable‘ Tom Kent, Gareth Craft, and Sarah Opie. Alongside regulatory disputes, the practice also provides support in cross-border pensions matters, professional negligence claims relating to pension schemes, and cases seeking clarity over historic scheme changes. The team is also adept at advising clients during mediation processes as an alternative to litigation.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 1

Linklaters LLP‘s pensions practice namely advises employers, trustees, and insurance companies on the full spectrum of pensions work. The team is led by the ‘superb’ Claire Petheram, whose client roster includes such names as the Rolls-Royce UK Pension Fund and the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund. Rosalind Knowles specialises in pensions investments, while Philip Goss is a key contact for de-risking work. John Sheppard and Sarah Parkin are also names to note for their general pensions work. Their recent activity includes advising on the cross-border sale of UK portfolio companies, ensuring that large pension schemes meet the new TCFD requirements.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 1

Drawing on expertise across pure leveraged finance, corporate lending, structured finance and restructuring, the ‘extremely efficient and collaborative’ team at Linklaters LLP provides ‘high-quality work’ across the full range and life cycle of financial transactions to banks, funds and investment grade corporates. This versatile and holistic approach ensures that it is ‘able to deliver at an extremely high level on a hugely complicated breadth of transactions’, running the gamut from bank and bond structures, and TLBs, through to unitranche facilities and PIK financings. The ‘highly commercial’ Oliver Sceales  has deep traction among sponsors, which are appreciative of his ability to ‘deliver market leading terms in an incredibly user friendly and dynamic fashion’. Lauded for his ‘commercial acumen and constructive approach’, Pathik Gandhi ‘is well respected by the lender community’, ensuring that he is a popular choice both on leveraged finance deals, where he is instructed bank side, as well as where the lender is a counterparty. Chris Medley excels in providing lender side advice on sponsor-backed leveraged deals, both for banks on large underwritten TLB transactions, as well as for credit funds on unitranche financings. Other recommended practitioners include seasoned banking lawyer Nick Syson , whose work at the vanguard of the market has included the development of the now well-established European cov-lite leveraged loan product; Rohan Saha, for his work across products for banks and credit funds; and David Irvine, who co-heads the leveraged finance practice alongside Sceales.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 1

Drawing upon an excellent overarching perspective of market trends and expertise across the credit spectrum, Linklaters LLP provides ‘technically excellent, powerfully commercial and extremely responsive’ advice to lenders and borrowers, including on general corporate lending facilities and corporate M&A financings. Oliver Edwards and Toby Grimstone are both popular figures among banks and borrowers as a result of their versatility, which includes considerable structured finance expertise – a skill set that Grimstone uses to particularly good effect on behalf clients in the commodities/mining sector. Ian Callaghan regularly acts for creditors and debtors on large-scale syndicated loan transactions, often involving bespoke structures, for both general working capital purposes, in addition to event-driven M&A. The team also includes Caroline Courtney, who is well-versed across a range of products, including as it relates to syndicated lending and asset finance.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 1

Co-led from London by Nick Le Masurier and Richard Hodgson, and with access to ‘a market leading, full service Magic Circle practice and global footprint’, Linklaters LLP is well-positioned to handle resource intensive big-ticket multi-jurisdictional restructurings/insolvencies for a varied range of stakeholders, including lenders, funds and corporates. The team has ‘fantastic breadth of and strength in depth’, advising across the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work, ranging from formal insolvencies through to balance sheet restructurings and distressed M&A. The ‘very smart’ Matthew Harding recently advised the administrators of failed energy supplier Bulb Energy Limited in relation to its sale to Octopus Energy, implemented using a novel energy transfer scheme. The ‘proactive and smart’ Sarah Mook , who spent a considerable number years in-house at Goldman Sachs, has a ‘unique perspective on financing issues, lender behaviour and problem solving’, which she deploys very effectively for debtors on complex balance sheet restructurings.

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 1

Linklaters LLP has 'a market-leading debt capital markets practice with deep knowledge and expertise across all areas', and clients note that the firm is 'accessible, responsive and approaches everything with a commercial and solution-focused mindset'. The firm is particularly well known for equity-linked transactions, but it handles the full spectrum of DCM work. 'Highly trusted collaborator' Ben Dulieu leads the practice and is 'renowned by the market for being fair'. Richard O’Callaghan is highly recommended for equity-linked transactions and is 'a good man to have on your side in emerging markets deals'. He worked with Cecil Quillen (who is 'among the very best US capital markets partners and can always be relied on for his well-calibrated advice') to advise The OPEC Fund for International Development on a $1bn GMTN programme. Quillen and Carson Welsh to assist HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. with a $6.7bn SEC-registered exchange offer. Up-and-coming partners Arjun Muddu (who is 'professional, personable and always calm in his approach') and Yaroslav Alekseyev, who advised numerous Ukrainian issuers on debt issues following the invasion by Russia, are central to the practice. Richard Levy , who is a key adviser to Standard Chartered Bank, and Elaine Keats, who is 'very focused on understanding clients and their needs', are among the firm's standout partners, while Andrew Chaplin is among the many talented managing associates.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 1

