Watson Farley & Williams LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

‘The commercial disputes team at WFW is a delight to work with. The lawyers are extremely sharp, hardworking, and have excellent instincts when it comes to commercial disputes.’

‘Rebecca Williams is an outstanding disputes lawyer. Her instincts in relation to strategy and how matters are likely to be received by a judge or tribunal are always spot on.’

‘Rebecca Williams – when dealing with difficult opponents she is a fighter that clients want in their corner.’

‘A well-known commercial litigation firm that is capable of taking on larger firms and winning. They are strategic in their outlook.’

‘Andrew Ward is clearly a very able lawyer with an impressive following.’

‘Andrew Ward is an excellent litigator, who deserves to become one of the leading lights in commercial litigation. He is an excellent strategist, who works tirelessly. He clearly enjoys the confidence of his clients.’

‘Rob Fidoe is an outstanding lawyer, adept at managing complex technical disputes, and with a good eye for the issues that are important in a dispute.’

‘Regardless of the size or complexity of a dispute, Mark McAllister-Jones is all over the detail. Even at crunch points, he manages to ensure that everything is under control and difficult issues are dealt with promptly, carefully and skilfully. He is an excellent disputes lawyer.’

‘They have an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience which they apply in a calm, pragmatic and commercial manner.’

‘They provide a first-class service – they are technically impressive, well managed and co-ordinated, sensible and pragmatic and good to work with.’

‘A remarkable one-stop shop as far as shipping financing is concerned’.

‘The aviation team has extraordinary broad experience in all aircraft finance and lease topics.’

‘Jim Bell is both technically excellent and commercially pragmatic.’

‘Louise Mor is extremely quick to grasp the commercial needs of the transaction and identify the potential sticking points for clients and financiers. Her no nonsense approach is very refreshing and transactions move along at a good pace.’

‘George Macheras is a highly trusted advisor with unmatched contacts throughout the shipping world. Pragmatic and commercial, he is highly effective at cutting through obstacles and getting the deal done.’

‘Patrick Kirkby: able to comprehend complex issues, find the right solutions and then compose perspicuous and intelligible contractual clauses. A craftsman in precise drafting. Very knowledgeable and with vast experience in shipping financing.’

‘My colleagues and I have valued the advice and support that the team have given us. They have supported us in an innovative area of business – the team’s knowledge and experience have helped to create a deeper understanding of this emerging area of the law.’

‘The support that Andrew Hutcheon has given us has been exemplary. He goes the extra mile to understand new business concepts and to give wise counsel accordingly.’

‘The scope of the disputes covered by WFW’s teams, reflecting its strong Asian presence, have included complex infrastructure, IT, energy, renewables, shipping, oil and gas, commodities, aviation and commercial disputes relating to all of those sectors and more. The partners in the London and Bangkok offices provide a highly personal and efficient service. Teams tend to be small, but with exceptional partner engagement which international clients value greatly.’

‘Robert Fidoe is an outstanding lawyer, adept at managing complex technical disputes and with a good eye for the issues that are important in a dispute. Rob’s easy-going manner is very popular with clients and other team members who find him very easy to work with.’

‘Thoughtful and strategic leadership from Rob Fidoe. Calm and collected. Strength in depth behind him, with good support.’

‘Rob Fidoe – calm and collected, good strategist, able to guide clients through difficult disputes.’

‘The team are a delight to work with – extremely sharp and hardworking with excellent instincts when it comes to energy matters. Their sector knowledge is always right up to date, they really know their market and what their clients want.’

‘Rebecca Williams is an outstanding disputes lawyer. Her instincts in relation to strategy and how matters are likely to be received by a judge or tribunal are always spot on, and when dealing with difficult opponents she is a fighter that you want in your corner. Her knowledge of the renewables market and the economic dynamics behind legal disputes is second-to-none.’

‘Mark McAllister-Jones is all over the detail of matters and even at crunch points, he manages to ensure that everything is under control. He deals with difficult issues promptly, carefully and skilfully. He is an excellent disputes lawyer with great commercial sense.’

‘A great and highly competent team, very good at helping solve their client’s problems. They also have diverse experience across various projects.’

‘Jan Mellmann, Daisy East and Nerina Erasmus are highly committed to bringing results with a practical approach and impressive experience.’

