The Legal 500

Within Commercial contracts, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP’s commercial practice draws heavily on the firm’s market-leading outsourcing capability, which has the breadth and depth to span national and international projects for a balanced public and private sector client base. Kit Burden and his team of 20 partners and 55 associates provide ‘high-quality services’ to a client base that includes Verizon and UBS, with Burden singled out for his ‘approachable, likeable and controlled manner’. 2010 saw the team act for TUI on the global outsourcing of its desktop IT services, while outsourcing expert Mark Crichard advised King’s College Hospital on a new PPP project relating to pathology services, which involved an outsourcing contract valued at over £300m. As UK head of the firm’s IP and technology practice, Richard Bonnar is a prominent presence in public sector outsourcing; and Mark O’Conor is also recommended.

Within Corporate tax, tier 5

DLA Piper UK LLP’s growing team has expertise in areas such as structured finance, regulatory capital and infrastructure. Key clients include Deutsche Bank London, Pearl Assurance, and HIG Europe, and it recently acted for Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings on the acquisition of the UK electricity distribution business of EDF Energy. Recommended practice head Stephen Hoyle joined in 2010 from Ernst & Young.

Within Customs and Excise, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘very knowledgeable and commercially minded’ group assists key clients such as Kraft Foods Europe, Diageo, and The Boeing Company on a broad range of customs, trade law, and contentious tax matters. Well-respected partner Miriam Gonzales is a key figure. In a high-profile move, cross-border tax expert and global head of litigation Neil Gerrard recently left for Dechert LLP.

Within EU and competition , tier 4

The ‘extremely responsive’ team at DLA Piper UK LLP is well placed to assist its international clients in mergers and in co-ordinated dawn raids by multiple regulators. Recent work includes advising CEVA regarding an investigation into freight forwarding by several regulators including the European Commission and DoJ. The team also has a strong niche in the sports and media sectors, where it has recently advised on state aid matters. Alexandra Kamerling is ‘first rate – she is technically excellent, and applies the law in a pragmatic manner’. Practice head Mike Pullen also has an enviable trade practice, alongside Miriam Gonzalez.

Within Financial services, tier 5

Experienced in supporting bank and building society clients, DLA Piper UK LLP also has a network of regulatory experts across Europe in addition to its London team. Contentious highlights ranged from advising banks, hedge funds, and insurance industry players on complaints handling, PPI mis-selling, and complex market abuse cases. Michael McKee is recommended, and Elisabeth Bremner is noted for contentious matters.

Within Flotations: small and mid-cap, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP handles large deals for an impressive roster of clients, including Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank. On the issuer side, Jon Hayes led in advising Better Capital in its move from AIM to the Official List and a £67.6m fundraising. Head of capital markets Alex Tamlyn recently advised Investec Bank.

Within M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, 250m+, tier 7

DLA Piper UK LLP acted on 112 M&A deals in 2010, over double its deal volume compared to 2009, with a total value of £12.6bn. In a deal standing apart from its mid-market work, the firm acted for Cheung Kong Infrastructure on the £5.8bn acquisition of EDF’s UK electricity networks, with a team headed by John Hayes.

Within Overview,

On the private equity side, the market had its busiest year since 2007 globally, totalling $235.5bn worth of deals, up 92.5% compared to 2009 ($122.3bn), representing 11.1% of global M&A compared to 7.2% in 2009. Activity has been driven as much by houses regaining their appetite for significant investment as looking to exit via secondary buyouts. In the City, US firms are finally building credible alternatives to the UK firms. Although the likes of Clifford Chance remain at the top of the market, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Latham & Watkins LLP and Kirkland & Ellis International LLP are hot on their heels. Notable developments on the private equity adviser landscape include the investment being made by Ropes & Gray LLP’s London office, hiring Kiran Sharma and Peter Baldwin from DLA Piper UK LLP and Jones Day respectively.

Within Private equity: transactions , tier 4

Despite the recent departure of Will Rosen to Ropes & Gray LLP, DLA Piper UK LLP is still able to call on the services of highly regarded practitioners such as Philip Butler and Alexander Griffith, who are ‘excellent’. Praised for its ‘commercially aware and technically sound’ approach, the team has an excellent reputation for mid-market matters, acting for clients such as Gresham, LDC and Sovereign Capital Partners.

Within VAT and indirect tax, tier 4

Richard Woolich heads the international VAT practice at DLA Piper UK LLP.

