The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, tier 5

Peter Dickinson and Mark Prinsley co-head the team at Mayer Brown International LLP, which recently acted for Unilever in an IT outsourcing project across the Americas, Asia, Africa, Turkey and the Middle East, as well as the renegotiation of the terms of its master services agreement with Accenture. EMI Music and GE Capital are also clients. The team is ‘bright, capable and technically skilled’, and noted for its ‘clarity’ and ‘organisation’.

Within Corporate tax, tier 4

Mayer Brown International LLP’s team acts for clients including JP Morgan Chase, Cadbury, and Royal Mail across a broad spectrum of corporate tax matters. Leading partners include the ‘extremely pleasant and hardworking’ Sandy Bhogal, who has expertise in corporate tax planning and the development of domestic and cross-border tax-efficient structures. James Hill’s capabilities include M&A-related corporate taxation, group reorganisations, and corporate finance.

Within Equity capital markets: UK capability, tier 5

Mayer Brown International LLP has ‘a strong, commercial team available 24/7’. Recommended figures include Robert Hamill, an ‘outstanding communicator, calm and unflappable’, who advised Genel Energy on the reverse takeover of Vallares plc; Kate Ball-Dodd, who represented Numis as underwriter on a placing by JJB Sports; and William Charnley.

Within Equity capital markets: US capability, tier 5

Mayer Brown International LLP brought dual-qualified Bernd Bohr from New York to build its US practice in London. His recent SEC-registered work includes advising Mechel OAO on a $528m share sale.

Within EU and competition, tier 6

Mayer Brown International LLP is known principally for defending media and construction clients in international cartel investigations, representing energy and financial services clients in abuse of dominance investigations, and obtaining clearances for complex international mergers. It acted for Sisk Group in its appeal to the CAT against an OFT cartel fine. Gillian Sproul leads the team.

Within Financial services, tier 4

Mayer Brown International LLP has ‘in-depth understanding of the industry’. The team represented European financial trade associations in responding to an SEC study, and is experienced in regulatory investigations and enforcement defence, particularly multi-jurisdictional cases. Marc Cohen is highly rated; Mark Compton has ‘fantastic knowledge’; and Angela Hayes ‘gives thoughtful analysis’. Nick Kynoch joined Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Clients are ‘guaranteed a high level of service’ from Mayer Brown International LLP, which provides ‘consistently excellent service and speedy responses’. Kate Ball-Dodd is ‘undoubtedly a rising star, who can diplomatically navigate difficult negotiations’. William Charnley ‘takes ownership of key issues, and delivers solutions’, and recently led on the £11m AIM IPO of Jellybook.

Within M&A: premium deals, £250m+, tier 5

Mayer Brown International LLP’s strong dual US and UK transactional offering acted on 25 deals in 2011 with an average value of £352m. While private transactions accounted for the majority of its deal flow, the team has been steadily increasing its public M&A output for multinational clients such as Unilever, Thomson Reuters and Ally Financial. Highlights included advising Genel Energy International on its $4.2bn merger with Vallares plc by way of reverse takeover; Robert Hamill led on that deal and is recommended alongside TMT specialist and group head Peter Dickinson, William Charnley, Richard Page and Kate Ball-Dodd.

Within Private equity: transactions, tier 6

At Mayer Brown International LLP, team head William Charnley advised Principal Hayley Group on the £250m acquisition of the shares of six SPVs which own hotels leased to the client’s group. Other clients include Terra Firma, QVT Financial and Pamplona Capital Management.

Within VAT and indirect tax, tier 4

Sandy Bhogal is recommended at Mayer Brown International LLP.

Within Venture capital, tier 6

Strengthened by the relocation of Mark Walker from the firm’s Frankfurt office, Mayer Brown International LLP’s team provides a ‘very personal service and the ability to draw on wider expertise from the larger firm as required’. It is active in both the primary and secondary markets, for clients such as Azini Capital Partners, Unilever Ventures and Herald Ventures. The practice is jointly led by the ‘commercial and pragmatic’ David Bates and Stephen Beales.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Ian McDonald at Mayer Brown International LLP is ‘superb’. The firm is known for its expertise in disputes relating to derivatives and structured finance, and is currently representing UBS in separate proceedings against the Leipzig Water Board, LBBW and Depfa. It also advised KPMG as joint liquidators of Lehman Brothers Commercial Corporation Asia/Lehman Brothers Asia Holdings in the RASCALS litigation. Former head of department Andrew Legg left the firm to join Eversheds LLP, while Clare Canning has taken up a position as global general counsel at Ernst & Young. Matthew Lawson and Simon Willis have joined Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP.

