The Legal 500

Within Corporate tax, tier 4

Clients rate the service levels at Lovells LLP as ‘very good’. The practice has particular expertise in tax structuring, real estate and M&A work, with SABMiller, ITV, Argent Estates, Hermes, and Henderson Asset Management among its clients. Karen Hughes, Philip Gershuny and Philip Harle are praised for their ‘technical knowledge and practical approach’.

Within Customs & Excise, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

At Lovells LLP, Greg Sinfield is described by clients as ‘the perfect adviser’ for his strong contentious practice and VAT expertise.

Within Equity capital markets -UK capability, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP is a ‘real contender’ for mid-market ECM work. Led by the ‘seriously good’ Richard Brown, the team recently advised JPMorgan Cazenove on the €270m listing of Arawak Energy, and RBS Hoare Govett on the listing of Charter International. Maegen Morrison and Nicola Evans are also recommended.

Within Equity capital markets -US capability

Within EU and competition , tier 4

Although its team in London has just two partners, with Simon Polito (‘fantastic experience’, ‘unrivalled industry knowledge’) becoming a consultant, clients still praise Lovells LLP’s ‘strength in depth’, ‘strategic sense’ and ‘impressive track record’. It also maintains a large team of UK-qualified partners in Brussels. In 2008, Brussels partner Matthew Levitt advised Ofgem in its competition investigation into National Grid. London department head Susan Bright is ‘very knowledgeable’ and ‘user-friendly’, and Lesley Ainsworth is commended for her ‘in-depth knowledge’ of the grocery sector and her guidance on ‘regulatory strategy’, and advised Waitrose in connection with the Competition Commission’s grocery market investigation. Financial services, media and life sciences remain key sectors for the practice.

Within Financial services, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP’s ‘quality’ practice has been active in Payment Service Directive matters. The team advised on the launch of EuroCCP, and acted for Lloyds TSB in OFT proceedings concerning overdraft charges. Rachel Kent possesses ‘an impressive breadth and depth of regulatory knowledge’, and ‘the very bright’ Ailbhe Edgar and Philip Parish are recommended.

Within M&A - upper mid-market and premium deals, £250m+, tier 4

‘Comparing well with the Magic Circle and better value for money’, Lovells LLP attracts outstanding feedback from clients, particularly for deals up to £500m or with property aspects. The firm completed 43 UK deals at an impressive £2.7bn average, though this was partly helped by financial adviser roles on some of largest deals of the year such as Rio Tinto and British Energy. The firm is also a leader in insurance sector M&A, acting for Equitable Life on a high-profile £1.8bn business transfer. A range of partners are cited by clients, including Richard Ufland, who has ‘a keen mind but remains commercially grounded’; Maegan Morrison, (‘an excellent lawyer who inspires confidence and makes everything look easy’); Steven Bryan, who ‘has a handle on all the issues’; and the ‘irrepressibly client-centric’ Peter Watts.

Within M&A - upper mid-market and premium deals, £250m+, tier 4

‘Collegiate, skilful and professional in a relaxed Texan way;’ Vinson & Elkins RLLP does a good job of keeping its clients happy. Most have energy sector interests (notable examples are Sinopec, Devon Energy and Oman Oil); the London M&A team (which includes three UK-qualified partners) typically advises on the largest global deals in the sector. Francois Feuillat is the contact.

Within Outsourcing and procurement, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP’s outsourcing specialists have a strong reputation for acting on major customer-side transactions, where clients include Cineworld, ITV and SAB Miller. Recent work with the Post Office on its tender to the Department for Work and Pensions was a highlight, while the financial services sector has also been a fertile source of instructions. Andrew Skipper and Quentin Archer head the group.

Within Overview,

Often unfairly dismissed as corporate’s poor relations, its is the non-transactional practices that have prospered this year. That is good news for the more domestic City firms, with Ashurst LLP and SJ Berwin LLP troubling the top spots in EU and competition; Lovells LLP, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP and Travers Smith LLP achieving high rankings in financial services; and Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP making strides in corporate tax.

Within Private equity , tier 5

‘Class-act negotiator’ Alan Greenough and the ‘very good’ Tom Whelan maintain a practice with a good record in cross-border European deals at Lovells LLP. Standout recent work includes advising new client Ares Management on its investments into LK Bennett and Fila.

