Sidley Austin LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Sidley Austin LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 2

The DCM team at Sidley Austin LLP is ‘very focused in understanding the overall business of the client and it offers services based on their general understanding of their needs‘. The practice is ‘always thoughtful and arguably one of the most personable firms in the legal world‘. David Howe, who leads the English law practice in London, frequently acts leading European corporate and bank issuers, such as GlaxoSmithKline and Bank of Cyprus. His recent work for GSK includes the offering of notes with a combined value in excess of £3.5bn. US partner Alan Grinceri also plays a pivotal role in the practice, particularly following the retirement of London head of US law Mark Walsh at the end of 2022. Nigel Wilson (who is ‘always in the detail‘) is dual-qualified in US and English law, and he handles both investment and non-investment grade debt as part of a broad capital markets practice. Counsel Omar Shafi also play pivotal roles in DCM deals.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 2

Sidley Austin LLP 'consistently delivers an extremely professional and rigorous service reflective of the vast knowledge and expertise they have in the field of securitisation'. 'Extremely intelligent, commercially savvy' head of global finance Rupert Wall is widely regarded as a leading expert on securitisation and the team he leads 'provides a tailored approach and understands deeply the intricacies of transactions'. He worked with senior managing associate Azeem Sulemanji and managing associate Rebecca Chambers to assist CVC Credit as collateral manager with more than €1.2bn in new issuance of public European CLOs, including the €400m Cordatus 25 deal. Beyond the CLO space, he also acted for Finland's leading auto leasing business, Lahi Tapiola, on two STS auto loan securitisations with a total value in excess of €1bn. Senior counsel Nick Brittain is particularly active in asset-backed commercial paper conduits, his recent work including the establishment of a platform for Barclays Bank. Up-and-coming partner Emilie Stewart focuses on structured real estate transactions and NPL financings. One client remarks that 'there is a low turnover, so you really get to know the people giving you advice and trust that they know the ins and outs of your business'.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 2

Sidley Austin LLP‘s team is noted for its ‘deep bench strength‘ and its experience in acting for companies developing gene therapy products and digital health tools. Praised by clients for her ‘confidence and ability‘, Maria Isabel Manley heads up the practice with her vast expertise in damages actions concerning generics, regularly appearing before the CJEU and the Committee of Orphan Medicinal Products. The ‘exceptional‘ Robert Darwin maintains a transactional practice, frequently assisting clients with strategic collaborations, private equity buyouts, and investment deals. Noted for his ‘in-depth and practical‘ expertise, senior managing associate Chris Boyle is adept at handling both contentious and non-contentious issues surrounding paediatric regulations and supplementary protection certificates, while managing associate Zina Chatzidimitriadou is noted for her broad knowledge of product life cycle management, with an emphasis on pricing and reimbursement issues.

Investment fund formation and management > Hedge funds Tier 2

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 3

Lauded as a ‘strong, deep team with cross-border capabilities, commercial knowledge, and excellent client service‘, Sidley Austin LLP handles a steady volume of sponsor-side deals, both domestic and cross-border. A flurry of lateral hiring activity saw Ramy Wahbeh join as co-head of the global PE practice, arriving from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in June 2023. Wahbeh came from the firm along with Kaisa Kuusk, noted for capabilities in pan-European transactions. Adam Runcorn‘s transactional pedigree sees him working on high-profile deals in the sports, tech, and professional services sectors. Other names to note include Paul Dunbar, whose broad focus encompasses infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare, and Robert Darwin, who specialises in life sciences work. Tony Downes – who joined the team from Proskauer Rose LLP in July 2022 – is also recommended. Fatema Orjela left the firm in April 2024.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 3

The ‘entrepreneurial, commercial and highly personable’ team at Sidley Austin LLP has continued to gain market share for a range of stakeholders throughout the capital structure, from lead lenders, private equity sponsors engaged in distressed investments and for portfolio companies requiring liability management advice.  Under the leadership of the ‘young, energetic and commercial’ Jifree Cader and Mark Knight, the firm has, however, been particularly successful in scoring debtor-side roles, both in Europe and Asia. Most notably, the team has successfully worked alongside its Hong Kong restructuring and capital markets colleagues on the spate of offshore Chinese real estate company restructurings which have ensued since the firm acted as issuer counsel on their bond raisings.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3

