The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, tier 4

Taylor Wessing LLP ‘balances business understanding with pure legal advice’, and is ‘a quality outfit delivering excellent value’. It advises customers and suppliers in the financial services, infrastructure and public sectors on major IT and business outsourcing contracts. Graham Hann’s outsourcing team in London works closely with the firm’s European network in advising the likes of Lufthansa and Accenture on outsourcing projects. Glyn Morgan ‘gets straight to the point and is very clear in explaining the options available and the priority of his recommendation’.

Within Corporate tax, tier 5

Taylor Wessing LLP’s team is ‘always available, and very practical’. It has strength in transactional matters and also a niche in Islamic finance, championing innovative developments in the area. It acted for Highland Spring on its acquisition of the Greencore Group water business, and for London International Hospitals on the UK’s first commercial sukuk launch. Recommended individuals include Peter Jackson, and the ‘pragmatic, efficient, and inventive’ Nikol Davies.

Within EU and competition , tier 6

Taylor Wessing LLP has a solid reputation in technology-rich areas, and is also active in energy and telecoms. Traditionally strong in behavioural matters, the group has expanded steadily in recent years and is beginning to grow its merger control practice. Robert Vidal is ‘one of the most talented competition lawyers of his generation. He has drive, energy, and a fanatical devotion to his clients’.

Within Financial services, tier 6

Taylor Wessing LLP’s Clive Cunningham is noted for regulatory advice to the financial services, banking and funds sectors.

Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, tier 4

Taylor Wessing LLP’s ‘strong team’ features Tim Stocks and new partner Tandeep Minhas, who joined from SJ Berwin LLP. The team advised Guggenheim Global Infrastructure Company on a sale of assets to Infrastructure India and related $52m placing.

Within M&A: lower mid-market, £50m-£250m, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP bulked up its corporate team with the double hire of Tandeep Minhas from SJ Berwin LLP and Emma Danks from Clifford Chance. Alongside sports and private equity mandates, the team advised esure on its MBO from Lloyds Banking Group, and was instructed by Emap on its acquisition of The Energy Event and related stable of publications. Peter Kempe is ‘an excellent corporate lawyer’, and Martin Winter is also singled out.

Within Private equity: transactions , tier 6

Taylor Wessing LLP’s team is a significant player in the mid-market, where it regularly works alongside the firm’s private wealth group to provide a bespoke service to high-net-worth individual investors. It was strengthened by the arrival of the ‘very approachable, diligent and commercial’ Emma Danks from Clifford Chance.

Within Venture capital, Taylor Wessing LLP is a first tier firm,

Driven out of London and Cambridge and aided by the firm’s significant pan-European network, Taylor Wessing LLP’s team is well equipped to handle some of the most significant mandates in the market. Increasingly active in the burgeoning cleantech space, it recently advised Climate Change Capital Private Equity on a €9.1m investment in Nualight. The firm expanded its roster of technology clients, and recently advised new client PrismaStar on a £2m investment with Octopus Ventures and associated funds. Led by Simon Walker, the team also includes Howard Palmer and Cambridge-based David Mardle.

Within Fraud: civil , Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP has a strong cross-sector fraud team, and welcomed three new contentious partners from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP: Julian Randall, formerly head of commercial disputes; former financial services group head Tim Strong; and litigator Andrew Howell. In 2010, the team was appointed to represent the trustee in bankruptcy of Bernard Madoff’s former company.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, tier 4

Taylor Wessing LLP received a significant boost with the arrival of three partners from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP: former head of financial services Tim Strong; head of commercial disputes Julian Randall; and the highly regarded Andrew Howell. Recent highlights for the team, led by Shane Gleghorn, includes acting for RBS in a range of contentious matters, as claimant and defendant.

Within Commercial litigation, Taylor Wessing LLP is a third tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP ‘achieves very impressive results’. Group head Richard Marsh ‘quickly sees through to the core of the matter’; Laurence Lieberman is a banking and financial services disputes expert; and David de Ferrars heads fraud matters, with Anthony Menzies and James Crabtree also recommended on the fraud side. Financial disputes head Shane Gleghorn is ‘a proactive, strategic thinker’. Litigation partners Julian Randall, Tim Strong and Andrew Howell joined from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP. The firm recently assisted ITS in unravelling a complex international fraud involving £52m being taken from nine pension schemes.