The derivatives and structured products group at Linklaters LLP has ‘deep technical knowledge allied to commercial understanding and acumen‘. The firm has deep experience across the board, but is a market-leader in key aspects of the market, among them synthetic securitisations and strategic equity derivatives. The firm is also a primary adviser to key industry body ISDA. ‘Whenever you speak with them, they give you their full attention and never give the impression that they’re pushed for time‘, say clients of the group led by Deepak Sitlani. That group contains some of the leading names in the market, among them Matthew Monahan, Toby Gray and David Phillips, who handle OTC and securitised derivatives, and provide ‘ensure timely and high-quality service‘; Doug Shaw focuses on OTC derivatives and regulatory change; derivatives specialists Simon Firth and Pauline Ashall, who are key advisers to ISDA; and Mark Brown, who previously worked in the Tokyo office and led the Asian structured finance practice, now leads the Firm’s Islamic derivatives practice from London, advising on murabaha, mudaraba and wakala structures. The firm has some of the most experienced partners in their respective fields, including Vinay Samani, who has ‘supreme experience of repack capability‘, and Michael Voisin, who is is widely acknowledged to be an authority on financial markets law and practice. Mark Drury left the team in 2024.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 1

Linklaters LLP has one of the deepest benches in London for securitisation, and one of the broadest practices in terms of deal types and asset classes. It handles deals backed by novel assets, as well as  NPL, RMBS, CMBS, CLO, credit card and auto loan transactions. The firm has ‘a top team with strength through the experience levels, is always well organised, and runs deals smoothly, being ahead of their peers in terms of planning a transaction and delivering on time‘. Mark Nuttall and standout securitisation partner Julian Davies lead the practice. Davies led a team that acted for Sixth Street Partners on its agreement with Real Madrid C.F. and sports company Legends on a deal backed by stadium operations at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Adam Fogarty focuses on the acquisition, disposal and financing through the public and provide securitisation markets of financial assets including residential and commercial mortgages. He worked with newly promoted partner Lucy Sidey to assist Pacific Investment Management Company LLC on the acquisition of a portfolio of €1.32bn of non-performing loans secured over real estate in Cyprus from Hellenic Bank. Andrew Vickery played a key role in advising advised TwentyFour Asset Management on a £300m UK buy-to-let RMBS. Also recommended are the ‘super-focussed‘ Alexander Shopov; RMBS, ABS, covered bonds, and utility securitisation partner Reza Taylor; Thomas Quoroll, who is ‘unflappable and great at managing deals‘; and newly promoted partner Aditi Srivastava.

Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 1

The London office of Linklaters LLP frequently coordinates high-value matters alongside strong local teams in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, CIS, andTurkey. Particularly adept in project finance and development, energy and infrastructure matters, and a broad range of financing structures, the firm is widely regarded as one of the strongest global players in emerging markets transactions. Head of the Africa group Andrew Jones is a key figure in the London office. He acted for BHP Group Limited in its multi-phased investment in the Kabanga Nickel Project, one of the largest development-ready nickel sulphide deposits in the world, located in the north-west of Tanzania. Finance partner Narayan Iyer is head of the firm's busy India group. His recent work includes assisting Standard Chartered Bank Limited with the $700m financing for Adani Transmission Ltd subsidiaries to fund transmission projects in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Global energy sector leader James McLaren returned to London from Hong Kong in 2023 but remains active in projects in China. He was part of a team that acted for lenders on BlackRock Real Assets’ NT$9.406bn ($328m) refinancing of a portfolio of 186MW of solar assets in Taiwan with an 18-year green loan facility. Global head of Islamic finance Neil Miller, who works in both Dubai and London, is a key adviser on sharia-compliant instruments. Head of the global energy and infrastructure group Daniel Tyrer is also recommended.

Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 1

The investment funds practice at Linklaters LLP is led by Matthew Keogh, and acts for top sponsor and investor clients on cross-jurisdictional funds, with particular experience of pan-European real estate funds. It continues to see an uptick in the ESG funds space and sustainability issues pertaining to real estate funds, as well as advising on the structuring, formation, taxation and regulation of all types of alternative investment funds. Keogh is experienced in open-ended real estate, private equity, credit and impact funds and is supported by Rahul Manvatkar, who handles transactional and advisory work relating to open- and closed-ended investment funds, both onshore and offshore. Clare Baker is another key practitioner, who is recommended for structuring, marketing and establishment of funds. At the more junior end of the team, Ben Jennings, Julia Vergauwen and Gareth Crimp are especially recommended. Jennings advises on real estate and private equity funds and venture capital, Vergauwen is a key contact for ESG work, and Crimp handles transactional and regulatory matters.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 1

A firm fielding ‘very strong partners across the board’, Linklaters LLP‘ infrastructure practice is well positioned to act on a significant volume of high-profile deals, possessing wide-ranging expertise pertaining to all asset classes, with notable specialisms in renewables and emerging infrastructure. The group demonstrate an even spread of big ticket mandates both domestically and internationally.  Michael Honan leads the practice and is highlighted for his experience in wind assets and strong track record in energy-to-waste and water matters, whereas co-head David Martin is at the forefront of the group’s digital infrastructure offering, particularly in relation to towers, fibre and data centres. Ross Schloeffel focuses on advising funds and strategics on the financing and disposal of a variety of assets, while the arrival of John Guccione, previously of Latham & Watkins, bolsters the M&A capabilities of the group and helps bridge the gap left by the departures of M&A partner Jessamy Gallagher  and finance specialist Stuart Rowson to Paul Hastings LLP

