Dentons > London, England > Firm Profile

Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 1

Steered by the highly experienced TMT specialist Henrietta Baker, Dentons‘ multi-skilled commercial practice continues to pull in a large volume of both public and private sector work, with a strong portfolio of cross-border mandates. Recent work includes advising on distribution, partnering and logistic agreements, with a notable increase in supply chain arrangements. Recent additions to its client roster, such as the multinational consumer group AM Fresh, bolster a client list already featuring numerous leading retail, sporting and courier organisations, including John Lewis Partnership, FIFA, and Royal Mail. Singled out for his multi-sector approach, the ‘extremely knowledgeable and experienced’ Martin Fanning has been primarily active advising on partnership and outsourcing agreements within the media and entertainment, automotive and telecommunications space, whilst Scott Singer takes the lead on the group’s big ticket retail mandates. Sarah Lima is a leading player in the firm’s cross-departmental team supporting large public sector projects, whereas senior associate Rachael Morris leverages her technological and manufacturing expertise to advise on long-term service agreements and bespoke delivery models.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Lower Mid-Market Deals, £100m-£750m Tier 1

Praised for its multi-jurisdictional M&A offering, the ‘experienced, very reactive, always practical’ and ‘commercial’ team at Dentons is well-placed to assist FTSE 350 clients with mid-market and premium work across a range of sectors, including energy, financial services and real estate. Heading up the team is the ‘solution focused’ Neil Nicholson, who regularly handles UK and cross-border M&A. Matthew Tinger has recently acted in the sale and acquisitions of hotels and real estate assets. With particular experience of advising North American clients, Darren Acres handles a broad range of transactions - including public and private M&A, joint ventures and equity capital market matters. Other names to note include Joseph Altendorff, who specialises in cross-border investment and M&A. James Vernon joined the team from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in January 2023, offering a broad practice which covers joint ventures, general corporate advisory, public company takeovers and private M&A.

Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 1

Dentons is 'very well versed in DCM and has experts on every topic', though its emerging markets work extends beyond bond issuance and restructuring. The London team leverages the firm's global office network to handle market-leading projects and financings in Africa, the Middle East, the CEE and CIS regions, as well as Latin America. Head of banking and finance Paul Holland leads the emerging markets group in London. He recently acted for HSBC Bank plc, co-ordinating local counsel in Finland and Brazil, in a secured $780m buyer credit facility for a major Brazilian paper and pulp producer. Debt capital markets partner Nick Hayday 'instils confidence in clients, is a safe in his hands'. He advised CPI Property Group on a €700m sustainability-linked bond offering. Debt capital markets specialists Cameron Half and David Cohen  also play key roles in the practice. Half is a key adviser to Hidroelectrica S.A. and assisted the client with its proposed €2bn IPO and listing on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. Derivatives and structured debt partner Matthew Sapte and trade and export finance specialist Ian Clements are frequently involved in emerging markets transactions, and Dominic Spacie advises banks, institutional investors, development finance institutions, contractors, and government entities on international PPP, PFI and concession-based infrastructure-related projects. John Inglis, formerly of Shearman & Sterling LLP, joined as a consultant.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 1

Providing an ‘exceptional service’ to owners, investors, UHNWIs and lenders in the hotel and leisure industry, the ‘leading’ multi-disciplinary team at Dentons has a significant international footprint, with recent engagements in France, Ireland, Italy and Croatia. Practitioners are well versed in international acquisitions and disposals, day-to-day operational issues, the structuring of mixed-use hotel projects and franchising matters. The trio heading up the practice comprises ‘top real estate lawyer’ Simon Masri, who acts on structured investment acquisitions, joint ventures and disposals in the hospitality sector; corporate expert Matthew Tinger, whose recent highlights have included the sale of Hilton Olympia London for £135m; and Phoenix-based Rick Ross. Also of note is Babette Märzheuser-Wood, head of the retail group and global head of the franchise group, who also advises clients in emerging markets on the use of licensing strategies. Laura Gowing offers significant experience in finance, investment and development transactions.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 1

Dentons’ multi-disciplinary retail team advises large retailers, brands, restaurants and franchises based in the UK across the full range of retail and consumer work, including technology, real estate matters, data and cybersecurity issues, outsourcing, and employment matters. James Batham, a seasoned real estate litigator, now co-heads the practice alongside Scott Singer, whose workload covers commercial contracts, IT, and data privacy law for household retailers in the food and fashion sectors. Intellectual property mandates are handled by Anna Copeman, while Tristan Jonckheer is recommended for his work in the TMT and financial services sectors.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 1

Offering ‘excellent, industry informed, advice that is practical and strategic in nature,’ the team at Dentons is regularly instructed by major multinationals on the full spectrum of data privacy, protection, and cybersecurity issues. The team, which benefits from the firm’s wider international network, has particular strength in new and developing technologies and is adept at advising on emerging AI and tech data privacy regulation, and also has a strong data breach response practice. Simon Elliott now heads the team and leads on large-scale and high-profile regulatory investigations and class action litigation, while founding partner and former practice head Nick Graham is recommended for his expertise in multi-jurisdictional data privacy matters. On the cybersecurity side, Antonis Patrikios handles multijurisdictional data breach responses as well as cybersecurity compliance and incident preparation plans.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1

Dentons provides the full spectrum of services, with demonstrable experience advising on matters concerning IT and telecoms, commercial contracts, M&A, IP, regulatory and data privacy. Additionally, the practice is noted for its expertise in emerging and disruptive technologies, such as blockchain, AI, satellites and quantum technology. Transactional lawyer Henrietta Baker, who specialises in technology and telecoms transactions, strategic sourcing and commercial contracts, jointly leads the team alongside, Tristan Jonckheer, who is a key contact for telecoms regulatory advice. Dan Burge advises on high-end strategic technology procurement, business process re-engineering and outsourcing projects, while Martin Fanning handles e-commerce and advertising compliance issues. Other key contacts in the group include Andy Lucas and Sarah Lima, both of whom advise on IT outsourcing and business-critical technology projects for clients in the public and private sectors.

