The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP combines day-to-day contractual work for the likes of Waitrose and Nintendo with large-scale outsourcing and procurement projects. It is ‘commercially oriented and focused on solving problems’, and clients particularly rate the ‘significant direct participation by partners where appropriate’; ‘technically strong commercial lawyer’ Paul Joukador and Mark Taylor are singled out. Highlights for 2010 included advising Citi Infrastructure Investors in relation to long-term management services agreements arising from its acquisition of a majority stake in DP World’s Australian shipping terminal operator business.

Within Corporate tax, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP provides ‘consistently high standards of service and support’ to key clients such as Prudential, SABMiller, ITV, and Henderson Global Investors. Key matters for the team included acting for Straumur-Burdaras Investment Bank on the €2.3bn restructuring of creditor claims pursuant to a court-approved composition agreement, and for Santander on the integration of Alliance & Leicester’s business in the Santander Group. Head of the practice Karen Hughes is popular with clients, and Kevin Ashman and Philip Gershuny are also recommended.

Within Customs and Excise Customs and Excise

Within Equity capital markets: UK capability, tier 4

Richard Brown’s ‘excellent’ team at Hogan Lovells International LLP is highly regarded for its energy sector expertise, and recently advised Coal of Africa on a £55m placing of new shares. The team also acted for BoA Merrill Lynch and others on Flybe’s IPO in 2010; and advised key client JP Morgan Cazenove, together with Greenhill & Co, on Findel’s £80.5m rights issue and placing. Maegen Morrison is recommended.

Within Equity capital markets: US capability, tier 5

Hogan Lovells International LLP lost Katherine Mulhern to Kaye Scholer LLP in 2010. However, since the May 2010 merger, the firm’s US capabilities have broadened, and Peter Kohl and John Basnage are active in capital markets transactions, with recent work including the Flybe IPO.

Within EU and competition , Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Following the firm’s well-publicised merger, and the arrival from WilmerHale of Suyong Kim (‘clearly a respected authority within this sector’), Hogan Lovells International LLP ‘can match the Magic Circle pound for pound’. In addition to its enhanced global reach, the team has also increased its profile in large-scale litigation; it is, for example, defending Dw/\r Cymru Cyfyngedig (Welsh Water) in a purported follow-on claim brought by Albion Water in the CAT. Simon Polito, Christopher Hutton and Lesley Ainsworth are all highly recommended. Susan Bright is experienced in financial services related work.

Within Financial services, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s Rachel Kent has ‘excellent market knowledge’, and Dominic Hill is experienced in systems, governance, prudential supervision, conduct of business, and outsourcing projects. Emily Reid’s ‘knowledge of banking sector products is phenomenal’, and Roger Tym ‘provides commercially focused advice’. The team acted for Santander in relation to FSA issues concerning the integration of Alliance & Leicester’s business in the Santander Group. Ailbhe Edgar gives ‘robust advice’, and Philip Parish has ‘great expertise’.

Within M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, 250m+, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP has particular strength in the energy, life sciences and insurance fields. With the bedding down of the firm’s merger playing well into these sectors, it has also seen some notable matters outside of these areas. The highly rated Ben Higson advised Citi Infrastructure Partners in its $1.5bn acquisition of a majority stake in DP World’s Australian shipping terminal, and the team also handled a significant divestment for Ford and a $735m acquisition for Eurasian Natural Resources. Maegen Morrison is ‘self assured, and an excellent negotiator’, and Richard Ufland and Andrew Pearson also win plaudits from clients.

Within M&A: US law capability, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP has enhanced cross-border expertise following its merger. Todd Schafer is the standout figure, having taken a role advising Onexim Sports and Entertainment Holding on its $200m acquisition of an 80% stake in the New Jersey Nets basketball franchise.

Within Private equity: transactions , tier 5

Headed by the ‘very experienced and capable’ Alan Greenough, Hogan Lovells International LLP provides ‘timely, technically good and commercial’ advice to both management and sponsors. Highlights included advising Actis on its €118m acquisition of Vlisco from Gamma Holding. ‘Very thorough and responsive’ of counsel Keith Woodhouse is recommended.