Within Fraud: civil , DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

The growing team at DLA Piper UK LLP has been busy on repeat work for a number of key clients including MF Global, and Renova Group. Other work includes defending EDS in claims advanced by BSkyB alleging fraudulent misrepresentation, amounting to over £700m. Matthew Saunders leads the litigation team.

Within Fraud: corporate crime, DLA Piper LLP is a first tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP saw the loss of Neil Gerrard and Jonathan Pickworth to Dechert LLP in 2011, but hired the experienced and well-respected Jo Rickards from Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP. Simon Airey and Duncan Wiggetts both have a wealth of experience across the board, and other members of the team include former senior employees of the SFO and HMRC.

Within Fraud: white-collar crime , DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP lost Jo Rickards to DLA Piper UK LLP in 2010, but the combined expertise of Michael O’Kane, Anand Doobay and Monty Raphael QC continues to attract high-profile, international cases. Highlights included acting for two British citizens facing criminal proceedings in Italy following the collapse of Parmalat. The team also has a strong track record acting for individuals facing extradition.

Within Gaming and betting, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP continues to act for gambling clients on commercial and regulatory issues, with a particular focus on those operating in the remote gaming sector. Key highlights included advising the Sports Rights Owners Coalition and the British Horseracing Authority. Duncan Calow heads up the team.

Within Banking litigation: investment and retail, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

Clients receive a ‘Rolls-Royce service’ from DLA Piper UK LLP. Nick Marsh and Ioannis Alexopoulos are ‘consummate professionals combining a faultless technical approach with a commercial, user-friendly and down-to-earth style’. Highlights included a precedent-setting Court of Appeal victory for Fortis Bank (now BNP Paribas Fortis) regarding the interpretation of UCP 600. Daren Allen left for Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Within Commercial litigation, tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP is seeing an increasing amount of work from South Eastern Europe, as well as continuing to handle instructions from Eastern Europe and the CIS. Mark Franklin is known for aviation disputes, while energy cases are a key area for practice head Matthew Saunders and Philip Chong. IT disputes expert Lee Gluyas is ‘good at dealing with expert witness issues’, and Richard McGrane is ‘a measured and tenacious negotiator’. Ioannis Alexopoulos is ‘a high-quality professional’, and Nick Marsh is ‘always available’.

Within Defamation and privacy, tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP is ‘highly recommended’ for its work in the area.

Within International arbitration, tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP advises several sovereign states and is particularly focused on work for Russian and Ukrainian-related energy businesses, with the Latin America side enhanced by the firm’s Miami office opening. International arbitration head Matthew Saunders, Ioannis Alexopoulos, and project and infrastructure specialist Philip Chong are highly rated, as are Kate Knox and the ‘truly outstanding’ Nick Marsh.

Within Mediators,

‘One of the best mediators in the country’, Colin Russ (Independent) – a former head of litigation at DLA Piper UK LLP in Birmingham – is praised for his ‘good technical legal knowledge and very affable style’, and his ability to ‘quickly win the trust of the parties’, while working ‘very hard to achieve a successful outcome both on the day and afterwards’. He is also considered ‘excellent at building rapport with both clients and lawyers’, and is ‘patient and persistent in pursuing the resolution of the most intractable of cases’.

Within Public international law, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP extended its London offering, with Maria Alcalde joining from WilmerHale and Alex Price and Silvia Farre Munoz from Herbert Smith LLP. Highlights included defending the government of Georgia in $700m investment treaty arbitration claims. Matthew Saunders and Kate Knox are recommended.

Within Tax litigation, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP has a ‘very knowledgeable team’, and acts on the full range of investigations and direct and indirect tax disputes for clients including Commerzbank, HSBC, and Universal Studios. Recent areas of success include representing banks in relation to compulsory disclosure notices from HMRC. Simon Airey is ‘good on niche matters’; and Les Allen is ‘approachable and helpful’, and has ‘excellent litigation skills’.

Within Acquisition finance, tier 5

Led by Philip Butler, DLA Piper UK LLP’s five-partner team excels in mid-market deals for a bank-oriented client base that includes Barclays, HSBC and RBS. Alexander Griffith advised Axa Private Equity as agent of a group of mezzanine lenders on the €170m financing of a senior debt purchase by the Maxeda DIY group. Peter Crichton is also recommended, and recently represented a group of banks including HSBC on the £200m refinancing of Telecity Group.

Within Asset finance and leasing, tier 4

Although it handles work across all asset classes, DLA Piper UK LLP’s undoubted core strength lies in aviation finance. Able to draw on the expertise of the firm’s vast international network, the team regularly handles cross-border mandates for airlines, lessors and banks. Recent highlights include advising a syndicate of banks in the financing of up to 16 aircraft on lease to five different European carriers. Team head Graham Tyler is imbued with ‘up-to-date industry knowledge’ and has a ‘pragmatic and no-nonsense’ approach to his work in the aviation sector. The team suffered a blow with the recent departures of James Cameron and Stephen Marais, to Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP and Ince & Co respectively.

