The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP ‘consistently meets KPIs, and delivers a good and proactive client management service’. Its approach has ensured that, in a year characterised by companies slimming down their commercial panels, the practice has seen new appointments with the likes of Royal Mail Group and Lloyds Banking Group. Its commercial expertise spans the financial services, transport and infrastructure, and TMT sectors, and in 2010 it advised Barclays Pension Fund Trustees on a major pensions administration outsourcing which involved South African offshoring matters, indicative of the practice’s cross-border capability. Outsourcing and data protection expert John Armstrong heads the practice, with the ‘diligent and thorough’ Ian Stevens and Chris Watson also recommended.

Within Corporate tax, tier 4

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s ‘professional, client-oriented’ advice is much appreciated by clients, who praise the team’s responsive and helpful attitude. Strengths include structured finance and cross-border transactional matters. Mark Nichols has expertise in M&A and private equity matters, and practice head Richard Croker specialises in real estate and fund structuring.

Within EU and competition , tier 5

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP acts for numerous high-profile clients including RWE, Transport for London, Colgate-Palmolive, and the Wellcome Trust. The team has specialist sector expertise in energy, utilities and infrastructure, fast moving consumer goods, communications, and life sciences, and also has solid experience in state aid and procurement matters. Although traditionally best known for its behavioural work, it is increasingly involved in big-ticket merger work; highlights in 2010 included advising global pharmaceuticals giant Takeda on its €9.6bn acquisition of Nycomed. Susan Hankey leads the team.

Within Financial services, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is known for its retail and buy-side expertise, as well as its Europe-wide footprint, but the practice is also strong in wholesale markets. The team advised on the UK regulatory issues involved in Islamic Bank of Britain’s rescue by Qatar International Investment Bank. Paul Edmondson is a key contact, and Simon Morris has ‘an enthusiasm that makes you want to listen to every word he says’. Ash Saluja is ‘knowledgeable’.

Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP has seen some changes of late, with the departure of Michael Jones, who joined a client as general counsel, and the strengthening of its US component with the hire of Daniel Winterfeldt from Simmons & Simmons. Gary Green advised Russian and Ukrainian dairy producer Milkiland on its PLN236m IPO on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

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

The 30-partner team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, headed by Andrew Sheach, advised on four deals over £1bn in 2010, and ‘punches above its weight’. It has a ‘friendly, “can-do” approach’ and ‘a clear desire to be excellent advisers’. Its standout deal was advising MetLife on its $16.2bn acquisition of ALICO, with a team led by the highly rated Chris Southorn; and the ‘creative and intelligent’ Louise Wallace led a team advising Camelot on its sale by a high-profile consortium to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan for £389m. The ‘excellent’ and ‘energetic’ Sandra Rafferty attracts high praise, and Gary Green is also recommended.

Within Private equity: transactions , tier 5

Able to leverage off the firm’s pan-European network, the team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP provides a ‘commercial and responsive’ service to sponsors on predominantly mid-market mandates, often with a cross-border complexion. The team has represented LDC on a raft of deals, including the £100m acquisition of Easynet from BSkyB. Headed by David Bresnick, the team includes the ‘technically competent and extremely commercial’ Richard Bull.

Within VAT and indirect tax, tier 4

Peter Mason at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is recommended.

Within Venture capital, tier 5

As part of its broader private equity offering, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP regularly handles venture capital transactions for the likes of Octopus Capital. David Bresnick is recommended.

Within Fraud: civil , CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘superb’ team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP has specialist expertise in finance, insurance and hi-tech computer and internet fraud. In 2010, it secured a successful settlement for CNA in its $300m claim for fraud against Willis; and scored a victory for the world’s largest shipbroker in the Fiona Trust litigation. Bristol-based Simon Chandler is ‘a bloodhound’ and ‘thinks tactically’; and Duncan Aldred is also recommended.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, tier 4

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is increasingly recognised for its ability to offer a high-quality service across Europe, and is handling an increasing amount of work for German retail and property banks. It has also been advising the liquidators of Stanford International Bank regarding its $8bn estate; and advising on claims relating to PPI. Duncan Aldred is recommended. Robert Hickmott left for Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP.