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

Lovells LLP boasts a leading indirect tax practice with particular expertise in contentious matters. It is advising LMUK, which operates the Nectar card loyalty scheme, in a referral to the European Court of Justice which could have wide-reaching implications. Greg Sinfield is ‘business-oriented’ and ‘the perfect adviser’.

Within Fraud - commercial and regulatory investigations, Lovells LLP is a first tier firm,

‘One of the best’, Lovells LLP has ‘excellent lawyers at every level’ who are ‘exceptionally good at what they do’; among them are Christopher Grierson, who ‘combines a highly strategic overview of large litigation with a grasp of the detail’; Jeremy Cole, who ‘brings organisation and order’; and associate Adam Silver, who attracts praise from clients. A highlight of 2008 was achieving a settlement for Alfa, Access Renova, a consortium of Russian shareholders in TNK-BP, after BP brought a tax indemnity claim against it.

Within Banking litigation, Lovells LLP is a first tier firm,

Lovells LLP’s combination of retail and investment banking expertise, and its leading contentious regulatory acumen, make it a ‘creative’ and ‘pre-eminent’ practice. With a prestigious history in the litigation environment, it has amassed an outstanding list of ‘seminal cases’. It represented Lloyds TSB in the overdraft charges test case, and Terra Firma in the headline Box Clever case. Jon Holland (‘unrivalled banking industry knowledge’, ‘sees issues from both sides and develops the client’s best points’) heads the department alongside seasoned figure Graham Huntley (‘possibly the best litigation partner in London’, a ‘brilliant tactician’, ‘willing to roll his sleeves up’). Philip Parish (a ‘very skilled litigator’, ‘very cerebral’, ‘knowledgeable’) impresses with his regulatory acumen, while Andrea Monks (‘incredibly user-friendly’) led on the bank charges test case.

Within Commercial litigation, Lovells LLP is a second tier firm,

Headed by the highly rated Patrick Sherrington, Lovells LLP offers clients one of the largest litigation teams in the City, with its size more than matched by its quality across a range of areas including corporate, insurance, energy and banking. This can be seen in the variety of critical instructions it receives from clients, including its representation of Alfa-Access-Renova on the high-profile TNK-BP dispute with BP. The firm is also advising the Government of Iceland on disputes relating to the banking crisis; Lloyds TSB in the overdraft charges test case; and Alfa Group on a multibillion-pound series of disputes in the UK and BVI. Lawson Caisley, Christopher Grierson, Chris Hardman and Andrea Monks are very well regarded.

Within Defamation and privacy

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

Michael Davison, who is ‘undoubtedly one of the leading practitioners in Europe’, heads a quality team at Lovells LLP that is praised for its ‘excellent response time, profound business knowledge, in-depth analysis and thorough understanding of the client’s business’. Recently it advised Alstom Technology on its dispute with Insigma Technology of China relating to an alleged breach of an agreement for the use of pollution control technology. Simon Nesbitt is highly recommended, as is the newly promoted Kieron O’Callaghan, who is praised for his ‘dedication and commitment’.

Within Mediators

Within Overview,

Thus far, the main beneficiaries have been those firms with strong backgrounds in banking and commodities, sectors which were the first victims of the fallout of the credit crunch and the resultant downturn. The former category is largely made up of Magic Circle and major City firms, such as Allen & Overy LLP, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Linklaters LLP, Herbert Smith LLP, Lovells LLP, Simmons & Simmons, and Slaughter and May, all of which have excellent track records in financial services related disputes. In the latter, firms with strong experience in areas such as shipping, including Clyde & Co LLP, Ince & Co, and Holman Fenwick Willan LLP, have benefited from an uptick in disputes, thanks largely to major fluctuations in commodities prices.

Within Public international law, tier 4

On the non-contentious side, Lovells LLP acts for several large multinationals on investment treaty matters, while on the contentious side it is currently acting for Barmek in the investment treaty arbitration it has brought against the Republic of Azerbaijan. Michael Davison heads the practice.

Within Tax litigation, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

The ‘responsive and practical’ contentious tax team at Lovells LLP demonstrates ‘technical expertise’ and provides a ‘very good level of service’. ‘Business-oriented’ Solicitor-advocate Greg Sinfield is ‘the perfect adviser’, and is regarded as the leading practitioner for contentious indirect tax matters.