Within Commercial litigation, tier 4

Mayer Brown International LLP’s team ‘works in an efficient manner’. It advised the liquidators of Lehman Brothers Commercial Corporation Asia and Lehman Brothers Asia Holdings in a headline dispute regarding the ownership of certain securities. Group head Ian McDonald is ‘clear thinking’; Miles Robinson ‘stands out’; and David Allen is also recommended. Mark Compton joined from BP, while Andrew Legg and Clare Canning left for Eversheds LLP and Ernst & Young respectively.

Within International arbitration, tier 5

Mayer Brown International LLP is noted for its ability to ‘familiarise itself with complex cases in short timeframes’. Areas of focus for the team include oil and gas, energy, telecoms, mining, pharmaceuticals, transportation, IT and outsourcing matters. Michael Regan is ‘an outstanding practitioner’; Raid Abu-Manneh ‘gets results’; and Philippa Charles’ ‘intellectual skills are impressive’.

Within Professional discipline, tier 4

William Glassey is now the key figure at Mayer Brown International LLP, which regularly acts for law firms. In 2011, Clare Canning left to become global general counsel at Ernst & Young, and two other partners have moved to Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP.

Within Acquisition finance, tier 5

Headed by Dominic Griffiths, Mayer Brown International LLP provides ‘sound legal and commercial advice’ to clients at all levels of the capital structure, in relation to new-money financings, refinancings and distressed acquisitions. With the firm’s comprehensive international network, the team is well placed to handle cross-border mandates, and in conjunction with the Frankfurt office recently advised Indigo Capital on the senior bridge commitments and mezzanine financing of the acquisition of Spandex Group. Neil Caddy is praised for his ‘outstanding work ethic’.

Within Asset finance and leasing, tier 7

At Mayer Brown International LLP, the ‘hands-on’ Stuart McAlpine excels at cross-border asset financing transactions.

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

Mayer Brown International LLP has standout ABL capability, and experience acting for lenders on high-value syndicated loans. JPMorgan and Wells Fargo are notable clients of the ‘incredibly responsive and efficient’ team, which is led by Dominic Griffiths (‘an expert in all cross-border matters’). John Clark and Graham Wedlake are also recommended.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Active for a broad range of stakeholders, the team at Mayer Brown International LLP has ‘an extremely high degree of technical expertise as well as a strong business sense and judgement’; it ‘strikes the right balance between the commercial position and ensuring that the client is protected from a risk perspective’. The ‘extremely bright’ Ashley Katz jointly heads the practice with the ‘user-friendly’ Devi Shah. Katz continues to advise various institutions as to their exposures to MF Global, and also represented distressed investors on the acquisition of the debt of British Bookshops & Stationers. Kristy Zander is an ‘up-and-coming partner’, and David Allen displays ‘good tactical judgement’ on insolvency litigation.

Within Debt capital markets, tier 4

Bernd Bohr’s arrival from New York adds extensive experience in US and European debt to Mayer Brown International LLP’s London practice. Bohr assisted Banque Centrale de Tunisie in a $500m Reg S offering, and Commerzbank on Sixt Aktiengesellschaft’s $250m issue.

Within Derivatives and structured products, Mayer Brown International LLP is a second tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP ‘goes from strength to strength – its partner coverage, responsiveness, technical ability and industry knowledge add up to a strong offering’. ‘One of the first division of firms for structured finance regulatory matters’, its US experts give it ‘a significant advantage over London-based firms’. Co-head of global derivatives Ed Parker’s ‘encyclopaedic knowledge means he knows the technical points inside out’. Chris Arnold is ‘technically excellent and easy to deal with’. The firm advises ISDA on European issues, and as official US counsel. It is ‘one of the “go-to” firms for credit derivatives, structured credit and emerging markets work – a good alternative to the Magic Circle’.

Within Emerging markets, tier 4

Mayer Brown International LLP has niche expertise in the mining industry, and is part of an international group advising the government of Afghanistan on investment in the country’s mineral sector. Ian Coles has experience in the Russian and Eritrean markets, and Rachel Speight is also recommended.

Within Investment funds, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP’s practice spans real estate, private equity and hedge funds. It advised on Principal Global Investors LLC’s purchase of a majority stake in Finisterre Capital. Angela Hayes is ‘perceptive and willing to provide real advice in a hurry, and understands regulators’. William Charnley provides ‘straightforward, well-reasoned advice’. Practice head Tim Nosworthy is also recommended.