Within Commercial litigation, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s litigators are ‘technically competent and cost conscious’. The practice is known for its energy, construction and insurance expertise, and saw an increase in financial crisis related disputes. Highlights included acting for the world’s largest shipbroker in headline litigation involving defrauding allegations. Liam O’Connell heads the dispute resolution practice, with Tim Hardy leading on commercial litigation. Guy Pendell, Duncan Aldred and Kirsty Hick are key figures.

Within Defamation and privacy, tier 4

The ‘prompt and proactive’ the team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is headed by Tim Hardy.

Within International arbitration, tier 4

Noted for its European and CEE network, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP ‘consistently delivers sound advice’. The firm has a well-respected energy arbitration practice, and is also known for engineering and insurance work. Guy Pendell is department head, and ‘effective litigator’ Ben Holland, Rupert Choat and Omar Qureshi are also recommended.

Within Acquisition finance, tier 6

Headed by Will Meredith, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s eight-partner team acts for an impressive roster of lenders including Lloyds, RBS and HSBC. The ‘very commercial’ Alex Patience is ‘up to date with market practice’, and has handled a number of mandates for LDC, including advising it on the financing of its £100m acquisition of Easynet Global Services.

Within Asset finance and leasing, tier 5

Sitting within the firm’s broader infrastructure and projects group, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s asset finance team is regularly engaged in big-ticket mandates requiring a cross-disciplinary approach. Recent examples include assisting the DfT in relation to the reorganisation of, bidding for, and sale of High Speed 1. Keith Ham and senior associate Mary Selby are recommended for their work across a broad range of assets.

Within Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans , CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

Headed by Will Meredith, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s eight-partner group has handled a mix of new-money, investment grade financings and restructurings for corporates and banks. The firm has a deeply entrenched relationship with Lloyds, and recently advised it, along with two other banks, on a £70m financing for WH Smith. John Naccarato has ‘an excellent practice’, and is regularly involved in the firm’s most significant mandates, such as advising Enterprise Inns plc on its £625m forward-start facility.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP has traditionally had a bank-led practice, and counts HSBC, RBS and Lloyds as clients, but it has branched out in recent years to advise pension trustees and hedge funds. Peter Wiltshire has ‘excellent technical knowledge’; Rita Lowe is a ‘whirlwind of energy’ who is ‘good in tough situations and gets the job done’; and the team also has a ‘good mix of senior associates who know the market well’. The firm acted for stricken law firm Halliwells before it went into administration, and subsequently for BDO as administrators. Ashley Smith and Robert Hickmott have recently left the firm, the latter for Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP.

Within Debt capital markets, tier 4

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP has a buoyant corporate issuance practice. It also advises banks, such as Crédit Agricole as arranger on two Hungarian issues, and has a growing niche in infrastructure bonds. US-qualified Daniel Winterfeldt joined from Simmons & Simmons, boosting a team that includes outstanding partners Jason Hardingand Will Dibble, and consultant Roy Griggs.

Within Derivatives and structured products, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s team includes Will Dibble and Jason Harding, who are ‘experts in their field, and worth every penny on complex deals’. Recent work includes assisting on a flow of retail products for JP Morgan; advice to Deutsche Bank’s distressed products group on derivatives issues arising from the Lehman Brothers insolvency; and a growing number of longevity deals. The firm also has a buy-side practice representing investment managers and corporates such as the Wellcome Trust.

Within Emerging markets, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP bolstered its emerging markets practice with the addition of private equity partners Ted Cominos and Graham Conlon from Linklaters LLP in 2010, and Daniel Winterfeldt on the international capital markets side from Simmons & Simmons in early 2011. The firm is strong in projects, finance and private equity, and recently advised UniCredit on the Czech, Hungarian, and Polish law aspects of the restructuring of BorsodChem Group’s €1.4bn debt pile. Alex Doughty is also recommended.

Within Investment funds, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s ‘first-class service’ is marked by ‘good response times and the ability to solve problems on the hoof’. It has considerable expertise in real estate and infrastructure funds, and advised on aspects of John Laing Infrastructure Fund, which had its IPO in November 2010. Christopher Southorn and Melville Rodrigues are highly regarded for fund formation. Gawain Hughes moved to DLA Piper UK LLP.