‘Emmanuel Ninos is an excellent lawyer with deep knowledge on power purchase agreements and electricity markets. His advice is clear and pragmatic and he collaborates effectively with his colleagues in London and overseas to provide his clients with coordinated and comprehensive advice.’

‘Martin Lucas is very knowledgeable in offshore wind and renewables, and great to work with.’

‘Alexander Creswick is extremely clever, and very adept in identifying and developing legal arguments that are not always obvious but potentially devastating. Marianne Antonne’s insight demonstrates her extensive experience in energy regulatory law and industry.’

‘The team offers high quality service, deep industrial knowledge and very pleasant cooperation. Jan Mellmann and Nerina Erasmus are highly committed to achieve results with a practical and impressive approach.’

‘WFW has a strong corporate team combined with a deep understanding of shipping. They are the go-to law firm for shipping corporate matters. Mark Tooke is brilliant, both technically and commercially, user-friendly and responsive.’

‘The team develops an understanding of the commercial needs of the client and incorporate and document the needs in the most beneficial manner. They are always providing insights on a complicated transaction and finding solutions.’

‘Daniel Saunders stands out for the commercial knowledge of the industry and building a relationship based on trust. He always finds a way out of complicated and complex situations leaving all sides satisfied and more importantly in the most beneficial way for the client.’

‘A genuine full service law firm handling matters across shipping charters, shipbuilding contracts, JV agreements, merger control and competition issues, employment (ship related) and shipping disputes. Mark Tooke is very user friendly, hardworking and pragmatic.’

‘The team has in depth industry knowledge, commercial awareness and good responsiveness. Daniel Saunders is one of the best shipping and commercial legal experts on the field.’

‘The team gives very swift, practical and hands-on legal advice.’

‘High quality advice and strong transaction management is what we experienced with this team. The work was delivered on time and they had a pragmatic approach. Andy Savage is a standout partner. He is strong on corporate law matters and has strong energy and infrastructure and energy sector knowledge making him a go-to person for M&A deals in these areas.’

‘The commercial disputes team at WFW is a delight to work with.’

‘Extremely sharp, hardworking, and have excellent instincts when it comes to international disputes.’

‘They really know what they are doing in international arbitration, and take care to manage the process at every stage to put their clients in the best possible position.’

‘Rebecca Williams is an outstanding disputes lawyer. Her instincts in relation to strategy and how matters are likely to be received by a tribunal are always spot on; and when dealing with difficult opponents, she is a fighter that clients want in their corner.’

‘Regardless of the size or complexity of a dispute, Mark McAllister-Jones is all over the detail. Even at crunch points, he manages to ensure that everything is under control and difficult issues are dealt with promptly, carefully and skilfully. He is an excellent disputes lawyer.’

‘Andrew Hutcheon is highly experienced, conscientious of the needs of his clients, and skilled at securing good outcomes for them.’

‘Rob Fidoe is an outstanding lawyer – adept at managing complex technical disputes and with a good eye for the issues that are important in a dispute. Rob’s easygoing manner is very popular with clients and other team members, who find him very easy to work with.’

‘Alexander Creswick is extremely bright, and shows maturity and ability beyond his years. He is dependable and unflappable – a partner in the making.‘

‘An excellent team who manage to achieve the rare combination of excellent technical legal skills, strong market knowledge and contacts and a personable and human approach to their work.’

‘Joe Levin is excellent.’

‘Very knowledgeable group and involved in numerous financings matters, particularly on the shipping side.’

‘As a group, they are practical and thoughtful and have excellent industry knowledge.’

‘WFW has the capabilities of a larger firm and the flexibility of a smaller firm.’

‘Jan Mellmann is a committed and commercially minded partner and a trusted advisor.’

‘Felicity Jones stands head and shoulders above other hospitality lawyers I have dealt with over many years. She takes a business view rather than simply a legal perspective and acts like one of our team. This means she is always available. She’s interested in achieving the result you want rather than simply winning arguments but can be robust when required. Above all, she is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Felicity Jones is fierce in negotiations and has great specialist knowledge of hotels. She has worked to extremely tight deadlines and negotiated a management contract in 3 weeks.’

‘In tight timing scenarios, the team was very responsive and thorough, especially in some non-traditional work. The team has been efficient and commercial.’