Within VAT and indirect tax, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s group offers ‘very good, practical advice with excellent response times’, and has a notable specialism in contentious indirect tax matters, especially relating to financial services and property. The team acted for The ECU Group in an appeal on the VAT liability of multi-currency loans, and for Loyalty Management UK on an appeal to the ECJ relating to a business recovery scheme and potential for VAT recovery. Greg Sinfield is the key figure in the practice, and is well regarded by peers.

Within Venture capital, tier 5

At Hogan Lovells International LLP, Jeffrey Hurlburt has particular expertise in highly regulated sectors such as TMT, life sciences and energy.

Within Fraud: civil , Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP has a longstanding and dedicated practice focused exclusively on civil fraud matters. Recent work includes acting for JSC BTA Bank in claims brought against members of its former senior management team; proceedings so far have involved seven hearings in the Court of Appeal and the largest court-appointed receivership order ever granted by an English Court. Practice head Jeremy Cole is praised for his ‘meticulous approach’.

Within Fraud: corporate crime, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s global capability in this area is hard to beat; it has experience in conducting investigations in Africa and many CIS states, as well as strong US capability. The team has been particularly busy advising major international clients on the impact of the Bribery Act. Jeremy Cole leads the team.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP continues to benefit from its 2010 merger, with an increase in instructions involving cross-border issues. Recent work includes assisting banks in devising strategies for, and subsequently defending, mass consumer claims regarding the enforceability of credit card and loan agreements, and for the repayment of PPI. Jon Holland is ‘much sought after by clients for their trickiest problems and their high-profile disputes’. Andrea Monks is ‘truly an outstanding litigator. She is tactically brilliant and incredibly hardworking, and a delight to work with’. Louise Lamb has ‘excellent knowledge of banking products and operations’.

Within Commercial litigation, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

A ‘first-choice firm for professionalism’, Hogan Lovells International LLP was involved in bringing claims for JSC BTA Bank in London in relation to a series of apparently fraudulent transactions, and acted in three highly publicised pensions cases. Lawson Caisley ‘gives his clients a first-class response’. Patrick Sherrington, Chris Hardman and Andrea Monks are also recommended.

Within Defamation and privacy Defamation and privacy

Within International arbitration, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘determined and analytical’ practice head Michael Davison and Markus Burgstaller are experienced in advising on maximising investment protection and acting in investment disputes, and Davison has recently been active in telecoms and energy disputes. Simon Nesbitt is ‘very sharp’, and Kieron O’Callaghan is focused on energy, mining, commodities, international trade and natural resources. Clients appreciate the team’s ‘ability to react quickly in a truly international environment’.

Within Mediators Mediators

Within Public international law, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP is increasingly carving a niche in investment treaty disputes. The practice represented the Slovak Republic against the Eureko Group in a challenge to a jurisdictional award on the basis of the Netherlands-Slovak Republic BIT. Team head Michael Davison and Markus Burgstaller are recommended.

Within Tax litigation, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP is praised for its ‘practical advice’ and ‘excellent response times’, and acts in a diverse range of disputes, with the firm’s extremely strong VAT capabilities contributing to its strength in contentious indirect tax matters. The team acted for The ECU Group in a dispute with HMRC relating to the VAT liability of the management of foreign currency exposure of multi-currency loans, and for Weight Watchers UK in a VAT appeal relating to an assessment time limit extension. Greg Sinfield and Kevin Ashman are the key figures.

Within Acquisition finance, tier 5

Headed by the ‘commercial yet technical’ Penny Angell, Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ten-partner team has consolidated its position as a ‘market-leading lender practice’, advising the likes of Barclays, Citigroup and Credit Suisse. ‘Commercial, client focused and a market leader on intercreditor structuring’, Mathew Cottis is regularly at the forefront of the firm’s highest-profile deals, including its work for Goldman Sachs on the refinancing of Matalan. ‘Excellent at finding consensual routes through documentation’, Paul Mullen continues to work extensively for Ares Capital. On the borrower side, the firm was bolstered by the arrival of Stuart Brinkworth from SJ Berwin LLP.