Transport > Rail Tier 1

‘The global reach and breadth of Dentons‘s transport practice means that it remains our top choice for international instructions‘. Matthew Hanslip-Ward is at the helm. The team advises on all aspects of the industry ranging from franchises and concessions, projects and infrastructure through to advising on regulations and reform. It is skilled at handling major acquisitions in the rail sector, as well as advising on passenger and freight operations. The group has extensive rolling stock experience and remains busy advising passenger and freight businesses on a diverse range of issues. The London team continues to be involved in various high-profile rail projects around the world. Counsel Martin Watt has particular expertise in rolling stock. Senior associate Jonathan Smith specialises in railway law and regulation and frequently advises on franchising, concessions, rolling stock and commercial contracts. Other key members of the team include Christopher McGee-Osborne who is a known name in the rail and transport sector. Mark Macaulay often advises on significant infrastructure contracts.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 1

Leveraging its international presence and tax practice to advise on complex cross-border mandates, Dentons' corporate tax team in Scotland offers specialist skills across the gamut of areas including real estate, planning for high-net-worth individuals, VAT, financial services, and warranties and indemnities for M&A transactions. Lorna McCaa leads the team from Glasgow, having built a stellar reputation across numerous key sectors, from food and drink and retail to technology and real estate. Gwen Souter is a key contact and a trusted tax advisor to major stock exchange listed companies, privately held businesses and multinational corporates.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 1

Combining considerable breadth and depth of competition law expertise, Dentons is notorious in the Scottish market for its ability to handle complex issues concerning competition litigation, regulatory and subsidy control advice to the UK government and public bodies, as well as merger control guidance at both the UK and EU level. The team is led from Glasgow by Michael Dean, who is vastly experienced in all aspects of competition law including dawn raids, cartel investigations, merger clearances, and distribution and vertical issues, with Adrian Magnus supporting the team from London. Catriona Munro is a contentious competition specialist, while Carolyn Burns has a strong reputation for regulatory and subsidy control advice, particularly in the energy sector. Melanie Martin primarily handles non-contentious matters and regularly advises the UK government.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

Christopher Colclough and Sarah Lima jointly lead the Milton Keynes-based group at Dentons. The team leverages the firm’s international network to advise large companies, most notably Airwair (Dr. Martens) and Sainsbury’s Group. Colclough heads up the corporate side of the practice, and often handles cross-border transactions, and Faye Garvey primarily focuses on private M&A and joint ventures. Senior associate Ryan Chia advises public sector clients on management buy-outs and company formations. Nick Harrison left the practice in November 2022.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

Demonstrating ‘very impressive capabilities‘, the Milton Keynes-based practice at Dentons is adept at acting in Financial Ombudsman Service proceedings, and adjudications. Recently promoted partner Rob Francis is among the key names in the office; he is praised for how he deals 'thorny issues and complex problems', and has been leading the firm's work for the National House-Building Council in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Senior associate Sarah Rutnah has ‘excellent judgement‘ concerning commercial fraud and professional negligence claims.

Employment > Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

In Milton Keynes, Dentons‘ ‘very robust and versatile‘ team advises a diverse client roster spanning the telecoms, retail and transport sectors. The team regularly dispenses advice on government projects, and transactions in the fintech space. Practice head Sarah Beeby is ‘simply excellent‘, assisting both public and private sector clients with collective consultations, large-scale redundancies, and TUPE transfers. Michelle Lamb focuses on advising venture capital clients on retendering processes, whistleblowing claims and discrimination disputes, while ‘completely trustworthy‘ counsel Verity Buckingham often advises corporations on senior exits, in addition to the defence of tribunal claims.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1

The ‘very approachable and highly capable‘ Milton Keynes-based team at Dentons handles the full range of bilateral acquisitions and Islamic financing mandates for both borrowers and lenders. Practice head Christopher Colclough often advises domestic and international lenders on acquisition financing issues regarding retail and office spaces. Robert Wyatt leads the real estate finance team, and regularly acts for high street banks in real estate financings, while Faye Garvey maintains a leveraged finance-focused practice and primarily assists international lenders with syndicated lending matters. Associate Matthew Exton acts for a variety of borrowers in the automotive, infrastructure and insurance sectors.

Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1

Based in Milton Keynes, Dentons' claimant-oriented practice operates across the construction, financial and professional services sectors, and is known for its longstanding position 'at the forefront of professional negligence claims in the banking industry'. Sarah Rutnah assists significant financial institutions on professional indemnity claims against accountants, solicitors and surveyors.

Real estate > Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

The ‘highly capable‘ Milton Keynes-based team at Dentons assists clients with the full gamut of issues, including the drafting and negotiation of new leases, conditional purchases, and promotion agreements for development land. Robert Wyatt heads up the practice, and has significant expertise in advising land owners, banks, and housebuilders on the management and financing of commercial properties. Senior associate Lorna Rogers primarily assists investors and major occupiers with acquisitions and disposals, in addition to conditional agreements, while associate Susie Stross is particularly apt at handling railway property matters, including mixed-use developments and large infrastructure projects.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 2

Praised by clients for providing ‘a strong bench of partner-level attention‘ in transactions, Dentons regularly advises leading PE firms and management teams on a range of high-value and mid-market deals, particularly in emerging markets across Asia and Africa. Nicholas Plant, co-head of the global private equity group, is a highly active mid-market adviser whose recent engagements include auction sale processes for high-profile financial services companies. Other key names to note include Stephen Levy, co-chair of both the UK and European PE teams, who serves as relationship partner for some of the firm’s leading sponsor clients, and James Davison, experienced in all manner of cross-border deals. Both Levy and Davison are well regarded for being ‘very commercial in their approach, always available, and extremely personable.’

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 2

Dentons has ' friendly team that is always available to discuss and problem solve', and clients note that the firm provides 'strong technical ability, and high partner visibility and supervision'.  Practice head David Cohen and standout partner Nick Hayday continue to build the DCM team, notably with the hire of 'first-rate partner' Neil Dixon from Linklaters LLP at the end of 2022.  Together, they advise on the full range of DCM products, hence the firm's promotion in the ranking, though it has particular strength in niches such as sovereign debt, regulatory capital trades, and equity-linked bonds. Hayday, who 'instils confidence in clients', and newly promoted partner Victoria Wyer acted for Republic of Lithuania in the updates of its issuance programme as well as a combined offering of €1.8bn in bonds. Cohen handled an issuer substitution for €300m in outstanding bonds of G City Europe Limited, and advised Haitong Bank on its offering of €230m in floating rate bonds.  Cameron Half, who leads the US Securities practice in EMEA, and trustee and agency specialist Catriona ’Kitty’ Lloyd also play pivotal roles in the practice.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 2

The derivatives practice at Dentons 'punches above its weight', and clients note that 'the team goes out of its way to really understand the business and operational mechanics behind transactions to really allow the contractual terms to match the commercial reality'. The firm climbs the ranking this year due to the strength of its work for major banks, though it is also a key adviser to corporates and funds. Practice head Matthew Sapte is adept in all derivatives asset classes, including ESG-related instruments and Islamic finance. He recently acted for Absolute Collateral in establishing a conventional and Sharia-compliant repo trading platform. Standout partner Luke Whitmore is 'a fantastic sounding board for new ideas and structures and has a real thirst for the new and innovative ideas'. He has extensive experience in the prime brokerage and futures markets, and is a key adviser to leading investment banks on matters such as rates and foreign exchange swap transactions with private equity funds and other structured funds. His recent work also includes advising sell-side clients on the impact of Russian sanctions on derivative positions and the ability to terminate.

