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Steptoe & Johnson

99 GRESHAM STREET, LONDON, EC2V 7NG, ENGLAND
Tel:
Work 020 7367 8000
Fax:
Fax 020 7367 8001
DX:
206 LONDON CHANCERY LANE WC2
Web:
www.steptoe.com
Email:
Washington DC, Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles, London, Chicago and 3 more

What we say about the firm's legal practice in London

Corporate and commercial

Within EU and competition EU and competition: Trade, WTO, anti-dumping, customs

Within M&A: lower mid-market, £50m-£250m, tier 5

Steptoe & Johnson advised on M&A transactions that totalled more than $2bn in 2010. The three-partner team attracts high praise; Michael Thompson is ‘not just a good lawyer but also commercially realistic’, and Andrew Bloom is also recommended. Oakley Capital and Smithfield Consultants are regular clients.

Crime, fraud and licensing

Within Fraud: civil , Steptoe & Johnson LLP is a third tier firm,

Steptoe & Johnson has a strong in-house advocacy team, and acted on numerous fraud disputes in 2010. Highlights included advising a Kyrgyz telecoms holding company in a $600m shareholder dispute. Ray Werbicki’s ‘advocacy, written and oral skills are first class, easily the equal of any QC’.

Within Fraud: corporate crime, Steptoe & Johnson LLP is a third tier firm,

Steptoe & Johnson has UK and US qualified lawyers who advise on bribery and money laundering investigations involving both UK and US regulators. Ray Werbicki is the key figure in the team following the recent departure of Tom Sprange to King & Spalding International LLP.

Dispute resolution

Within Commercial litigation, tier 6

Steptoe & Johnson is noted for telecoms, technology, energy, insurance and international trade disputes, and has particular strength in Russia and the CIS, India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. Ray Werbicki is recommended. Tom Sprange left for King & Spalding International LLP, while insurance litigator Damian Cleary joined from Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP.

Within International arbitration, tier 6

Steptoe & Johnson has a ‘highly knowledgeable practice’, and recently acted for Motorola in a joint venture dispute in ICC arbitration. Ray Werbicki is a key figure. Tom Sprange left for King & Spalding International LLP.

Within Public international law, tier 4

Clients praise Steptoe & Johnson’s ‘knowledge of US laws’. Recent work includes advising on bilateral investment treaties, state immunity, sanctions and anti-corruption matters. The practice was lead counsel in an investment dispute arbitration with the Republic of Zimbabwe after a family’s farming and forestry operation was nationalised. Matthew Coleman is a well-respected practitioner, and David Lorello is ‘technically strong’.

Insurance

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, tier 4

Steptoe & Johnson has developed a solid reputation in the space, and earns ‘high marks for the quality of its advice’. It acted for several insurers and reinsurers in pharmaceutical liability insurance claims, and also represented Generali in the Commercial Court in Orient-Express Hotels Ltd v Assicurazioni Generali SpA. Angus Rodger, who ‘can be relied upon for particularly incisive advice’, is recommended along with associates Michael Wharfe and Tim Searle.

Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, tier 4

At Steptoe & Johnson, practice head Angus Rodger provides ‘excellent, personal service’, and gives ‘deeply practical legal advice’. Damian Cleary, an expert in regulatory investigations, joined from Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP in April 2010. Clients include AXA, CIGNA, Generali, Hannover Re and Munich Re.

Real estate

Within Commercial property, tier 5

Clients speak highly of Steptoe & Johnson, where Brendan Patterson has ‘created an exceptional team’ which includes Sam Kelly, who is ‘hardworking with a grasp of detail’, and ‘excellent commercial lawyer’ Matthew Farmer. The practice completed 50 real estate transactions totalling £3.5bn in 2010.

Within Construction, tier 5

The ‘very thorough’ team at Steptoe & Johnson recently advised longstanding client Rokeby Developments on contracts for three retail parks. Jonathan Raynes has ‘robust academic knowledge and an unassuming manner’.

Further information on Steptoe & Johnson LLP

Please choose from this list to view details of what we say about Steptoe & Johnson LLP in other jurisdictions.

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