Within Acquisition finance, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP’s practice under the ‘terrific’ Matthew Cottis has cultivated staunch relationships in the leveraged lending community, providing it with an excellent range of big-ticket work. Standout deals for 2008 included advising EDF on the debt financing of its £12.65bn acquisition of British Energy, and the lenders on the £1.23bn acquisition of Biffa by Montague Private Equity and Global Infrastructure Partners.

Within Asset finance and leasing, tier 5

Lovells LLP bolstered its asset finance team with the promotion of Matthew Andrews to partner, and continues to attract instructions from a strong client base, including DVB Bank SE and Deucalion Capital. Asia and Africa are particular regions of focus, with the team recently advising Doric Asset Finance on the financing and acquisition of aircraft for AirAsia. Robin Hallam and Andrew Taylor are highly recommended.

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

Headed by the ‘very responsive and knowledgeable’ Andrew Gamble, Lovells LLP’s 14-partner banking team continues to build on an already impressive roster of banking clients. A significant presence in the emerging markets, it recently secured a position on Barclays’ new legal panel in Russia, and has handled a number of pre-export finance deals for the likes of Deutsche Bank and Société Générale; with support from colleagues in Moscow, the team advised the latter (in conjunction with BNP Paribas) on a US$1.6bn pre-export syndicated loan facility to leading steel producer OJSC Novolipetsk Steel. ‘Experts in their field and fun to work with’, Matthew Cottis and Penny Angell have an excellent reputation in the market.

Within Commodities and futures - commodities, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP’s lawyers are ‘technically very accomplished’. Energy commodities - oil, gas, LNG - and metals are areas of particular strength. The team handles contract negotiations and disputes, and recently advised BHP Billiton on power supply agreements and Merrill Lynch Commodities on gas storage. Practice head David Moss and Richard Tyler (‘probably the best lawyer for oil in the UK’) are recommended.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Led by Robin Spencer, Lovells LLP’s ‘energetic and dedicated’ team provides ‘highly commercial’ advice to a range of banks, insolvency practitioners and corporates. At the heart of many of the problems affecting the financial services industry, the group advised the Icelandic government on the country’s banking crisis, and has also had high-profile involvement in SIV-related matters. Key members of the team include Stephen Foster (‘commercial and personable’); Joe Bannister (‘creative and pragmatic’); and Deborah Gregory (‘always available, prompt and clear thinking’).

Within Debt capital markets, tier 4

At Lovells LLP, Andrew Carey advised Badr Al Islami on Tamweel’s AED1.1bn sukuk, while US securities law expert Katherine Mulhern advised brewer SAB Miller on its US$1.25bn bond. Clients also value Kit Johnson’s trustee work.

Within Derivatives and structured products, tier 4

Lovells LLP’s focus on trustee work has been a boon, bringing in a number of long-term restructuring deals. David Hudd is widely acclaimed as a leading derivatives expert, and he and James Doyle are known for structured derivatives and SIV work.

Within Emerging markets, tier 4

Andrew Gamble at Lovells LLP is a ‘very fine legal adviser’.

Within Hedge funds, tier 4

Lovells LLP has been advising Martin Currie China ‘A’ Share Limited on a complex restructuring following the administration of Lehman Brothers in China. Erik Jamieson is highly recommended.

Within Investment funds, tier 4

Lovells LLP’s broad team is praised for its ‘excellent service and technically very sound advice’. On the property side it represented Henderson Global Investors on the establishment of the Henderson UK Outlet Mall Fund. Nicholas Holman’s team includes the ‘keen and available’ Erik Jamieson and the ‘experienced and commercially astute’ James McDonald.

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

Praised for its ‘high-quality service’, Lovells LLP recently acted on a US$5.6bn dual-currency syndicated Islamic financing facility for Investment Corporation of Dubai, and represented the sole bookrunner and syndicate of banks on a US$350m LSE-listed sukuk issue by the Government of Bahrain. Dubai-based global practice head Rahail Ali has ‘good relationships with the key shari’ah scholars from the region’.