Finance > Islamic finance Tier 2

Finance > Securitisation Tier 2

At Dentons, 'the efficiency and communication are impressive'. The firm is known for handling high-value public securitisations, private securitisations, forward flow arrangements, trade receivables, corporate loan and trade finance securitisations, and auto loan securitisations, and is highly regarded for its mortgage loan expertise. Peter Voisey stands out for  'his availability to discuss issues at any time of the day and for his incredible calmness and ability to direct client conversation'. Voisey is co-head of the practice with Edward Hickman, who 'provides excellent service'. The 'exceptionally thorough' Catriona ’Kitty’ Lloyd is a key adviser on corporate trust matters. Voisey and Lloyd recently advised the arranger, a global financial institution, on the issuance of £1.2bn in notes by Duncan Funding 2022-1 plc, an RMBS transaction for TSB Bank plc designated as STS under the UK Securitisation Regulation, with Lloyd assisting Citicorp Trustee Company Limited and Citibank, N.A., London Branch in trustee and agency roles. The partners are supported by a strong junior team, which includes senior associate Jimmy Yang and associate Kamraan Akhtar, who both worked with Voisey on a £250m specialist RMBS transaction for Bluestone Mortgages Limited.

Finance > Trade finance Tier 2

Dentons has a commodities, trade and upstream finance practice that has 'business acumen, a pragmatic approach and an awareness of the customer's need and this makes a real difference'. Ian Clements, who handles syndicated and bilateral borrowing base, pre-export and structured prepayment financings as well as bilateral transactionally secured trade finance facilities, leads the practice following the departure of Tim Pipe  to Clyde & Co . Clements acted for the Ghana Cocoa Board in the pre-export financing of Ghana's 2022/23 cocoa crop with a potential value of $1.3bn. He also assisted ING Bank with the €365m refinancing of a secured uncommitted borrowing base facility based on Green Loan Principles. Key partner Simon Prendergast is an asset-based lending expert with significant experience in advising both lenders and corporate borrowers on cross-border transactions.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 2

The 'very responsive and strong' four-partner team at Dentons is best-known for its aviation-related work, where it has a 'great awareness of the  commercial sensitivities' unique to a myriad different stakeholders, including banks, lessors and operators. In addition to the firm's core asset finance prowess, the team is also able to draw upon broader competences within the firm, as well as to leverage vast international resources, a one-stop-shop service which is particularly appreciated by major airlines. Paul Holland  is conversant with a broad array of financing transactions (including those utilising commercial and export credit-backed debt), and has provided vital support to several major airlines, including Emirates, during fraught financial and operational times during the pandemic. Stephen Temple has a deep understanding of the commercial sensitivities of clients in the operating leasing market, work which he combines with a strong airline practice that includes TAP Portugal, which he advises across a myriad work alongside Serge Sergiou . Temple co-heads the team alongside Sarah Dyke , whose broad-based asset finance expertise also covers work in the maritime field. Senior associate James Francis  is also a key member of the team and 'has extensive experience in JOLCOs and ECA financings', while at the other end of the seniority spectrum, Nick Chandler  has a consultancy role, having recently retired from the partnership.

Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds Tier 2

The ‘friendly, approachable and knowledgeable’ team at Dentons advises listed funds including REITs and other investment trusts and offshore funds on a range of matters, including s. 110 de-mergers, share capital reductions and ongoing operational matters. The practice also provides regulatory and tax support to closed-ended fund managers. Leading the team are London-based Guy Norfolk, who advises on structuring and partnership arrangements, M&A and regulatory issues, and Edinburgh-based Claire Armstrong, whose practice covers real estate and infrastructure among other asset classes. Promoted to partner in May 2022, Owen McLennan advises clients on both fund structuring and restructuring matters, in addition to carving out a niche in impact investing. Senior associate Sarah Wylie rejoined the firm from Dickson Minto WS in June 2022 and focuses predominantly on regulatory issues.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 2

Dentons demonstrates strong competence across the financing and delivery of various infrastructure projects, with experience across the healthcare, education and leisure sectors as well as renewable and conventional power assets. Project finance remains a key plank of the team’s offering, working with a number of investors, SPVs, developers and financial institutions on a variety of funding structures, with team head Euan Wilson recognised as a leading figure in the practice for this work. Both Mark Cheney and Dominic Spacie have broad international practices, acting on the financing of oil, wind, gas and solar and battery developments across the globe, whilst also possessing regulatory expertise to provide advice throughout the whole project cycle. Matthew Hanslip-Ward and Gareth Tenner also come recommended, particularly for their rail expertise.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2

The energy practice at Dentons works across the oil & gas energy value chain and provides a full-service offering to clients that encompasses projects, disputes and financing as well as regulatory, commercial and corporate advice. Expertise in LNG, upstream, midstream and downstream as well as in the blue hydrogen space are core features of the ‘highly specialized and experienced’ team’s service portfolio. Highly experienced transactional energy lawyer Humphrey Douglas  heads the department; renowned practitioner Charles Wood is known for designing commercial and regulatory frameworks for market reform and large-scale energy projects; and Colm Ó hUiginn comes recommended as a ‘first class lawyer with exceptional ability at delivering to the client’s needs both in terms of technical legal analysis but also an astute commercial understanding of the industry’.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 2

The team at Dentons, noted as a ‘very capable team with extensive knowledge of the energy sector’, is led by experienced energy practitioner and ‘trusted pair of hands’ Lucille De Silva, who specialises in work involving renewables and low carbon transactions. The team has a strong reputation for its abilities to advise both private and public sector clients on the full gamut of related matters. Its workload includes advising on the ongoing UK energy crisis, on complex matters involving climate change and work involving renewables, a key example being its work as project counsel on the £4bn project development of the Acorn Carbon Capture & Storage project in Scotland. Key name in the team Christopher McGee-Osborne has expertise across these areas in a public law context. The team was bolstered with the May 2023 arrival of expert consultant in the field John Inglis, formerly of Shearman & Sterling LLP. Paul Doris departed to Brown Rudnick LLP in December 2022.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2

Dentons is active across the alternative asset, build to rent, senior living and student accommodation arenas. The team has also recently received increased instructions from investors in India, Luxembourg, South Korea, and the US investing into the UK. Rob Thompson oversees the department and is proficient in development and finance transactions, in addition to investment mandates. Alex Coulter is knowledgeable of asset management and is active in the logistics, office, and retail sectors. Laura Gowing is a key member of the firm’s hotel and leisure group, while Simon Masri handles disposals, joint ventures, and structured investment acquisitions. Partner John Arey joined the team from Ashurst in July 2022.

