The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

David Isaac heads both the outsourcing and public sector practices at Pinsent Masons LLP, and regularly leads on major procurements and renegotiations. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is a new client, and instructed the team in relation to a £1bn mixed infrastructure and services project to provide superfast broadband. Simon Colvin led a team advising the Ministry of Justice on several high-value public sector procurement matters. Chartis, AXA and BAE Systems are also clients. Marc Dautlich joined the team in September 2011 from Olswang, and contributes data protection and technology expertise. Peter Feehan enjoys an excellent reputation in the energy sector.

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Within Corporate tax Corporate tax

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Within Customs and Excise, Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP’s merger with McGrigors LLP brought expertise in customs duty, excise duty, landfill tax, aggregate levy matters, and alcohol and brewing-related issues. James Bullock and Jason Collins are recommended. Former team head David Anderson left for PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal LLP

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Within EU and competition, tier 5

Pinsent Masons LLP’s ‘solid’ and wide-ranging two-partner practice has experience in sectors such as construction, financial services, life sciences, manufacturing, media and transport. The firm acted for Galliford Try in the OFT’s construction cartel investigation, and assisted DCC Energy UK in relation to its involvement in the Off-Grid Energy Market Study. Group head Guy Lougher and Alan Davis are recommended.

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Within Financial services, tier 4

Recent work for Pinsent Masons LLP includes advising the Association of Member Directed Pension Schemes on whether its members should pay the interim Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy. The firm has a dedicated insurance sector regulatory team and financial products team. Tim Dolan is a key contact. Michael Lewis joined from Norton Rose LLP.

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Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

At ‘hungry firm’ Pinsent Masons LLP, Jon Harris is ‘knowledgeable, creative and flexible, and has excellent tact’; and Russell Booker is ‘an oasis of calm’, and has ‘tremendous experience’. Sean Page advised Strand Hanson on the LSE IPO of Renaissance Russia Infrastructure. Advising MoneySwap on its £20m AIM admission was another highlight. The firm’s merger with McGrigors LLP was a boost to the team’s energy sector expertise.

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Within M&A: mid-market, £50m-£250m, Pinsent Masons LLP is a first tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP’s ability to tap a rich seam of FTSE corporates in the energy, mining and natural resources sectors makes it one of the leading mid-market players, with 2011 seeing it advise on $3.7bn-worth of UK transactions. Emerging markets work continued as a key theme; highlights included acting for AIM-listed Regal Petroleum on Energees Management’s £85.3m partial cash offer for a 70% stake in Regal. Andrew Masraf leads the 19-partner team.

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Within Private equity: transactions, tier 6

Led by Andrew Masraf, Pinsent Masons LLP continues to build out its private equity practice, and provides an increasingly co-ordinated approach regionally and internationally. Tom Leman is noted for work in the retail and leisure sectors. Clients include ISIS, LDC and ECI.

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Within VAT and indirect tax, tier 4

James Bullock is recommended at Pinsent Masons LLP.

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Within Fraud: civil, tier 4

Pinsent Masons LLP’s team includes the ‘first-rate’ Mohan Bhaskaran, who is based in Leeds; the ‘astute’ William Christopher; and the ‘massively talented’ Yuri Botiuk, who is now a partner. Clients include major financial institutions, public bodies and major companies.

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Within Fraud: corporate crime, Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP has a ‘top-notch’ team. Recent highlights include advising a household name on an internal investigation in connection with the Arab Spring. William Christopher is ‘extremely knowledgeable’, and Barry Vitou ‘has his finger on the pulse’.

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Within Fraud: white-collar crime, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP’s team includes the ‘very knowledgeable’ Barry Vitou and ‘extremely experienced’ senior associate Neil McInnes. Recent highlights include acting for a director in a criminal investigation, as part of a wider investigation, into allegations of serious fraud.

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Within Gaming and betting, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

With ‘an excellent grasp of regulatory issues and commercial demands’, the team at Pinsent Masons LLP is highlighted for its ‘commercial expertise’. Practice head Susan Biddle provides ‘pertinent and sound advice’. Michael Lewis joined from Norton Rose LLP, and Trevor Watkins joined from Clarke Willmott LLP.