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 1

Linklaters LLP remains one of the pre-eminent forces in the infrastructure market, possessing a deep bench of partners to advise on the whole financing and development piece of large-scale, cross border deals. Large multinationals regularly rely on the firm’s project finance team on significant fibre rollouts, while bodies such as the UK government turn to the team for advice on drafting critical funding frameworks such as a novel Regulated Asset Base (RAB) funding model for new nuclear projects. Richard Ginks and Daniel Tyrer co-lead the team, with the former singled out for his work with sponsors and lenders engaged with large fossil fuel developments, and the latter a revered specialist across oil and gas fianncing and regulatory work. Richard Coar uses his experience and expertise at the helm of the firm’s energy department to advise on the financing and development of a range of asset types, including digital infrastructure and alternative energy builds, while newly promoted partner Maryam Adamji is well-reputed for her energy transition and energy regulation acumen. Both John Pickett  and Ian Andrews retired from the practice in 2022.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals Tier 1

Linklaters LLP‘s mining and minerals practice is praised as a ‘deeply experienced team with broad experience across key jurisdictions’ and acts on critical mandates encompassing corporate M&A, financing, regulatory and compliance issues, alongside leveraging the firm’s wider specialist expertise in antitrust, regulatory, tax, IP and environmental law to provide a full-service mining offering. Advising on clients’ ESG strategies remains a core focus for the group, including decarbonisation-related M&A, sustainability-linked financings and strategic investments in ‘green metals’ required for the energy transition. Toby Grimstone co-heads the department alongside James Inglis  and Robert Cleaver. Corporate partner and fellow co-head Aisling Zarraga specialises in public and private M&A, joint ventures and equity issues. Ian Hunter advises mining companies on major M&A transactions and equity offerings, whilst Andrew Jones has over 20 years of experience of developments, acquisitions and financings of mining-sector projects in Africa.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 1

Global head of energy and infrastructure Daniel Tyrer heads up the team at Linklaters LLP alongside energy and utilities specialists Chris Staples and Richard Coar. The team is vastly experienced advising its noteworthy client portfolio on the gamut of matters across the sector. Its expertise encompasses waste-to-energy and energy transition projects of significant scale. Further, it advises on mandates involving green hydrogen, battery storage, offshore wind and CCUS, which is a particular focus of Charlotte Morgan‘s. Battery projects have been a particular focus of Francesca Matthews. The team’s projects are frequently multijurisdictional in nature and of value in the billions; Jeremy Gewirtz often handles high-profile work. Maryam Adamji was promoted to partner in May 2022 and has experience advising on complex matters ranging from the development of interconnectors to the development of nuclear plants. Former co-head of the offering John Pickett retired in the same month. Katie Williams left to Ashurst in November 2022.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Water Tier 1

The full-service water offering at Linklaters LLP is ‘always current on regulatory and financing developments’, handling matters of financing, project development and M&A on the transactional front, including advising on DPC projects. The team also provides regulatory and competition advice and represents clients facing investigations by Ofwat and the Environment Agency in addition to commercial disputes. Leading the team are Julian Davies, a highly experienced finance specialist; head of structured finance and regulatory expert Mark Nuttall; and Natura Gracia, who handles competition matters and regulatory investigations. Elisabeth Johnson supports water companies in the lead-up to price reviews, while managing associate Emma Crawford advises on infrastructure and utilities financing. James McGivern departed the firm in February 2023, taking up a partner position at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

Real estate > Environment Tier 1

Linklaters LLP‘s environment team, noted as being ‘one of the firms with the most experience in the climate change sector’, is led by Vanessa Havard-Williams. It has a strong reputation for its capabilities advising international and national corporates, financial institutions, credit agencies, governments and social enterprises on complex and high-value transactional matters, as well as advisory and litigation work across the sector. Managing associate Iyesogie Igiehon stands out for her work advising on environmental and climate-related aspects of significant M&A. Rachel Barrett stands out in the team for her expertise advising on complex ESG matters; she co-leads the firm’s global, focused practice in this area. Chris Staples is noted for his ‘wealth of experience on the voluntary carbon market’ and has a focus on climate change and emissions trading matters in particular. Carbon transaction work is also an area of expertise for ‘excellent’ counsel Kerry Liebenberg.

Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 1

Linklaters LLP acts for top-tier multinational clients on a range of governance and ESG matters and has recently been handling a large number of ESG and sustainability-linked loans and financings for high-profile banks. It draws on a range of practice areas to handle regulatory, human rights, governance and risk management issues. Vanessa Havard-Williams heads the practice and is a key contact for environmental and climate change matters, while Alexandra Beidas is recommended for remuneration matters, ESG and diversity issues. Other key contacts include Rachel Barrett, who also deals with ESG, Tom Cassels, who handles crisis and reputation management, Raza Naeem, who advises on regulatory and governance matters in the finance sector, and managing associate Aileen Buchanan, who is experienced in matters of disclosure.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 1

Equally adept at handling contentious and non-contentious mandates, the ‘exceptional’ data privacy team at Linklaters LLP routinely handles significant global compliance projects, regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, and high-profile data breaches for an impressive roster of clients. ‘Senior statesman‘ Richard Cumbley oversees the practice and has a strong contentious practice, handling large-scale privacy litigations and appeals before regulatory authorities. Fielding a deep and accomplished bench of specialists, the team also includes Georgina Kon, who takes point on cybersecurity matters and handles international cyber and privacy-related regulatory investigations, Harriet Ellis, an experienced litigator with a particular focus on collective actions, as well as Greg Palmer, who was elevated to the partnership in May 2023. At the associate level, the ‘excellent and extremely knowledgeable‘ Patrick O’Connell acts for public bodies and private companies on data management, and has particular expertise in gambling-related privacy issues. Counsel Alaister Johnson is also recommended.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 1

A diverse mix of financial institutions, payment servicers providers and disruptive start-ups turn to Linklaters LLP for its ‘excellent guidance through the relatively uncharted waters of fintech’. The team is especially well regarded for its expertise across blockchain, the digitialisation of financial markets and products, payment systems, investment in fintech, and data and tech investigations, enforcement and litigation proceedings. Global practice co-head Julian Cunningham-Day is equipped to advise on the commercial and regulatory aspects of complex collaborations, while fellow global co-head Harry Eddis is an authority on novel ways to deliver payments services. Fionnghuala Griggs, also a global co-head, frequently advises on M&A deals in the fintech arena. UK head of fintech Richard Hay’s workload includes international projects involving digital securities, while Michael Voisin is noted for his wide-reaching work on derivatives-related activities. Ben Packer, Lisa Chang and Sam Quicke are further key contacts at the firm.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

Linklaters LLP has experience advising on a broad range of IT matters, from outsourcing and cloud to developing fields, such as AI, digital regulation and med-tech. In the telecoms arena, the team is well-versed in communications and digital infrastructure issues relating to towers, fibre, subsea cables, data centres and digital advertising. Julian Cunningham-Day spearheads the global technology, fintech and telecoms sector groups and has considerable experience advising on commercial and regulatory telecoms and IT projects, while David Martin focuses on digital infrastructure transactions spanning all key asset classes. Georgina Kon handles software licensing issues and contentious mandates, while Richard Cumbley acts for multinationals on regulatory and sourcing work, with support from Iain Fenn.

Transport > Rail Tier 1

Under the joint leadership of Fiona Hobbs and Charlotte Morgan, the team at Linklaters LLP is well-equipped to handle the full range of transactional work in the rail sector. Areas of expertise span heavy rail (including high speed rail) and light rail. It is also adept at advising on rolling stock, train systems and station real estate. The group continues to assist a wide range of sponsors, lenders, rolling stock companies and governments on various major rail deals. Hobbs has worked closely with government and private sector companies throughout the years, on various large and complex rail projects both in the UK and internationally. Morgan has a vast array of experience in the regulated infrastructure sector. Rasha Sami is another recognised name in this space.

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 2

Linklaters LLP leverages its substantial global footprint to advise on a broad range of multi-jurisdictional commercial issues, including negotiating collaboration agreements between BHP Billiton Group, a leading mineral resource company, and I-Pulse, as well as the cross-supply agreements for one of the largest consumer section transactions over 2022 involving Perfetti Van Melle. The firm demonstrates notable strength counselling on transformational commercial partnerships and procurements. Supply chain specialist Marly Didizian heads the team, and utilises her healthcare credentials to act on complex practice mandates such as implementing Gavi’s global COVAX Facility, alongside constructing Advance Purchase Agreements with the world’s biggest vaccine manufacturers. Richard Cumbley has been active in the retail and transport sectors, acting on a number of regulatory issues and internal restructurings, while Greg Palmer continues to advise on outsourcing and supply arrangements. Energy and technology-related issues have formed the crux of Georgina Kon‘s practice, with technical know-how regarding IT contracts, cyber and data privacy concerns. Rich Jones has a broad commercial offering. Paul Joseph joined from Norton Rose Fulbright in 2022.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 2

Linklaters LLP is active for prominent private and public clients across a diverse range of sectors, with expertise in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Team lead Lynne Walkington specialises in tax elements of public and private M&A transactions, reorganisations and reconstructions, and corporate finance, while Chris Smale has expertise in private equity transactions. Since publication, James Morgan has moved to Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+) Tier 2