Real estate > Environment Tier 2

Dentons‘ environment team is noted for its ‘unique and strong support capability’. It is well-equipped to advise its clients on ESG-related matters and the effects of their implementation in both the short and long-term in multi-jurisdictional as well as domestic contexts. Additionally, the team assists its clients on matters at the forefront of the sector, advising on sustainability and the risks of greenwashing. As well as its advisory work involving regulations, the team handles contentious matters of alleged breaches in this regard. Former practice head Stephen Shergold  departed in Februrary 2024. Annabel Hodge has experience working on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2

The corporate governance team at Dentons is led by Richard Barham and Katherine Harle and is well placed to handle cross-border matters by virtue of its large global network and often advises large multinational clients on regulatory and governance matters, drawing on strength from its data privacy, employment, tax and regulatory practitioners. Barham is a corporate lawyer who handles transactional matters, shareholder and board processes, and governance issues, while Harle handles compliance, regulatory matters and interactions with regulators such as the FCA and Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Sarah Beeby advises on employment law and Dan Lund deals with sanctions, bribery and corruption and fraud. The team was bolstered in January 2023, with the arrival of James Vernon from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Patent attorneys Tier 2

Dentons’ patent attorney practice is well-equipped to assists clients with the development of their global portfolios, and therefore attracts large international clients from the space and defence, AI, automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and telecoms sectors. Other industries of strength for the group include retail, leisure, technology, media, and the public sector. Justin Hill spearheads the firm’s European patents group, including across the UK and German offices. Hill is particularly skilled in handling and developing global patent portfolios and supporting clients with strategy and opposition work. Another notable team member is Alexander Rees, who has extensive experience in patent drafting and prosecution proceedings.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 2

Utilising an extensive global network of specialists, Dentons acts for a number of major clients operating in Scotland on complex cross-border transactions, spanning a broad range of conventional and alternative financial areas. Team head Stuart Fitzsimmons is considered a market leader for investment trust sector financings and private placement debt transactions. Susan Kelly offers vast experience of advising both borrowers and lenders across a broad range of sectors, including food and drink, manufacturing, technology and real estate. Another key member in Edinburgh is James Wilson, his practice covers real estate finance, leveraged finance and Shariah-compliant structures.

Finance > Investment funds Tier 2

Dentons investment funds and asset management group consider private funds, listed funds and fund regulation to be key disciplines, recently handling more mandates for clients spanning the closed-ended listed fund space including investment trusts, real estate trusts and offshore investment listed companies. Managing partner for Scotland and funds and corporate finance specialist Claire Armstrong heads the team, her practice particularly focusing on acting for closed-ended listed funds in both an advisory and transactional capacity. Owen McLennan, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, has established a strong private fund and fund regulation practice and is particularly well known for expertise in impact investing.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Projects Tier 2

Dentons combines both breadth and depth of expertise when advising a particularly diverse range of private and public sector clients, including lenders and investors, both domestically and internationally. Euan Wilson is one of those spearheading the practice, specialising in large infrastructure and project finance such as PFIs and hub transactions.

Real estate > Commercial property: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 2

Embedded in its UK-wide real estate practice, Dentons runs a broad workload and is adept in leasing, transactional, funding and development matters. Practice head Brian Hutcheson has considerable experience in the BTR, office, retail, hotels and leisure, logistics and student accommodation fields. A further standout individual is Barry Edgar, an all-rounder who acts on development, leasing and investment endeavours; he demonstrates particular expertise in transport-related projects.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2

Dentons utilises an extensive network of intellectual property specialists located in Scotland, the UK and across the globe to advise large companies across a broad range of sectors, spanning life sciences, retail, financial services, media, technology and manufacturing. Ross Nicol departed the firm in March 2023 to join Addleshaw Goddard, while former practice head Alison Bryce left to join Brodies in August 2023. Steph Innes joined in September 2023 as partner in Glasgow to lead the practice following a period as head of group legal at Aggreko.

Scotland > Transport Tier 2

Most notable for its extensive rail capabilities, the transport practice at Dentons also offers considerable expertise in other key transport sectors in Scotland and throughout the UK, from highways and ports to buses and airports. Mark Macaulay jointly leads the team and is a construction procurement expert, while co-head Euan Wilson specialises in large infrastructure and project finance transactions, including PFI and hub deals.

Employment > Immigration Tier 2

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

Headed by Henrietta Baker and Sarah Lima in London, Dentons continues to be a key port of call for high-profile clients such as John Lewis Partnership, Network Rail, Royal Mail Group, Sainsbury’s and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Rukia Khatun in Milton Keynes is knowledgeable of migration to cloud-based solutions in addition to software development and procurement.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2

The specialist team at Dentons is geared to handle the full spectrum of commercial, contentious, corporate in addition to employment sporting matters. Henrietta Baker and Sarah Lima lead the team from London, while in Milton Keynes, Rose McDowall assists governing bodies with club and organisation infrastructure, and caters to retail agreements for sporting brands as well as terms and conditions for sports broadcasting.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 3

An ‘excellent team in terms of both experience and knowledge’, Dentons' focus encompasses cross-border equity fundraisings and other stock exchange transactions, including IPOs, secondary fundraisings and M&A transactions for both issuers and their sponsors, nominated advisers, brokers, underwriters and lead managers. The firm leverages its extensive multi-jurisdictional presence to great effect, with a robust track record for deals in emerging markets overseas. Global ECM practice leader Nikolas Colbridge focuses on international financing transactions, while head of corporate Neil Nicholson is a key name for share sales, business sales, joint ventures, fund establishments and restructurings.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 3

‘A well-led team with excellent strength in depth', Dentons draws praise from clients for its broad sector coverage and geographical reach, which it leverages to act in emerging markets overseas. The group has a demonstrably strong track record of handling small and mid-market IPO and secondary fundraising work for a range of issuers, sponsors, nominated advisers, brokers, underwriters and lead managers. Neil Nicholson  heads the team, drawing on his expertise to advise clients in relation to the UKLA Listing Rules, the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange and the UK Takeover Code. Darren Acres and Verity Kent are further important points of contact within the practice.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 3