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Within Commercial litigation, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP acts for governments and global companies in complex disputes, and is a go-to firm for IT litigation. Nigel Kissack is litigation head; David Barker and David McIlwaine are ‘incredibly hardworking litigators’. Stefan Paciorek - Richard Slaven and Rob McCallough are also rated. Formerly at McGrigors LLP, Katharine Davies is a ‘formidable litigator’; Michael Fenn is a ‘superb team leader’; Yuri Botiuk is an ‘inspirational partner’; and Ben Fairhead is an ‘unflappable star in the making’.

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Within International arbitration, tier 5

Known for its expertise in international construction arbitration, Pinsent Masons LLP also acts in arbitrations involving IT, IP, energy and general commercial matters. Mark Roe, Rob McCallough, Michael Stewart, Stefan Paciorek and Virginie Colaiuta are key contacts.

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Within Mediators, Pinsent Masons LLP is a first tier firm,

With an ‘informal, proactive and engaging’ style, the ‘highly effective’ Andrew Paton at Pinsent Masons LLP undertook 66 mediations in 2011, and his experience as a solicitor means he is a popular choice for construction, property and professional negligence disputes, as well as wider commercial matters. He is no stranger to complex disputes, and clients praise his ability to handle multiple parties. He is also commended for his ‘impressive and critical behind-the-scenes follow-ups with the parties’, and ‘good handle on the dynamics’.

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Within Overview,

Mergers among law firms have also been to the benefit of certain litigation teams, most notably those between Clyde & Co LLP and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP, which created one of the largest dispute resolution practices of any UK law firm, and Davies Arnold Cooper LLP and Beachcroft, to form DAC Beachcroft LLP. Also of note was Pinsent Masons LLP’s joining forces with McGrigors LLP.

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Within Tax litigation, Pinsent Masons LLP is a first tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP joins the top tier following its merger with McGrigors LLP, which had great strength in the field. The team ‘combines good technical tax skills with proven litigation experience’, and includes Ian Hyde, Jonathan Fortnam and James Bullock, who can make a ‘realistic assessment of what is, and what is not, possible’. It acted for UBS in its appeal of the decision of the First Tier Tax Tribunal relating to the tax treatment of UBS’ bonus structure.

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Within Acquisition finance, tier 5

Headed by Martin Bishop, Pinsent Masons LLP’s team is increasingly visible in the London market, and is aided by strong regional resources. Although the practice is lender focused, the team has recently seen a spike in borrower mandates, including advising HIG on the financing associated with its acquisition of Silentnight. Bank clients include HSBC and Lloyds.

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Within Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans, tier 4

Pinsent Masons LLP is winning increasingly high-quality instructions including cross-border event-driven financings in the syndicated loans market. Chris Tart recently advised an international group of lenders as mandated lead arrangers on $550m of facilities for Spectris for its acquisition of a US business. HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Clydesdale Bank are clients.

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Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, tier 4

Bolstered by the arrival of three experienced partners from Lawrence Graham LLP, including Tom Withyman, Pinsent Masons LLP’s London practice has the platform to gain market share. The lateral hires bring credible relationships with a number of IPs, to add to the firm’s existing ties with the UK clearing banks. Jamie White advised Better Capital on its acquisition of Santia from the administrators of Connaught plc. Team head Richard Williams has an excellent reputation for construction-related insolvency matters.

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Within Investment funds Investment funds

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Within Employee share schemes, tier 4

Pinsent Masons LLP acts for a broad range of clients including Allianz Capital Partners, Misys, and new client Hampson Industries. It advised Speedy Hire on performance share plans, all-employee plans and awards to overseas employees. It also acted for Pace on corporate tax and share plans aspects of its acquisition of 2Wire. Judith Greaves is recommended. Rory Cray left to join a remuneration consultancy firm.

