The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, tier 4

The dedicated practice at Simmons & Simmons LLP provides ‘fantastic advice’, and is ‘very strong in both advising on discrete points, and in supporting and leading commercial transactions’. Mark Dewar’s team undertakes multi-jurisdictional outsourcing and supply chain work and has a strong sector approach, focusing on financial services, TMT, life sciences, and energy and infrastructure. It advised O2/Telefónica on all aspects of its sale, leaseback and hire agreements with Macquarie; and assisted Manganese Bronze on a sales and distribution agreement with Chinese car manufacturer Geely. RBS, the MoD and Strauss Water are active clients. Alexander Brown and James Cotter are noted for their negotiation skills.

Within Corporate tax, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s full-service team is notable for its specialism in acting for financial institutions, with a particular focus on asset management and investment funds, while energy and infrastructure, life sciences and TMT are other sector strengths. It acted for AnaCap on the acquisition of Cabot Financial from Citigroup Capital UK by a new AnaCap fund. Martin Shah and Nick Cronkshaw are recommended.

Within Equity capital markets: UK capability, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP is highlighted for its ‘reasonable fees, excellent advice and high-quality, partner-led support’. Chris Horton is ‘very hands-on and practical, a leading lawyer’, and is advising underwriters including Deutsche Bank on a large emerging markets IPO. With Edward Baker and Colin Bole (who is ‘very hardworking, and never loses his enthusiasm’), Horton advised Rothschild as sponsor on the £208m reverse takeover and main market readmission of Wichford plc.

Within Equity capital markets: US capability, tier 5

Simmons & Simmons LLP has ‘a lean, partner-led team’ with ‘good knowledge of market practice’. Charles Hawes and the ‘very experienced’ Julian Perlmutter, who joined from the Hong Kong office of Clifford Chance, are recommended. Hawes advised HSBC in relation to the proposed London listing of GDRs by Qatar’s Aamal, including a Rule 144A US offering.

Within EU and competition, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP is ‘technically sound, responsive and pragmatic, and solutions focused’, and has expertise in investigations and complaints, multi-jurisdictional cartel work, merger control, public procurement, and state aid. It acted for Nippon Electric Glass of Japan on the settlement of the European Commission’s investigation into an alleged CRT glass cartel. Key names include team head Martin Smith, Tony Woodgate, and Oliver Heinisch, who is ‘very professional, with a deep understanding of EU competition law as well as the client’s industry’.

Within Financial services, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP provides both sell-side and buy-side advice. The team advised Citibank in respect of the Retail Distribution Review’s implementation. Sarah Bowles and Charlotte Stalin are recommended non-contentious lawyers. Darren Fox is a regulatory adviser to the hedge fund sector, and Jonathan Melrose is also highly rated. Robert Turner and Richard Sims are contentious experts. Insurance regulatory specialist Pollyanna Deane joined from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s Chris Horton ‘leads a very strong, solution-oriented team with good breadth and depth – its advice is of the highest quality’. The firm advised Secure Trust Bank on its AIM admission, and Kentz Corporation on its £548m move to the main market. Numis, Investec and Macquarie Capital are key clients.

Within M&A: premium deals, £250m+, tier 6

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s focus on the financial institutions, asset management, energy and infrastructure and life sciences sectors has driven its M&A transactional output. In 2011 it advised AnaCap Financial Partners on its tertiary buyout of Cabot Financial from Citigroup Capital UK Limited, and ED&F Man on the $255m acquisition of a 25% share in the company by Südzucker AG Mannheim/Ochsenfurt. Practice head Arthur Stewart ‘commands respect from both clients and counterparties’.

Within Private equity: transactions, tier 6

At Simmons & Simmons LLP, the ‘very proactive and commercial’ Gideon Sharp represented AnaCap on its tertiary buyout of Cabot Financial from Citigroup Capital and other institutional owners. The ‘utterly unflappable’ Arthur Stewart is ‘very commercial in his approach’, and heads a team whose increased market visibility is reflected in a client base that includes Oak Investment Partners, Gartmore and Mitsui Private Equity.

Within VAT and indirect tax, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP provides advice on VAT, stamp taxes and other indirect taxes to a wide range of clients, with a sector focus on financial institutions, asset management, TMT, energy and infrastructure, and life sciences. It recently acted for SRI in obtaining a favourable judgement from the Upper Tribunal. Paul Hale is recommended.