Sitting within the broader regulatory and investigations group, Dentons offers significant breadth and depth of international trade expertise across a wide array of sanctions, export controls, customs, WTO product regulation and national security matters. Team head Roger Matthews' practice ranges from regulatory guidance to investigations and contentious advice. Daniel Lund was promoted to partner in May 2023, having established a strong reputation within both the European and US trade compliance communities, while Kate Poppitt is noted for advising clients across the full cycle of sanctions laws.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 3

Strong relationships with major regulatory bodies are a defining element of the Dentons practice. Katharine Harle, for example, brings her previous in-house experience at the FCA to her current role as team lead of the UK regulatory and investigations group. As a consequence of the firm’s global reach, the client base spans foreign-owned banks operating in the UK, major financial services and insurance players facing cross-border regulatory and compliance issues, and asset managers. The expertise of counsel Zeena Saleh and newly promoted partner Lara Seabourne is demonstrative of the bench strength across all levels.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 3

Dentons provides 'very commercially focused' advice to institutional investors as well as corporate venturers on their investments into and funding of a range of companies, including those in the energy and cybersecurity space. The team is stage agnostic and is equally as comfortable advising on Series A mandates, as it is Series C and beyond, and is able to effectively leverage complementary practice areas as a corollary of the firm's full-service offering. Although it handles a considerable volume of domestic mandates, the firm's sweet-spot lies in resourcing complex multi-jurisdictional matters, where it is effectively able to draw from the firm's vast global network. 'Very commercially-focused' team head Joseph Altendorff continues to lead from the front, although he is also often aided by 'a number of highly talented lawyers', including Joseph Collingwood.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3

At Dentons, the banking litigation practice is viewed as ‘adept at handling large and sensitive banking and finance claims’, working with non-contentious banking colleagues at the team to provide clients support on regulatory investigations, derivatives disputes, ISA interpretation disputes, and securitisation litigation. The team often acts on multi-jurisdictional mandates, evidenced through recent advice given to a leading cloud-based software provider on potential regulatory risks. Felicity Ewing leads the team and has expertise in both group litigation defence and ESG-related financial services claims. Thomas Leyland is a key figure in the practice, notably acting for NatWest in its LIBOR swaps claims defence. Tom Hanson, ‘clever and responsive’, acts for financial institutions in litigation and contentious regulatory matters.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

'A go-to firm for international arbitration', Dentons regularly represents energy corporations in major commercial and investor-state arbitrations. The practice also has a strong track record in the telecoms, infrastructure, financial services, sports and hospitality sectors. Dan Bodle, whose work usually involves Africa, the Middle East or Asia, recently took over from energy commercial arbitration specialist Liz Tout as litigation and arbitration practice head. James Langley acts in both commercial and investor-state matters; Dominic Pellew is experienced in disputes involving Russian and former Soviet Union parties; and counsel Matthew Vinall and senior associate Catherine Gilfedder are also active group members.

Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 3

Dentons regularly advises employers and trustees on both defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes, as well as on matters such as regulator investigations, and litigious aspects of buy-outs. Eleanor Hart and Alison Weatherhead jointly lead the practice; Hart heads up the reward-focused side of the team, whilst Weatherhead leads the people, reward, and mobility-focused team from Edinburgh. Counsel Caroline Curran joined the Manchester team in October 2022 from Brabners LLP, and is experienced in handling contentious matters across the pensions space.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 3

Dentons advises a variety of international and domestic employers and trustees on the full gamut of non-contentious pensions issues. The practice is dually headed by Glasgow-based Alison Weatherhead and the ‘exceptionally responsive‘ London-based Eleanor Hart, who brings experience in complex cross-border transactions to the pensions team. Further advice the practice offers encompasses matters such as pension scheme buyouts – for which counsel Caroline Curran, who joined the team in October 2022 is a key contact - as well as pension funding arrangements, insolvency-related work, and transactions involving pensions issues. The practice was recently boosted by the arrival of Carolyn Saunders, the former head of the national pensions team at Pinsent Masons LLP.

Finance > Asset based lending Tier 3

Dentons' credentials in the ABL market were hugely enhanced following the recruitment of the 'exceptionally professional but personable' Simon Prendergast in March 2022 from Addleshaw Goddard. Prendergast now heads the team and has, since his arrival, successfully exploited the firm's broader banking and trade finance practice, to secure a number of transactions involving multiple layers of debt in the capital structure alongside the more conventional receivables mandates for working capital purposes. In addition, the team is also well-positioned to leverage the firm's international network for multi-jurisdictional matters. The firm's prior Scottish expertise also continues unabated, with Glasgow-based Stuart Fitzsimmons  excelling in advising on ABL-related work in distillery sector.    

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 3

Dentons provides ‘a cost-effective and solutions-oriented service’ to UK retail and international banks across a range of public and private syndicated and bilateral corporate lending and investment grade financings. James Ingham, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, regularly acts for lenders providing syndicated facilities to other financial institutions, including in emerging markets jurisdictions. Simon Middleton, who has a specialism advising on transactions within the Nordic markets, is ‘user-friendly and excellent at finding pragmatic solutions between lenders and borrowers’. Middleton co-heads the team alongside the ‘sensible and commercially astute’ Catherine Astruc .  

Industry focus > TMT Tier 3

Dentons provides the full range of legal services with specialist expertise in IT & telecoms, commercial contracts, IP, data privacy and cybersecurity issues. The practice represents a variety of clients from tech vendors and data businesses to to telecoms and media providers. The team is headed by Henrietta Baker who is well-versed in advising tech start-ups while Martin Fanning is a transactional lawyer. Andy Lucas acts for private sector companies on tech projects with support from Dan Burge who represents media businesses and tech providers.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 3

Dentons is well known in the market for its expertise across the broadest ambit of the infrastructure market, with particular specialism in social infrastructure, renewable energy, transport and defence work. The firm supports longstanding clients on a number of high-profile PFI/PPP interests, with a deep bench of experience that allows the group to act on acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures. Team head Euan Wilson is a secondary market PFI/PPP transactions expert, working closely with funds, strategics and foreign public bodies on a number of cross-border deals, regularly working closely with fellow Edinburgh-based team-head Gareth Tenner , who has a similar skillset. Third group head and rail specialist Matthew Hanslip-Ward is a go-to adviser for a number of established transport entities, while Humphrey Douglas has a practice predominantly concentrated on major M&A mandates for oil and gas companies.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3

Dentons is active across the alternative asset, build to rent, senior living and student accommodation arenas. The team has also recently received increased instructions from investors in India, Luxembourg, South Korea, and the US investing into the UK. Rob Thompson oversees the department and is proficient in development and finance transactions, in addition to investment mandates. Alex Coulter is knowledgeable of asset management and is active in the logistics, office, and retail sectors. Laura Gowing is a key member of the firm’s hotel and leisure group, while Simon Masri handles disposals, joint ventures, and structured investment acquisitions. Partner John Arey joined the team from Ashurst in July 2022.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3

Dentons is active across the alternative asset, build to rent, senior living and student accommodation arenas. The team has also recently received increased instructions from investors in India, Luxembourg, South Korea, and the US investing into the UK. Rob Thompson oversees the department and is proficient in development and finance transactions, in addition to investment mandates. Alex Coulter is knowledgeable of asset management and is active in the logistics, office, and retail sectors. Laura Gowing is a key member of the firm’s hotel and leisure group, while Simon Masri handles disposals, joint ventures, and structured investment acquisitions. Partner John Arey joined the team from Ashurst in July 2022.