‘Richard Hughes’ efficiency and commercial judgement are great.’

‘They have excellent negotiating skills and draft wording to protect our interests.’

‘A prompt, imaginative, positive, and solution-based practice. They are a great and forward-thinking team.’

‘Barry Hembling, alongside having impeccable manners, offers wise and efficient counsel. His technical knowledge and experience is second to none and he is well versed in dealing with complex cases and offering solutions to overcoming them. Having tried other commercial construction solicitors, he is, in my view, the best out there.’

‘Barry Hembling’s professionalism and dedication to our business is evident and we like his relaxed yet clear approach to business. He has good availability and the advice and support given is top-notch, always succinct and to the point, and extremely practical.’

‘Watson Farley & Williams LLP is a very impressive firm, with outstanding knowledge and experience. We engaged Watson Farley & Williams LLP to assist on a complex M&A transaction..from day one they felt like part of the team and drove the transaction forwards from the front.’

‘I think a key attribute that sets Watson Farley & Williams LLP apart from the rest is their collaboration; a client isn’t just another number on a time sheet, they are a valued partner looking to achieve shared success.’

‘Strong offering which is able to leverage off a leading energy and infra practice. Advice goes beyond just M&A and the team have a real understanding of the underlying assets, how they work and where the value lies. I really appreciate being advised on M&A deals by an actual M&A lawyer rather than a projects lawyer who is desperately clinging on to the deal in order to meet the relevant partner metrics of a given firm.’

‘Andy Savage has a deep knowledge of infra and energy projects and can bring these to bear to the wider WFW team’

‘Chris Kilburn – great oil and gas industry knowledge, great AIM knowledge; well respected by other AIM related service providers; accessible; always cool under pressure – keeps his head when others are losing theirs.’

‘Compact but full service oil and gas offering; partners with real expertise in the areas it’s needed, who work on the matters and engage directly with the client (rather than delegating to an associate once instructed), and who are available when you need to speak. Always practical and working towards the big picture outcome and the client’s goals. Core team of associates who are also proactive, diligent, and responsive.’

‘Joe Levin is a solution focused and adaptable finance partner with a breadth of oil and gas expertise who wants to work with and support his clients, taking a commercial approach to help ensure deals close.’

‘Heike Trischmann – highly knowledgeable and determined E&P partner who is a valuable asset for commercial O&G contracts, Heike has experience advising on matters in many different jurisdictions which helps her to bring new perspectives to transactions.’

‘Rob Fidoe – whether leading on a dispute or acting in an advisory capacity on a wider transaction, Rob’s experience across the energy sector and beyond ensures he provides comprehensive, practical, and strategic advice.’

‘The oil and gas team at WFW have a wide breadth of experience across the industry, not only in respect of pure upstream oil and gas work but also in areas such as LNG, hydrogen and other more green sources of energy which are of importance in the present day.’

‘Heike Trishchmann is one of the best I have worked with. She is down to earth and has a knack of getting right to the heart of any matter before her – both from a commercial and legal viewpoint. Her attention to detail is second to none and she understands the commercial drivers and always seeks to propose solutions which ultimately benefit the client’s business goals.’

‘Our firm is highly focussed on the natural gas and – increasingly – green hydrogen space. The direct experience of assignments in the natural gas and LNG sector of Partner Heike Trischmann has ensured that WFW are our preferred legal partner. Heike has been working with the German firm to jointly develop the Green Hydrogen offering and this has led to our firm being able to introduce additional legal expertise to enhance our own client offerings.’

‘The WFW disputes team is excellent. They are responsive, sharp and have great strategic and tactical instincts. Work is consistently done to a high standard, on time, and focused on the right issues.’

‘Rebecca Williams is an outstanding disputes lawyer. Her instincts in relation to strategy and how matters are likely to be received by a judge or tribunal are always spot on, and when dealing with difficult opponents, she is a fighter that you want in your corner.’

‘The construction team in London has developed greatly under the leadership of Rebecca Williams. She has gathered a formidable team which offers real strength in depth. One of the true experts in offshore wind projects.’

‘Rebecca Williams is driven, focused and leads from the front. Theresa Mohammed is an authority on public housing and infrastructure disputes. Rebecca Williams has developed a diverse team which is modern, dynamic, and progressive.’