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Within Employment: employers and senior executives, tier 4

Pinsent Masons LLP’s merger with McGrigors LLP brought some valuable clients to the employment practice and two new partners in Gary Freer, who has ‘expertise in all areas’, and the ‘outstanding’ Nick Thomas, but the firm also lost well-respected partner Bob Mecrate-Butcher to Charles Russell LLP. The firm’s national reach allows for a cost-effective approach, in favour of an impressive array of clients such as HSBC, Asda, AXA and Bombardier.

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Within Health and safety, Pinsent Masons LLP is a first tier firm,

In 2011, Pinsent Masons LLP concluded its work on the first corporate manslaughter case, for Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings and one of its managing directors. Delivering a ‘high-end’ service, it has a strong presence in the construction industry, and is increasingly representing manufacturing clients. Simon Joyston-Bechal heads the practice.

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Within Immigration,

Also notable for their work in the area of immigration are: Birnberg Peirce & Partners; Blake Lapthorn; Blakemores; Clifford Chance; Davenport Lyons; Dundas & Wilson LLP; Eversheds LLP; Luqmani Thompson & Partners; Macfarlanes LLP; Paragon Law; Pinsent Masons LLP; QualitySolicitors FJG; RadcliffesLeBrasseur; Russell-Cooke LLP; Simons Muirhead & Burton; Travers Smith LLP; and Watson, Farley & Williams LLP.

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Within Overview,

Against this, there is increased competition from in-house teams which continue to up-skill, particularly in the banking sector, and from third-party HR advisers and claims handlers; and the prevailing economic climate is having a heavy impact on the available legal spend. Shrewd clients have sought to commoditise work outside of the City and demand greater efficiency and alternative fee arrangements. National firms – notably Addleshaw Goddard LLP; DAC Beachcroft LLP; Eversheds LLP; and Pinsent Masons LLP – are well placed to capitalise on this while also handling top-end work from London.

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Within Pensions, Pinsent Masons LLP is a first tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP ‘goes from strength to strength’, and rises a tier in the non-contentious ranking. The team was boosted by the addition of McGrigors LLP’s pensions practitioners, including Katharine Davies in London. Alastair Meeks is ‘a very able lawyer and a wise strategist’; Christopher Berkeley ‘provides quality advice in a commercial and timely manner’; and Matthew De Ferrars takes ‘a very calm, knowledgeable approach’. Iona Whitaker and Raj Sharma are ‘thorough, calm and diligent as well as being communicative in a non-legalese manner’. On the litigation side, Carolyn Saunders is ‘hugely experienced and a very calm hand on the tiller’, and Isabel Nurse-Marsh is ‘energetic and tough’. Manchester-based Stephen Scholefield ‘knows the subject upside down and inside out; he’s never stuck for an answer, which may not always be the one you expect but is invariably based on impeccable logic and reasoning’. Clients include Nortel, Mercer, MF Global, the Pensions Protection Fund and HIG.

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Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, tier 6

Pinsent Masons LLP has a focus on the pensions, energy and construction sectors. Nick Bradley recently joined as head of insurance from Lawrence Graham LLP. Colin Read has experience in the niche area of nuclear insurance, and recently acted for an insurer in a complex reinsurance dispute concerning a South American pipeline claim. Also recommended are Alexis Roberts, Bruno Geiringer and Richard Slaven, whose experience includes critical illness policies. Clients include RSA, Allianz and Aviva.

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Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP has a strong client base in the composite market. Alexis Roberts has recently acted on a number of distribution deals, and Bruno Geiringer advised Zurich Financial Services on its investment management agreement with Threadneedle Asset Management for Zurich’s internal life and pension funds. Roger Fink has ‘a wonderful manner with clients’, and recently carried out key transactional work for RSA. Michael Lewis joined from Norton Rose LLP, bringing notable expertise in FSA advisory work.

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Within Insurance: insolvency and restructuring, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP has a focus on friendly societies and mutuals, which are seeing significant changes and restructuring. Bruno Geiringer recently advised Co-operative Financial Services, and has strong expertise in life company restructurings. Richard Williams acted for Grant Thornton on the pre-packaged administration of the Francis Townsend group.

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Within Product liability: defendant, tier 4

At Pinsent Masons LLP, recommended individuals include Simon Joyston-Bechal and associate Louise Nahon, who have medical and engineering backgrounds respectively; and the ‘very bright and extremely tenacious’ Andrew Masterson, who heads the practice.