Real estate > Planning Tier 3

The planning team at Dentons has a varied client base, ranging from national and local government to investors, developers, and infrastructure providers. Roy Pinnock leads the team in advising on all aspects of planning law, including large-scale development and housing, in addition to urban and mixed-use regeneration schemes. The group expertly handles various aspects of residential developments, and Rachael Herbert specialises in developments in the elderly care sector. Michele Vas has demonstrable experience in energy and transport-related infrastructure, advising on Transport and Works Act and development consent orders. At the senior associate level, Lucy McDonnell and Katie Scuoler have extensive experience in compulsory purchases, and the addition of Chris Robinson in February 2022 further strengthens the team’s expertise in CPO advice.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 3

Simon Tweedle and James Irvine co-head the ‘professional, efficient and knowledgeable’ finance team at Dentons, covering all aspects of bilateral and syndicated lending, and acting for banks and corporate borrowers in relation to both investment and development facilities. The London team frequently work alongside its European and global network in deals across the office, retail, residential, hotels and student accommodation asset classes. Simon Masri and Jason Sheard are recommended for restructuring work.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Utilising the firm’s global network, the property litigation team at Dentons handles disputes for a range of national and international clients. Particular areas of expertise for the team include landlord and tenant disputes, insolvency, development disputes and rights of light matters. 'Star in his field' Bryan Johnston leads the team, specialising in business rates and the Electronic Communications code. Thomas Nolan, noted as being 'experienced beyond his years', is another key name with a strong focus on high-end residential property litigation.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 3

Known for its strength in the payments space, Dentons advises on payments regulation, electronic money, digital banking and IT outsourcing transactions for a host of banks, non-traditional lenders and fintech firms, among other clients. The practice has also seen an increase in instructions relating to cryptocurrency, blockchain and the B2B payments space. Gateway and BNPL agreements stand out as a recent area of activity for practice head Tristan Jonckheer, while dispute resolution partner Craig Neilson frequently handles contentious mandates related to cyberattacks, cryptoassets and payments. Jessica Cooke has specific expertise on regulatory licensing issues faced by global financial services businesses, while Matthew Gilhooly is active on financial service outsourcing regulations.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Franchising Tier 3

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Edinburgh and Glasgow Tier 3

Offering ‘an exceptional range of specialist skills’, the corporate and commercial practice at Dentons advises many of Scotland’s leading businesses, fund managers, investors and lenders, as well as a number of international corporates and funders across a broad range of sectors, from food and drink and financial services to energy and retail. Brian Moore oversees the practice, renowned for his expertise regarding public and private M&A, and equity capital markets transactions. Iain Sutherland is a key member of the team and brings significant experience in the utilities and IT sectors in the UK and internationally, while retail specialist Derek McCombe is adept at handling financings, debt fund raisings and restructurings. Owen McLennan was promoted to partner in May 2022, having built a strong practice around private funds and financial services.

Employment Tier 3

Under the leadership of the Glasgow-based Alison Weatherhead, Dentons' non-contentious employment law offering is particularly strong; the group handles corporate, commercial and TUPE matters in the UK and internationally. On the contentious side, Mark Hamilton has extensive experience in trade union and industrial relations issues, while Claire Maclean specialises in employment tribunal advocacy. Elouisa Crichton's expertise extends to discrimination law and data protection-related employment matters.

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Utilising an extensive network throughout the UK, Dentons is known for handling complex cross-border transactions across all aspects of restructurings, turnarounds and formal insolvencies, as well as advising insolvency practitioners and directors on the purchase of distressed companies. The practice, which also has a strong reputation for insolvency disputes, is led by Derek McCombe, who has particular expertise in the retail sector and regularly acts for secured lenders and administrators on a plethora of insolvency matters. Senior associate Eoghann Green is well regarded for contentious insolvency matters, Douglas Blyth departed in November 2022 to join Addleshaw Goddard.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Energy (excluding oil and gas) Tier 3

Focusing on the heart of the UK’s net-zero ambitions, Dentons continues to act at the forefront of a number of innovative and growing technologies including hydrogen, EV charging, offshore wind farming and carbon capture. David Cruickshank leads the practice and is renowned for his expertise regarding domestic and international energy transition projects, encompassing hybrid technologies, energy efficiency and large-scale renewables projects.

Real estate > Construction Tier 3

With procurement expert Mark Macaulay (Glasgow) heading up Dentons‘ construction practice, the team is well-equipped in the non-contentious arena. Macaulay is a regular port of call for Scottish, UK-wide and international development, infrastructure and energy sector projects and the group also has a strong profile for contentious work in the transport sector, including rail, ports and roads, due not least to the expertise of the Edinburgh-based Kirsti Olson. Also active in the contentious sphere is Linzi Hedalen, who was promoted to partner in May 2022. Paul Young departed for Shepherd and Wedderburn in January 2023.

Real estate > Environment Tier 3

Glasgow-based senior associate Pamela Coulthard heads up Dentons‘ environment team in Scotland, which sits within the firm’s UK-wide environment practice; she is a regular port of call in regulatory, compliance and enforcement matters pertaining to waste management, pollution prevention, and contaminated land, and often provides transactional support to the firm’s corporate and property groups. Recent work involves clients operating in the retail, oil and gas, manufacturing, financial services, and food and drink sectors.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Solicitor advocate Craig Neilson, who splits his time between Edinburgh and London, heads up Dentons‘ property litigation team in Scotland, whose recent work has included landlord and tenant issues, such as commercial lease disputes, dilapidation claims and the recovery of rent and possession, as well as title problems and construction-related work. One of the main contacts is counsel Fiona MacGregor, an expert in matters at the intersection with property, planning and public law.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3

Dentons‘ IT and telecoms team leverages the firm’s UK-wide capabilities to advise on a broad spectrum of IT agreements and projects, including outsourcing, tech licensing and emerging technologies. Ross Nicol left the team in 2023 and subsequently joined Addleshaw Goddard. Former practice head Alison Bryce left the firm in August 2023, while Steph Innes joined in September 2023 as partner in Glasgow to lead the practice following a period as head of group legal at Aggreko.