‘The team is dynamic with an emphasis on developing next-generation talent. Rebecca Williams is a great figurehead who has also grown the practice with some impressive lateral partner hires. They are particularly strong in renewables and have a long track record in buildings related disputes. They’ve risen to prominence over the last few years and their trajectory is clearly upwards.’

‘Rebecca Williams is charismatic, commercial and a real go-getter. She communicates very clearly. Barry Hembling is very strong on hotel-related disputes. Ryland Ash has a strong contractor practice and is very easy to deal with. Alexander Creswick is clearly a partner in waiting. Very astute with really good client skills too.’

‘Ryland Ash is astute and fantastic to work with. He brings great drive and commercial insight to all his cases. Mark McCallister-Jones is highly able and experienced. He is extremely well-liked by clients and peers, thoroughly charming and a good leader. He is always calm under pressure and finds detailed, practical solutions for his clients.’

‘Laura Lintott has remarkable intellect and dedication to the subject area. Increasingly high profile and rubs shoulders with giants of the area.’

‘Barry Hembling is extremely thorough in all that he does. He is never flustered and always provides reasoned robust advice and legal positions in a fair and balanced way, and has a skill of articulating his argument always in a manner that seems to avoid confrontation such that the other side sees his point and can engage positively.’

‘Watson Farley & Williams cover all sectors of industry with unrivalled knowledge and excellent counsel.’

‘Barry Hembling is an excellent communicator, giving a thoroughly professional service at all times. Cannot recommend him highly enough.’

‘The team possess excellent technical knowledge and clear communication skills. They have collaborated closely with the client.’

‘Jamie Bell is very driven and helpful. He is capable of creative thinking whilst also possessing strong technical knowledge and is a very good communicator. Jamie understands the problem quickly and seeks to find sensible solutions.’

‘Experienced and knowledgeable team. Keep in regular touch and provide excellent quality industry legal updates. Always contactable for high-level advice when required.’

‘The individuals are extremely knowledgeable about our business, our governance and what is important to us. They take the time to maintain regular contact even when not directly commissioned.’

‘I am very glad we opted for WF&W and in particular Barry Hembling. He clearly has the experience, and he has excellent legal knowledge and is a good communicator, which is important when dealing with material contracts. I am pleased we have Barry in our corner in order to best protect the business in a period of growth.’

‘The aviation team at Watson Farley has extraordinarily broad experience in all aircraft finance and lease topics.’

‘They are able to apply their knowledge perfectly in line with the economic needs of an airline and provide perfect, fast and reliable services.’

‘Chris Mitchell is an excellent partner for every aircraft-related transaction on the side of an in-house legal counsel. He is able to structure complex legal projects and gives excellent guidance so that every transaction becomes a success! He is extremely fast and on the spot with advice. The same applies for his associate Liam Clozier.’

‘Tim Murray has tonnes of experience in aviation. He has been involved in every kind of aviation dispute and has a massive amount of experience and knowledge.’

‘Tim Murray is an absolute pleasure to work with.’

‘Tim Murray is a brilliantly clever lawyer: he is always thinking at least two moves ahead of his opponents. His analysis of the law is always spot-on, and he gives very clear and commercial advice.’

‘Tim Murray: a brilliant source of knowledge in the aviation industry.’

‘Tim Murray achieves great solutions for his client. He combines his knowledge with a keen strategic insight and ability to master complex materials.’

‘Consistently punches above its weight and provides a high-quality service.’

‘A genuine full service law firm – we use WFW for our shipbuilding contracts and time charterparties and they can pull in other practices when needed.’

‘Robert Platt – intelligent negotiator, understated style and manner which achieves results, very user friendly and thinks of practical solutions under pressure. Recommended for shipbuilding contracts.’

‘Daniel Saunders stands out for his commercial knowledge of the industry and building a relationship based on trust. He always finds a way out of complicated and complex situations leaving all sides satisfied and more importantly in the most beneficial way for the client.’

‘Commercial acumen, responsive client approach, problem-solving attitude, in-depth expert knowledge of shipping.’

‘Mike Phillips brings excellent knowledge and experience to the table which is key to getting on the front foot and preventing potentially expensive disputes escalating. Contactable if and when needed within reason and in line with the severity and timeline of the matter.’

