The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s dedicated commercial practice has a wealth of experience in contractual and advisory work across a broad spectrum of industry sectors. Duncan Reid-Thomas and Ilana Saltzman (who is ‘very quick to respond with great ideas and legal ability’) lead a ten-partner team that delivers ‘excellent service and industry knowledge’ to a client base ranging from IT giants such as Google to household names in the retail and fashion industry including Abercrombie & Fitch, and has particularly strong capability in customer-led BPO. 2010 highlights included winning Porsche UK as a new client, and advising Recall Limited on the negotiation of a large storage services contract with a major UK bank. Outsourcing specialist Richard Hawtin is also recommended.

Within Corporate tax, tier 4

Baker & McKenzie LLP provides ‘detailed, responsive, real-world’ advice, and has notable specialisms in transfer pricing and cross-border matters. It provided UK tax planning advice to Emerson, the NYSE-listed global manufacturing and technology company, on its $1.5bn acquisition of Chloride Group. Group head Alex Chadwick is recommended.

Within Customs and Excise, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

The ‘outstanding, full-service’ team at Baker & McKenzie LLP benefits from the firm’s excellent global links, and provides fully integrated customs and excise advice to a range of multinational and UK-based clients. Practice head Ross Denton focuses on the public regulation of international trade, customs, and export controls and sanctions.

Within Equity capital markets: UK capability, tier 5

With an impressive roster of issuer clients, Baker & McKenzie LLP maintains a strong focus on emerging markets, and has notable expertise in cross-border transactions. In 2010 the team advised Unicredit on Fortuna Entertainment Group’s IPO and dual listing on the Prague and Warsaw Stock Exchanges. Head of the capital markets group Edward Bibko is highly recommended.

Within Equity capital markets: US capability, tier 5

Tom Philipp is the key contact on the US side at Baker & McKenzie LLP. In November 2010, he advised Egyptian real estate developer Amer Group Holdings on its $200m IPO listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange.

Within EU and competition , Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP has seen an increase in merger control instructions, alongside its global cartel work and litigation. Notable work included acting for new client L’Oréal regarding its acquisition of Essie Cosmetics, and representing Shell in its appeal of the OFT’s fine in the tobacco cartel, as well as in follow-on litigation arising out of the paraffin waxes cartel. Group head Samantha Mobley is well known, and new partner Sunny Mann is recommended for trade sanctions, export compliance and regulatory advice.

Within Financial services, tier 5

The arrival of Ian Mason from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP boosted Baker & McKenzie LLP’s practice. The team advised on the FSA’s remuneration rules, the Payment Services Directive, and US-related regulatory developments. The team was also active in regulatory issues arising from consolidation in the banking and financial services industry, and mis-selling issues. Arun Srivastava is highly rated.

Within M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, 250m+, tier 4

Baker & McKenzie LLP has seen a significant uptick in the number of multinational companies looking to invest in emerging markets, with some key FTSE-listed companies seeking the firm’s strategic advice. In a deal characteristic of the practice, Helen Bradley led on Ensco’s $7.3bn acquisition of Pride International, and practice head Tim Gee also advised Kuoni Travel on its $705m acquisition of Gulliver Travel from Travelport. The team is praised for its ‘excellent process and execution knowledge’, with Kirsty Wilson and Richard Blunt both picked out for their ‘superb client service’.

Within Private equity: transactions , tier 6

At Baker & McKenzie LLP, the ‘very practical’ David Allen represented Platinum Equity on its acquisition of OAO Technologies, while the ‘measured and commercial’ Charles Whitefoord advised Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board on the £389m buyout of Camelot Group plc.

Within VAT and indirect tax, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s team is appreciated for its ‘good response times’ and ‘considerate and appropriate advice’. Technology and multi-jurisdictional matters are key to the practice; it recently acted for Stryker Corporation on the global VAT and customs implications of its acquisition of the neurovascular division of Boston Scientific Corporation. Mark Delaney heads the team, which has ‘grown and matured’ into a real market force.

Within Fraud: civil , Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP is increasingly visible in complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. Recent work for highly recommended practice head Andrew Keltie includes acting in a multibillion-dollar fraud claim involving litigation and arbitration in the Middle East, the UK, and elsewhere in Europe. Anthony Poulton, who has ‘grace under pressure and exceptional client skills, and is a good lawyer to boot’, has been acting in a multi-jurisdictional $500m-plus fraud claim.