Within Securitisation, tier 4

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s recent deals include the Telereal securitisation for new client BT, and the Unique deal for longstanding client Enterprise Inns. Jason Harding is ‘an outstanding securitisation specialist, and extremely bright: he has the wow factor’; and Will Dibble is much liked by peers and clients. The firm’s international capital markets practice has a prominent position in the CEE region, and is now headed by US-qualified Daniel Winterfeldt, who joined from Simmons & Simmons.

Within Employee share schemes, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP provides ‘professional, well-communicated’ advice, and demonstrates ‘good knowledge’ across the area. It acted for Hartest Holdings on the share schemes aspects of a cash offer from Elektron, and for TT Electronics on establishing a new, Revenue-approved save-as-you-earn scheme. Nicholas Stretch shows ‘dedication’ and ‘understanding of the client’s needs’.

Within Employment, tier 4

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is valued for its ‘very down-to-earth approach and fast response times’, and has gained new clients such as Deutsche Bank, Reed Elsevier and ConocoPhillips. Anthony Fincham’s group recently advised a major bank on its international redundancy programme. Sarah Ozanne and Ian Watson ‘provide sound practical advice’, and recently advised on the transfer of staff to five different law firms on the administration of Halliwells.

Within Health and safety, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s global network attracts international clients wishing to take pre-emptive action in the form of audits and establishing compliant procedures. The team also assists clients in the engineering, offshore energy, and insurance industries in relation to prosecutions and inquests. Practice head Jan Burgess is valued for her ‘quality of service, accuracy and timely delivery’.

Within Immigration, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a first tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is commended for its ‘personalised and professional service’ in immigration matters. The team increased its roster of blue-chip financial institution, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, IT, engineering and retail clients, as well as high-net-worth individuals in 2010. It acted on over 250 Tier 1 applications over the course of the year, and advises on the Points Based System (PBS) and the licensing regime. Caron Pope, Nadine Barnole and Louise Carson are ‘highly responsive, proactive and professional’; and Siobhan Owers has ‘a pragmatic view and can anticipate the issues employers will encounter in the increasingly onerous immigration requirements’.

Within Overview,

The coalition government’s policy towards immigration led to a bewildering number of rapid changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 immigration categories, throwing firms such as Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal LLP and Fragomen LLP into frantic lobbying and a whirlwind of updating and appeals.

Within Pensions, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a first tier firm,

The ‘outstanding’ team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is ‘a really class act’. ‘Between them it has everything: powerful and focused litigators, real technical knowledge, and great commercial instincts.’ The group recently completed a pensions structuring on behalf of Coca-Cola, and advised Black & Decker trustees on the negotiation of a parent company guarantee for the whole of the scheme’s liabilities. In disputes, the group acted for the successful claimants in ITS v Knell, the PNPF (Pilots) litigation and the MNRPF (Merchant Navy) litigation. The eight-partner team is led by ‘great businessman’ Nigel Moore, and includes Mark Atkinson, who ‘combines a powerful intellect, litigation nous and excellent client skills’; Mark Grant, who ‘fizzes with ideas and is excellent to work with in litigation situations’; Neil Smith, who is ‘a joy to work with, combining an easy style with tactical awareness and real fight when litigating’; and Keith Webster, who is ‘strategically fantastic and shows great judgement’.

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

Stephen Netherway heads CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s insurance and reinsurance group, which is ‘a high-quality operation with considerable strength in depth’, underpinned by ‘the added bonus of the CMS network in continental Europe’. Recognised for its broker defence and reinsurance work, the firm successfully defended a multimillion-pound claim against Miles Smith and its insurers. It is also acting for Swiss Re and other reinsurers on the $2bn-plus losses arising from the 2007 Sempra wildfire. Liam O’Connell is ‘a great tactician, very commercial and client friendly’; Edward Foss is ‘able to influence the outcome of litigation’; and Andrew Symons is ‘a pragmatic adviser’. Clients are also impressed by ‘first-rate’ associates Anna Crew and Simon Garret.

Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP was appointed to AEGON’s panel, and won pitches for instructions from MetLife, ACE and HSBC. Practice head Paul Edmondson, who advised MetLife on its $16.2bn acquisition of ALICO from AIG, is recommended. The team was strengthened by the hire of Mike Munro and James Parker from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP.