‘This firm have long history in the shipping law practice and had created several new practice areas following the market flow.’

‘Mike Phillips always gives valuable and creative support that is solution oriented.’

‘Sarah Williamson, great knowledge of the legal process in financing – equity raise cross multiple jurisdictions. Adaptability dealing with very different personalities on our Executive and Board. Excellent and delivering legal process to board in a concise manner that engaged them and go their attention!’

‘Responsive and solutions focused.’

‘Jan Mellmann is technically excellent and commercially focused.’

‘Very competent, practical advice.’

‘Jan Mellmann is a strong lawyer and always gives timely, practical advice.’

‘Very strong and deep team with good knowledge. They are very practical, highly responsive and cost effective.’

‘Jan Mellmann and Chris Kilburn are extremely practical and responsive. Always a pleasure to work with.’

‘WFW has the capabilities of a larger firm, but remains flexible like a smaller firm.’

‘Spot on, tailored advice.’

‘Pragmatic, friendly, and nice to deal with.’

‘Watson Farley & Williams have provided an amazing service. The immigration lawyers that I worked with were so patient and explained everything thoroughly. No question was a silly question!‘

‘Everyone I had dealings with at Watson and Farley gave excellent service. One person I would like to point out in particular was Elliott Marshall. Even in the most stressful situations, he made me feel at ease. I feel that his patience and dedication was great and something I wouldn’t have got from a previous immigration law firm. I learnt a lot from Elliott!‘

‘The team are professional and personable, and work well with their industry contacts to keep ahead of, and to inform, policy changes to the regulatory framework.’

‘The team has significant experience in dealing with UK immigration requests. They are timely and provide good cover when other team members are not available.‘

‘Extremely strong technical and sector specific knowledge.’

‘Jan Melman and Daisy East were both incredible. They were available, knowledge and clear in their delivery of information.’

‘Watson Farley has the wonderful advantage of Jan Mellmann. He has spent time building a relationship with us and our firm for many years; his ability to manage his international teams and translate legally and culturally for us has made them our number one choice for resources work in Europe. One of the most commercial and technically sound firms.’

‘Jan Mellmann. He has spent time building a relationship with us and our firm for many years; his ability to manage his international teams and translate legally and culturally for us has made them our number one choice for resources work in Europe.’

‘Very competent, practical advice.’

‘Jan Mellman is a strong lawyer and always gives timely, practical advice.’

‘Highest quality of personal service; always available to speak whenever I call; never delays with responses to queries and always provides very best advice and options for action’.

‘Ryland Ash has been an outstanding ally and superb advisor in all matters legal, helping us to avoid situations and to take advantage of situations too whenever the opportunity has arisen’.

‘Daniel Saunders stands out for his commercial knowledge of the industry and for building relationships based on trust. He always finds a way out of complicated and complex situations leaving all sides satisfied and more importantly in the most beneficial way for the client.’

‘A very approachable and accessible team who offer consistent advice.’

‘Very proactive and quick to pick up phone and chat through queries.’

‘The team comprises comprehensive knowledge who apply attention-to-detail.’

‘The team has great initiative and pre-emp issues.’

‘The practice has exceptional experience and knowledge. They are respectful of client regardless of the size of the matter.’

‘Nick Walker is responsive, knowledgeable and considerate of all issues.’

‘They are very experienced in dealing with environmental regulators in different jurisdictions, and able to give sound practical advice about how to communicate with them successfully.’

‘Nick Walker is pragmatic and clear in his advice when it comes to dealing with regulatory investigations.’

‘A highly responsive and experienced client-focused team providing commercially-minded advice to achieve the optimum financial outcome for the client.’

‘Dev Desai and Alex Mulroney are both highly experienced property litigators who work well together. They are easy to talk to and invariably provide timely and commercially-focused advice. They have provided us with a high-level of service over a number of years.’

‘The team at WFW are very personable and appreciate the holistic approach to development and its associated risks. The WFW team are very much part of the development team and collaborate with all, providing sensible, commercial advice.’

‘The team is diverse, multi-talented and takes a holistic approach. They tackle problems quickly and efficiently.’

‘Dev Desai has been excellent. His commercial acumen and experience are second-to-none. He is transparent, direct and cost-effective in his approach.’

