The Legal 500

Within EU and competition

Within Financial services, tier 5

Insurance-focused firm Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is noted for its FSA enforcement work. The firm worked on several investigations in the retail stock broking context and three major market abuse investigations. Ian Mason is recommended for contentious matters. Recent hire from Fladgate LLP Rupert Connell advises investment firms on non-contentious issues.

Within Financial services, tier 5

Fulbright & Jaworski International LLP is ‘committed to delivering on time’. Lista Cannon handles a wide range of investigations by US regulators, and ex-Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP financial services regulatory head Chris Warren-Smith recently worked on an internal investigation into improper trading. Melanie Ryan joined from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP.

Within M&A - lower mid-marketdeals, £50m-£250m, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a third tier firm,

Keith Snedden’s six-partner corporate team at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP welcomed Simon Gamblin from Covington & Burling LLP in 2008. Corporate clients are a focal area, although one of the team’s most significant wins of the year was for a leading European investment bank.

Within Banking litigation, tier 5

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is well equipped to handle large-scale and complex litigation, and has a fine record in the banking arena. Much of the work is against investment banks, and among a broad variety of cases, it has represented numerous private equity houses. Julian Randall heads the department, which includes James Cooper (‘commercial’, ‘responsive’, ‘exudes experience’, explores ‘new routes of argument’) and Andrew Howell.

Within Commercial litigation, tier 4

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s ‘excellent’ team attracts high praise from clients for its ‘first-rate level of service’. When it comes to insurance related disputes it has few rivals, but its market-leading expertise is also there for more general commercial disputes. Recent highlights include advising the auditors Moore Stephens in the defence of a US$94m negligence claim brought by Stone & Rolls. Julian Randall’s team includes the highly rated Neil Jamieson, who is considered ‘upbeat with the right degree of aggressiveness’; and ‘tough, savvy litigator’ Andrew Horrocks, whose ‘advice is always spot on’: he ‘politely rattles the other side’.

Within International arbitration, tier 5

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s ‘comprehensive’ practice is jointly headed by Peter Flint and the ‘excellent’ Maurice Kenton, who is praised for his ‘high level of professionalism and great depth of experience’. The team is advising the Ukrainian Government on a multibillion-dollar dispute relating to its cancellation of Vanco International’s exploration licence in the BlackSea.

Within Commodities and futures - commodities, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a third tier firm,

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s commodities litigators act for a long list of buy- and sell-side clients especially on grain and vegoil plus some metals, oil and other work. In January 2009 the team represented Dera Commercial Establishment, a Jordanian trading house, in a dispute over the condition of US-originated corn. Litigation partner Richard Black is ‘very tenacious and hardworking’.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, tier 6

Headed by the ‘robust and commercial’ Jon Yorke, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s three-partner team is ‘particularly good at handling insurance-related insolvency matters’. As well as representing PwC in matters related to the administration of Lehman Brothers, the team is also advising KPMG on the liquidation of a significant Bermudan hedge fund. The addition of the ‘excellent’ Rupert Connell from Fladgate LLP in July 2008 has broadened the group’s expertise in the area.

Within Employment, tier 6

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP recently advised Banco Santander on integration planning following its acquisitions from RBS Consumer Finance, GE Money, Alliance & Leicester, and Bradford & Bingley, while new client wins include Ocado, Qantas and Estée Lauder. The team has ‘strength in depth, and is commercially aware and knowledgeable’. Robert Hill is recommended.

Within Health and safety, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a third tier firm,

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s team is headed by the ‘capable’ John Goodman and offers ‘good knowledge and valued advice given on sensitive matters’. It was appointed as adviser to the Coroner at the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes. 2008 saw instructions from large public sector clients on fatality cases. David Knapp brings a ‘measured approach to difficult cases’.

Within Pensions (incl pensions dispute resolution), tier 6

Mark Howard at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP has ‘very good depth of knowledge’, backed by ‘good responsiveness and overall service’.

Within Clinical negligence - defendant , Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a second tier firm,

With a ‘top-quality team’ led by Kevin Bitmead, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is praised for its strong multidisciplinary approach. In 2008, the department acted on several high-profile multimillion-pound cases including a highly contentious case involving a brain-damaged baby. Also recommended are associate director Claire Petts, who is ‘an absolute bundle of energy’; ‘incredibly bright’ catastrophic injury specialist Charles Brown; and healthcare expert Karen Keogh.