Within Professional negligence, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s ‘excellent team’ is ‘always willing to go the extra mile’. The 12-partner group advises some of the world’s largest insurers, and its expertise extends across the areas of accountants, brokers, surveyors, financial professionals, construction professionals and solicitors. Stephen Netherway is ‘outstanding’, and is recommended along with the ‘first-rate’ Belinda Schofield, the ‘excellent’ Liam O’Connell, the ‘top-notch’ Kirsty Hick, the ‘knowledgeable’ Martin Fox, Peter Maguire, and the ‘thoroughly organised’ Timothy Ingham.

Within Infrastructure, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is recommended for its ‘focus and commercial acumen’. Transport is a strength, both domestically and internationally, with road and rail providing a steady flow of mandates. The firm advised the Department for Transport on the restructuring of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the sale of HS1. Jason Davies is recommended.

Within Oil and gas, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP draws admiring glances for its ‘leading North Sea practice’, with team head Penelope Warne and oil and gas specialist Bob Palmer well known in the market for this type of work, but also garners instructions from all over the world. It recently advised trophy client BP on the $7bn sale of international oil and gas assets to Apache Corporation.

Within Overview,

The traditional finance specialists are not the only names dominating energy; leading regulated industry players such as CMS Cameron McKenna LLP and Herbert Smith LLP are also well represented, as are US project finance powerhouses such as White & Case LLP and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP.

Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) , CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a first tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP has ‘excellent sector knowledge’. Regulated industries head Robert Lane is a ‘market leader’; emerging markets specialist Vivek Gambhir is noted for his ‘knack for putting forward convincing arguments’; and Munir Hassan is rated for renewables work. In a strong illustration of its regulatory prowess, the firm is advising National Grid Offshore on its bid for OFTO transmission assets.

Within Private finance initiative (PFI) , CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

The team at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is ‘flexible, and able to navigate challenges’. Although Frank Dufficy left the practice in 2010, it retains a ‘strong group knowledge that ensures expertise isn ’t reliant on one partner’. Recommended names include Jason Davies, who is ‘always considered and commercial’; and Paul Smith, an ‘exceptional communicator who translates complex legal points into plain English’. Transport is a major strength, and the firm is advising the DfT on the restructuring of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Within Water, tier 4

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP continues to advise the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on various regulatory matters, including advice on desalination issues.

Within Healthcare, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP predominantly acts for private sector clients, advising on M&A, commercial and regulatory matters. Clients have included Sovereign Capital, Ramsay Healthcare and Nuffield Health. Jason Zemmel and David Day head the practice.

Within Commercial property, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

‘The quality of work is outstanding’ at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, which has clients including investors such as PRUPIM and Rockspring; high street lenders including RBS, Barclays, HSBC; household name occupiers; leading developers; and many hotel and leisure chains. The firm has been advising the Department for Transport on agreements relating to the sale of High Speed 1, a major project requiring expertise in infrastructure and real estate. Mark Heighton has a ‘no-nonsense approach’; Edward Benzecry is ‘brilliant’; Pranai Karia is ‘thorough and calm under pressure’; Thomas Page and Louise Wallace are ‘highly capable and personable’; Nick Hadley is ‘professional’; Chris Harvey is ‘hardworking and reliable’; and Victoria Peckett is noted for her ‘quick responses’.

Within Construction, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s ‘easygoing’ lawyers ‘work collectively, and their market knowledge is second to none’. The practice is strong on both the purchaser and supplier side. Recent highlights include advising Taylor Wimpey on a £145m regeneration project in Portsmouth, and Lloyds TSB on its redevelopment loan for Wakefield’s Trinity Walk shopping centre. The ‘highly approachable and technically outstanding’ Victoria Peckett now heads the practice, following Caroline Cummins’ retirement.

Within Environment, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a first tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is highly regarded for its responsiveness, commercial advice and ability to ‘suggest tactics to the client rather than just giving the law’. Areas of focus include waste and renewables, and it handles a range of prosecutions. The team has been advising on water pollution investigations, and representing waste management companies in class actions. It has also been advising clients on CRC legislative changes and their impact on complex real estate funds. Practice head Paul Sheridan is ‘simply outstanding on environmental matters; he provides tailored, concise and extremely thorough advice’.