‘What makes this practice unique in my eyes is the responsiveness of the lawyers. They are always on-hand to respond to queries swiftly.’

‘The team is particularly strong when it comes to development support, ESG, property-related insolvency and high-class residential matters.’

‘Alexander Mulroney has a great analytical mind and is very strong when it comes to strategic thinking.’

‘High quality service, deep industrial knowledge and very pleasant cooperation.’

‘Daisy East and Solange Leandro – highly committed to bringing results, with a practical approach and impressive experience.’

‘WFW are one of the stand out firms in shipping and oil and gas litigation.’

‘I have worked with Solange Leandro for a long time on competition matters in the shipping area. She is bright, efficient and always brings something new to the table – a pleasure to work with.’

‘I have worked more recently with Simon Kavanagh on sanction matters – he is extremely bright and always keen to explore every possibility in this fast-growing area. and he is also a pleasure to work with.’

‘Watson Farley & Williams reveals a deep technical and practical knowledge of the aviation industry and competition issues. In my view, what makes this team unique is the attitude towards the client, specifically the will to help the client solve its problems, giving the client the necessary and relevant tools to deal with the same.’

‘We have worked with Solange Leandro in various matters and I would strongly recommend Solange to potential clients in all EU and competition matters.’

‘Solange Leandro is highly professional, dedicated and available to her clients and has various skills that allow me to qualify her as one of the best lawyers in the areas where she works.’

‘The main strength of the WFW team was the effective collaboration. From the get go of the project, they were extremely well-informed, conscientious and efficient.’

‘The team is very pragmatic and has extensive knowledge.’

‘The matter was lead by Aarti Jagpal, who’s fantastic at managing all situations. Turnaround is swift and always very in-depth.’

‘Specialist employment lawyers in the transport sector with particular experience of cross border issues’

‘Devan Khagram – a leader in international employment law in the transport sector.’

‘I have had excellent experiences with Devan Khagram. He is an expert in UK maritime employment law. He has top-notch, ready knowledge of employment and migration law in the maritime sector.’

‘The team proved to be professional, experienced, knowledgeable, open and approachable.’

‘The team is truly insightful not only regarding the most legal-related issues but also regarding the energy business and in general, a great strategic partner that provides relevant information of the dynamics of the renewable energy sector in Greece.’

‘Virginia Murray has a deep knowledge of the sector and the market. She goes far beyond legal advice.’

‘Tasos Giannopoulos is a great lawyer and professional you definitely feel comfortable with. Tasos is the kind of lawyer you want to have by your side because of his extraordinary commitment, approachability, readiness and thoroughness, among others. He advises in a strategic manner considering the reality of the business and market, which is very appreciated especially when it comes to advice to a foreign company starting in Greece.’

‘Within the Greece market and renewable energy sector, Watson Farley and Williams is one of the most important law firms. They can combine the international experience with a strong knowledge of the local aspects. They cover all the legal aspects connected to a development process of renewable energy projects and are very well positioned with the most important players like the banks. ’

‘Virginia Murray is very commercial and one of the best contract negotiators with whom I worked. Also her team follows the same approach and it is able to provide a service very valuable for the client like us. I would like to mention Eleni Stylianou, Maira Galani, Katerina Stringari and Tasos Giannopoulos.’

‘This Team has a deep knowledge of the energy sector procedures and legislation in Greece. This Team is always up to date with the recent developments both on the legal and the Business environment within the Greek State.’

‘Hard working Individuals, always on time, never had a delay on deliverables. Ample understanding of the energy environment (procedures and legislation) in Greece. Top person Virginia Murray: I bet that there is no other lawyer in Greece with so much knowledge on this particular subject. Asimina Papakosta, Matina Kanellopoulou the other Jewels of the Team.’

‘Watson Farley & Williams LLP has a strong presence in shipping finance in multiple maritime centers in Asia, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seoul. The people are all more experienced than other firms and highly specialised, which leads to high efficiency in deal executions and in general communication with industry players.’

‘Madeline Leong, Christoforos Bisbikos and Ricky Kim are all outstanding lawyers with many years experience in shipping. They are great listeners, have wide networks on both the finance and client side, and are very responsive in addressing queries or comments.’