Within Insurance - corporate and regulatory, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a second tier firm,

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s clients appreciate its ‘personalised service and prompt, clear and helpful advice’. Stephen Browning is very knowledgeable about the Lloyd’s market, and has an ‘astonishing ability to master complex financial structures’. Mike Munro and James Parker are ‘available to discuss emerging issues in very short timescales’. The firm advised London Market Claims Services Limited (an association of major global insurers) on the outsourcing of health hazard insurance claims handling and settlement. Clients include Canopius Group and Novae Group.

Within Insurance - insolvency and restructuring, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a second tier firm,

Jon Yorke heads the group at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP and is appreciated as ‘commercial and having a very good understanding of insurance and insolvency issues’. The firm is advising longstanding client PwC as administrators of the Stirling Cooke Brown companies on the closing down of a long-running administration and scheme for a reinsurance broker. Other significant clients include Minster Group, and World Marine & General Insurance Company. The team was joined by Emily Benson as an associate director from the FSA.

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a first tier firm,

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP has ‘great reinsurance pedigree’ and is also widely respected for its insurance expertise, although it has seen some major changes at partner level; Roger Doulton has moved to Clyde & Co LLP, and Colin Croly has also left. The remaining partners continue to garner praise; practice head Jason Bright has ‘very good commercial acumen’; Clive O’Connell ‘knows insurance inside out’; David Abbott is ‘very responsive’; and Patrick Foss is ‘very knowledgeable’. The team is representing QBE in arbitration and in Commercial Court proceedings (currently subject to appeal to the Court of Appeal) in a dispute concerning the revocation of an agent’s authority to conduct the run-off of legal expenses/insurance business written for the principal under a binder.

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 Overview,

The demand for product liability advice has shown no signs of being adversely affected by the economic downturn; current EU and UK initiatives to facilitate consumer claims, together with the countercyclical increase in litigation, have led to a rise in clients’ instructions. Firms ranked in the top two tiers handle matters for insured companies, mainly in the tobacco, asbestos, consumer and pharmaceuticals industries. Beachcroft LLP, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP and Kennedys tend to represent insurance companies.

Within Personal injury - defendant, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a second tier firm,

Providing an ‘excellent level of service’, the ‘extremely responsive’ five-partner team at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is led by Kevin Bitmead. High-profile work in 2008 included acting for the Coroner of the De Menezes Inquest. Notable clients include Zurich Financial Services, Catlin, BBC and UPS. David Knapp specialises in the defence of claims against public bodies, and John Goodman has particular experience in stress-related claims. The ‘pragmatic’ Danielle Singer and the ‘impressive’ Charles Brown are also recommended.

Within Product liability - defendant, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a third tier firm,

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP advises numerous UK product liability insurers including Munich Re, and manufacturers Groupe Safran and BIC. In the automobile industry, the practice represents SAAB, and is currently defending Iveco in claims arising from allegedly defective component parts. Jason Bright is ‘highly respected for the quality of his advice and commercial sense’, and Giles Kavanagh and Mark Wing are also recommended.

Within Professional negligence, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a first tier firm,

Providing an ‘excellent overall level of service’, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is the ‘best all round in the market’, with a ‘responsive, practical, user-friendly’ team noted for its strength in depth. The 20-partner department is led by Sarah Clover, who is praised for her ‘commercial approach’ and ‘first-class knowledge’. Its ‘vast client base’ includes the Big Four accounting firms as well as insurance heavyweights Zurich Professional Limited, Fortis and ACE, and it has also acted for 31 out of the top 50 law firms and numerous construction professionals, surveyors and brokers. Head of the lawyers’ liability group Richard Harrison is ‘a first-rate lawyer always willing to go the extra mile to meet clients’ expectations’, and the ‘very experienced’ Neil Jamieson, the ‘quick and decisive’ Julian Randall and the ‘excellent’ Richard Dedman are singled out for praise.

Within Local government, tier 4

The team at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP, led by John Goodman, acts for numerous local authorities in London and the South East, focusing on property, employment, health and safety, education, data protection and freedom of information issues.

Within Commercial property

Within Construction, tier 5

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s construction disputes and risk management capabilities earned it a spot on contractor Carillion’s panel, increasing its recognition beyond its core insurer client base, which includes ACE, Catlin Group and QBE. Patrick Perry’s team also recently won several new contractors and international architects as clients.