Within Fraud: corporate crime, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Arun Srivastava at Baker & McKenzie LLP advised the EBRD on corporate crime and corruption issues; and is advising a major high-profile multinational company on an internal money laundering investigation. Andrew Keltie heads the firm’s business crime unit.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP has ‘always been able to deal with very in-depth issues in the banking sector’. The team leverages the firm’s large global footprint to act in multi-jurisdictional matters, often involving emerging markets. Edward Poulton (‘a very clever, diligent and empathic lawyer with a human approach’) has been advising major Czech financial institution CSOB in complex multi-jurisdictional ICC arbitration proceedings valued at over $1bn. ‘Consummate team leader’ Anthony Poulton is ‘a very safe pair of hands, and is in his element in heavy financial cases’.

Within Commercial litigation, tier 4

Baker & McKenzie LLP is noted for public law, civil fraud, product liability, trusts and pensions cases. The team represented Ineos Manufacturing Scotland in the recovery of CO2 emissions allowances. John Leadley is highly rated, and Tom Cassels is ‘very sound and grounded’. Andrew Keltie handles cases involving fraud and asset-tracing claims, and specialises in trusts matters. Clients praise the firm’s ‘seemingly limitless resources’.

Within International arbitration, tier 5

Baker & McKenzie LLP ‘provides excellent service and manages workloads efficiently’. The practice advised in various claims arising from M&A and banking transactions involving Eastern Europe, and Ukraine in particular, and also experienced growth in projects-related arbitrations, particularly oil and gas in the Middle East. Jeremy Winter is recommended, and Edward Poulton is a ‘practical, knowledgeable, stress-free lawyer’. Of counsel and former global international arbitration head David Fraser retired.

Within Professional discipline, tier 4

Led by Tom Cassels, who has ‘expert and diplomatic client-handling skills’, Baker & McKenzie LLP ‘excels’ as a team. Ian Mason recently joined the practice from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP.

Within Public international law, tier 4

Baker & McKenzie LLP, on the international human rights front, acted for UNHCR as intervener in a high-profile refugee law case. On the trade side, the group is split into customs, trade remedies, outbound trade compliance, and WTO matters. Group head Edward Poulton, London arbitration head Jeremy Winter, and trade practitioner Ross Denton are key figures.

Within Acquisition finance, tier 6

Baker & McKenzie LLP provides ‘very flexible and responsive’ advice to a good spread of lenders and borrowers including RBS, Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Dura Automotive Systems, and Macquarie. With an extensive international network, the firm stands out on cross-border deals, and recently advised EQT on the financing of its bid to acquire a controlling interest in Stockholm-listed ArcadeMedia. Department head Bernard Sharp, Ian Jack and Nick Tostivin are recommended.

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

Headed by Bernard Sharp, Baker & McKenzie LLP’s six-partner team is regularly involved in financings for a strong corporate client base that includes EQT, Lufthansa German Airlines, and Borders Group. With ‘sound industry knowledge’, Nick Tostivin has successfully enhanced the team’s roster of bank clients, and recently advised Standard Chartered Bank on a $100m secured revolving credit facility for Harry Winston Diamond and Harry Winston Diamond Mines. Calvin Walker regularly handles energy financings, and represented Société Générale and RBS as arrangers on a $2.25bn syndicated facility for BP Caspian.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, tier 5

Baker & McKenzie LLP advised the creditors’ steering committee of BTA Bank on a restructuring of the bank’s $16.7bn debt. David Allen was promoted to partner.

Within Debt capital markets, tier 4

Christopher Hogan, Simon Porter and Roy Pearce at Baker & McKenzie LLP are ‘affable and very good at explaining complex technical information’. Emerging markets deals included Metinvest’s $1bn debut EMTN programme, and the team also represented Banco Santander on its $10bn ECP programme. Adam Farlow, who is ‘very hands-on, and knows his US law’, joined from Allen & Overy LLP.

Within Derivatives and structured products, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s Bruce Somer stands out for credit and equity derivatives, and Jonathan Walsh and Christopher Hogan are considered experts in their field. The firm is known for handling challenging deals in emerging markets, including recently acting for Agricultural Bank of China. Morgan Stanley and Argenta are among many high-profile buy-side and sell-side clients.