Within Defamation and privacy, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

With ‘excellent business understanding’, the three-partner team at Taylor Wessing LLP is valued for its ‘solid, practical advice’ and ‘fast responses’. Key work included advising the Evening Standard in relation to a libel action commenced by Jacqueline Lait, the former Conservative Party MP for Beckenham. Other clients include American Media, Associated Newspapers, Macmillan Publishers and The Motley Fool. Team head Niri Shanmuganathan has an ‘excellent understanding of media law and is fully aware of the 24/7 needs of clients’. Neil White and Chris Jeffery are also recommended; and senior associate Timothy Pinto is ‘outstanding’.

Within International arbitration International arbitration

Within Overview,

The market remains competitive and fluid. Halliwells’ collapse provided Clyde & Co LLP with the lateral hire of Marko Kraljevic, while Stephenson Harwood beefed up with Sean Jeffrey arriving from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and Sara George from Allen & Overy LLP. Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s former litigation chief Julian Randall exited for Taylor Wessing LLP. Others have been busy consolidating; in 2011, seven partners from Dawsons LLP, plus their assistants, joined Penningtons Solicitors LLP, while Stewarts Law LLP acquired litigation practice Masseys LLP.

Within Acquisition finance, tier 7

Dominic Ross at Taylor Wessing LLP has expertise across an array of matters for borrowers and lenders.

Within Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans , tier 5

Dominic Ross at Taylor Wessing LLP is praised for his ‘excellent industry knowledge’ and ‘strong commerciality’.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, tier 4

Jones Day suffered the loss of Adam Plainer, who left for Weil, Gotshal & Manges, and Claire Martin-Royle, for Taylor Wessing LLP, while Kay Morley has been promoted to partner. The team acts for Standard Bank and RBS, and recently advised BDO on the Pinnacle Entertainment administration.

Within Islamic finance, Taylor Wessing LLP is a third tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP demonstrates ‘first-class knowledge of the relationship between shari'ah and general law’. It advised Deutsche Postbank and Helaba on commodity murabahas, and the government of Dubai on its sukuk programme. It also advised on the London International Hospital sukuk, the first under the UK’s Finance Act 2009. Practice head Hamid Yunis ‘knows the area and the players’, and Rodney Dukes is also recommended.

Within Employee share schemes, tier 5

Ann Casey at Taylor Wessing LLP is recommended.

Within Employment, tier 4

Headed by Sean Nesbitt, Taylor Wessing LLP hired new partner Niki Walker from Addleshaw Goddard LLP in May 2011, bringing in-house experience to the international-facing team. It received new instructions from KPMG, Threadneedle Asset Management and Targus in 2010. It gives ‘pragmatic, realistic and considerate advice which shows respect for the employee or employees’.

Within Immigration, Taylor Wessing LLP is a third tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP is distinguished by the dedicated and expanding China and US groups within its immigration team. Client wins in 2010 included the Agricultural Bank of China, and the group also advised LinkedIn and China Union Pay. The ‘quick-to-respond’ Vikki Wiberg heads up the China team, and Charlie Pring is the key contact for US matters.

Within Pensions, tier 5

At Taylor Wessing LLP, Mark Smith is noted for ‘the superb depth and breadth of his technical knowledge’; he has ‘a very analytical mind, and often sees creative solutions to problems, both of which are very useful for dealing with knotty pensions issues’. The firm recently acted for three companies in the Lehman Brothers Group, successfully defending them against financial support directions that the Pensions Regulator was seeking to impose.

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, tier 5

Taylor Wessing LLP was instructed by Swiss Re to act for its reinsureds in certain marine claims. Recent arrival Susannah Wakefield is recommended, and has particular experience in Bermuda Form policies. Anthony Menzies’ work is ‘of a particularly high standard’.

Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, tier 4

Taylor Wessing LLP’s non-contentious insurance work forms part of its wider financial services practice, which was recently bolstered by three recruits from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP. The insurance group advised esure on its £185m management buyout from HBOS/Lloyds Banking Group. It also advised Colemont Global on merging with American Wholesale Insurance. Peter Kempe and Jonathan Rogers are recommended.