Within Environment, tier 5

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s practice has a ‘strong reputation in the insurance market’, and is headed by Aidan Thomson, who combines ‘in-depth knowledge of the insurance market and environmental law’. The firm has an exemplary contentious record and regularly acts opposite the Environment Agency for insurers and reinsurers. New clients include Travelers Insurance Company and ACE Europe.

Within Overview,

More positively, firms with international networks - such as Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Clifford Chance, Linklaters LLP, Ashurst LLP and SJ Berwin LLP - will potentially weather the storm more easily as work comes in from a variety of sources. Property litigators are benefiting from an increasingly contentious market as the level of disputes continues to increase. Firms such as Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, Nabarro LLP, DLA Piper UK LLP, Linklaters LLP and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP are advising on some of the most visible property disputes.

Within Property litigation, tier 5

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP focuses on landlord and tenant matters, and property-related professional negligence claims. The team acted for Fladgate in litigation concerning a major commercial development on Oxford Street. Neil Jamieson is recommended.

Within IT and telecoms, tier 4

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is new to the ranking this year.

Within Aviation, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a first tier firm,

Straddling both the insurance and regulatory sides of the aviation field, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP has a uniformly strong practice that ‘combines a broad spread of expertise with focused industry knowledge at partner level’. The firm’s extensive liability practice has a strong insurance focus, with the team led by the ‘very experienced and client-friendly’ Giles Kavanagh. The firm has a significant presence in the Asian market and has recently established a São Paulo office to handle a growing workload from Latin America. Insurance litigation specialist Jeremy Shebson recently acted for the lead insurers in the Tam Airlines A320 crash at Congonhas Airport in Brazil, as well as defending Beijing Ground Handling Services on the largest claim brought so far in the Chinese courts. Regulatory expert Richard Gimblett has been advising BAE Systems on the investigation into the loss of an RAF Nimrod aircraft over Afghanistan in 2006. The team covers advice ranging from slot purchase and lease transactions to the implications of new tax regimes and safety regulations for the likes of Emirates and the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Nicholas Hughes is also recommended. Neil McGilchrist has left for Gates and Partners, while Sue Barham has recently rejoined the practice from the same firm.

Within Aviation, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a first tier firm,

Gates and Partners has been in aggressive expansion mode, hiring Neil McGilchrist, formerly of Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP, as a consultant, and Roger Whipp, former head of aviation at Wragge & Co LLP. The firm has an excellent reputation in the aviation insurance field, with founding partner Sean Gates highly respected for his 35 years’ aviation insurance experience. The firm is providing ongoing advice to easyJet and BA on all passenger and third party claims, as well as acting in the Nimrod inquest. On the regulatory side, the firm has been advising a number of corporate and private jet operators, although Sue Barham has returned to Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP. Paul Freeman is recommended for his litigation expertise.

Within Multi-modal, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is a second tier firm,

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP has expertise across all areas of shipping, transport, logistics and insurance work, acting on both contentious and non-contentious matters for cargo carriers and logistics clients that include UPS and Tokyo Marine. Nigel Wagland, Richard Gimblett and John Flaherty provide across-the-board service in transport litigation.

Within Overview,

The aviation industry was hit by a combination of surging oil prices and a flatlining economy, and has seen a number of high-profile bankruptcies, most notably in the low-cost carrier market. This - coupled with M&A activity as airlines look to absorb some of their weaker competitors, and the Competition Commission’s requirement that BAA sell three of its seven airports in the UK - has ensured a steady flow of activity for firms with strong regulatory practices. Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP and Beaumont & Son - Aviation at Clyde & Co continue to dominate the sector with their focus on both the regulatory and insurance sides of the business. Historically an industry that supports boutique practices among broader-based corporate firms, recent years have seen a number of high-profile mergers, most recently with boutique firm Lane & Partners merging with Bird & Bird LLP. There are a number of boutique firms still carving an aviation niche, notably Gates and Partners and Clark Ricketts LLP. Firms have reported growth in the Brazilian and broader Latin American markets, with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP opening an office in the region to handle the influx of regulatory and insurance work.

Within Shipping , tier 4

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP marine insurance work is especially strong, and the team was recently involved in three major marine losses. Bill of lading, shipyard and charterparty disputes work from owners and charterers has been on the increase, as has piracy activity. Patrick Foss is highly recommended; Nigel Wagland is a ‘great strategist’; and Tim Taylor ‘possesses the ability to be direct and strong when required, yet malleable when circumstances dictate’.