Within Asset finance and leasing, tier 4

Able to tap into the firm’s greater international network post merger, and also benefitting from its strength in areas such as tax and capital markets, Hogan Lovells International LLP’s team has ‘excellent aircraft industry knowledge’. ‘Very pleasant and approachable’ team head Robin Hallam has an ‘extremely practical, commercial and no-nonsense attitude to transactions’, and along with the capital markets team recently advised the Export Credits Guarantee Department on two note issuances by Aercap. Austen Hall has an excellent reputation for corporate jet financings. The team was significantly strengthened by the arrival in May 2011 of Robert Fugard and Simon Gwynne from Linklaters LLP.

Within Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans , Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Now benefiting from increased reach following the firm’s merger, Hogan Lovells International LLP’s team provides an ‘exceptional’ service to an impressive roster of clients including Citigroup, Commerzbank, Credit Suisse, Jaguar Land Rover, Kuwait Energy Company and SAB Miller. Recent international work includes advising Deutsche Bank on a multi-jurisdictional borrowing base facility for Nyrstar. Colin Craik has strong ties with a number of blue-chip corporates, and recently advised X5 Retail Group, Russia’s largest retail chain group, on an $800m dual currency syndicated facility. The ‘exceptionally good’ Paul Oldman is ‘very strong at identifying the risks and providing commercial strategies’.

Within Commodities: derivatives Leading individuals

Within Commodities: physicals, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s team is ‘commercially minded and has a high degree of expertise’, particularly in energy disputes. Kieron O’Callaghan handles ICC and LCIA disputes. Head of arbitration Michael Davison and David Moss are also recommended, for disputes and crude oil trading matters respectively.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Debbie Gregory, Stephen Foster and Robin Spencer continue to drive forward the ‘very strong restructuring and insolvency’ practice at Hogan Lovells International LLP, which is noted for its ability to handle complex matters. The seven-partner team has seen a good share of work from the Icelandic crisis, including acting for Straumur-Burdaras Investment Bank on its €1.8bn restructuring. Other high-profile mandates included acting for PwC as administrators on the sale of the embattled EMI Music.

Within Debt capital markets, tier 4

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s team, under Sharon Lewis and David Hudd, is ‘very efficient’. With a strong corporate issuer MTN practice, it recently advised SABMiller on amendments to its $300m notes. Kit Johnson has an outstanding trustee practice.

Within Derivatives and structured products, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

At Hogan Lovells International LLP, David Hudd is valued for his ‘superb industry knowledge, and clear and commercial advice’; James Doyle is ‘undoubtedly one of the best capital markets lawyers of his generation’; and ‘ever-efficient’ of counsel Natasha Williams is also recommended. The team represent many insurers and pension funds, and recently assisted BNP Paribas in relation to equity derivatives platforms.

Within Emerging markets, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP counts Union Bank of Nigeria, Islamic Development Bank and Deutsche Bank among clients for Africa work. Andrew Gamble focuses a large proportion of his practice on Africa matters, and also advises on financings out of CEE. Andrew Carey has relocated to the firm’s Singapore office.

Within Investment funds, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP is a ‘strong team that is good value for money’ across private, hedge and listed funds. It advised John Laing Infrastructure Fund on its £270m LSE listing, and now represents three of the four infrastructure funds listed on the LSE’s main market. It advised on launching Threadneedle Asset Management Low-Carbon Workplace Fund and Lend Lease PFI/PPP Infrastructure Fund. Practice head Nicholas Holman is ‘very good and very knowledgeable’, and is ‘prepared to give a commercial view in addition to technical legal advice’. James McDonald and Erik Jamieson are recommended for real estate and hedge funds respectively.