‘A fantastic one-stop shop for high-quality legal services‘, Linklaters LLP‘s client roster comprises a host of large-cap sponsors, who engage the firm for representation in big-ticket, multijurisdictional transactions – from acquisitions to bilateral carve-outs. The practice is co-chaired by Alex Woodward and Ben Rodham, who jointly head up the firm’s wider global financial sponsors group. Woodward, praised for his ‘super sharp legal mind‘, regularly works on acquisitions, divestitures, and investment transactions for various major PE firms, while Rodham – ‘an exceptional transactional partner‘ – has most recently advised on high-value disposals for clients with interests in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, among others. Tracey Lochhead‘s focus is notably concentrated in financial services and mining, while Chris Boycott‘s sector coverage spans tech, healthcare, and consumer goods. Alex Lehtinen – who was promoted to partner in May 2023 – boasts recent experience in manufacturing and real estate-oriented deals. Ben Suen is also recommended. Genna Marten joined the firm from Travers Smith LLP in June 2023, while the firm strengthened its offering on the infrastructure side with the hire of John Guccione from Latham & Watkins in May 2023. Will Aitken-Davies left the team to join Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in September 2023.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 2

Linklaters LLP has ‘expertise across a broad range of specialisms’ with a team of almost 300 litigators internationally allowing the department to handle complex multijurisdictional disputes. Large corporates, leading banks, and government bodies instruct the department on a wide range of cases, with clients ‘in safe hands for the highest profile and most challenging commercial cases’. Alison Wilson leads the ‘outstanding partner team with real insight and commercial approach’. Tom Cassels is a key figure in the team, and ‘provides a calm but decisive hand on the tiller’. Marc Harvey is, for one client, ‘one of the best litigators in London’. 

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 2

Linklaters LLP houses a ‘first-class‘ team with a ‘tradition of excellence‘, which often advises on merger appeals and funded group litigation issues. ‘Excellent‘ practice head Tom Cassels regularly handles large disputes and investigations, including collective actions. ‘Absolute superstar‘ Sarina Williams has extensive expertise in conducting group litigation and class actions, and the defence of standalone damages claims. The ‘strategically-minded’ Harriet Ellis has deep knowledge spanning allegations of collusion and CMA decision challenges.

Finance > High yield Tier 2

Linklaters LLP has ‘great expertise across the board and is very much on top of market developments, while being accessible‘. Clients praise the ‘availability, competence, willingness to go the extra mile, and deep knowledge of market players and trends‘. The firm is particularly active in private equity-sponsored M&A transactions. ‘They have outstanding technical skills but also are deeply commercial‘, say clients of practice head Alexander Naidenov, who advised Triton portfolio company Crayfish on debt financing for its €1.2bn offer for Finnish company Caverion. Giacomo Reali – who provides ‘outstanding service‘ – assisted initial purchasers of LimaCorporate’s €295m bond issuance. US partner Colin Chang also plays a key role in the practice, representing underwriters, issuers and private equity sponsors in high yield offerings. Former co-practice head Noel Hughes left the firm in December 2023.

Finance > Trade finance Tier 2

Linklaters LLP climbs the ranking this year having continued to build out its practice with key hires. Counsel Ildar Bagautdinov joined from Reed Smith LLP in 2022 to add specialist expertise in structured trade and commodities finance. He worked with key partner Toby Grimstone to advise key client Glencore on its principal RCFs, which have a total value in excess of $6.5bn. Jeremy Gewirtz and Chris Staples  are co-heads of the firm’s global commodities group, and they each have extensive expertise in advising corporates, banks, funds and governments on commodities, trade and receivables financings. Gewirtz recently assisted Macquarie Bank Limited with  an SEK1,191,930,824 (approx. £97.6m) inventory monetisation for the Nynäshamn refinery in Sweden, which is owned by Nynas AB. A recent highlight for Staples was his work for Base Carbon Inc. on a structured tri- party carbon finance transaction.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 2

The team at Linklaters LLP has broad expertise spanning trade mark infringement disputes, joint R&D agreements, and supply and logistics arrangements, often assisting financial sponsors, insurers and medical device companies. The group is also noted for its expertise in data protection, regulatory investigation, and product liability matters. Aisling Zarraga co-heads the practice, and has a great deal of expertise in handling both public and private M&A issues and joint ventures for international pharmaceutical companies, healthcare service providers and biotech corporates. Co-head Marly Didizian has broad knowledge surrounding carve outs, pharmaceutical supply chains, and advance purchase agreements involving vaccine manufacturers. Since publication, Katie Coltart has joined from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 2

Linklaters LLP has insurance capabilities across a wide range of corporate transactions, namely M&A and reinsurance, but also advises insurance clients in relation to their capital market and pension de-risking matters. Duncan Barber lends his significant experience and eminent market reputation practice, with a recent track record in complex reinsurance and reorganisation matters, while Kanyaka Ramamurthi brings her experience on secondment to a leading insurer and broad expertise across corporate work for insurance clients. The wider firm’s pensions and capital market teams are also of note in this area. Former practice head Dan Schuster-Woldan  left the firm to join Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in February 2024.