Within Securitisation, Mayer Brown International LLP is a first tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP joins the top tier this year, and has an ‘incredible reputation for private deals and great pedigree in public transactions’; it is ‘one of the few firms that still has a big group of experienced lawyers’. Bruce Bloomingdale is ‘the best, always giving clear, concise advice and getting the best results time and time again’. Dominic Griffiths is ‘a superstar, knows a tremendous amount about cross-border securitisation and has a big following’ after many successful trade receivables deals. Stephen Day is ‘mentally agile, particularly on complex cross-jurisdictional matters’. Kevin Hawken is ‘comprehensive and considered, the industry leader in asset-backed commercial paper’; and ‘extremely hardworking’ senior associate Jeremiah Wagner is ‘a star of the future, he has judgement beyond his years’. Highlights included a NOK10.7bn Norwegian auto-loan deal for Santander, the country’s first deal under its new securitisation laws.

Within Employee share schemes, tier 5

Andrew Stanger at Mayer Brown International LLP is ‘very responsive, proactive and collaborative’.

Within Employment: employees/unions Leading individuals: Employment

Within Employment: employers and senior executives, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP is a well-respected force in the employment arena. It successfully gained a springboard injunction in a landmark case before the High Court on behalf of QBE Insurance against a team of departing employees, and is also advising Southern Cross Healthcare Group on its high-profile break-up. Nicholas Robertson is a ‘tireless worker’ and ‘shrewd tactician who leads their team from the front’. Bernadette Daley is ‘highly intelligent’, and Christopher Fisher is ‘able to recognise the niche complexities of a client’s business’.

Within Pensions, Mayer Brown International LLP is a second tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP’s clients include EDF, Santander and Ford. The firm recently advised the Trustee of the Prudential In-house Occupational Pension Scheme in a hearing before the High Court, and represented the Merchant Navy Scheme in the Court of Appeal. Anna Rogers, ‘no matter what the complexity of the matter’, provides ‘first-class technical advice, coupled with pragmatism, a sense of humour and common sense’. Ian Wright is ‘adept at rising to the intellectual challenge’; Philippa James is ‘technically very sound and commercially savvy’; Stuart Pickford has a ‘sharp brain’; Edward Jewitt is ‘very approachable, commercial, clear and concise’; and Martin Scott is also recommended. Andrew Block joined the firm from Travers Smith LLP.

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, Mayer Brown International LLP is a second tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP is highlighted for its ‘industry knowledge and the appropriateness of its advice’. It has real strength in financial institutions insurance, and is also well regarded for political risk, D&O and professional indemnity matters. Group head David Chadwick’s ‘inimitable style and sound commercial advice are second to none’; Mandip Sagoo focuses on coverage issues for financial institutions, and was recently promoted to partner; Jane Childs is an ‘expert in financial lines’; and Andrew Westlake is also recommended. Key clients for the team include QBE, ACE and Chartis.

Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

With core strength in M&A, restructuring and private equity, Mayer Brown International LLP is highlighted for its ‘cross-border capability’. Head of corporate insurance Martin Mankabady is ‘very good, and knows his stuff’; and Ian McKenna is ‘very astute and commercial’. William Charnley is also recommended, and the team welcomed Colin Scagell from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. Clients of the team include QBE, ACE and Chartis.

Within Insurance: insolvency and restructuring, Mayer Brown International LLP is a second tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP’s team is ‘responsive and client focused’. Devi Shah, an ‘exceptional lawyer who is technically strong and commercially savvy’, acted for the Australian liquidator of New Cap in an appeal in relation to the power of the English Courts to recognise an Australian judgement against a Lloyd’s syndicate in run-off. Ian McKenna is highly recommended.

Within Product liability: defendant, tier 4

Mayer Brown International LLP fields a cohesive international practice group, acting for prominent insurers and manufacturers on cross-border regulatory issues and litigation. Miles Robinson is ‘fantastic on the detail’.

Within Professional negligence, Mayer Brown International LLP is a first tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP’s ‘strong, commercially focused practice’ is led by David Chadwick and Michael Regan. Focused on high-profile, high-value matters, the team gives ‘accurate, prompt and practical’ advice. Key clients include QBE, Chartis, ACE and Knight Frank. Notable individuals include the ‘proactive’ William Glassey; the ‘outstanding’ Sean Connolly; Jim Oulton, who is ‘technically excellent; Lindsay McQuillian, who is ‘outstanding’; Ingrid Hobbs, who is an ‘excellent negotiator’; and the ‘forward-thinking’ Sally Davies. The ‘thorough’ Mandip Sagoo and Tom Duncan were recently promoted to partner. Clare Canning joined Ernst & Young as global general counsel, while Matthew Lawson and Simon Willis moved to Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP.