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Within Professional negligence, tier 4

Colin Read heads an ‘excellent practice’ at Pinsent Masons LLP. Acting on both the claimant and defendant sides, the ‘formidable’ 14-partner team has experience across financial, insurance, construction, IT, pensions, property and tax cases. Noteworthy clients include Liberty, Hiscox, Torus and Mercer. Richard Slaven and Birmingham-based Jim Richards are ‘outstanding’.

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Within Family, tier 7

Pinsent Masons LLP’s Michael Pulford conducts high-end work for indivduals in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East.

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Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, tier 5

Pinsent Masons LLP joins the table following its 2012 merger with McGrigors LLP. Karl Woolley’s team has expertise in Swiss tax amnesties.

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Within Infrastructure, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP mainly advises sponsor, developer and government clients, with a strong focus on construction. Michael Allan led the team which assisted the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors consortia on the winning bid to build the Forth Replacement Crossing; and Mark Roe is currently advising the Ukrainian state entity responsible for the procurement of the new safe confinement at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

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Within Mining and minerals, tier 4

Handling an impressive flow of domestic and international contractual and corporate work, Pinsent Masons LLP recently advised Anglo American on its EPCM contract for a copper mining project in South America. Group head Sarah Thomas is recommended.

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Within Oil and gas, tier 5

Very active in contentious work, the team at Pinsent Masons LLP has experience in litigation in domestic and foreign courts, and in international arbitration. On the non-contentious side, it specialises in midstream and downstream matters for clients including Aker Solutions and Cameron International. Africa projects specialist Akshai Fofaria joined from Jones Day in May 2012.

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Within Overview,

Outside the top tiers, firms continued to develop their own brand, especially in power. Pinsent Masons LLP’s merger with McGrigors LLP raised the profile of an energy group already recognised as a potent force in nuclear; and regional firms such as Burges Salmon LLP and Bond Pearce LLP are well placed to take advantage of the domestic renewables space. Other firms continue to carve niches in specialist areas; examples include Bircham Dyson Bell LLP, in the area of planning.

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Within PFI and PPP, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP’s merger with McGrigors LLP in May 2012 significantly strengthened the firm’s UK infrastructure capability, and added to its already well-established reputation on international projects. Pre-merger highlights included acting for the government of the Republic of Cyprus on the redevelopment of the Larnaka Port and Parina PPP project.

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Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables), Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP has expertise in the areas of onshore and offshore wind, and nuclear new build and decommissioning. It recently advised East Anglia Offshore Wind Limited on procurement strategy for its offshore wind farm projects in the region. The firm hired Christopher White, formerly EDF Energy’s nuclear legal head, to co-lead the nuclear team with group head Paul Rice.

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Within Water, Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP’s water group is headed by Mark Lane, who has strong industry relationships. It continues to act for major client United Utilities in several environmental, regulatory and contentious matters, including a claim for damages brought by Manchester Ship Canal Company. The firm was also appointed to advise the UK Water Industry Research Council on the implications of reform of the sector.

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Within Administrative and public law, tier 6

Pinsent Masons LLP has expertise in local government and procurement work, and recently acquired additional depth through its merger with McGrigors LLP.

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Within Education: individuals Leading individuals: Education

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Within Education: institutions, Pinsent Masons LLP is a first tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP’s ‘excellent’ and ‘well-informed’ group acts for clients including the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, King’s College London and LSE. Highlights included advising on the merger of the University of London’s School of Pharmacy with UCL, via a transfer of assets under a business transfer agreement. Victoria Goddard has been leading on a procurement and development project for the University of Manchester. Practice head Nicola Hart and associate Gayle Ditchburn make ‘a formidable team’.

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Within Education: schools Leading individuals: Education

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Within Healthcare, Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

‘Top legal practice’ Pinsent Masons LLP provides ‘unparalleled support’, and ‘outstanding creative and innovative advice’. It advises on outsourcing, PPP, asset-based investment vehicles and joint ventures, and was recently instructed to advise the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHS FT on procurement of a private sector partner. Barry Francis is highlighted for his ‘superb innovation and creativity and value-added options’, and associate Carly Caton provides ‘exceptionally high-quality and timely work’. Michael Boyd joined DWF LLP.