Within Islamic finance, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘excellent’ team advised Citi and Liquidity House as joint lead managers on Kuveyt Türk’s $100m sukuk. Other clients include Dubai Islamic Bank, Morgan Stanley, Noor Islamic Bank, QInvest and Sharjah Islamic Bank. Dubai-based Rahail Ali is ‘experienced, efficient, and has a strong knowledge of shari ’ah structures, and an ability to think outside the box’.

Within Overview,

Instructed by a swathe of FTSE 100 corporates, Slaughter and May is the premier borrower-side practice in the market, and scores highly for bank lending and restructuring matters, where it continues to excel in government-led work. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is also very accomplished on the borrower side, in investment grade lending and acquisition finance, where it acts for an oustanding roster of private equity sponsors, and also in more esoteric areas such as derivatives, where it moves to the top tier this year. High-ranking practices outside the Magic Circle include Hogan Lovells International LLP, which moves up in the asset finance ranking having hired Simon Gwynne and Robert Fugard from Linklaters LLP, and also has a strong showing across restructuring, investment funds, and Islamic and trade finance; Ashurst LLP, across acquisition finance, investment funds, securitisation and derivatives; Norton Rose LLP, in asset finance, Islamic finance and emerging markets; SJ Berwin LLP, in investment funds; and Simmons & Simmons, in hedge funds and derivatives. As well as having strong asset finance practices, Clyde & Co LLP, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP and Reed Smith all feature in the top tier of the commodities (physicals) ranking.

Within Securitisation, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP has ‘superb industry knowledge’. Key figures are David Hudd and Julian Craughan; the latter advised FCE Bank on its £1.3bn Globaldrive securitisations. Tauhid Ijaz stands out for restructurings, infrastructure deals and regulatory capital work, including advising in relation to $1bn of credit-linked notes for a Russian financial institution. Dennis Dillon joined from Sidley Austin LLP, adding experience in conduit deals. James Doyle’s advice is ‘top notch from a legal point of view and always provided in a commercial manner’.

Within Trade finance, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s Andrew Gamble and Andrew Taylor are ‘quick and commercially minded’, with Gamble recently advising Deutsche Bank on a €500m structured facility for Belgium’s Nyrstar and the refinancing of an €850m facility for KME. Paul Oldman and Matthew Andrews are noted for their work in oil and metals. Other clients include Standard Bank, HSBC, Stemcor and Trafigura.

Within Employee share schemes, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

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

Within Employment, tier 4

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

Within Health and safety, tier 5

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

Within Overview,

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

Within Pensions, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

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

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

With Hogan Lovells International LLP’s burgeoning Madrid office strengthening its Latin American insurance practice, the London team is acting for several South American insurers in coverage disputes. It is also acting for Sompo Japan Insurance on policyholder challenges to a non-life Part VII transfer. Nick Atkins and Stuart Hill are the key figures, with Peter Taylor now a consultant after retiring from the partnership in December 2010.

Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP is a ‘market leader’ in corporate and regulatory insurance work, and has ‘excellent industry knowledge’. It acted for Alterra on transferring management of two Lloyd’s syndicates to Whittington, and advised on Paternoster’s £260m sale to Rothesay. Other clients include AEGON, Aioi, Berkshire Hathaway and Enstar. Practice head John Young, Tim Goggin, Charles Rix and David Sullivan are recommended. Peter Taylor retired from the partnership but remains a consultant.

Within Insurance: insolvency and restructuring, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

The highly regarded trio of Robin Spencer, Joe Bannister and Alexander Wood at Hogan Lovells International LLP continues to attract key mandates from clients such as Phoenix Group, Prudential, OIC Run-off and AEGON. The group’s wealth of experience includes restructuring a with-profits business in the UK through a scheme of arrangement.