Within Overview,

High-ranking practices outside the Magic Circle include Ashurst LLP, for acquisition finance and derivatives; Denton Wilde Sapte LLP, for restructuring, asset finance and trade finance; Lovells LLP, for Islamic and trade finance; Norton Rose LLP, for asset finance and Islamic finance; SJ Berwin LLP for investment funds; and Simmons & Simmons, for hedge funds and derivatives. Clyde & Co LLP, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP, Ince & Co and Reed Smith account for the top tier of the commodities ranking, a practice area which relies heavily on a complementary shipping practice.

Within Securitisation, tier 4

Lovells LLP saw 22 securitisations in 2008, totalling €14.8bn. David Hudd and Julian Craughan have been involved in a number of innovative deals, including advice to Calyon on a pre-securitisation warehouse facility for residential mortgages in Bahrain. Tauhid Ijaz is ‘very considered with a pleasant, engaging demeanour and incisive intellect’, and rising star Paul Apathy has ‘extremely high attention to detail and endurance’.

Within Trade finance, Lovells LLP is a second tier firm,

Lovells LLP is ‘reactive, helpful and very responsive’. The practice advised BNP Paribas and Société Générale on a US$1.6bn pre-export syndicated loan facility to OJSC Novolipetsk Steel, and represented Deutsche Bank AG as mandated lead arranger on a US$2.1bn pre-export finance facility to Kazakhstan-based copper producer Kazakhmys plc. Other clients include Citibank International plc, Rabobank and Stemcor. Department head Andrew Gamble is ‘exceptional at trade finance’, and has ‘good experience and contacts’. Andrew Taylor and Paul Oldman are also recommended.

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

The ‘very responsive’ Lovells LLP team offers ‘good commercial advice’ to a strong corporate client base, with particular expertise in takeovers and joint ventures. Highlights included acting for Christian Salvesen in its acquisition by Groupe Norbert Dentressangle, and advising SABMiller on the renewal of its employee share plans. The ‘technically excellent’ Louise Whitewright and ‘very competent’ Jessica McMichael are highly regarded.

Within Employment, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Clients value Lovells LLP for its continuing delivery of ‘good, practical advice given in a commercial way’. Recent work includes advising Invesco on the outsourcing of several functions to Bank of New York Mellon in addition to instructions from financial institutions on a range of high-value claims brought by individuals. David Harper is ‘very experienced and commercial’, and Naomi Feinstein is singled out for her ‘speedy responses and quality advice’. The team also has ‘strong associates who interface well with clients’.

Within Health and safety, tier 4

2008 saw Lovells LLP instructed on a number of fatal accident investigations. It also provided board training and corporate safety systems reviews for major media companies and global corporates in the mining, engineering and construction sectors. Christopher Norton and Gary Cassidy are the names to note.

Within Pensions (incl pensions dispute resolution), Lovells LLP is a first tier firm,

Many also predict a growth in litigation around defined contribution pensions. But at present the bulk of pensions litigation revolves around rectification issues, equalisation, employer debt and insolvency cases, and professional negligence claims. Almost all professional negligence claims can be relied on to settle. The most substantial pensions cases of the year were Foster Wheeler and Pilots, and the conclusion of the current phase of the Sea Containers case. Addleshaw Goddard LLP, Linklaters LLP, Lovells LLP, Pinsent Masons LLP, Sacker & Partners LLP and Simmons & Simmons all have litigation partners who spend all or a majority of their time on pensions disputes, but for the most part our rankings for contentious work reflect the ability of the pensions department to run a case in cooperation with colleagues from the commercial litigation team.

Within Pensions (incl pensions dispute resolution), Lovells LLP is a first tier firm,

Lovells LLP joins the top tier this year as a practice praised for ‘rapid and always well-argued’ advice on high-value matters, providing ‘insight’, ‘innovation’ and ‘dedication’; partners are ‘ably supported by associates, assistants and PSLs’, providing ‘added value that is immense’. Jane Samsworth, Katie Banks, Duncan Buchanan and Stephen Ito provide ‘sound technical knowledge’ on ‘complex matters’, rooted in ‘admirable commercial sense’ and ‘time taken to get to know’ the client. Disputes partner Angela Dimsdale Gill and Nicholas Heaton regularly feature in the headline pensions disputes in any given year. Associates Emma Higgs and Claire Southern ‘have developed hugely’ and ‘excel at explaining legal matters and positions in a way that lay people can grasp’. Edward Brown is also recommended.