Within Professional negligence, tier 5

A ‘true market leader’ and ‘first-class practice’, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s 16-partner team is led by Sarah Clover, ‘the doyenne of professional negligence’. It handles claims and advises on insurance, reinsurance and global policy for the captive insurers of the Big Four accounting firms. It also acts for Catlin, QBE, Mitsui and Novae. Andrew Blair is ‘superb’; Fergal Cathie is recommended for his ‘excellent response times’; Neil Jamieson has great experience and shows ‘toughness where necessary’; and the ‘highly skilled’ Simon Konsta is also recommended. Julian Randall moved to Taylor Wessing LLP in October 2010.

Within Agriculture and estates, Taylor Wessing LLP is a third tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP advises a number of significant landed estates with over 4,000 acres. The team provides ‘prompt and specialist advice while maintaining an awareness of tax and trust issues’. Andrew Hine heads the group, which was joined by associate Luke Callaghan from Birketts LLP. Joanna Ward is ‘efficient and effective’.

Within Contentious trusts and probate, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘energetic, capable and easy-to-work-with’ Steven Kempster heads an excellent five-partner team at Taylor Wessing LLP, which is underpinned by the firm’s superb private client capability and international reach. Recent highlights include two separate instructions to act in major trust disputes in the Bermuda courts, each involving a trust worth over £2bn. Andrew Hine is highly respected, and noted for his ‘expertise and sound judgement’.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

The well-rounded private client practice at Taylor Wessing LLP provides high-level advice on all aspects of personal tax and trusts to its international business client base and a number of significant landed estates. The team, headed by the ‘creative, quick and patient’ Mark Buzzoni, receives plaudits from peers and clients alike; it is ‘very responsive, knowledgeable and comfortable with complex international tax planning’. Nick Warr, Andrew Hine and Andrew Goodman are highly rated, as is rising star Nyree Craig.

Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) , tier 5

Taylor Wessing LLP’s energy team is led by corporate partner Dominic FitzPatrick, but also spans finance, environmental and regulatory. It was appointed to advise on the decommissioning of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in Lithuania.

Within Administrative and public law, tier 5

Highly recommended for commercial judicial reviews and procurement claims, Taylor Wessing LLP is ‘increasingly visible in public law disputes’, making ‘significant strides’. The ‘dedicated’ Len Murray has a ‘high-calibre intellect’ and ‘consummate client-handling skills’. The team is advising the QCDA on public procurement and confidentiality issues.

Within Healthcare, tier 4

Taylor Wessing LLP’s healthcare-related expertise extends to infrastructure transactions and the manufacture and supply of medical equipment. Work highlights included advising London International Hospital on £60m funding from a Middle Eastern investment fund. Hamid Yunis’ group recently recruited Stephen Tanish from Addleshaw Goddard LLP.

Within Commercial property, Taylor Wessing LLP is a third tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP ‘consistently demonstrates commercial understanding and appreciation of market trends, and clearly values client relationships’. The group continues to represent key client Canada Life on its investment portfolio, and acted for HSBC European Active Real Estate Fund on £150m of new acquisitions. Hotel sector clients include Hotel du Vin, Malmaison, and Global Hotels & Resorts/Tiara. Department head Keith Barnett ‘ensures that advice is brought together in a way most appropriate and beneficial for clients’. Richard Grosse and Adam Marks are also recommended.

Within Construction, Taylor Wessing LLP is a third tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP is strong in contentious work, and in 2010 advised Gas Services International in disputes relating to procurement of gas pipeline equipment. The team also continued to advise Deutsche Postbank on the construction and financing of a £255m development in Bristol. Practice head Helen Garthwaite is ‘very, very clever and always in demand’, and David Quinlan ‘sets the standard for service’.

Within Environment, tier 5

Taylor Wessing LLP’s planning and environment practice head Alistair Watson advises on real estate and infrastructure developments, including the incorporation of clean technology into project plans.

Within Planning, tier 5

Taylor Wessing LLP’s team is ‘extremely efficient, with a very thorough approach’. It represents developers and financial groups such as Heron International, RBS and De Vere Hotels. Highlights included pursuing compensation claims for Brewster’s Waste Management against the London Development Agency, and for Stayley Developments against National Grid. The practice also advised Canada Life, Derwent London and McLaren Property on London developments. Practice head Alistair Watson ‘provides a very effective service’.