At Sidley Austin LLP, ‘the service provided is excellent, extremely responsive and proactive‘. ‘A crucial factor is their ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters, their pragmatic approach to getting the job done, and commercial awareness‘, says a client of the practice led by structured products partner Rupert Wall. He recently acted for Bank of America in two separate structured financings involving underlying middle market/direct-lending loans held within two separate and complicated fund structures. The deals had a cumulative value in excess of £1bn. Senior counsel Nick Brittain is a recognised derivatives specialist and senior associate Netanya Clixby is a key adviser to both buy-side and sell-side clients on derivatives and trading documentation.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 3

Sidley Austin LLP is closely integrated with the wider firm’s US insurance team and is consequently well-equipped to handle complex cross-border M&A through its global footprint. The team has particular depth in insurance derivatives and structured finance, and has been active in the private equity entry into the insurance market. Martin Membery leads the London team and is also co-head of the firm’s global insurance practice, being noted for the international scope of his practice alongside James Phythian-Adams, who is similarly expert in resolving complex, cross-border mandates in this space. Fatema Orjela left the firm in April 2024.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 4

Sidley Austin LLP fields a tax team who ‘go the extra mile’  in key areas such as M&A, private equity, global finance and real estate. Oliver Currall leads the London department, and co-heads the firm’s wider European tax practice. Currall, who is qualified as a UK Chartered Tax Adviser, has particular expertise in private equity transactions. Jason Menzies is a key contact for M&A transactions, and Steve Quinn has notable expertise in finance and capital markets tax. Associate Avi Kaye joined from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in 2021.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4

The ‘responsive and commercially aware’ team at Sidley Austin LLP covers a broad scope of mandates concerning investment funds, payment services and UK/EU securitisation regulation, in addition to anti-money laundering and financial sanctions compliance programmes. Praised for his ‘deep knowledge of payments regulation’, John Casanova leads the practice alongside ‘client-focused’ Leonard Ng, who has demonstrable expertise in regulation relating to Brexit, crypto-assets, sustainable finance and ESG. Rachpal Thind advises on the regulatory aspects of structured finance transactions, while Max Savoie ‘possesses excellent technical knowledge of payments regulation and delivers advice in a pragmatic and commercially sensitive manner’.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 4

Praised by clients for its ‘network of contacts and resources’, Sidley Austin LLP has in-depth expertise in complex money laundering, market abuse, and serious fraud matters, acting on behalf of various c-suite executives, senior board members, and bankers across the finance and media sectors. Sara George is an ‘exceptional individual’ who leads the firm’s London-based offering, specialising in issues surrounding criminal misconduct, market abuse, and insider dealing.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 4

The banking litigation practice at Sidley Austin LLP is ‘hugely experienced and technically brilliant‘, with the international capabilities of the team allowing it to undertake high-profile, multi-jurisdictional matters. Matthew Shankland leads the unit, notably representing major insurance firm Genworth in a high-value PPI mis-selling claim. Andrew Fox is a further key contact, with extensive experience in complex financial derivative products. Also of note are Alastair Hopwood and the ‘very hard-working and reliable senior associate‘ Sarah Lainchbury.

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 4

Sidley Austin LLP‘s investment funds practice dispenses advice on a wide range of private equity and credit strategies, including distressed debt, funding solutions, speciality lending, and litigation funding. The team is led by James Oussedik, who has vast knowledge of private fund formation issues concerning hedge funds and infrastructure funds.  Mateja Maher and Adrian Grocock left the firm to join Latham & Watkins in July 2023.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 4

Praised for its ‘proactive approach’, Sidley Austin LLP has demonstrable experience across the full range of real estate assets, including hotels, logistics, and student accommodations. Lyndsey Laverack, who is knowledgeable of forward purchase and funding transactions, in addition to asset management and operating agreements, jointly leads the team alongside Jade Williams-Adedeji, who has considerable experience advising on the full life cycle of real estate investments. Emilie Stewart is seasoned in bespoke and heavily structured investments in debt and equity products. Jack Mayall is also noted for his expertise in real estate finance matters.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4