Within Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans , tier 5

DLA Piper UK LLP’s Charles Morrison has a strong pedigree advising banks and corporates on syndicated transactions in the commodities arena.

Within Corporate restructuring and insolvency, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP is a ‘big machine’ which ‘picks up a good quantity of work’. The group is led by Michael Fiddy, who specialises in formal insolvencies and business reconstructions, particularly in the real estate and sports sectors. Other partners include insolvency practitioner Stephen Halladay, who handles a lot of work in the Middle East and Europe; Paul Fleming; and Simon Neilson-Clark.

Within Investment funds, DLA Piper 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 Trade finance, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP majors in oil and gas deals, particularly in emerging markets, but is expanding into soft commodities. Charles Morrison ‘has built a solid team but always tries to personally oversee instructions’. He and Alex Monk (‘always responsive 24/7’) advise longstanding clients Crédit Agricole and Trafigura among others.

Within Employment, tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP’s team, headed by boardroom disputes specialist Tim Marshall, ‘inspires confidence’. Following the high-profile Tullet Prebon v BGC cases, Marshall defended RBS in a team move case. Susan Fanning has handled international corporate restructurings for clients such as Pfizer. Jonathan Exten-Wright is a disability discrimination expert, and recently advised the government on proposed legislative changes.

Within Health and safety, DLA Piper LLP is a first tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP provides national coverage from its regional centres of excellence. It advised Total in the investigation of the Buncefield explosion; and is assisting on compliance with fire safety regulation following the Maddingley tower block fire. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Theresa Hitchcock advises major clients in the steel, construction, housing and leisure industries on UK and EU regulation. The ‘tactically astute’ Roy Tozer ‘rarely calls it wrong’ on contentious matters.

Within Overview,

The most significant aspect of the change of government for health and safety lawyers came with the Young report and the 35% cut in the Health and Safety Executive’s budget, leading inevitably to less regulation in the area. However, the passing of the first custodial sentence for a workplace death, together with the potentially bankrupting level of fines which the first corporate manslaughter prosecution (defended by Pinsent Masons LLP) demonstrated, should mean that teams at firms such as Bond Pearce LLP, Kennedys, DLA Piper UK LLP, and Eversheds LLP remain in demand.

Within Pensions, tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP’s clients include National Grid Electricity Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme, and the Allied Domecq Pension Fund. ‘Outstanding partner’ Michael Cowley ‘does not sit on the fence’; and Tamara Calvert is ‘one of the most approachable and balanced lawyers you could hope to meet. Couple that with sound practical knowledge, common sense and pragmatism and you have an unbeatable package’. Matthew Swynnerton is also recommended.

Within Insurance and reinsurance litigation, tier 5

DLA Piper UK LLP is ‘building an impressive global insurance practice’. The team continues to act for 38 international insurers, led by Munich Re and Swiss Re, regarding BHP Billiton’s $2bn property and BI claims. Charles Gordon, David Murphy and John Curran are recommended.

Within Insurance: corporate and regulatory, tier 5

DLA Piper UK LLP’s global scope generates a steady flow of instructions through the London office. It recently advised Towergate on its consolidation with Cullum Capital Ventures, Countrywide Insurance, and Powerplace Insurance; and advised GMAC (now Ally Financial) on selling its international insurance services to Maiden Holdings. Mel Sims is recommended.

Within Infrastructure, tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘hallmark is responsiveness, thoroughness, and a clear understanding of how it can help the client achieve its commercial and financial objectives’. Kathy Sharp advised Telereal Trillium on the £650m restructuring of its key facilities management service provider arrangements.

Within Oil and gas, tier 5

DLA Piper UK LLP brings ‘dedication and sheer commitment to any project’, under recommended oil and gas head Charles Morrison. Notable highlights included advising Puma Energy on the $296m acquisition of BP’s downstream oil businesses in South and East Africa.

Within Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) , tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP boosted its nuclear capability with the hire of Darren Walsh, formerly in-house at British Nuclear Group. Ian Wood is also recommended for nuclear work, and led advice to Magnox North and Magnox South on their integration into a single company.