Within Insurance - corporate and regulatory, Lovells LLP is a first tier firm,

Lovells LLP’s team, headed by John Young has ‘excellent technical knowledge’. Tim Goggin and Charles Rix are ‘easy to deal with’, Rachel Kent has ‘excellent transactional skills’, and David Sullivan is also highly rated. The firm advised LV on the proposed £150m acquisition of Highway Insurance Group, and Max Capital Group on its £11m acquisition of Imagine Group (UK). It has also been advising on areas such as the new codified directors’ duties, governance issues affecting life assurance companies, and issues relating to with-profits businesses.

Within Insurance - insolvency and restructuring, Lovells LLP is a first tier firm,

The ‘intelligent and personable’ Robin Spencer heads Lovells LLP’s practice, and Joe Bannister is noted as ‘going that extra mile’; the team has the ‘technical expertise, market savvy and resources to be able to do a good job’. It acted for Phoenix & London Assurance, part of the Pearl Group, in a groundbreaking restructuring of part of its £4.9bn with-profits fund, and advised the trustee of Cable & Wireless pension scheme on its landmark £1bn bulk annuity deal with Prudential. Alexander Wood is active in the area.

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

Lovells LLP’s team includes Nick Atkins (‘one of the real superstars’ at the firm), and Peter Taylor, who is highly thought of and ‘looks at all the angles of a case’. It is acting for Federal Mogul US Asbestos Trust in relation to asbestos claims, insurance and reinsurance coverage to the US Trust established by the s 524(g) Plan, and has also been involved in a sizeable number of arbitrations. ‘Having a North American office with equally good lawyers as its London office is an additional advantage’.

Within Overview,

London is a global hub for the insurance/reinsurance industry. Some lawyers are reaping the benefits of the challenging economic conditions; the upheaval in the financial markets has led to significant claims activity and insurance companies are now more likely to contest an insurance claim. While there has been a slow down in deal activity, strategic deals are still being done, with Part VII transfers continuing to dominate this area. On the regulatory side, Clifford Chance, Lovells LLP and Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP are among the leading firms. Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP, Clyde & Co LLP and Ince & Co remain strong on the insurance/reinsurance litigation front, with Herbert Smith LLP and Mayer Brown International LLP also having made considerable strides in this sector. The separate table for policyholder work reflects the fact that some law firms have a dedicated practice representing corporate entities on insurance matters.

Within Product liability - defendant, Lovells LLP is a first tier firm,

Lovells LLP’s team is ‘second to none: very knowledgeable and always offering focused, practical, and pragmatic advice’. The practice spans the pharmaceuticals, tobacco, telecoms, asbestos, and electrical and electronic sectors. The team is currently advising Merck & Co on the withdrawal of its VIOXX painkiller. Practice head John Meltzer gives ‘good strategic advice and understands the environment’, and Rod Freeman and Matthew Hibbert are also recommended.

Within Professional negligence, tier 4

The ‘tough’ 11-partner team at Lovells LLP is led by John Trotter. Focusing on high-profile, high-value work, the practice has a strong reputation in the area of legal professionals, and is increasingly active in accounting and actuary claims. Highlights included advising two directors of HAE Trustees Ltd, defending a claim seeking to make them personally liable for alleged breaches of trust by the trustee company. Angela Dimsdale Gill ‘always does an excellent job’.

Within Infrastructure, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP boasts a ‘very good depth of resource’ and always displays ‘broad knowledge of the business of the transaction’. The firm packs a punch in development and corporate matters, but over the past year it has particularly shone on the funds side, its mandate to advise Babcock & Brown European Infrastructure Fund on its £200m acquisition of a stake in Forth Ports being a case in point. Andrew Briggs is well regarded, and Andrew Gallagher is singled out as ‘solution orientated’.

Within Oil and gas, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP overcame market conditions to secure several new clients including Arabian Energy Services, Korea Gas Corporation, and Concorde Oil and Gas. Among its most recent transactions, group head John Cooper led the team that advised Urals Energy on its US$590m acquisition of a 35.3% interest in privately owned Russian exploration and production company OOO Taas-Yuriakh Neftegazodobycha.

Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) , tier 4

The team at Lovells LLP is a ‘dream to work with’, with group head Richard Tyler noted as ‘commercial and responsive’. Highlights included advising EDF on the £11bn financing of its acquisition of British Energy Group, and advising the lead arrangers on the London Riverside Waste to Energy Scheme project financing.