Within Emerging markets, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP has been active across a raft of deals in the oil and gas, telecommunications, capital markets and real estate sectors. It has a strong Russia and CIS focus, but is seeing an increasing level of work coming from Poland and Turkey. Simon Porter (capital markets) took a lead role advising Turkey’s Akbank on its $1bn Eurobond issue in 2010, and again in March 2011 on the bank’s $750m bond issue. Roy Pearce (corporate) had a busy year, including advising Polkomtel on the establishment of a €1bn MTN programme, and acting for Fortuna Entertainment Group on its IPO on the Warsaw and Prague Stock Exchanges. Recent hire Calvin Walker took a lead role acting for Société Générale and RBS on a $2.5bn loan facility for BP Caspian. Other key figures include Neil Donoghue (projects), Chris Hogan (capital markets), and Nick Tostivin (acquisition finance).

Within Investment funds, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s four-partner team established various new emerging markets, real estate and secondary funds. Highlights included advising Mansour Group on establishing the Guernsey-based Man Capital fund platform, and Earth Capital Partners LLP on its ECP Forestry Fund One LP. James Burdett heads the team.

Within Securitisation, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Jonathan Walsh’s team at Baker & McKenzie LLP provides ‘very prompt responses, well-informed advice, good value and an exceptional level of expertise’. Simon Porter stands out for covered bonds, deals in the Middle East and CIS, and advice to trustees. Vincent Keaveny gives ‘excellent, well-considered, thoughtful and helpful’ advice, and recently handled a £340m UK auto loans securitisation for UBS. Rebecca Ford also worked on that deal, and on the first trade receivables deal for ISS.

Within Trade finance, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

The quality of Baker & McKenzie LLP’s work in the area is ‘outstanding’. Frances Okosi is noted for her experience in complex, multi-jurisdictional deals; Calvin Walker advised banks including Sociéte Générale on a $2.25bn loan facility for BP Caspian backed by oil receivables; and Ian Jack advised the creditors’ committee of BTA Bank. ‘Diligent, precise and very helpful’ associate James Keeping is one to watch.

Within Employee share schemes, tier 4

Baker & McKenzie LLP advises a host of international blue-chip clients, including Deutsche Bank, BAE Systems, and Bank of America. Significant matters included advising Coca-Cola Enterprises on the UK share plan implications of its split from the Coca-Cola Company, and Ensco on the incentives implications of its redomestication in the UK. Jeremy Edwards is the name to note.

Within Employment, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

In addition to a heavy contentious workload, Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘pragmatic and proactive’ group advised global clients in relation to a team move and an outsourcing. Team head and ‘great coordinator’ Christine O’Brien advised Shire Pharmaceuticals on integration issues following its acquisition of Movetis; and John Evason continues to advise British Airways on industrial relations issues, successfully defending a Court of Appeal case brought by the cabin crew union. Daniel Ellis is singled out for his ‘strong professional skill set’. ‘Intellectually one of the best’, Paul Harrison has ‘excellent technical knowledge which sits well with his pragmatic style’.

Within Immigration, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP provides a ‘superior’ service to a range of global corporate clients. It recently assisted engineering teams from Egypt, India and Kazahkstan to work in the UK. Senior associate Tony Haque is the key contact, and Shizuko Fujimoto is on hand for Japanese clients.

Within Pensions, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP has a team of ‘good project managers who look for solutions rather than problems’. The firm recently advised the trustee of the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund, Alliance Boots, and CSC Computer Sciences Ltd on pensions matters, and represented plan members in the case of IMG v German. Practice head Robert West has ‘an encyclopaedic knowledge of the pension industry’, and is ‘technically very sound, but applies knowledge commercially’. Jeanette Holland and Arron Slocombe are ‘both very personable and easy to deal with, while clearly having strong technical knowledge’; and Chantal Thompson has ‘deep, sound knowledge of pensions legislation’.

Within Insurance: insolvency and restructuring,

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP maintains a strong reputation in this field, despite Ian Mason’s departure to Baker & McKenzie LLP in 2010. Practice head Jon Yorke led advice to Minster on its scheme of arrangement, one of the largest solvent schemes to be sanctioned to date. Other clients include Ageas, Apetrop, Partner Re, and RSA Reinsurance Ireland.