Within Fraud: civil, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a first tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP has a number of ‘outstanding individuals whose advice is first rate’; Philip Vaughan in particular is recommended, along with ‘calm’ practice head Nick Benwell. The team is acting for Prince Jefri of Brunei in his long-running multi-jurisdictional dispute with Brunei Investment Agency, and also acted for Munib Masri in worldwide litigation against two companies in the Consolidated Contractors Group. Patrick Boylan and Richard Sims are now partners.

Within Fraud: corporate crime, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

With a diverse practice, Simmons & Simmons LLP has recently advised on issues ranging from the falsification of accounts to false reporting to the regulator. Colin Passmore is ‘technically excellent’, and Nick Benwell is ‘very astute’. Also recommended are newly promoted partners Patrick Boylan and Richard Sims, and ‘industrious’ managing associate Claire McLeod.

Within Fraud: white-collar crime, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘very experienced’ Nick Benwell heads the team at Simmons & Simmons LLP. Highlights included representing a client in a high-profile SFO and US Department of Justice corruption investigation. Louise Delahunty is now at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP is noted for its ‘cross-departmental experience in respect of complicated structured products and CMBS transactions’. It acted for CRC Credit Fund Limited, in the LBIE client money case before the Supreme Court. Colin Passmore is ‘still the guru on privilege’. Robert Turner is ‘committed to fighting his corner’, and Richard Bunce is ‘pragmatic and responds well to litigation pressure’. Marc Thorley is also recommended. Former managing partner Mark Dawkins left the firm to join Bingham McCutchen (London) LLP.

Within Commercial litigation, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s team head Ian Hammond provides ‘commercially realistic advice’. The team advised the representative respondents for the unsegregated class of LBIE client money creditors, successfully defending a judgement at Supreme Court level. The firm is active across corporate crime matters, IP disputes, and insurance and professional risk litigation, and is noted for contentious anti-trust matters. Colin Passmore, Robert Turner, Nick Benwell, Philip Vaughan, Christopher Braithwaite, Richard Bunce, Caroline Hunter-Yeats and Marc Thorley are experienced litigators. Ed Crosse, who ‘quickly creates relationships with clients’, joined from Osborne Clarke.

Within International arbitration, tier 4

With notable international reach, Simmons & Simmons LLP stands out for enforcement battles. It recently acted on behalf of a BVI company in an arbitration relating to an option agreement. The team, which ‘comes up with novel solutions’, includes Simon Morgan, who is an ‘excellent manager of arbitration’, and the ‘highly attentive’ David Sandy.

Within Acquisition finance, tier 5

Simmons & Simmons LLP acts for a broad range of traditional and other finance providers, as well as sponsors. The team is picking up a good flow of acquisition finance mandates on the back of its pre-eminent reputation in investment funds, as these funds are increasingly providing liquidity in place of traditional lenders. Philip Abbott advised BlueCrest on the bank and bond financing of the buyout of Man Group plc and William Reeves’ investments. Simon Middleton has a good reputation for Nordic deals, and John Hayward, who recently joined from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, is also well regarded.

Within Asset finance and leasing, tier 4

Bolstered by the arrival in May 2012 of the ‘very knowledgeable and commercial’ Donna Ager from Clifford Chance, Simmons & Simmons LLP’s three-partner team is a significant player in the aviation arena. Team head Christopher Boresjo handles a range of mainstream commercial aviation transactions, and recently advised AerCap on a five-aircraft portfolio sale to Apollo Aviation. Mark Moody continues to handle a number of key export credit supported financings. Clients include Bank of America, Citibank, Finnair, and Aviation Capital Group.

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

James Bresslaw heads the team at Simmons & Simmons LLP, which is ‘respected and well liked’, and delivers ‘considered advice and commercially minded solutions’. It undertakes bank lending and borrowing mandates for the likes of HMV, Thomas Cook and BlueCrest as well as a gamut of prestigious banks and other financial institutions. 2011 saw John Hayward, Richard Hughes, Simon Kildahl, Bob Jones and Mark Waghorn join from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Within Commodities: derivatives, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a first tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP has ‘leading-edge buy-side and sell-side expertise’. Jonathan Melrose, Darren Fox and Charlotte Stalin, who has advised the Futures and Options Association on listed derivatives, are highly recommended. The firm advised leading extractive industry companies such as Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton on regulatory matters. Managing associates Richard Withers and Craig Bisson are rising stars.

Within Commodities: physicals Leading individuals: Commodities

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, tier 4

Part of the firm’s wider banking group, Simmons & Simmons LLP’s small team provides an ‘extremely high-quality service’ to clients including Thomas Cook Group, HMV and Deloitte. It is regularly involved in large multi-jurisdictional mandates, including advising numerous creditors of MF Global, and hedge fund clients as counterparties on the Lehman Brothers insolvency. Team head Peter Manning is an ‘excellent technical lawyer with a good commercial focus’, and Alan Gar is also recommended.