Within Private finance initiative(PFI) , Lovells LLP is a second tier firm,

Ashurst LLP bolstered its team in 2008 through the hire of Lovells LLP’s team head Jason Radford, who is ‘easy to deal with’ and ‘highly commercial’. The firm acted alongside Pinsent Masons LLP to advise the project companies on the £640m Greater Manchester Waste PFI, and also advised Environments for Learning on the first non-education PFI contract in the BSF programme - to build and operate two new leisure centres in Leeds. Mark Elsey heads a strong team that also includes Logan Mair, although Nick Avery recently left the firm.

Within Private finance initiative(PFI) , Lovells LLP is a second tier firm,

Lovells LLP suffered a blow with the departure of healthcare specialist Jason Radford to Ashurst LLP, but clients praise its ability to ‘always bring appropriate advice on board’ and say ‘their lawyers are the easiest to work with bar none’. Recent mandates include advising the lead arrangers on the financing of the Riverside Energy from Waste PFI. Andrew Briggs and Mike Matheou have a ‘strong understanding of the issues’, and Andrew Gallagher is ‘solutions oriented’. Adrian Walker heads the practice.

Within Water, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP won a role on the largest infrastructure acquisition to complete in the UK in 2008, acting for Infracapital Partners on the acquisition and subsequent refinancing of Kelda Water, including the equity structuring of the acquisition. Andrew Briggs is recommended as ‘very commercial and pragmatic’.

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

Lovells LLP ‘has very strong expertise and a strong team - they always bend over backwards to accommodate us’; ‘they are pragmatic, commercial, proactive and give relevant advice’. Practice head Paul Dacam is ‘approachable, responsive and can prioritise when time is of the essence’, while associate Charles Brasted offers ‘detailed understanding of the relevant law’. Key clients include National Air Traffic Services, Ofgem, Sport England and T-Mobile.

Within Public affairs, Lovells LLP is a second tier firm,

Lovells LLP’s public affairs team is led by Paul Dacam, who is ‘very quick and on the ball’ and ‘understands the issues very well’. The practice has a ‘wealth of experience on tobacco issues’, representing British American Tobacco and the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association over Department of Health proposals on the display and branding of tobacco. Other clients include the Government of Iceland, Ofgem and Sport England.

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

Lovells LLP fields an impressive 13-partner team led by the inimitable Robert Kidby. The practice is ‘extremely responsive, proactive and knowledgeable, and its application of the strict legal knowledge to the commercial context of the deal is admirable’. Among its top-end work, it advised Henderson Global Investors on the establishment of a new fund, coupled with the acquisition of several factory outlet centres, in one of the largest retail deals of the year.

Within Construction, Lovells LLP is a second tier firm,

Gillian Thomas and John Gerszt’s team at Lovells LLP targets high-end projects and high-value disputes, and regularly attracts standalone work. The firm advised Dubai Ports World on the £1.5bn development of the London Gateway port project in Thurrock, and Rio Tinto on the proposed expansion of the Corumbá mine in Brazil, a projected US$2bn undertaking spanning three jurisdictions.

Within Construction, Lovells LLP is a second tier firm,

White & Case LLP boasts a comprehensive construction practice, strengthened by the lateral hire of Phillip Capper, formerly head of Lovells LLP’s international arbitration team. The firm has strength in large-scale international projects and boasts a formidable portfolio of emerging markets work, including advising Gazprom, E.ON, BASF and NV Nederlandse Gasunie on the €7.4bn Nord Stream Pipeline linking Russia to the EU via the Baltic Sea. Ellis Baker heads this high-end practice, which is currently handling a US$1bn-plus ICC arbitration.

Within Environment, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Regulatory compliance is a key feature of Lovells LLP’s wide-ranging practice, which advises private sector clients on investigations and prosecutions in relation to odour, sewage and oil pollution, as well as contaminated land issues. Christopher Norton is a leading climate change expert who has advised on pioneering REDD projects in South East Asia.

Within Planning, Lovells LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘extremely conscientious’ Michael Gallimore heads Lovells LLP’s ‘first-class’ team, which is frequently sought for advice on long-term mixed-use residential schemes as well as infrastructure projects. New client Land Securities instructed the firm on a 9,000-home mixed-use development in Essex, involving issues surrounding its proximity to Stansted Airport. Other new clients included The Dorchester and property investment firm SB2. The practice acted on a £250m first-of-its-kind energy park in Peterborough, including waste-to-energy planning matters, as well as a number of rail freight interchanges.