Within Mining and minerals, Mayer Brown International LLP is a first tier firm,

Ian Coles at Mayer Brown International LLP is ‘a top-notch lawyer – he has a good sense of risk and how to mitigate it on behalf of his clients’. Active in Africa, Europe and Afghanistan, the firm also advised Wolf Minerals on the financing of its tin and tungsten mine in Hemerdon, Devon, and was retained for its subsequent AIM listing. Neil Caddy is ‘also a top lawyer, able to step into tricky situations with little or no advance notice’.

Within Oil and gas, tier 6

Robert Hamill’s team at Mayer Brown International LLP acted for EcoFin Energy Resources on its fundraising to acquire and develop shale gas assets in Texas and Montana. Upstream M&A is a specialism.

Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables), tier 4

Mayer Brown International LLP’s team, headed by Robert Hamill, acted on a wide range of projects in 2011, including conventional, renewables and nuclear mandates. Gillian Sproul and Jonathan Hosie are other key figures.

Within Commercial property, Mayer Brown International LLP is a second tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP ‘provides an outstanding service and is very client focused’. It acts for major UK developers and property companies, such as British Land and Canary Wharf, which it advised on a £300m joint venture with Qatari Diar. Jeremy Clay ‘ably leads complex deals and is a very effective negotiator’, and Anita Jones is ‘very capable’. Peter Sugden moved to Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP, and James Dodsworth joined White & Case LLP.

Within Construction, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Michael Regan leads Mayer Brown International LLP’s ‘technically competent’ practice, which is well regarded for contentious matters. Its international practice continues to expand, with the team recently advising foreign governments and resources companies on projects in emerging markets. Jonathan Hosie and ‘effective negotiator’ Chris Fellowes are advising on a major oil exploration project in the Middle East. Sally Davis and Tom Duncan defended a subcontractor and its insurer in a rail-related construction and professional negligence claim. Clients also include Zurich and Swiss Re.

Within Environment, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP’s practice is focused on environmental support on major transactions. Recent examples include advising Dow Chemical on the disposal of Chemoxy International; Progress Rail Services (a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc) on a manufacturing business acquisition from Balfour Beatty; and Wolf Minerals on its admission to AIM.

Within Property finance, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP is a prominent option for ‘complex, large transactions, given its property and restructuring expertise’. The firm recently advised Nationwide Building Society as arranger, agent and lender on a syndicated term loan facility. Andrew Hepner is ‘proficient and motivated’, and Nigel White and Stephen Walsh ‘know their market inside out’.

Within Property litigation, tier 4

Mayer Brown International LLP’s ‘diligent’ and ‘professional’ group advises parties in break option disputes, and provides rights of light advice to developers. ‘Commercially sound’ team leader Simon Hartley is ‘tenacious’ and ‘committed’.

Within Intellectual property, tier 5

Mark Prinsley heads Mayer Brown International LLP’s team, in which Sarah Byrt handles commercial matters and Jonathan Radcliffe focuses on patent disputes. Sangeeta Puran continued to act as co-counsel to Sandvik in its litigation against Kennametal regarding a patent for an alumina-coated cutting tool. Other clients include Celtic Pharma, Sotheby’s and NSE India.

Within IT and telecoms, Mayer Brown International LLP is a second tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP’s head of corporate and telecoms Peter Dickinson handles transactional work, and recently advised Interoute Communications on acquiring the parent company of cloud services provider Quantix Group. IP and IT head Mark Prinsley focuses on projects and outsourcing matters, recently assisting EMI Music and London Metal Exchange with IT agreements. Stephen Beales is recommended for telecoms outsourcing matters. Other clients include Vodafone, Orange and Moody’s Investor Services.

Within Media and entertainment, Mayer Brown International LLP is a third tier firm,

Mayer Brown International LLP’s cross-practice team advised Hachette on its acquisition of the Enid Blyton estate (excluding the Noddy series) from Chorion. Other highlights included representing EOne in its exclusive five-year deal with LOVEFiLM. Gillian Sproul advises Macmillan on e-books, and anti-trust and competition issues. Music lawyer Miles Robinson represents EMI and new client Virgin Media. Sarah Byrt heads the practice.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, tier 4

Mayer Brown International LLP recently handled a range of IP, product liability and transactional matters for life sciences clients. Patent litigator Jonathan Radcliffe is experienced in high-value disputes; his track record includes representing Abbott Laboratories in litigation regarding its blockbuster drug Humira. Corporate partner Bernd Bohr, who joined from Allen & Overy LLP, divides his time between London and New York.