Within Product liability: claimant Leading individuals

Within Product liability: defendant, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s wide-ranging practice represents household names such as Starbucks, Apple, and Abercrombie & Fitch. The nine-partner team recently represented several clients in Environment Agency investigations into potential breaches of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2006. Practice head John Leadley has considerable expertise across sectors including TMT, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and toys. Joanna Ludlam leads the multidisciplinary investigation team.

Within Contentious trusts and probate, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

‘Maybe equalled but never beaten’, Baker & McKenzie LLP is a popular port of call for high-value, multi-jurisdictional trust disputes. Practice head Anthony Poulton and Andrew Keltie have ‘remarkable knowledge and a wealth of expertise, and are consummate strategists’. The team’s diverse workload includes trust litigation arising from investment losses suffered by trustees and beneficiaries in the credit crunch. Clients appreciate its ‘seemingly limitless resources’ and international capabilities.

Within Personal tax, trusts and probate, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP is a regular port of call for ultra-high-net worth individuals, private banks and institutions, for advice on complex international trust structures as well as the full range of private client matters. The team has a flourishing Russia/CIS practice, aided by the firm’s global network of offices. Star practitioners Paul Stibbard and Ashley Crossley are ‘technically excellent’, and the team’s ‘cultural awareness’ and ‘in-depth and detailed knowledge of tax issues’ are a major draw for clients. Nigel Beadsworth is up and coming.

Within Infrastructure, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP provides ‘seamless service that is always courteous, even under extreme pressure’. Mike Wester heads the firm’s global infrastructure and transport group, and acted for Ma’aden on the $11bn development of a bauxite mine, alumina refinery and related infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

Within Mining and minerals, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP is ‘very attentive and provides pragmatic commercial advice’. The firm’s major highlight remains its ongoing advice to Ma’aden on the development of an $11bn bauxite mine, alumina refinery and related infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Mike Webster is recommended.

Within Oil and gas, tier 4

Baker & McKenzie LLP advised Sonangol, the state-owned oil company of Angola, on the development of a $12bn refinery on a greenfield site north of Lobito, Angola, while other representative clients include Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries and China National Offshore Oil Corporation. Neil Donoghue co-heads the firm’s oil and gas group, and is recommended.

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

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s nuclear credentials skyrocketed in 2010, with notable work including advising KEPCO on the $20bn development and financing of a nuclear power plant in the UAE. Hugh Stewart heads the team, which includes Neil Donoghue.

Within Private finance initiative (PFI) , tier 5

Baker & McKenzie LLP advised the consortium on the financing of the redevelopment of a hospital in Bermuda, notable as Bermuda’s first-ever PPP. Calvin Walker is ‘quick to see the commercial ramifications of proposals’.

Within Water, tier 4

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s Mike Webster is advising Southern Water on the development of a £300m wastewater treatment plant and sludge recycling facility.

Within Administrative and public law, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

A ‘very high-quality outfit’, Baker & McKenzie LLP is considered a ‘market leader’ in commercial judicial review matters, and has regulatory law expertise covering the media and telecoms sectors. The ‘thoroughly able, professional and objective’ team acts as sole legal adviser to the BBC Trust, and also acts for Camelot UK Lotteries, Cable & Wireless and Inexus. It is praised for its ‘expert’ advice in Competition Appeal Tribunal cases. The ‘superb and charming’ Tom Cassels recently acted pro bono for the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees before the Supreme Court, and is ‘committed and efficient’. Joanna Ludlam and Richard Pike are also recommended.

Within Overview,

In the public law arena, claimant and commercial firms are ranked together in one table. City firms Herbert Smith LLP, Hogan Lovells International LLP and Baker & McKenzie LLP all have standout practices, while Beachcroft, Bindmans LLP and Leigh Day & Co remain leaders on the claimant side. Bindmans LLP also has a market-leading human rights and civil liberties practice, with other firms such as Irwin Mitchell LLP, Bhatt Murphy Solicitors and Pierce Glynn Solicitors singled out for particular expertise in niche areas, including mental health and prison law cases.

Within Commercial property, tier 4

Baker & McKenzie LLP provides ‘a first-class, commercially astute service from a very determined team’. The hotels and leisure team represents Hilton Hotels Group and Radisson Edwardian Hotels Group. Stephen Turner is particularly knowledgeable for loan documentation, and Justin Salkeld is ‘very knowledgeable and practical’. ‘Tenacious’ associate Claire Harries is also recommended.