Within Product liability: claimant Leading individuals

Within Product liability: defendant, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a first tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘broad practice’ is ‘particularly renowned in the manufacturing sector’, and has ‘a number of very good and sensible lawyers’. Recent key instructions include representing Merck in Vioxx litigation in the UK and certain other parts of Europe. Other clients include Vodafone, Toshiba and British American Tobacco, and the team has also been representing various clients on food safety and asbestos claims. Practice head John Meltzer and Rod Freeman are recommended.

Within Professional negligence, tier 4

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘high-quality’ team, headed by the ‘absolutely first-rate’ Nicholas Heaton, defended a solicitor and his insurers against serious allegations of breach of trust and fiduciary duty as director of a property investment company and trustee of two related family trusts. The group is also advising a major UK accountancy firm in a negligence action against brokers and insurance consultants following denial of coverage by professional indemnity insurers. The ‘excellent’ Angela Dimsdale Gill and consultant John Trotter are also recommended.

Within Infrastructure, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

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

Within Mining and minerals, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

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

Within Oil and gas, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

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

Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) , Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

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

Within Private finance initiative (PFI) , Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

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

Within Administrative and public law, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

‘One of the best City firms in the area’, Hogan Lovells International LLP provides ‘fantastic service’. The team combines regulatory and policy expertise, advising regulators, commercial claimants and public bodies including Tube Lines, Ofgem and Acromas. In 2010 it represented British American Tobacco in the judicial review of the ban on displaying tobacco products, and also represented NATS against claims made by airlines following the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis. The ‘very good’ Paul Dacam and ‘absolute star’ Charles Brasted both have ‘excellent judgement’. Associate Jamie Potter provides ‘invaluable support’.

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 Public affairs, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘first-rate’ team provides a ‘comprehensive range of expertise’. It is advising the Managed Funds Association on the EU short-selling proposal. It also advises the APPG on extraordinary rendition matters. Practice head Paul Dacam ‘knows what legislation will mean “on the ground”’. Partner Richard Welfare, of counsel Charles Brasted, and associate Jamie Potter are also recommended.

Within Commercial property, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP provides ‘absolutely first-rate service’, and the recent merger has particularly benefited the hotels and leisure element of the practice, where clients include Starwood and Le Meridien. The group acted on over 2,000 deals in 2010, totalling over £2bn in value. It won its first instruction from Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan: to negotiate a complex real estate development joint venture with the Crown Estate to redevelop the West End’s Gateway site. ‘Consummate networker’ Michael Stancombe, John Condliffe, Jackie Newstead, Victoria Sutcliffe, and Christopher Berry – who is ‘not fazed by dealing with counterparts at the highest level’ – are all recommended. Additionally, Dion Panambalana and associate Graham Cutts are ‘very responsive and knowledgeable’, and Daniel Norris is ‘right at the top of his game’.

Within Construction, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘pragmatic and responsive’ team recently advised the King’s Cross partnership on a sustainable space heating service in the King’s Cross development. It has also been kept busy with projects in overseas markets such as Latin America and Abu Dhabi. Practice head John Gerszt is recommended along with the energetic and ‘ever-practical’ Adrian Walker, and Mike Matheou for his ‘commercial understanding and drafting ability’.

Within Environment, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP handles climate change related regulatory and transactional matters. Practice head Christopher Norton ‘has a wonderful aptitude for explaining in layman’s terms, is very knowledgeable about environmental regulations, and is incredibly responsive’. On the contentious side, senior associate Magnus Burroughs is ‘very knowledgeable on environmental law, and provides practical advice’.

Within Planning, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s practice head Michael Gallimore is ‘very astute, approachable, calm and considered, and has excellent judgement’. He led advice to HelioSlough on its proposed rail freight redevelopment, including a High Court challenge against an appeal decision; and advised Royal Mail on developing three major London sites, including Rathbone Place. Claire Dutch is advising Ballymore on a City regeneration scheme and Covanta Energy on a proposed energy-from-waste plant. Other clients include British Land, John Lewis/Waitrose, and Prudential, as well as new clients Barratt Homes, Londonewcastle and Embassy Developments.