Real estate > Construction Tier 3

Instructed by clients working on major developments across the commercial, retail, rail, and development finance industries, the Milton Keynes-based Dentons construction team is ‘swift to respond’ regarding all aspects of non-contentious matters. The group has vast expertise in drafting and negotiating engineering and design contracts, with practice head Mark Macaulay bringing 30 years’ experience of advising national and international companies on cross-border infrastructure and development projects to the team. Counsel Shaun Tame regularly supports funders and developers with construction procurement and contracts issues, while counsel Tasmyn Brittlebank focuses primarily on financing and the letting of buildings.

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

Dentons is noted for its expertise in the fintech arena, advising global banks, multinational payment services providers and large-scale retailers, with demonstrable experience in handling the financial regulatory aspects of cross-border banking transactions. Greg McEneny leads the team and focuses on the regulation of derivatives, securities and markets infrastructure. Counsel Adrian Yeo, who joined from HM Treasury in February 2023, is another key contact in the group.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4

The team at Dentons - described as an ‘outstanding international litigation department with a specialism in maximum complexity banking cases’ - is well-regarded for its expertise in financial services and energy disputes. The team can draw on support from the wider firm's huge global platform, and acts for long-established clients both domestically and internationally. Louisa Caswell, known as as a ‘great leader’, has extensive experience in commercial and corporate disputes, particularly in relations to M&A, joint ventures and shareholder actions. Caswell, along with Dan Bodle and Thomas Leyland lead the team. ‘Likeable, shrewd, and experienced’ Adrian Giles is also noted.

Employment > Employers Tier 4

Dentons assists a number of household name clients across a span of sectors in both contentious work, including the defence of multi-party tribunal claims, and non-contentious mandates including restructuring, employee transfers and wide-ranging HR policy implementation. As part of a global firm, the team is well-placed to advise on cross-border and cross-jurisdictional matters, and such employment projects are a specialism for practice head Purvis Ghani. Co-head of the London team Rhodri Thomas has High Court-level employment litigation experience and also handles investigations and transactional mandates. Counsel Esther Langdon is also recommended, specialising in employee competition matters, including post-termination restrictions and confidentiality obligations.

Employment > Health and safety Tier 4

The health and safety team at Dentons regularly dispenses advice concerning compliance with health and safety regulations, and the associated civil and criminal risks therein; the group assists clients with the impacts of Brexit on businesses. Stephen Shergold leads the team after the departure of Scotland-based former co-head Malcolm Gunnyeon to Brodies LLP in October 2022. Helen Bowdren is experienced in handling Environment Agency and HSE investigations and prosecutions, leveraging her significant international experience. Consultant Sam Boileau, who often leads on inquests, is noted as being ‘thorough and meticulous’.

Employment > Immigration Tier 4

Dentons provides comprehensive strategic and compliance advice to a range of major multinational clients in relation to a number of complex immigration issues, providing end-to-end support as part of an integrated immigration service combining the resources of its practices nationwide. Practice head Sarah Ingles-Carlyle is noted for her immigration work with international clients looking to establish a UK presence or hire new workers into existing UK branches, and has a demonstrated capacity in providing strategic advice on the risks of mobilising global talent. Senior immigration manager Oliver O’Sullivan provides valuable support, working with a number of blue chip companies in relation to their global workforce.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 4

Led by the ‘incredibly knowledgeable and practical’ Neil Griffiths, the ‘proactive and pragmatic’ team at Dentons provides ‘high quality and commercial advice’ to banks, IPs and debtors across the gamut of restructuring, insolvency and distressed investing. The team has recently been particularly active handling a number of high-profile matters within the beleaguered UK energy sector, including Ian Fox's advice to the board of Britishvolt on its restructuring options given its deteriorating financial position. Contentious insolvency work also remains a mainstay of the practice, with the firm noted for its ‘ability to think innovatively as new situations and problems emerge’. This thoughtful and sophisticated approach has over the years come to the fore in the firm’s high-profile representation of the joint administrators in the LBHI2 (Lehman Brothers) estate. The ‘exceptionally good’ Tessa Blank  and associate Jonathan Sears, who is ‘a brilliant technical lawyer’, have been pivotal members of the team on the aforementioned matter, as has ‘highly capable’ counsel Luci Mitchell-Fry.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 4

The construction team at Dentons offers extensive advisory services on diverse domestic and international construction projects, spanning UK build and development, and UK and international energy and infrastructure projects. The contentious construction practice, led by Esther McDermott, is proficient in resolving a myriad of disputes from payment issues to professional negligence claims, through avenues including arbitration and litigation. Akin Akinbode specialises in resolving engineering and construction disputes, along with facilities management and PFI-related issues.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 4

Recommended by clients for its ‘deepness of knowledge’, Dentons is known for its work in the UK courts, having handled various High Court proceedings. Justin Hill helms the practice, often acting for world class tech companies in patent portfolio matters. Counsel Marie Jansson-Heek has advised clients on opposition and appeal proceedings, while senior associate James Marsden’s experience encompasses enforcement and licensing advisory work.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4

The ‘excellent’ practice at Dentons offers a full IP service, acting for household names in trade mark prosecution matters, as well as being involved in numerous High Court proceedings in recent years. The practice is also noted for its global reach. Practice head Anna Copeman handles a variety of contentious matters, alongside managing international brand licensing and franchising agreements for American Eagle Outfitters. Senior associate Jennifer Cass advises clients on a spread of contentious and transactional matters, while James Marsden has recently handled IP enforcement and licensing advisory work for numerous clients.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 4

Dentons has a strong reputation in international, strategic portfolio management, which encompasses litigation, advisory work, transactional matters, and undertaking prosecutions. The team strongly benefits from the firm’s global network of offices, enabling it to seamlessly handle cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters. Anna Copeman chairs the trade mark practice and jointly leads the IP team, and she is regularly active in contentious proceedings and brand enforcement mandates. Anna Brown is another core team member and her client roster includes global companies, governmental departments, and tech companies, as well as start-ups.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 4

