The Legal 500

Within Corporate and commercial: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Clyde & Co LLP is a first tier firm,

Clyde & Co has strong sector focuses on transport, natural resources, real estate and insurance, and while a strong flow of work comes from within the UK, the firm also reports growing volumes of international work, particularly in emerging markets such as Africa and India. The team, led by Simon Vere Nicoll, acts for clients such as Panasonic, Ecco Shoes and ISS UK, and in 2010 welcomed Andrew Trotter and legal director Stuart Hutson from Shadbolt LLP.

Within EU and competition, Clyde & Co LLP is a first tier firm,

Clyde & Co advises clients such as G4S, Iberian Airlines and Irish Dairy Board on merger clearance and competition compliance matters, as well as OFT investigations. In 2010 the team advised new clients Mouchel and Total Gas on tendering activities under EU public procurement Directives and general competition issues. John Milligan leads the team.

Within Commercial litigation: Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Clyde & Co LLP is a first tier firm,

Clyde & Co’s client base includes IATA and Total Gas & Power. Chris Burdett ‘gets a handle on commercial aspects of disputes very efficiently’, and primarily acts for large organisations. Also recommended is David Bennet, who has significant litigation experience, as well as particular expertise in cross-border arbitration. The firm is currently handling a high-profile IT case for Ericsson.

Within Employment: Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Clyde & Co LLP is a first tier firm,

2010 saw the ‘outstanding’ team at Clyde & Co act for Thai Airways in a high-profile fraud dismissal claim brought by a former employee. Stephen Blunt ‘really understands the business world’; ‘he is genuinely empathetic but tough when he needs to be’. New clients include DHL and Foster Wheeler.

Within Regional review, Clyde & Co LLP is a first tier firm,

In Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, Stevens & Bolton LLP maintains its position as the region’s major heavyweight; Cripps Harries Hall LLP is a recognised leader in real estate and private client work; Clyde & Co remains pre-eminent for shipping and commercial litigation; and on the property and TMT side, DMH Stallard LLP is a key player.

Within Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Clyde & Co LLP is a second tier firm,

Clyde & Co primarily advises retailers, large occupiers and clients on development and investment issues. In 2010 it advised a joint venture client on the £100m purchase of a substantial residential development site at Holland Park School in London. Adam Taylor-Smith and the ‘very professional’ Martin Quicke are the key contacts.

Within Property litigation, Clyde & Co LLP is a third tier firm,

Clyde & Co strengthened its property litigation practice through the hire of consultant Keith Conway and two further assistants, who split their time between London and Guildford. Clients include The Carphone Warehouse and Banner Homes.

Within IT and telecoms, Clyde & Co LLP is a third tier firm,

Clyde & Co’s team reports an increase in IT work for insurance-sector clients; it is advising Admin Re on technology and outsourcing projects, and Unum on support and development for its rating engine. Mark Williamson leads the team, and newly promoted partner Alan Meneghetti has experience in IT outsourcing.

Within Shipping, Clyde & Co LLP is a first tier firm,

Clyde & Co fields an ‘indisputably top-tier’ practice, which represents international clients in shipping and trading matters. The team is well known for its expertise in marine insurance and cross-border disputes. David Bennet is recommended.