Firm Profile > Herbert Smith Freehills LLP > London, England

Administrative and public law Tier 1

The public law team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP provides market-leading defence expertise to a client roster of household commercial names, global financial institutions, utilities companies, statutory regulators and government bodies. The team has acted on a multitude of high-profile cases, with practice head Andrew Lidbetter representing both the Church of England and Zurich Insurance in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and Cuadrilla Resources in the judicial review into its plans to commence fracking operations. Nusrat Zar and Jasveer Randhawa both have a wide-ranging portfolio of highly publicised mandates which encompasses claimant as well as defence matters; their involvement in court proceedings concerning the resettlement of Chagos Islanders is a representative case. Procurement work is a growth area for the team, which handles procurement challenges, litigation and general public procurement advice. In addition to significant commercial work, the team also has a substantial pro bono platform for acting on human rights issues; Lidbetter and senior associate Anna Eliasson’s intervention on behalf of the AIRE Centre concerning the Secretary of State for the Home Department’s handling of human trafficking is a significant recent example.

Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's 'lawyers have great experience with disputes in all banking sectors'. The practice acts in the largest, most complex and highest profile disputes in the London market, including defending group litigation against financial institutions. It also regularly works alongside the firm's widely respected financial services regulatory and corporate crime and investigations practices. Highlights included acting for Lloyds Banking Group (and five of its former directors) in a high-profile shareholder class action, which arose from the acquisition by Lloyds TSB of HBOS and the recapitalisation of the combined entity during the 2008 financial crisis. Rupert Lewis now leads the banking litigation practice in London, former banking litigation head Damien Byrne Hill is currently dispute resolution head across the UK and US, and Simon Clarke  acts in high-profile banking and financial services litigation, which often involve complex products and derivatives. Also highly rated are London class action practice head Harry Edwards, Julian Copeman, Chris Bushell, Kirsten Massey,  Natasha Johnson, Donny Surtani and John Corrie; the key senior associates are Ajay Malhotra and Emma Deas.

Brexit Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP handles the full breadth of Brexit issues with particular expertise in trade work, benefitting from the firm’s highly regarded EU and international trade law practice, which specialises in EU trade, WTO and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) matters. Lode Van Den Hende, who splits his time between London and Brussels, is a noteworthy name in the trade department, which also includes consultant Eric White. Other departments that contribute to the firm’s Brexit group include the public international law team, energy practice, financial services regulatory teams and TMT practice. Andrew Cannon is a key contact for public law work, consultant Dorothy Livingston combines her experience in the financial sector with EU law knowledge to handle Brexit-related work, senior partner James Palmer specialises in regulatory issues, and Silke Goldberg focuses on European energy law and advises on the impact of Brexit on the energy sector. As Brexit director for the firm, Paul Butcher leads the group and co-ordinates the firm’s cross-practice and cross-office approach. Demonstrating the firm’s traditional financial services strength, the group recently assisted Scottish Widows with the transfer of the portion of its insurance business sold in the European Economic Area (EEA) on an EEA passporting basis to a Luxembourg-based subsidiary; the group also advised several WTO members on the impact of Brexit on international trade relations and a new trade agreement between the UK and WTO members regarding the country’s independent trade policy.

Commercial litigation Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP 'has no weak links - every member of the team makes a valuable contribution to cases'. The firm fields one of the largest and most specialised commercial and corporate litigation practices in the UK across all sectors. Highlights included John Whiteoak leading advice to an international group of companies on disputes surrounding the ownership and possession of a fleet of vessels, which were claimed by a Nigerian company. Damien Byrne Hill is UK and US head of dispute resolution; Alan Watts is UK commercial litigation head; Rupert Lewis leads the banking litigation practice in London; EMEA dispute resolution head Philip Carrington has wide experience of fraud-related litigation; while Alexander Oddy leads the firm's alternative dispute resolution practice. Also key to the practice are Julian Copeman, James Baily, Natasha Johnson, Neil Blake and Rachel Lidgate. The senior associates to note are Fiona Treanor, Andrew Cooke and Kevin Kilgour; Gregg Rowan  relocated to the firm's Melbourne office.

Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 1

The team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP delivers a ‘consistently high quality service from consistently high quality personnel’, working with a wide variety of owner, development and tenant clients on high-profile matters. The practice handles the full lifecycle of investment projects and transactions as well as large development and regeneration projects. The globally integrated hotels and leisure practice advises on areas including acquisitions, disposals, disputes, IP and employment issues, while expertise in the retail sector includes development, acquisition, disposal and letting issues. Donald Rowlands, a ‘leader in his field’, is a key member of the team, as is Richard Forsdyke, who is knowledgeable across the full spectrum of financing, development and investment matters. The group is currently acting for Madison Square Garden Company in relation to the proposed development of MSG Sphere London, a 20,000 seat entertainment venue in Stratford. Clients include sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds, investment and fund managers, borrowers and lenders. Nick Turner is a key name and leads the corporate occupier offering, while Paul Chases is an expert in the structuring, negotiation and completion of complex development joint ventures. Also recommended is Shona Grey, a specialist in corporate acquisitions and disposals in the private equity real estate sector.

Commercial property: development Tier 1

The team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP delivers a ‘consistently high quality service from consistently high quality personnel’, working with a wide variety of owner, development and tenant clients on high-profile matters. The practice handles the full lifecycle of investment projects and transactions as well as large development and regeneration projects. The globally integrated hotels and leisure practice advises on areas including acquisitions, disposals, disputes, IP and employment issues, while expertise in the retail sector includes development, acquisition, disposal and letting issues. Donald Rowlands, a ‘leader in his field’, is a key member of the team, as is Richard Forsdyke, who is knowledgeable across the full spectrum of financing, development and investment matters. The group is currently acting for Madison Square Garden Company in relation to the proposed development of MSG Sphere London, a 20,000 seat entertainment venue in Stratford. Clients include sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds, investment and fund managers, borrowers and lenders. Nick Turner is a key name and leads the corporate occupier offering, while Paul Chases is an expert in the structuring, negotiation and completion of complex development joint ventures. Also recommended is Shona Grey, a specialist in corporate acquisitions and disposals in the private equity real estate sector.

Commercial property: investment Tier 1

The team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP delivers a ‘consistently high quality service from consistently high quality personnel’, working with a wide variety of owner, development and tenant clients on high-profile matters. The practice handles the full lifecycle of investment projects and transactions as well as large development and regeneration projects. The globally integrated hotels and leisure practice advises on areas including acquisitions, disposals, disputes, IP and employment issues, while expertise in the retail sector includes development, acquisition, disposal and letting issues. Donald Rowlands, a ‘leader in his field’, is a key member of the team, as is Richard Forsdyke, who is knowledgeable across the full spectrum of financing, development and investment matters. The group is currently acting for Madison Square Garden Company in relation to the proposed development of MSG Sphere London, a 20,000 seat entertainment venue in Stratford. Clients include sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds, investment and fund managers, borrowers and lenders. Nick Turner is a key name and leads the corporate occupier offering, while Paul Chases is an expert in the structuring, negotiation and completion of complex development joint ventures. Also recommended is Shona Grey, a specialist in corporate acquisitions and disposals in the private equity real estate sector.

Competition litigation Tier 1

At Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, the ‘top-class’ competition litigation team operates as an integral part of the wider competition, regulation and trade team. The group also draws upon the expertise of the firm’s QC-led dispute resolution practice. This makes the firm a preferred destination for clients seeking to receive simultaneous assistance with both contentious and non-contentious matters from competition litigators and solicitor advocates.  The department’s experience covers the full spectrum of litigation work, including follow-on private damages actions, challenging merger decisions, forming defence strategies, and securing settlements for clients. Yet another standout feature of the team is its strong expertise in the regulated markets space, which includes regulatory work in the sectors of telecoms, energy and transport. Regularly engaged in cross-border litigation, the department is also well-positioned to handle issues across the EU and in the Asia-Pacific. A team led by ‘phenomenal’ practice co-head Kim Dietzel and James Farrell continues to advise Iveco and Fiat Chrysler on their pan-European defence in proceedings resulting from the European Commission’s trucks investigation. The ‘incredible’ Stephen Wisking also heads the department and handles multiple regulatory appeals and private enforcement proceedings; Wisking’s recent work highlights include defending Google in High Court proceedings seeking damages for abuse of dominance, among others.

Contruction: non-contentious Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's non-contentious team is part of what is described as 'one of the best construction practices in London'. The firm has a multi-sector approach, covering energy, transport, infrastructure and real estate for a variety of clients including developers, governments, contractors as well as construction professionals. Nicholas Downing leads the team and has advised on some of the largest real estate development projects, including working with British Land on the redevelopment of Canada Water. Tim Healey is a standout figure, advising on energy and infrastructure projects, including prominent work on HS2.