Within Property finance, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

‘A market-leading brand in mid-market real estate finance’, Taylor Wessing LLP’s new clients include DekaBank, which it advised on acquisition refinancing for 41 Lothbury, EC2, and Deutsche Hypo; and panel appointments included NAMA and the Nationwide Building Society Commercial Division. Rodney Dukes is ‘a very comforting presence either leading transactions or behind the scenes’; Bob Gayford gives ‘prompt and sound advice’; and Jonathan Marks (‘calm under pressure’), Mark Bennett, Paul Harrison (‘a class act’) and Richard Williamson are also recommended.

Within Property litigation, tier 4

Taylor Wessing LLP advised new client HSBC European Active Real Estate Fund regarding disputes concerning its UK portfolio. Saleem Fazal ‘exudes a steady confidence’, and Jill Carey is ‘client focused and down to earth’.

Within Brand management, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP’s cross-departmental group represents high-profile brand owners and advertising agencies, notably advising Omnicom Group on worldwide trade mark protection for TBWA and Tequila. Advertising head Charles Lloyd advised Henkel on products including Schwarzkopf, Right Guard and Sellotape. Graham Hann advised Cashcade/Foxy Bingo on online and mobile games. The ‘proactive, precise’ Timothy Pinto is singled out for praise.

Within Intellectual property, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP has pan-European and cross-jurisdictional strength, and is recommended for its ‘excellent, prompt service and value for money’. Niri Shan heads the soft IP practice, which has particular expertise in colour marks, recently obtaining a trade mark registration for Tiffany. ‘Respected for his expertise and professionalism’, Roland Mallinson leads a substantial trade mark filing practice with Jason Rawkins; clients include KPMG. Patent litigator Simon Cohen successfully represented Abbott, and James Marshall is representing Generics UK. The team’s transactional and VC work includes advising Vifor Pharma and Lime Microsystems. Clients also recommend the ‘proactive, precise’ Timothy Pinto. Richard Price joined Winston & Strawn London, and Chris Thornham joined from SJ Berwin LLP.

Within IT and telecoms, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

At Taylor Wessing LLP, Glyn Morgan leads the IT team and Patrick Clark, who returned to the firm from Alcatel-Lucent, leads the telecoms practice. Recent highlights include advising The Cloud network on its acquisition by BSkyB. Other clients include esure, MWB, Telmap, TiVo and Visa. Tracey Sheehan joined from Squire Sanders Hammonds. Graham Hann is ‘highly recommended’ for his IT expertise, and Robert Fenner is also singled out for praise.

Within Media and entertainment, Taylor Wessing LLP is a second tier firm,

Niri Shanmuganathan, head of the practice at Taylor Wessing LLP, has ‘excellent judgement’’ and is ‘brilliant under pressure’. He advised Dan Akroyd and the widow of John Belushi regarding unauthorised use of certain Blues Brothers IP rights. Graham Hann led a team advising Foxy Bingo/Cashcade on producing games for mobile devices. Other clients of the ‘excellent and speedy’ team include the Royal Opera House, Showtime and the estate of Ira Gershwin. Tony Ghee heads the broadcasting practice. He advises broadcasters and production companies such as Talpa Media, which in 2010 joined up with Antenna Television of Greece to make a bid for Channel Five. Consultant Paul Mitchell and special counsel Christopher Benson are recommended for their copyright expertise.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Taylor Wessing LLP is a first tier firm,

Taylor Wessing LLP delivers ‘excellent, prompt advice and good value for money’. Practice head Dr Malcolm Bates advised next-generation antibody company f-star on its collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim. Simon Walker, David Mardle and Howard Palmer handle VC work, recently advising Xention on its £8m Series D financing. The firm has particular strength in patent litigation. James Marshall, who ‘really understands the business’, is representing Generics (UK) against Cephalon. Tim Worden heads a strong regulatory practice. Richard Price joined Winston & Strawn London, while Chris Thornham joined from SJ Berwin LLP.

Within Sport, tier 6

Charles Lloyd heads the cross-departmental team at Taylor Wessing LLP.