Within Debt capital markets, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Through Charles Hawes, Ian Sideris, David Roylance and Sean Bulmer, Simmons & Simmons LLP provides ‘cutting-edge technical advice’. Highlights included a CNY700m issue for BP Capital Markets, and a $65bn EMTN programme for JPMorgan.

Within Derivatives and structured products, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Jonathan Hammond’s financial markets team at Simmons & Simmons LLP combines specialist buy-side and sell-side derivatives expertise. Allan Yip represented Allianz Insurance on liquidity swaps for a €750m insurance asset portfolio. Sean Bulmer advised Deutsche Bank on retail structured products in Italy, Belgium and Germany. David Roylance advised on synthetic collateral swap obligations, and acted for an international investment bank on its total return swap facility. André Allee stands out for transactional and regulatory advice.

Within Emerging markets, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP ‘delivers a consistently high standard of work and displays a keen understanding of the local environment’. Highlights include advising a syndicate of banks on the financing of eight aircraft for Chile’s LAN Airlines. Philip Abbott is recommended, and David Nelligan generates ‘great rapport’.

Within Investment funds, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a first tier firm,

‘Commercial and to the point’, Simmons & Simmons LLP has ‘the number-one alternative investment funds team in London’. It is best known for its hedge funds work but also provides ‘excellent service and know-how’ for private equity and venture capital funds. Clients include Brevan Howard, BlueCrest, Marshall Wace, Old Mutual, RAB Capital and emerging managers such as Tyrus Capital. Steven Whittaker and the ‘consistently excellent’ Iain Cullen are recommended for hedge funds, and Neil Simmonds is an expert in retail and hedge funds. Private equity clients include Babson Capital Europe, Gottex and new gain Swisscom. David Williams joined from DLA Piper UK LLP in mid 2012, but the practice lost several lawyers including highly rated private equity specialist Noel Ainsworth, who joined Morgan Lewis, and Richard Slater, who retired.

Within Islamic finance, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s ‘very good’ practice has core expertise in shari’ah-compliant funds, certificate programmes and structured products. Clients include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Mashreqbank and QIB. Muneer Khan in Abu Dhabi is ‘probably one of the world’s top Islamic finance lawyers: he is considered and thoughtful, and respected by peers, clients and scholars’.

Within Overview,

Able to leverage its impressive roster of blue-chip corporates, Slaughter and May has the most impressive borrower-side practice in the market, and scores particularly highly for bank lending and restructuring work, where it continues to excel at high-profile matters emanating from the financial crisis. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP also stands out for borrower work, and is able to leverage this for top-quality debtor-side restructuring instructions, as well as acquisition finance and investment grade lending matters. High-ranking practices outside the Magic Circle include Hogan Lovells International LLP, which has a strong showing across restructuring, investment funds, asset finance, Islamic finance, and trade finance; Ashurst, for debt capital markets, acquisition finance and investment funds; Norton Rose LLP, for asset finance, Islamic finance and emerging markets; SJ Berwin LLP, for investment funds; and Simmons & Simmons LLP, for investment funds and derivatives. As well as having strong asset finance practices, Clyde & Co LLP, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP and Reed Smith also all feature in the top tier of the commodities (physicals) ranking.

Within Securitisation, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s ‘very knowledgeable and user-friendly’ team includes Simon Schiff (‘very hands-on’); Ian Sideris (‘very responsive and thorough’); the ‘very experienced’ James Bresslaw; and Michael Lorraine, who has ‘excellent attention to detail and is innovative with new structures’. Schiff and Lorraine advised Deutsche Bank on a bespoke mortgage portfolio financing platform.

Within Employee share schemes, tier 5

Monica Ma is recommended at Simmons & Simmons LLP.

Within Employment: employees/unions Leading individuals: Employment

Within Employment: employers and senior executives, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a first tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP has one of the best-respected practices in the market. It provides global strategy advice to the likes of AXA Group, GE Capital and Visa, and domestically handles high-impact litigation for major companies and financial institutions such as West LB. Simon Watson leads a ‘fantastic’, ‘top-quality’ team, and ‘understands the industry – there isn ’t much he hasn’t experienced’. The qualities of the ‘very technical’ Philip Bartlett are complemented by those of the ‘commercial’ Mark Hewland, who is ‘superb’.

Within Health and safety, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

The team at Simmons & Simmons LLP advised on regulatory matters in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium and throughout the EU in 2011, and is experienced in advising financial institutions and energy companies on the regulatory component of corporate transactions. Steven McNab is the main contact.