Corporate governance Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's dedicated corporate governance advisory team focuses on board and head office issues including regulatory, reporting and governance standards matters for both listed and private companies; it counts roughly 116 London Stock Exchange-listed companies as clients. The group also leverages the strength of other departments including the corporate and employment practices, a specialist team which focuses on company investigations and crisis management, and the financial services group, which has been handling Senior Managers and Certification Regime and Senior Insurance Managers Regime issues. Ben Ward and Paul Ellerman jointly lead the department; Ellerman is also global head of the firm's remuneration and incentives team. Corporate partners Mike Flockhart, Robert Moore, James Palmer, Caroline Rae and Stephen Wilkinson; incentives specialist Mark Ife, financial institutions transactions practice head Alex Kay and regulatory expert Karen Anderson all contribute to the practice. Of counsel Gareth Sykes is also a corporate governance specialist. Carol Shutkever retired in 2018.

Emerging markets Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP focuses predominantly on the key emerging markets of Russia, the CIS, the Middle East, India, Africa, Latin America, South East Asia and Eastern Europe. It advises blue-chip organisations and major international banks, as well as development finance institutions such as African Development Bank and International Finance Corporation. The firm has a market-leading energy finance practice, and the firm's energy and natural resources practice frequently advises on groundbreaking transactions in the reserve-based lending, pre-payment, pre-export and acquisition finance sectors. Its recent work included complex matters for Kosmos Energy, SOCO International and Petrobras Oil & Gas. The firm's project finance capability is also highly respected and, in 2018, it was brought to bear on high-profile developments such as the 420MW Nachtigal hydropower project, Mpatamanga hydropower project and the Amur gas processing plant. Co-head of the Africa practice Martin Kavanagh has more than 20 years' experience in energy, natural resources and infrastructure finance. William Breeze acts for borrowers, lenders and trading houses in trade finance, project finance and upstream energy finance transactions.

Employee share schemes Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's multi-disciplinary team offers excellent coverage of all aspects of share schemes and incentives, which sees it generate work from a sizeable client base of UK and international listed and private companies; Paul Ellerman has a strong track record of establishing a wide range of cash-based and share-based incentive plans. Ellerman is also a co-head of the firm's corporate governance practice, which assists clients with drafting and reviewing remuneration reports and advises on the remuneration aspects of the Corporate Governance Code, among other matters. The firm acts for clients across a wide range of sectors, with a notable specialism in the financial services industry; Mark Ife has specialist expertise in financial services remuneration. Kiran Khetia recently joined as of counsel from Hogan Lovells International LLP. Bradley Richardson moved to Linklaters LLP.

Employment: employers Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s employment team assists clients with complex litigation and regulatory investigations, multi-jurisdictional matters, major transactions, crisis management and boardroom matters. The practice is at the forefront of hot employment topics, including trade unions and works councils, equal pay and diversity, Brexit, the gig economy, data protection and GDPR and whistleblowing. Recent highlights include advising Tesco on the defence of equal pay claims brought on behalf of store colleagues. Andrew Taggart - described by one client as 'the stand-out practitioner in the entire market' - heads the practice. Peter Frost, Christine Young, Tim Leaver and senior associate Jennifer Andrews are other key contacts.

Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 1

Despite fluctuations in various segments of the market at various times since 2018, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has managed to hit the right pockets of activity at just the right times. For instance, the practice group was able to capitalise on a flurry of activity emanating out of Turkey just before that market went quiet in 2018; this included advising the issuer on one of the largest Turkish IPOs of the past decade. Further, although domestic and European equity markets have been sluggish, the firm's funds practice and strong M&A reputation has generated some recent activity as potential acquirers have turned to rights issues in order to fund acquisitions. Charles Howarth heads the equity capital markets group and also leads the London office's Nordic group. Tom O’Neill is 'among the foreign lawyers that best understand the Nordic and European capital markets', while on the more junior end Mike Flockhart is 'a partner who clearly understands the hows, whats and whys of market practice'.

EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s trade offices, which are based in London and Brussels, operate as a single, fully integrated team and provide cross-practice advice not only on matters concerning competition, regulation and trade, but also corporate investigations and dispute resolution. Clients include a number of high-profile multinational companies and UK government bodies, but recently the department has also been advising WTO members on their international trade obligations. Work highlights concern WTO law, trade policy, sanctions and export control matters, customs issues, trade remedies, and issues relating to market access and trade barriers. While Lode Van Den Hende advises on the full spectrum of international and EU trade law, he is also ‘a standout trade law practitioner’ due to his strong background in representing clients in WTO dispute settlement proceedings. Senior associates Morris Schonberg and Brussels-based Jennifer Paterson are also recommended.