Within Construction, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Highlights for Baker & McKenzie LLP in 2010 included advising water treatment specialists Degrémont in disputes relating to a major desalination plant in Oman. The ‘calm and measured’ Mike Webster is the key contact, and Jeremy Winter is ‘quick, sharp, amiable and diplomatic’.

Within Environment, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘approachable and professional’ environment team is ‘head and shoulders above most other lawyers in the field of compliance litigation’. Its climate change expertise is especially well regarded. Graham Stuart leads the practice, which has an emphasis on international matters in the energy and technology sectors. Clients include Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Macquarie Bank, and new clients Cummins and Invensys. Senior associate Richard Weatherhogg is appreciated for his ‘knowledge and tenacity’ on regulatory issues.

Within Brand management, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s Ilana Saltzman advises Abercrombie & Fitch and Sharp on advertising matters. Paul Rawlinson, commended for his ‘understanding of clients ’ contracts and goals’, represented L’Oréal/Lancôme in a Court of Appeal case that confirmed the groundbreaking 2009 ECJ judgment underlining the power of leading brands to prevent competitors using their brands unfairly in comparative advertising. The team also manages Unilever’s global trade mark portfolio. The firm has an active sponsorship practice, advising the likes of the London Symphony Orchestra and new clients Google and Porsche.

Within Franchising, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s team, led by Ilana Saltzman, is supported by the firm’s wider commercial group and strong global presence, and is noted for its ‘willingness to understand clients ’ business and provide solutions’. Recognised for its cross-border capability and expertise in the fashion and luxury goods sector, it advises Abercrombie & Fitch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Carlsberg and new client Porsche UK. Michelle Blunt was promoted to partner.

Within Intellectual property, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

The ‘completely dedicated’ Michael Hart leads Baker & McKenzie LLP’s team. Clients commend its ‘adaptability, and the quality of its opinions’. The firm’s international footprint supports global clients including Unilever, Nokia and Abbott, and Hart advised Meltwater News in the High Court, and in its (unsuccessful) appeal against the landmark High Court decision that a headline can qualify for copyright protection. Clients recommend Paul Rawlinson and Peter O’Byrne for their trade mark expertise. Ben Allgrove and Michelle Blunt were recently promoted to partner.

Within IT and telecoms, Baker & McKenzie is a first tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP provides ‘fantastic all-round service’. Harry Small, who co-heads the practice alongside Christina Demetriades, is ‘technically brilliant and commercially astute’. Peter Strivens leads the telecoms group. Ross McKean wins plaudits for his handling of challenging negotiations and disputes; David Halliday provides ‘consistent, high-quality advice’; and Robbie Downing ‘understands data protection issues’. Ben Allgrove and Richard Pike were promoted to partner. The firm advises Arqiva on its broadcasting services agreements with all major UK TV terrestrial broadcasters, recently negotiating with multiplex operators in preparation for the digital switchover. Other clients include Google, Cable & Wireless, 3, Yahoo!, and Orange.

Within Media and entertainment, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Steve Holmes heads Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘superb’ group, which has expertise in interactive media and broadcasting and is noted for its ‘tremendous commercial sensibilities and first-rate service’. In 2010, it advised FremantleMedia on digital media matters, and Take Two Interactive on computer gaming issues. The ‘impressive’ Ben Allgrove, who was recently promoted to partner, advised Hit Entertainment on dissolving a joint venture with Chellomedia. Tom Cassels and Joanna Ludlam continue to advise the BBC Trust. Google and The London Symphony Orchestra are also clients. Duncan Reid-Thomas advises on commercial contracts in a broadcasting context, including recently advising Arqiva.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s global footprint enables it to handle complex cross-border transactions. Practice head Jane Hobson has been advising CareFusion on the $130m disposal of its International Surgical Products business to Medline. Keith Jones specialises in competition litigation. Michelle Blunt and Sunny Mann were promoted to partner. Commercial and regulatory partner Paul Melling has moved to the firm’s Moscow office.

Within Sport, tier 6

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘excellent’ team advises Nike, Orange and Polo Ralph Lauren on sponsorship deals. It is McLaren Group’s sole legal adviser.