Within Private finance initiative (PFI) , DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP is praised for its ‘good client-facing skills’ and ‘willingness to go that extra mile’. Led by Colin Wilson, the team includes Liam Cowell, who is respected for his ‘non-combative style’. Transport and defence are strong areas, and the firm is advising Halton Borough Council on the £2bn development of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge.

Within Water, tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP advised Northern Ireland Water on a range of matters following the winter frozen pipes crisis.

Within Administrative and public law, tier 5

DLA Piper UK LLP has contentious public law experience. Leeds-based litigator Paul Stone advises in judicial reviews, and corporate governance and freedom of information cases. Clients have included TfL and Rockware Glass.

Within Healthcare, tier 4

DLA Piper UK LLP acts for public and private sector clients, and in 2010 advised the NHS Connecting for Health programme on the structuring and negotiation of the NHS Pathways, and King’s College Hospital on a joint venture. Other clients include the Department of Health and Pfizer. Jim Lavery leads the practice from Birmingham.

Within Local government, tier 6

DLA Piper UK LLP advises on planning, statutory agreements, PFI/PPP and major infrastructure projects. Howard Bassford heads the team.

Within Public affairs, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP provides ‘an overall excellent and knowledgeable service’. It advises on public affairs, crisis communications and media relations across the UK, with a developing focus on Scotland. It is currently providing Amazon with general public affairs support. Mike Pullen heads the team. Francis Morgan joined the firm from the Department for Transport, while Suzy Awford has moved in-house.

Within Commercial property, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP is ‘excellent and provides a quick response without a drop in quality’. Highlights included the sale of 100 Middlesex Street for the Blackstone Group and the letting of 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, for MF Global. The practice’s strength in retail work attracts clients such as Burberry and LK Bennett. David Taylor’s move to Pinsent Masons LLP was a loss, but team head Catherine Usher and Richard Wilkinson are ‘both impressive’, and Paul Jayson has the ‘ability to think commercially but retain an awareness of contractual risks and commitments’.

Within Construction, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

Stephen Haller heads DLA Piper UK LLP’s team, which continues to advise in relation to Hatfield Power Station, one of the first power stations to use carbon-capture technology. ‘The firm’s ability to work with the client on a collegial basis is refreshing and comforting.’

Within Environment, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP competes effectively with City firms, and is well regarded for its ‘excellent knowledge of industry issues’. It advises manufacturing, financial, nuclear and mining industry clients on climate change issues, and on environmental aspects of transactions. Teresa Hitchcock led the team’s advice on ICL’s acquisition of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. For environmental prosecutions, Roy Tozer is ‘tactically excellent, and rarely puts a foot wrong in handling cases’. He represented Total during the Buncefield litigation.

Within Planning, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP handles planning developments across the UK, particularly in infrastructure. It continues to advise Halton Borough Council on the Mersey Gateway bridge project. Practice head Howard Bassford advises on regeneration schemes, including acting for the London Borough of Barnet on the Mill Hill East redevelopment. Other clients include Covanta Energy, Land Securities, and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

Within Property finance, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP demonstrates ‘good market knowledge; the service is excellent and consistently reliable’, and clients appreciate its ‘commercial approach to get the deal done’. The team continues to focus on quality mid and upper-market lender work, with a solid borrower advisory capability. Clients include Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide Building Society and Santander. Practice head Toby Barker is ‘reliable; always calm and approachable’. New partner Christian Francis ‘works incredibly hard, and is pragmatic and diligent’.

Within Property litigation, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP recently advised Humber Oil Terminal Trustees in a lease renewal action, one of the first such cases to consider competition law. The team also has good experience in dilapidations and international litigation. Ian Brierley heads the practice.

Within Social housing: local authorities and registered providers, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP acted for Thames Valley Housing Association Limited on its bid as part of the Evolution Consortium for the Woking social housing non-HRA PFI scheme. It also advised London Borough of Tower Hamlets on regenerating the Ocean estate.

Within Brand management, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

Clients appreciate DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘extraordinary response times and excellent, pragmatic advice’. Nick Fitzpatrick advised the FA Premier League on its title sponsorship arrangements with Barclays, and Virgin Racing on its commercial programme. Siân Croxon undertakes trade mark portfolio work for Hit Entertainment and HSBC, as well as advising Airwair International on the Dr Martens brand.

Within Franchising, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP’s specialist knowledge and expertise in franchising and distribution law is supported by its network of global offices, enabling it to offer a comprehensive service to UK and international businesses. Head of IP Bonella Ramsay advises on international franchising matters, and Iain Bowler is also recommended. Clients include Compass, RAC, Selfridges, Travelodge and Virgin.