The commercial litigation practice at Dentons leverages the firm’s global footprint to act for large domestic and international corporations on multijurisdictional disputes, public inquiries and insolvency litigation. Following the departures of Malcolm Gunnyeon to Brodies LLP and Douglas Blyth to Addleshaw Goddard at the end of 2022, Craig Neilson took over the practice together with the London-based Louisa Caswell and is praised as being ‘a top-notch commercial partner with excellent instincts in a difficult litigation’; he is best known for handling cases involving cyberattacks and data privacy issues. Counsel Fiona Caldow, who is dual qualified in Scots and English law, is another key contact in the group.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 5

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 5

Operating across a myriad of sectors and industries including financial services, real estate, transport and energy, the ‘very knowledgeable’ team at Dentons is engaged by a diverse roster of corporate clients on both contentious and non-contentious competition law matters. Under the leadership of Adrian Magnus, the competition group has tripled in headcount since 2015. With over has over 35 years’ experience, Magnus advises clients on merger control and behavioural matters, with a particular focus on the competition aspects of commercial contracts. Christopher Graf is noted for his diverse practice focus and is regularly instructed on big-ticket merger control matters.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 5

Noted for its expertise in government-related work, Dentons is knowledgeable across the gamut of contentious and non-contentious work and operates at the cutting edge of major project development work, advising on procurement, industry and environmental regulation, state aid and other European public law issues. The team has recently been re-appointed to the Crown Commercial Services legal panel and is led by the vastly experienced Christopher McGee-Osborne and Catherine Bingham; between them, they oversee a team which boasts considerable experience across a number of key industries, from defence and energy, to transport and finance.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 5

Praised by clients for its ‘outstanding’ business crime and investigations group, Dentons advises regulators, governments, and corporate clients in multi-jurisdictional proceedings relating to fraud, money laundering, and corruption. The department also offers in-depth expertise in both trade and financial sanctions, demonstrating particular strength on sanctions policy, law-making and licensing developed in the UK and EU. Katharine Harle and Louisa Caswell co-lead the practice, bringing extensive financial crime experience to the team, while Chris Brennan shows ‘excellent judgment’ when solving regulatory issues. Roger Matthews focuses on international trade and sanctions, while Dan Lund is also recommended for his expertise in financial crime.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 5

Dentons‘ sports team is headed up by corporate and M&A specialist Richard Barham. Supported by Matthew Tinger, Barnham regularly works with investors and owners of elite football clubs on acquisitions, investments, and sales, and also provides assistance to clients on the commercial and regulatory aspects of football event bids. Dan Bodle is a key contact for clients seeking advice on football club ownership arbitration disputes. TMT specialists Georgina Kirkwood and Rose McDowell are key names to note for their work on sports broadcasting deals.

Insurance > Product liability: defendant

Scotland > Corporate and commercial > EU and competition

Combining considerable breadth and depth of competition law expertise, Dentons is notorious in the Scottish market for its ability to handle complex issues concerning competition litigation, regulatory and subsidy control advice to the UK government and public bodies, as well as merger control guidance at both the UK and EU level. The team is led from Glasgow by Michael Dean, who is vastly experienced in all aspects of competition law including dawn raids, cartel investigations, merger clearances, and distribution and vertical issues, with Adrian Magnus supporting the team from London. Catriona Munro is a contentious competition specialist, while Carolyn Burns has a strong reputation for regulatory and subsidy control advice, particularly in the energy sector. Melanie Martin primarily handles non-contentious matters and regularly advises the UK government.

South East > Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

Christopher Colclough and Sarah Lima jointly lead the Milton Keynes-based group at Dentons. The team leverages the firm’s international network to advise large companies, most notably Airwair (Dr. Martens) and Sainsbury’s Group. Colclough heads up the corporate side of the practice, and often handles cross-border transactions, and Faye Garvey primarily focuses on private M&A and joint ventures. Senior associate Ryan Chia advises public sector clients on management buy-outs and company formations. Nick Harrison left the practice in November 2022.

South East > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms

Headed by Henrietta Baker and Sarah Lima in London, Dentons continues to be a key port of call for high-profile clients such as John Lewis Partnership, Network Rail, Royal Mail Group, Sainsbury’s and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Rukia Khatun in Milton Keynes is knowledgeable of migration to cloud-based solutions in addition to software development and procurement.

South East > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport

The specialist team at Dentons is geared to handle the full spectrum of commercial, contentious, corporate in addition to employment sporting matters. Henrietta Baker and Sarah Lima lead the team from London, while in Milton Keynes, Rose McDowall assists governing bodies with club and organisation infrastructure, and caters to retail agreements for sporting brands as well as terms and conditions for sports broadcasting.

United Arab Emirates > Employment

A strong choice for a litany of international corporates, Dentons is noted for its ‘global footprint and local knowledge’. Offering clients ‘first rate advice’, Shiraz Sethi leads the department and handles employment recruitment, terminations, and workplace investigations across the energy, insurance, and technology sectors. Chris Brennan represents corporates and individuals in criminal prosecution, and leads the firm’s compliance and investigations team. Ali Al Assaad frequently handles the drafting and negotiations of employment offers and contracts.

Scotland > Real estate > Property litigation

Solicitor advocate Craig Neilson, who splits his time between Edinburgh and London, heads up Dentons‘ property litigation team in Scotland, whose recent work has included landlord and tenant issues, such as commercial lease disputes, dilapidation claims and the recovery of rent and possession, as well as title problems and construction-related work. One of the main contacts is counsel Fiona MacGregor, an expert in matters at the intersection with property, planning and public law.

Australia > Data protection

Melbourne-based Robyn Chatwood and Matthew Hennessy co-lead the data protection and cybersecurity offering at Dentons alongside Ben Allen in Sydney. The team offers a range of support from advice on regulatory issues to litigation services, partnering with the firm’s global and regional teams. Chatwood works with clients in the financial services, media and retail industries to mitigate the reputational risk of data breaches, while Hennessy and Allen advise both public and private sector clients on a range of cybersecurity issues, working closely with the white collar and government investigations team, which is also led by Allen.

Scotland > Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation

The commercial litigation practice at Dentons leverages the firm’s global footprint to act for large domestic and international corporations on multijurisdictional disputes, public inquiries and insolvency litigation. Following the departures of Malcolm Gunnyeon to Brodies LLP and Douglas Blyth to Addleshaw Goddard at the end of 2022, Craig Neilson took over the practice together with the London-based Louisa Caswell and is praised as being ‘a top-notch commercial partner with excellent instincts in a difficult litigation’; he is best known for handling cases involving cyberattacks and data privacy issues. Counsel Fiona Caldow, who is dual qualified in Scots and English law, is another key contact in the group.