Within Overview,

From a law firm perspective, financial services remains a focal sector, in part because of the expanding regulatory and compliance obligations encroaching into employment law, such as the FSA regulatory code. Firms with strong regulatory teams are in demand, with Herbert Smith LLP, for instance, instructed by UBS to advise on its high-profile rogue trader case. Other leading employment practices, such as Allen & Overy LLP and Simmons & Simmons LLP, have long dominated the financial sector, but there is no room for complacency; there is a sense that even the investment banks are seeking value for money and considering firms other than traditional ‘finance’ firms for services.

Within Pensions, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP represents a number of high-profile pension schemes including Gallaher, GlaxoSmithKline and Zurich. The team also advised HMV on the pensions aspects of the sale of Waterstone’s, and Prudential in relation to the sale of Bache Commodities. Michael Wyman’s ‘approach is discreet, extremely thorough and professional’, and Monica Ma is also recommended. Ian Hammond and Caroline Hunter-Yeats have pensions litigation experience. The firm has a strong actuarial negligence practice.

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, tier 6

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s insurance group is headed by James Pollock, and focuses on financial institutions, D&O, product liability and professional liability disputes, often with an international element. It recently advised the European branch of a US insurer in relation to claims brought by an Italian public entity. Christopher Braithwaite, William Rodger and Caroline Hunter-Yeats are recommended.

Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP joins the ranking having hired Pollyanna Deane as head of its non-contentious insurance practice, from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP. Deane recently advised American Express on the insurance benefits being sold on cards, to ensure compliance with regulatory regimes globally. Other clients include Aegon and Mitsui.

Within Product liability: defendant, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Noted for its product safety expertise, Simmons & Simmons LLP advises on the entire supply chain of consumer products via its international network. Mark Dewar and his team are ‘truly experts in the field’ and ‘take the time to get to know the client’s products and processes’.

Within Professional negligence, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP has expertise across matters involving accountants, auditors, brokers, construction professionals, financial institutions, solicitors, surveyors and valuers. The ‘sound and reliable’ six-partner team is ‘technically excellent’, and recommended for its ‘high level of industry knowledge’. Team head James Pollock is an ‘excellent operator’; and Caroline Hunter-Yeats and Miles Alexander are ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘hardworking’. Felix Zimmermann recently joined from Plexus Law.

Within Infrastructure, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP advised the Ministry of Justice on the competitive dialogue procurement for four prisoner escort and custody services contracts. Juliet Reingold was appointed as head of energy and infrastructure in October 2011.

Within Mining and minerals, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP is advising shareholder SNC-Lavalin on the financing and restructuring of the Ambatovy nickel and cobalt project in Madagascar; and continues to advise Anglo American plc, BHP Billiton plc, Rio Tinto Group and Xstrata plc in relation to the UK Bribery Act 2010.

Within Oil and gas, tier 4

In 2011, Simmons & Simmons LLP added to its strong record in LNG by acting on matters involving all three of the UK’s terminals. In other notable gas work, the firm advised Petronas on the $1.1bn acquisition of shale gas assets in British Columbia. Martin Stewart-Smith joined Morgan Lewis in September 2011.

Within PFI and PPP, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP has strong relationships with governmental bodies, and in 2011 advised the MoD and the Department for Communities and Local Government on logistics and procurement projects respectively. Juliet Reingold heads the team.

Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables), Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP has a strong African projects practice, and recently assisted AES Corporation in reaching financial close on the Dibamba IPP in Cameroon. The firm is also advising AES on the Kribi IPP in the same country. Domestically, it has been active in CHT and energy-from-waste projects. Julian Nichol ‘cuts to the chase in his approach to negotiations’.

Within Water, tier 5

In 2011, Simmons & Simmons LLP advised various water companies on corporate, regulatory and contentious matters. Regulatory specialist Charles Bankes is a key contact.

Within Administrative and public law, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP is active within energy, life sciences, TMT and financial services. Recommended practitioner Philip Vaughan’s credentials include successfully representing a major oil and gas company in a Court of Appeal case relating to the Buncefield oil terminal explosion.

Within Commercial property, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP is expert in high-end investment fund and asset management work, and acted for West Invest Gesellschaft fur Investment Funds on the purchase and leaseback of the Malmaison Hotel, EC2. It also advised Four Seasons Healthcare regarding its care home portfolio. Nick Jones leads a growing team which ‘provides niche firm attention with the benefits of the larger practice’, and includes new partner Iain Macfarlane and managing associate Ali Crosthwaite, who ‘always provides valuable help’.