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 2

Linklaters LLP assists a broad client base of cornerstone investors with mandates involving private equity, real estate, infrastructure and credit strategies, and houses a thriving ESG practice. The team is led by Matt Keogh  has a great deal of experience in advising on the structuring and management of funds as well as private equity style joint ventures, fund financings. Rahul Manvatkar regularly acts for both sponsors and investors, and Clare Baker is noted for her expertise in sovereign wealth funds. Managing associate and venture capital specialist Ben Jennings, and counsel Amin Ebrahim are key names within the practice.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2

Linklaters LLP’ integrated cross-practice group fields a deep bench primed with industry expertise and the capability to handle M&A, joint ventures, commercial contracts and financings across the breadth of the entire oil & gas sector. Mark Russell  heads the infrastructure practice and specialises in project development, M&A and joint ventures, and trading. Head of oil & gas sub-sector Daniel Tyrer is vastly experienced in upstream oil and gas, LNG, pipeline, refinery and petrochemical plant related project development, and global financing transactions.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 2

Offering ‘a one-stop shop in getting large-scale transactions over the line with exceptional results’, Linklaters LLP acts for domestic and international developers, investors and occupiers on distressed real estate and regeneration, as well as real estate M&A transactions. Global head of real estate Andy Bruce is geared to handle disposals, development, financing and letting mandates, while Patrick Plant acts for clients on an array of international real estate projects. Siobhan Burton’s practice encompasses acquisition, financing, development, letting and disposal of offices, retail, student accommodation, logistics and mixed-use schemes. Martin Elliott excels in transactions pertaining to mixed-use development, offices, shopping centres and retail, while Matthew Plaskow and Tom Watkins are primarily engaged in real estate M&A. Kathryn Griffiths is another key contact in the group.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 2

Offering ‘a one-stop shop in getting large-scale transactions over the line with exceptional results’, Linklaters LLP acts for domestic and international developers, investors and occupiers on distressed real estate and regeneration, as well as real estate M&A transactions. Global head of real estate Andy Bruce is geared to handle disposals, development, financing and letting mandates, while Patrick Plant acts for clients on an array of international real estate projects. Siobhan Burton’s practice encompasses acquisition, financing, development, letting and disposal of offices, retail, student accommodation, logistics and mixed-use schemes. Martin Elliott excels in transactions pertaining to mixed-use development, offices, shopping centres and retail, while Matthew Plaskow and Tom Watkins are primarily engaged in real estate M&A. Kathryn Griffiths is another key contact in the group.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 2

Linklaters LLP fields a team praised for its ‘excellent knowledge of the sector that they operate in.’ Banking partner Philip Gore is the lead partner on high-profile REF transactions, development financing and mezzanine-level portfolio transactions, and co-heads the department alongside ‘unparalleled professional’ Scott Simpson, a top specialist in senior/mezzanine, distressed and special situations, and Jessica Jenner, who joined the group from Ashurst in September 2022. Newly appointed partner James Godfrey is involved in all facets of investment and development lending.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 2

Acting on behalf of clients in sectors including technology, energy, banking, and extractives, Linklaters LLP’s business crime team provides ‘high quality advice’ on the whole spectrum of financial crime, with a particular focus on cross-border criminal and regulatory investigations. The practice has notable expertise in sanctions work, routinely representing corporations in investigations by OFSI, along with challenging fines imposed by the authority. The department has vast experience of dealing with domestic agencies, such as the SFO and FCA, with the global head of dispute resolution, Alison Wilson, consistently advising financial institutions during major enforcement investigations into AML and financial crises. Satindar Dogra focuses on compliance relating to bribery and corruption, and Alison Saunders concentrates on prosecutions by criminal agencies. Ben Packer handles financial crime investigations, and senior criminal defence lawyer Elly Proudlock is also noted.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

Routinely instructed by corporations and states for heavyweight investment and commercial arbitrations, Linklaters LLP‘s ‘international arbitration team has great depth and truly global reach‘. The global international arbitration practice is co-chaired by investment arbitration specialist Matthew Weiniger KC and energy disputes leader Ben Carroll. The team also comprises Teresa Laboucarie-Polak, who is experienced in arbitrations under all major institutional rules, and is ‘exceptional at what she does‘; and Tom Lidstrom, who focuses on Eastern Europe and Africa-related disputes. Jacqueline Chaplin is an experienced counsel, while managing associates Alex Fawke, Joanne Denton and William Chan are also key department members.

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 3

Linklaters LLP's London team is routinely instructed by both investors and states on PIL disputes. The group also advises on international trade, international human rights, state sovereignty, and sanctions. The global international arbitration practice is chaired by Matthew Weiniger KC, whose broad practice includes inter-state disputes, while Charlotte Morgan advises on international trade. Also highly regarded, Vanessa Havard-Williams and Rachel Barrett co-head the business and human rights group, and Ben Carroll is energy disputes head. At managing associate level, Rebecca James specialises in international arbitration and international law, and William Chan advises international and supranational organisations on PIL issues.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 3

Drawing upon the firm’s strength in corporate and commercial work, the retail and consumer sector team at Linklaters LLP is adept at handling issues through the entire consumer value chain, with noted strength in cross-border M&A, corporate restructurings, and private equity investment advice. The team is jointly led by Paul McNicholl and Michael Honan; the former advises on corporate governance, joint ventures, and ESG-related issues, while the latter’s practice concentrates on strategic acquisitions and high-profile transactions for clients across the retail and consumer sectors, including e-commerce businesses, luxury goods retailers, and food and beverage suppliers.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 3