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Within Local government, Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP won a number of new panel appointments and now acts for over 100 local government clients nationally. The team has established expertise in complex PPP projects but has a broad spread of skills. It is advising on Westminster’s long-term housing renewal strategy, and continues to represent three host local authorities in relation to the Hinkley Point C nuclear project in Somerset. Birmingham-based Alan Aisbettand Manchester-based practice head Celia Cullen are recommended.

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Within Overview,

Within local government, firms are working closely with councils to prepare for the impact of the Localism Act. Local authorities are increasingly looking at cost-saving initiatives, such as major outsourcing projects, sharing services with other authorities and keeping more legal work in-house. Trowers & Hamlins LLP is at the forefront of this market, with Eversheds LLP, Nabarro LLP and Pinsent Masons LLP also key players.

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Within Commercial property, Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP has a more rounded practice following its merger with McGrigors LLP in May 2012. Major investment and development projects include ongoing advice to Earls Court and Olympia/Capital & Counties on London’s largest regeneration project. Adrian Barlow’s team is ‘personable, helpful and commercial’, and includes David Taylor and Graham Lust, who are ‘great to work with’ and have a ‘depth of skill’; the ‘flexible and hardworking’ Kevin Boa; and, on the hotels side, the ‘very proactive’ Claire Hughes.

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Within Construction, Pinsent Masons LLP is a first tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP remains the ‘doyen of contractor litigation’, and has the critical mass to handle a high volume of PPP and PFI related contentious matters. Richard Laudy advised a Balfour Beatty and Carillion joint venture on the East London Overground Line, and represented a contractor in a highway dispute at the High Court. The ‘excellent’ Mark Roe handles infrastructure arbitration, acting in disputes involving issues ranging from airport development contracts to oil pipelines in the Middle East. The ‘top-notch’ group of ‘true subject matter experts’ is also building its transactional practice, and relocated three partners from Bristol to London. The ‘tremendously supportive’ Martin Harman has ‘a lifetime’s experience of the industry’, and Sarah Thomas is ‘superb’.

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Within Environment, Pinsent Masons LLP is a second tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP’s environmental team is ‘highly regarded and very professional’, and is highlighted for its up-to-date knowledge, which is ‘deployed to clients ’ advantage’. It has seen an increase in nuclear-related work, adding GDF Suez, NuGeneration, and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to its client roster. The firm was also appointed as environmental legal adviser to E.ON. The London team includes the ‘particularly strong’ Richard Ford, and Simon Colvin, who is ‘very committed to clients’.

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Within Overview,

Nabarro LLP has longstanding relationships with major developers and landowners in London, and maintains a leading profile in property litigation. On the construction front, Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP and Pinsent Masons LLP are dominant, the latter also being notable for its ability to handle a high volume of PPP and PFI-related disputes.

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Within Planning, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP is valued for its ‘innovative solutions’ and ‘exceptionally competent’ lawyers; Richard Ford shows ‘good intellectual understanding’, and solicitor Victoria Lindsay is ‘diligent, very organised and thorough’. The firm is advising on the 8,000-home redevelopment at Earls Court and Olympia, and is acting for the ODA on proposals for the Legacy Communities Scheme. It also attracted instructions on various energy projects.

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Within Property finance, tier 4

Pinsent Masons LLP is ‘reliable, with strong experience across the real estate finance disciplines’. HSBC instructed the practice on more than 35 deals in 2011, the majority involving debt between £10m and £125m. William Oliver is recommended.

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Within Property litigation, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP advises developers and property managers on rights of light strategy, and handles estate disputes for several leading universities. ‘Diligent’ and ‘attentive’ practice head Stuart Wortley represented The Noble Group in Crossco No 4 Unlimited at the High Court, while the ‘analytical’ Siobhan Cross assisted The Portman Estate with significant vacant possession settlements. Senior associate Melissa Thompson is growing the group’s presence in energy-related property disputes.