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

Mark Donald and Andrew Welbourn lead a ‘formidable’ team at Lovells LLP, which is ‘extremely responsive, proactive and knowledgeable, offering excellent insight and leadership’. The practice no doubt benefits from the excellence of the firm’s reputation in real estate. It advised Bank of Scotland on the provision of pan-Nordic real estate acquisition facilities valued at €500m to Nordic Aktiv Porperty Fund. ‘Application of the strict legal knowledge to the commercial context of the deal is at an admirable level.’

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

‘Highly professional and rigorous’, Lovells LLP has strengthened its insolvency capabilities and recently advised on increasing numbers of rent reviews. New client The Crown Estate was advised in connection with the proposed redevelopment of a strategic central London site. Nicholas Cheffings and Mathew Ditchburn are recommended.

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

Lovells LLP’s Richard Welfare enjoys an excellent market reputation as ‘a very good commercial lawyer, strong in acting for advertisers’, and is active in regulatory and ASA work in the field. Mars is a major client, and Welfare also advises Nintendo on celebrity endorsement agreements. The franchising practice represented the Post Office on a franchise agreement to open 50 bureaux de change in WH Smith stores. Commercial partner Peter Watts is rated for marketing work.

Within Intellectual property, Lovells LLP is a third tier firm,

Lovells LLP is increasingly developing significant strength in both telecoms and pharmaceuticals patent litigation - where it had a major win for Eli Lilly - and has ‘had an extremely busy two years’. Team head Robert Anderson delivers ‘high-class work’, while Stephen Bennett has ‘a big reputation and is the heir apparent’. Bennett acted for key client Merck & Co in work that resulted in the first Supplementary Protection Certificate for a ‘zero term’ to be granted by the UK Intellectual Property Office. Adam Cooke and the ‘committed’ Louise Zafer are recommended.

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

Lovells LLP added to its existing base of user-side IT clients, which includes Royal Mail and SABMiller, and rises in the rankings this year. Although Katrina Dick left for Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, the group continues to handle significant telecoms work, including securing a recent role advising all UK telecoms operators on the establishment of a central telephone number database. Mark Taylor was promoted to partner in 2008, while the ‘efficient and hard-working’ Conor Ward is recognised for his wide-ranging practice, which encompasses contentious and non-contentious matters. Quentin Archer leads the group.

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

Led by Peter Watts, Lovells LLP’s team offers ‘great technical knowledge combined with good commercial sense’ supported by the firm’s international reach and ‘excellent assistant solicitors’. Having advised H Bauer on its £1.1bn acquisition of Emap’s consumer magazines and radio businesses, the firm continues to advise the acquired business. Key clients include ITV, Trinity Mirror, Nintendo and PPL. Penny Thornton and Richard Welfare are recommended.

Within Overview,

Among the City law firms, Herbert Smith LLP in particular has a growing reputation in the TMT sector, and has notable patent litigation prowess. Allen & Overy LLP is also strong in IP, while Lovells LLP and Birmingham-based Wragge & Co LLP both have an international dimension to their practices. Simmons & Simmons has a genuine specialist interest in the TMT sector, while very few firms are able to compete with Baker & McKenzie LLP for its level of expertise on issues surrounding the convergence of telecoms and IT services. DLA Piper UK LLP has strong all-round IP strength, while SJ Berwin LLP is also highly regarded despite closing its top-tier film finance department.

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

Lovells LLP is highly visible on patent work but also has a very broad life sciences practice, including regulatory work through the life cycle of products and clinical trials. John Meltzer’s product liability practice is extremely strong, while Stephen Bennett successfully acted for Eli Lilly in a patent dispute over a chemotherapy drug. Clients say ‘service levels and industry knowledge are excellent’.

Within Rail, tier 4

Lovells LLP’s emphasis on heavy rail infrastructure and contentious work for the likes of Tube Lines and Network Rail means it has had a busy 2008, with work emanating from abroad as well as domestically. ‘Incisive and experienced’ team head Mike Matheou and ‘committed and hardworking’ of-counsel Christopher Cross are both recommended.