Highly rated for its expertise across the healthcare, pharma, and life sciences sectors, the privacy and cybersecurity team at Sidley Austin LLP acts for large pharmaceutical firms as well as global tech companies. William Long, singled out for his industry experience, leads the team and advises clients on GDPR compliance, e-commerce, and information security issues. Recently promoted partner Francesca Blythe is ‘extremely commercially minded and pragmatic‘ and has a particular focus on data privacy and protection issues in the life sciences sector.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 4

Covering the whole spectrum of financial crime matters, Sidley Austin LLP’s white-collar practice routinely represents domestic and global corporations in cross-border investigations. The firm shows particular strength in high-profile money laundering cases, as well as ensuring that its clients have robust internal compliance procedures to tackle corruption. London-based Sara George leads the practice, drawing on her experience as a former prosecutor for the Financial Services Authority to expertly advise on matters concerning allegations of criminal misconduct and market abuse.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 5

‘Increasingly visible in the market‘, Sidley Austin LLP‘s London-based group is buttressed by the firm’s well established US practice. Former FSA prosecutor Sara George brings a ‘tenacious‘ approach to her representation of corporations in crisis situations and in matters involving allegations of criminal misconduct, including market abuse, insider dealing, money laundering, cybersecurity breaches, fraud, corruption and bribery.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5

The London practice at Sidley Austin LLP acts across a wide range of sectors, advising high-profile clients in industries including media and events, retail, pharma and insurance. Sanctions related work is a mainstay of the team led by Matthew Shankland; a solicitor advocate who handles a steady stream of complex high-profile litigation, with experience in the High Court as well as international arbitration tribunals worldwide. Andrew Fox is key to the team, with particular knowledge of commodities brokerage, oil and gas logistics, and branding and licensing.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 6

Sidley Austin LLP provides ‘high-quality advice’ to clients, leveraging its integrated European offering that combines English and Belgian law experience. The practice excels in handling multi-billion dollar, cross border deals, as well as providing strategic guidance in cartel investigations and market studies. The practice is led from the Brussels office by Ken Daly. The dual-qualified (English and Belgian) Patrick Harrison covers UK and EU matters, across merger control, advisory and investigations work. Vincent Brophy‘s recent engagements include big-ticket transactions in insurance and employment sectors. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of counsel Murray Reeve from Slaughter and May.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 6

Sidley Austin LLP‘s City corporate team regularly advises on cross-border transactions in the insurance, energy and infrastructure sectors. The team benefits from the wider firm’s ‘global expertise’  and has been strengthened with several partner hires, including the addition of Philip Cheveley, former head of Shearman & Sterling LLP’s M&A practice for EMEA and Asia in February 2023. Cheveley, who was previously at Travers Smith, brings significant experience in public company takeovers, mergers, acquisitions and disposals. Practice head Thomas Thesing is a name to note in the team, which also includes James Wood, who handles international transactions and strategic initiatives. Robert Darwin is known for his transactional work with life sciences and healthcare corporations. Also noted in the market is Lyndsey Laverack, who is described by one client as ‘one of the best M&A and private equity lawyers.’ Counsel Ed Perry  has  a broad skillset, handling public takeovers, investments and private equity buyouts in highly regulated industries. Fatema Orjela departed the practice in April 2024.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 6

Real estate > Property finance Tier 6

Sidley Austin LLP is known for its work on private loans, bespoke hybrid investments, and repo and repack transactions, as well as CMBS, including both public and privately placed deals. It also advises on asset-based finance, REITs, and leverage financing for real estate businesses. Rupert Wall chairs the finance group in Europe, and works alongside London partners, Nick Brittain, Jade Williams-Adedeji and Emilie Stewart.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport

Hong Kong > Restructuring and insolvency

The Sidley Austin restructuring team operates across both debtor and creditor sides, and has recently played a key role in some of the largest restructurings within the Chinese real estate sector. The firm’s advisory reach extends across diverse industries, encompassing domains as varied as cryptocurrency, medical, and dental facilities. Alongside involvement in sizeable debtor-side mandates, the team has recently also expanded its creditor-side practice, now encompassing acting for White Knights and rescue financing providers. Leading the helm is Gordon Davidson, whose offshore background enhances the firm’s offerings in the Asia region. Davidson’s adept representation spans high-profile restructurings in addition to diverse debt restructuring cases concerning various Chinese developers.