Within Construction, tier 5

Simmons & Simmons LLP provides advice on domestic energy-from-waste projects, and has ‘a depth of experience’ in representing international clients in construction and engineering disputes. Richard Dyton acts for Beckton Dickinson.

Within Environment, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP is known for its advice in cleantech and renewable energy, such as biomass. It has worked with IKEA as the company’s primary counsel on renewable energy matters within M&A. Steven McNab is a specialist in the field, and adopts ‘a balanced perspective so that he can see the key issues’.

Within Property finance, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP ‘provides a seamless service when pulling in expertise from different areas in the firm or when supervising associates’. Richard Hughes, Simon Kildahl and Mark Waghorn joined from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP and are popular with clients, as is Philip Abbott, who is ‘extremely good at the technical detail but also very commercial’. Recent mandates include advising Bawag psk on the refinancing of Soho House, Berlin.

Within Property litigation, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s ‘succinct’ and ‘commercial’ group advises landlords on break options, and commercial occupiers on portfolio restructuring, and has seen an increase in insolvency-driven instructions. Carol Hewson heads the practice, which was recently appointed to Virgin Media’s panel.

Within Brand management, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s brands practice is co-led by David Stone (soft IP) and Adrian Smith (clearance and brand protection). The practice advises clients such as E&J Gallo Winery and Hugo Boss on advertising and sponsorship, and advised Coca-Cola on its marketing strategies for the London 2012 Olympics. New clients include Procter & Gamble and Warner Chilcott plc, and it now manages trade mark portfolios for Fox Entertainment in the UK and for TK Maxx across Europe.

Within Data protection, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP is strong on UK and international matters, and advises technology developers and corporate clients such as HTC, Virgin Media, RBS and Huawei on compliance and regulatory issues. Alexander Brown is ‘a real genius, providing practical, helpful advice’.

Within Intellectual property, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s Richard Binns handles commercial IP matters, while Rowan Freeland focuses on life sciences patent disputes, recently representing Cephalon in UK proceedings against Mylan and Orchid. Marc Döring successfully acted for Bayer in an appeal brought by Gedeon Richter. The team is highly recommended for soft IP matters, with David Stone – ‘an expert on design-related matters’ – giving ‘unwavering commitment to client service’. Stone is representing Coca-Cola in High Court proceedings, and assisting Samsung in a dispute with Apple regarding its Galaxy products. Other clients include Eli Lilly, British American Tobacco and Capita.

Within IT and telecoms, tier 4

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s ‘proactive’, ‘very professional and competent’ team is led by Tom Wheadon, who ‘provides very strong advice’ on telecoms, e-commerce and online matters. Michael Sinclair advises on outsourcing and procurement, and Andrew McMillan handles corporate matters. Highlights included advising Virgin Media on the provision of services to joint venture group Mobile Broadband Network Limited. The team also advised OnLive on aspects of its launch in the UK and other European jurisdictions.

Within Media and entertainment, tier 5

Giles Dennison at Simmons & Simmons LLP advised HMV on the £53m sale of Waterstone’s to A&NN Capital Fund Management. Practice head Andrew McMillan advised NBC Universal, and litigator David Stone is representing Fox Entertainment in a dispute with The Glee Club in Birmingham. Alexander Brown represents TiVo and new client Virgin Media.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a first tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP has recently handled a number of notable patent disputes. Marjan Noor represented Eli Lilly in UK and European proceedings regarding the olanzapine patent; and Marc Döring successfully acted for Bayer Pharma on patent revocation proceedings regarding its blockbuster birth control products. Charles Mayo acted for shareholders of Specifar Pharmaceuticals on its takeover by Watson Pharmaceuticals. The practice also advises on commercial agreements and regulatory issues. Clients include Ascendis Pharma, Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, and Cephalon.

Within Aviation, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a third tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP, though well known for its financing work, is also recommended for its ‘litigation prowess’. It is acting in ongoing litigation between Olympic Airlines and ACG Acquisition XX LLC regarding the delivery condition of a Boeing 737-300 aircraft, its subsequent repossession, and monetary claims and counterclaims. It also advised the MoD on the latest module for a rotary wing training service involving a fleet of helicopters and simulators. Kim Walkling is recommended for disputes and regulatory matters, and Nick Benwell has ‘wide-ranging knowledge’.

Within Rail, Simmons & Simmons LLP is a second tier firm,

Simmons & Simmons LLP’s ‘excellent’ rail practice is headed by the ‘very knowledgeable’ Juliet Reingold. It is advising on a number of high-profile rail projects, and is recommended for its depth of experience in the UK rail sector. Carol Hewson is experienced in track access and real estate related disputes.