Within Intellectual property, DLA Piper LLP is a third tier firm,

Clients consider DLA Piper UK LLP’s team ‘more responsive and solution-oriented than many of its competitors’. Global IP head Simon Levine secured a landmark High Court ruling in favour of the English and Scottish professional football leagues and Football DataCo. Bonella Ramsay, who handles non-contentious work for Pfizer, is ‘particularly strong in negotiating complex deals’. Clients include HSBC Group. Siân Croxon and Ruth Hoy also win plaudits.

Within IT and telecoms, DLA Piper LLP is a first tier firm,

The ‘exceptional’ Kit Burden, who heads DLA Piper UK LLP’s UK practice, assisted CMC Markets with a major re-platforming project. Simon Levine is representing Motorola against Research In Motion. Headline clients include Barclays/Barclays Capital, ITV, TUI and Verizon. Richard Bonnar heads the UK IP and technology practice, and Mark Crichard is also recommended. Mike Conradi joined from Kemp Little LLP.

Within Media and entertainment, DLA Piper LLP is a first tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP’s ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team, led by the ‘smart and highly competent’ Chris Hanson, represents major film studios and producers, including Paramount Pictures, FremantleMedia and Universal, as well as major publishers such as Macmillan. Recent highlights include acting for Comerica on the financing of Dark Tide and the Judge Dredd remake, and work for Fuji Television regarding FIA Formula One World Championship broadcasting rights. The team also advised Random House, and Warner Bros’ games publishing group. Sian Croxton, who heads the advertising group, demonstrates ‘strong legal and interpersonal skills’, and Nicholas West, publishing lawyer Duncan Calow and Nick Fitzpatrick are also recommended.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP’s team is noted for its ‘great turnaround times and healthcare expertise’, and practice head Bonella Ramsay for her ‘strong negotiating skills’. The firm’s national and international strength enable it to advise global clients Pfizer and Wyeth on regulatory, compliance, IP and commercial issues. George Godar and recently promoted Edinburgh partner Philippa Montgomerie handle patent litigation and regulatory matters for Aircraft Medical and Roslin Cells. Caroline Stockwell recently moved to Pfizer.

Within Sport, DLA Piper LLP is a first tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP provides ‘clear, commercial and unequivocal advice’. Nicholas West and colleagues advise the FA Premier League on its domestic and international media rights strategy. The team is also active on the regulatory side, advising bodies such as the IAAF on disciplinary issues. The ‘hugely knowledgeable’ Nick Fitzpatrick recently advised Fuji Television on acquiring FIA Formula One World Championship broadcasting rights, and also advises clients on sponsorship. Football expert Patrick Mitchell is ‘brilliant on contractual issues’, and consultant Huw Roberts, who recently advised the British Horseracing Authority on doping control services, has ‘great experience and knowledge of sporting regulatory issues’. New clients include the NBA, the Badminton World Federation, and the Organising Committee of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games 2014

Within Aviation, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

The ‘highly erudite’ team at DLA Piper UK LLP is ‘capable of delivering concise and focused advice on complex subjects in short turnaround times’, and is ‘recommended for insurance defence and coverage instructions in challenging countries’, as well as for ‘aviation-based commercial and contentious matters’. The group’s impressive client roster includes industry giants such as British Airways, Emirates, NATS, and Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, which it advised on the liabilities of the operator following the crash of an ATR72 aircraft. Other highlights included acting for the government of the Republic of Cyprus in the Court of Appeal regarding a judgement refusing a permit for a service between the UK and Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, and advising on slot transactions for bmi. Mark Franklin and Kathryn Ward have ‘excellent aviation regulatory knowledge, and are very pragmatic and focused’, with Franklin rated as a ‘highly knowledgeable and good negotiator’, and Ward as ‘intelligent and tenacious in dealing with difficult situations in challenging places’.

Within Rail, DLA Piper LLP is a second tier firm,

DLA Piper UK LLP was appointed to advise Merseytravel on the vertical integration project for the Mersyrail Electrics network; is acting for Agility Trains as the preferred bidder to replace the existing fleet of high-speed trains on the East Coast Main Line; and is advising the Olympic Delivery Authority on the upgrade at Stratford Regional Station. Mark Swindell heads the practice, which has ‘extensive knowledge of urban transit schemes’.

Within Shipping , tier 6

Michael Kim’s team at DLA Piper UK LLP acts for a number of Korea’s largest ship-related companies, including Hyundai Merchant Marine, Sambo Shipbuilding and SK Shipping. Recent work includes representing BNP Paribas Fortis in a ship finance dispute, and acting for the charterers of a ship detained by pirates.