The public law practice at Linklaters LLP is particularly adept at acting for businesses and public bodies on business critical and complex judicial review matters, with specialist expertise across the media, technology, transport, financial services and energy sectors. Practice head Tom Cassels is a prominent public law figure, representing the UK Government, international companies, and major charities in high-stakes public law disputes. The practice also handles a steady stream of advisory work, guiding clients through complex and novel principles of administrative and public law.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 3

Linklaters LLP displays a robust capability in structuring various agreements for a multitude of projects, including public infrastructure, renewable energy, conventional power, and petrochemicals, both domestically and internationally. Co-head Andrew Penfold offers expertise in managing complex, high-value energy and infrastructure projects, serving sponsors, lenders, investors, governments, and contractors. Richard Coar, also leading the practice, is a specialist in advising clients on construction documents, with a particular focus on thermal power stations and various infrastructure assets. Managing associate Harith Canna brings acumen in procurement strategies and the negotiation of design, engineering, supply, and construction contracts.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 3

Particularly active in the healthcare, tech, consumer and industrial sectors, Linklaters LLP’s capabilities include cross-border patent disputes, alongside a strong non-contentious practice where the team advises on a variety of matters, including licensing and R&D agreements. Practice head Ian Karet is known for his litigation experience, especially within the pharma and tech sectors. Yohan Liyanage is well-versed in both patent litigation disputes and complex non-contentious mandates. Managing associate Stephanie Farrington’s expertise in the healthcare and life sciences arena means she routinely operates on complex, cross-border patent litigation.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 4

Led by Olga Petrovic , Linklaters LLP‘s ‘technically brilliant and commercially minded’ team excels in advising aviation and shipping clients on complex cross-product, multi-jurisdictional mandates, where it is able to effectively collaborate with lawyers in key international offices (including in Luxembourg and Frankfurt), as well as associated practice areas, including restructuring, litigation, capital markets, and funds. Corporate and structured lending partner Caroline Courtney  leverages her broad and deep loan products expertise to good effect to provide a ‘very client-focused’ service to creditors and debtors engaged in maritime and aviation-related financings.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4

With demonstrable experience in IP disputes, Linklaters LLP has also developed a strong non-contentious offering, routinely advising clients in the consumer, telecoms, healthcare, industrial and financial services sectors. Its work consists of strategic advice and trade mark licence agreements, in addition to advising on the IP aspects of joint ventures. Practice head Ian Karet’s experience extends from handling trade mark disputes to IP licensing, while managing associate Jennifer Heley is regularly involved in IP litigation, as well as undertaking a spectrum of transactional IP matters. Paul Joseph is another name to note in the practice.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 5

Linklaters LLP‘s sports sector group, co-headed by Julian Davies and Tom Cassels, notably advises on structured investments into football clubs as well as disciplinary, regulatory and competition law issues in both football and F1. David Martin provides support on matters concerning investments in rugby teams and competitions. Shamin Choudhury is also recommended.

Ghana > Foreign firms Tier 1

Linklaters LLP' team has a strong reputation for its work on some of the country’s most prominent transactions.Under the joint leadership of Andrew Jones and Kwaku Osei, the group is active on complex matters in the oil and gas, mining and power sectors, and is equally adept at representing clients in the consumer goods, telecoms, and sports sectors. Jones, who heads the firm’s Africa group, is an energy and infrastructure expert; Osei splits his time between London and Ghana, and is very experienced in advising sponsors, investors and lenders on  political risk insurance products in Africa and Europe, as well as energy and infrastructure projects.

India > Foreign firms Tier 1

Primarily based in Singapore and London, Linklaters LLP’s India group has an active presence in the country and acts for both domestic businesses and international corporates seeking to operate in India. Narayan Iyer, based in London, is a seasoned projects and energy specialist, focusing on acquisitions, leveraged finance and other transactions in these sectors. On the corporate side, Savi Hebbur, also in London, is the key contact, while Amit Singh heads the firm’s India group, a notable area of strength, from his base in Singapore. Ben Carroll, in London, takes point on disputes, including international arbitration, and Philip Badge, in Singapore, has extensive experience of handling complex Indian cross-border transactions.

Morocco > Foreign firms Tier 1

Linklaters operates in the Moroccan market through its Paris office. Led by Andrew Jones and Bertrand Andriani, the firm handles cross-border acquisitions, project finance, and joint ventures for both international and domestic clients. Pierre Tourres provides advice on cross-border M&A deals for large international businesses.

Tunisia > Foreign firms Tier 1

From large-scale energy projects, to distribution and joint venture agreements, Linklaters LLP's transactional prowess is brought to bear on matters for clients including private equity firms, financial institutions and telecoms companies. London-based Andrew Jones heads up the team alongside Paris-based Bertrand Andriani. The latter’s project financing expertise extends to secured and unsecured syndicated loans. Justin Faye is well placed to assist with the financing and development of energy and infrastructure projects.

Algeria > Foreign firms Tier 3

With practitioners based in Paris and London, Linklaters continues to act on significant transactions in Algeria and offers abundant strength across a multitude of key practice areas, including corporate, finance and dispute resolution. The firm is increasingly active in a number of key economic sectors, including mining, renewable energy, fintech and digital infrastructure. Practice head Bertrand Andriani has over three decades of experience handling major project financings, insolvencies and corporate restructurings. Counsel Aymeric Voisin is also a name to note; he specialises in complex projects in the mining, infrastructure, industrial and agribusiness sectors.