Within Planning, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP has ‘huge experience in all aspects of planning, especially in the retail sector’. It continues to act for J Sainsbury, including winning a Supreme Court case against Tesco that could have wider impact on local authorities’ CPO powers. It is also advising National Grid and Scottish Power in relation to a transmission connection between England and Scotland, and advising the Department for Transport on the HS1 rail link. Other clients include Westminster Council and The Berkeley Group. Practice head Chris Williams ‘provides strong, strategic advice’.

Within Property finance, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP ‘always takes a pragmatic approach, and delivers on its promise to protect the client and get the deal done’. The team advised Lloyds TSB Bank on a multimillion-pound development facility for a shopping centre in Wakefield. Borrower work included acting for Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust and RREEF on financings. Department head Simon Johnston is ‘cool, calm and collected, with a wealth of experience’. The team’s associates are ‘intelligent and really level-headed’; they include Marianne Mudd, an ‘amazing lawyer with a refreshing approach to business’, and Sarah Allonby.

Within Property litigation, tier 4

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP ‘gives sensible and realistic advice, and is very successful at looking for alternative ways of resolving disputes’. The team continued to act for O&H Properties in a large coverage dispute. Andrew Walker is ‘friendly and down to earth’. Caroline DeLaney left the firm in April 2011.

Within Brand management, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s cross-departmental team is supported by the firm’s strong European network. Described as ‘fantastic in all areas’, it acts for specialist consumer brands such as Ajinomoto, Yell, Amazon and Nestlé. Group head Susan Barty advises on ASA-related matters. Regulatory lawyer Joanna Wheeler joined from Covington & Burling LLP.

Within Intellectual property, tier 4

At CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, recently promoted partner Tom Scourfield, whose clients include Nestlé, and Nick Beckett, successfully represented Eagle Technologies in the High Court. Beckett also acted for Takeda and Japan Tobacco. Commercial IP partner Sarah Hanson specialises in non-contentious agreements for biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device clients Pfizer and Abbott. Colgate-Palmolive is another high-profile client. Isabel Davies moved to Boyes Turner, while Jeremy Morton joined the team from Fasken Martineau LLP.

Within IT and telecoms, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s ‘innovative, responsive team’ is commended for its ‘excellent industry knowledge’. ‘Wonderfully calm’ practice head John Armstrong has the ability to ‘make the complex and impossible realisable’. Telecoms expert Chris Watson’s ‘wide experience and network make him a great asset on a deal’. Yuban Moodley assisted Lloyds Banking Group with a complex IT system development project. The firm was also appointed to Royal Mail Group’s legal panel. Joanne Wheeler is recognised for her ‘excellent grasp of satellite law’. Emma Burnett was promoted to partner.

Within Overview,

Key IP hires included Phil Sherrell moving from Eversheds LLP to market leader Bird & Bird; and Howrey LLP’s Mark Hodgson joining Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP. Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s team was boosted by the arrival of Clive Thorne from Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP; CMS Cameron McKenna LLP hired Fasken Martineau LLP’s Jeremy Morton; and Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP recruited Ben Goodger, former head of Rouse Legal’s global IP commercialisation group.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a second tier firm,

Covington & Burling LLP recruited Paul Claydon, Natalie Diep, James Gubbins and James Halstead from Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP, and compliance specialist Robert Amaee from the Serious Fraud Office, strengthening the group’s ‘comprehensive life sciences offering’. The practice is supported by a broad international footprint and strength in IP and data protection. ‘Strong advisers’ Grant Castle, Richard Kingham and Mike Kingston are advising Merck and Schering Plough on post-merger integration. A ‘tenacious, practical adviser’, Daniel Pavin advised biopharmaceuticals company UCB on a strategic partnership agreement with Synosia Therapeutics, and the ‘thorough, pragmatic’ Lucinda Osborne is also recommended. Product liability specialist Anne Ware joined Kennedys, and Joanna Wheeler joined CMS Cameron McKenna LLP.

Within Rail, CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is a third tier firm,

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP represented the DfT on the sale of HS1 and on the restructuring of the Eurostar business; London Underground on the sub-surface lines signalling upgrade project; and the government of India and the Ministry of Railways on the proposed redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station on a PPP basis. Jonathan Beckitt leads the team.