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Within Social housing: finance, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP hired new practice head Ian Roberts and associate Sarah Whitty from SNR Denton. It recently advised on the funding of the Gateways to Oldham Housing and Regeneration PFI. Kate Orviss is recommended.

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Within Social housing: local authorities and registered providers, tier 4

Pinsent Masons LLP advised Barking Riverside Ltd on a multibillion-pound sustainable development. Anne Bowden leads the practice, and David Meecham is ‘knowledgeable, professional and supportive’. New appointments include Ian Roberts and associate Simon Gardiner, who joined from SNR Denton and Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP respectively.

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Within Data protection, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP hired Marc Dautlich as practice head from Olswang in 2011, replacing Rosemary Jay, who joined Hunton & Williams. The remodelled team advises public sector bodies on information security and compliance issues, and has also been advising in relation to international legislation. Clients include AstraZeneca, Chartis and Scottish Power.

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Within Intellectual property, tier 4

Pinsent Masons LLP focuses on the retail and financial service sectors. Iain Connor continued to represent Interflora in its Google AdWords dispute with Marks and Spencer plc. Kim Walker handles non-contentious matters. Practice head Catrin Turner has ‘an authoritative manner and a very practical approach to IP problem-solving’. Senior associate Helyn Mensah joined from New Square Chambers.

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Within IT and telecoms, Pinsent Masons LLP is a first tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP handles a range of contentious and non-contentious commercial matters. It advised the government on the Broadband Delivery UK initiative, and has also been handling a number of IT disputes for public sector bodies. Other clients include AXA, Fujitsu Services and Centrica. Clive Seddon leads the team, with Simon Colvin experienced in IT projects, and David Isaac recommended for outsourcing transactions.

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Within Media and entertainment, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP’s six-partner publishing practice, led by Susan Biddle, was strengthened by the firm’s merger with McGrigors LLP and the lateral hire of Marc Dautlich from Olswang, Trevor Watkins from Clarke Willmott LLP, Helyn Mensah from Three New Square, and Danvers Baillieu from Winston & Strawn London. Head of IP Kim Walker and his ‘approachable, professional’ team are commended for their ability to do ‘a good, thorough job in a fraught atmosphere’. They advised the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on News Corporation’s bid for BskyB, and the London School of Economics on academic journal publishing. Iain Connor handles contentious work for Getty Images and GNM. The ‘calm, measured’ Jon Fell, who is based in Birmingham, is also singled out for praise.

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Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP is noted for its pharmaceutical IP expertise, with group head Clare Tunstall’s ‘depth of knowledge about the industry standing out’. Tunstall led for AAH Pharmaceuticals as one of the defendants in Warner-Lambert v Teva, and also advises on regulatory and transactional matters. Other clients include Teva, Ranbaxy, the Department of Health, and United Drug. Patent litigator Camilla Balleny joined from Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP.

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Within Sport, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Pinsent Masons LLP enhanced its resources with five new hires, most notably bringing new global head of sport Trevor Watkins and James Earl from Clarke Willmott LLP. The practice is now a key adviser to governing bodies and event organisers across several major sports, notably The FA, the Rugby Football League, the ODA, The Jockey Club, and new client GB Handball. It also represents clubs such as Manchester United FC and London Wasps RFC. Iain Connor is ‘knowledgeable and gives commercial advice’ on IP matters.

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Within Aviation, tier 5

Martin Harman heads the team at Pinsent Masons LLP, which focuses on aviation-related projects work. It acted for London Ashford Airport in relation to planning applications for a runway extension and new terminal building. It also advises Manchester Airport Group, Leeds Bradford Airport and Bouygues Batiment International.

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Within Rail, Pinsent Masons LLP is a third tier firm,

Recent work for the team at Pinsent Masons LLP includes advising Metrorex on the Bucharest Metro Line project. It also advises clients such as the Railway Procurement Agency, Córas Iompair Éireann, and Ianrod Éireann. Department head Richard Foley and the ‘reputable’ Jon Hart are singled out for praise. Raymond Beven recently left the firm to establish Beven Legal.

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