Angola > Foreign firms Tier 3

Seamlessly integrating with the firm’s Lisbon, London, Paris, and Tokyo offices, Linklaters LLP ‘s Africa group is led by London-based Andrew Jones who is proficient in energy and infrastructure projects. Lisbon’s Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho is at the helm of the Lusophone Africa practice, and specialises in banking and projects across Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde.

United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance)

Linklaters has further strengthened its dominant projects practice with the hire of David Miles, who joined from Covington & Burling LLP in September 2022; Miles brings with him a wealth of capabilities in both the conventional and Islamic financing space. The firm is well placed to advise on a host regional mandates, including energy transition and NEOM-related ventures in Saudi Arabia, social infrastructure PPPs in Jordan, and large-scale renewable energy builds in the UAE. The team is also noted for its work on innovative transactions, spanning novel sustainability-linked loans in Bahrain, ESG dual tranche conventional and Islamic financing facilities, and hydrogen and ammonia builds in Oman. Matthew Keats draws on both financing and development expertise to advise on projects from the inception stage through to completion. Leila Amos is particularly noted for her ESG-related expertise, while Jack Allen-Fitt‘s practice is increasingly concentrated on energy transition and renewables matters. Jonathan Vick's broad remit includes large-scale PPP programs.

Hong Kong > Projects and energy

Linklaters is at the forefront of renewable power projects, such as onshore and offshore wind, and low-carbon energies like hydrogen and solar. Working on its own, as well as ‘supplemented by access to one of the top global projects practices’, the group fields a multi-disciplinary projects team that collaborates frequently with its London office, providing expertise across various practice areas, including corporate M&A, finance, projects, capital markets, regulatory matters, and dispute resolution. In addition to supporting the development of major renewable energy projects in South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, the firm continues to focus its expertise on Taiwan, advising lenders on solar and onshore wind portfolios, as well as other high-value M&A deals in the region. James McLaren co-heads the energy and infrastructure group and advises on transactions in emerging markets, with a particular focus on the financing of large-scale renewable energy projects in North Asia, while the ‘conscientious and dedicated’ Ying Fu specialises in advising on energy and natural resources M&A transactions.

South Korea > Projects and energy: foreign firms

With a dedicated practice on the ground in Seoul, Linklaters LLP handles the full range of advisory matters, supporting international investors and corporations in major inbound transactions, particularly investments into renewable energy, local commercial banks and Korean ECAs. Practice leader and managing partner Joo Hee Lee specialises in multi-source project finance and project development, while energy and infrastructure expert James McLaren advises on offshore windfarm projects. Associate Jenny Jo is also recommended.

Philippines > Foreign firms

Under the collective leadership of James McLaren, Philip Badge and Amit Singh, Linklaters has a dedicated Philippines desk which comprises eminent practitioners practising out of Singapore and Hong Kong. The team receives a regular flow of instructions on a broad range of high-profile mandates involving governments and international entities. It also enjoys an excellent relationship with major investment banks, international private equity houses and multinational corporates. Philip Badge is recognised for his expertise on complex cross-border structured finance transactions, and leads the team jointly with Amit Singh, who has considerable experience in the international capital markets, as well as head of energy and natural resources James McLaren. Sophie Mathur is another key figure and acts as Asia Head of corporate.

Saudi Arabia > Commercial, corporate and M&A

The Linklaters corporate team opened its Riyadh office in May 2023. Waleed Rasromani leads the practice with strong experience in advising on the sale-and-leaseback of large telecoms portfolios and digital infrastructure. Amro Bakhaidar is also noted. Scott Campbell and Nicholas Edwards support the team from the firm's Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, respectively.

Singapore > International arbitration

The international arbitration practice at Linklaters is noted for its capability in domestic and multi-jurisdictional commercial arbitration and investment arbitration. The team enjoys a strong reputation in multiple fields, acting across a wide range of sectors including private equity, energy, infrastructure, and technology. Jelita Pandjaitan is the head of the team, with particular knowledge of financial and energy-related arbitrations. The group continues to expand, with the arrival of Rebecca James from the firm's London office in November 2022, and Andrew Battisson from Norton Rose Fulbright in June 2023. At counsel level, Hansel Ng is ‘outstanding’.

United States > Tax > US taxes: non-contentious

Noted for its representation of leading private equity funds, Linklaters LLP‘s broad tax expertise covers funds, capital raising transactions, asset acquisition and disposition deals, and financing arrangements. M&A, capital markets, and internal restructurings are also core workflows for the group. Washington DC-based David Brockway is at the forefront of the firm’s tax planning offering, placing particular emphasis on matters with a cross-border element, while Max Levine in New York has experience in the taxation of partnerships, REITs, domestic and offshore companies, sovereign wealth funds, and tax-exempt investors. Notable arrivals include New York-based tech expert Gabriel Grossman from Goodwin, and Omer Harel from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in August 2022, who focuses on the European and Asian markets from the London office.