Within Property finance, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP is ‘commercially astute and focused on delivering the right solution’. The firm increased its bank panel representations, and has flourishing relationships with the German land banks. It advised Bank of Scotland and Deutsche Pfandbriefbank on a £171m term loan facility to refinance a commercial property portfolio. Mark Donald and Andrew Welbourn co-head the group, ‘bringing wide experience to each situation’.

Within Property litigation, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s efficient team recently advised Barclays in a series of professional negligence claims relating to advice given by solicitors that led to loans being issued to mortgage fraudsters. The ‘very engaging’ and ever-popular Nicholas Cheffings heads the practice, and ‘inspires confidence’. Newly promoted partner Mathew Ditchburn is also recommended, along with ‘capable and tenacious’ of counsel Dellah Gilbert and the ‘highly talented’ Paul Tonkin.

Within Brand management, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s Richard Welfare is ‘a completely safe pair of hands, who provides commercial, to-the-point advice’. His recent work includes advising Mars on its sponsorship of the England Football team, and Nintendo on the 2011 launch of the Nintendo 3DS. David Latham is advising new client Frito Lay on its UK trade mark portfolio, which includes the Walkers brand.

Within Intellectual property, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Robert Anderson heads Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘strong team of exceptional lawyers’. Daniel Brook and ‘rising star in the patent field’ Paul Brown were recently promoted to partner. The group draws on the firm’s international capabilities to handle multi-jurisdictional matters. ‘Brilliant litigator’ Stephen Bennett, who is ‘creative, pragmatic and a pleasure to work with’, represented mobile phone manufacturer HTC in patent litigation; and David Latham is representing Mattel in a long-running dispute with the creators of Facebook’s Scrabulous.

Within IT and telecoms, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘large, well-trained team’ provides ‘timely, appropriate advice’. Recent work for Conor Ward includes advising Cineworld on screening live sports events in 3D. Practice head Quentin Archer has ‘first-class industry knowledge’, and is assisting Willis with its email and data processing systems. Active clients include AEGON, Invesco and Royal Mail. The ‘diligent, conscientious’ Mark Taylor is chair of the London group of the Society for Computers and Law.

Within Media and entertainment, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a third tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘excellent’ team, led by Richard Welfare, recently advised Nintendo of Europe GmbH on celebrity endorsement agreements with talent including Helen Mirren and Ant and Dec. It advised the same client on regulatory and marketing issues associated with the launch of a major new product. Consultant Louise Zafer worked with colleagues in Europe and the US to advise Play.com in several trade mark oppositions. Mars is another active client. Adrian Walker is recommended for his ‘very strong business acumen’ and ‘good knowledge of TV production services contracts’, and Peter Watts is also recommended.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Hogan Lovells International LLP is a second tier firm,

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s practice has been strengthened by the firm’s recent merger, handling big-ticket deals that leverage its transatlantic presence. Richard Lewis advised Merck on the sale of the Merck BioManufacturing Network to Fujifilm. Stephen Bennett, who is ‘exceptional at complex IP’, represented Medinol and ALK-Abelló in patent revocation actions, and is one of only three law firm members of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry’s Intellectual Property Expert Network. Key clients include Eli Lilly, Merck, Baxter and BMS.

Within Sport, tier 6

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s practice, led by Andrew Skipper, advised Sport England on allocating the £10.5m lottery grant for the Olympics Velopark project. Richard Welfare advised Mars on sponsoring the England and Scotland football teams, and is leading a team providing pro bono advice to ParalympicsGB.

Within Rail, tier 4

Linklaters LLP is noted for its infrastructure, rolling stock and finance expertise. The group acted for the staple lenders on the £2.1bn purchase of HSBC Asset Finance’s train-leasing business, and represented Borealis Infrastructure and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan on the purchase of HS1. The team suffered the loss of Simon Gwynne and Robert Fugard to Hogan Lovells International LLP, but still has the expertise of Stuart Rowson, Ian Andrews and Fiona Hobbs.