Fraud: civil Tier 1

In addition to its top-tier disputes capabilities, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a track record of work on high-value multijurisdictional fraud investigations, drawing on a team of experts across its international network of offices. The team also has expertise in the locating, freezing and recovery of assets, with an in-house forensics team which provides global investigation and asset tracing services for victims of civil fraud. The 'outstanding' Jeremy Garson heads the team, which also includes EMEA disputes head Philip Carrington, solicitor advocate Rachel Lidgate and 'extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful' of counsel Gareth Keillor.

Power (including electricity and renewables)

Personal injury: claimant

M&A: mid-market, £50m-£250m

M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £250m+

M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m

Equity capital markets

Securitisation

Hedge funds

Employment: employers and senior executives

Employment: employees/unions

Derivatives and structured products

Retail funds

Health and safety Tier 1

The core areas of focus for Herbert Smith Freehills LLP are energy, industrial, transport and construction, with the practice benefiting from the wider firm's top-tier strength in litigation. 'Master tactician' Howard Watson, who heads up the team, is regarded as 'one of the leading partners in the field' and is particularly known for his work in the energy sector. Key work he has led on in recent months has included advising Chevron on the HSE investigation into the fatal explosion at its Pembroke refinery in 2011, and acting for BP on the inquest into the deaths caused by the terrorist attack at the In Amenas gas plant in Algeria in 2013.

Infrastructure (including PFI and PPP) Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is well-positioned in the market with a comprehensive offering, which ranges from experience in infrastructure M&A in the secondary market, restructurings, financings and refinancings to greenfield project development and infrastructure disputes. The firm's client portfolio includes sponsors, funds, insurers and lenders. Practice head Patrick Mitchell has more than 25 years experience in the field and is a key contact for transactions. David Wyles has a strong track record advising investors and lenders. Gavin Williams is experienced in acting for pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and GP-managed funds.

Insurance litigation: for policyholders Tier 1

The 'extremely technically capable' team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP advises prominent policyholders such as banks, energy, mining and construction companies on large, complex matters; it has recently handled cases in the areas of warranty and indemnity, credit insurance, political risk, energy insurance and public liability. Paul Lewis has broad expertise while 'superstar' Alexander Oddy - dubbed 'the Ferrari of the solicitors' world' - focuses on the energy and natural resources sector while also handling work for other bluechip corporates. Sarah McNally specialises in the construction, infrastructure, and energy sectors and the 'very capable' Greig Anderson acts for financial institutions.

Insurance: insolvency and restructuring Tier 1

Praised for its 'excellent technical skills', the insurance insolvency and restructuring team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP 'compares favourably to magic circle firms working on the same deals'. Geoffrey Maddock has led the firm's team on more than twenty transfers of insurance business. Other key partners include Barnaby Hinnigan, who has extensive experience in the sector, and worked on a number of of Brexit-related projects during 2018.

International arbitration Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is 'rightly respected in the market as a top operator in the field of international arbitration and it has superb, pragmatic and hardworking lawyers at every level'. The practice acts in arbitration across a broad range of sectors, including energy, mining, TMT, financial services, pharmaceuticals, transport, infrastructure, defence, real estate, manufacturing, travel and leisure, insurance and construction. Global international arbitration head Paula Hodges QC became the next President of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) in May 2019 - but continues in practice at the firm - and specialises in disputes in the energy and technology sectors. UK international arbitration head Craig Tevendale is an energy disputes expert, but also acts in cases involving M&A, defence, leisure and infrastructure projects. The practice's other highly rated individuals are India disputes head Nicholas Peacock, Chris Parker, whose work often involves Africa, and investment arbitration expert Andrew Cannon. Iain Maxwell is an experienced of counsel and Hannah Ambrose is a key senior associate.

Listed funds Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's investment funds team is 'knowledgeable, experienced, commercial and responsive'. The firm has built a reputation for developing innovative capital structures which often straddle the line between closed-ended and open-ended funds, especially with regards to regulatory and tax aspects and voting structures. IPOs, fundraisings and placing programmes are the firm's core areas of operation, supplemented by a number of regulatory mandates relating to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFD), Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) and Brexit. In a standout highlight, team head Nigel Farr, Sarah Pollock and others assisted with the fundraising of SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust, one of the first UK listed investment funds to invest exclusively in the energy efficiency sector. Nish Dissanayake is the name to note for listed fund formation and funds-related regulatory advice. Tim West is also highly recommended.

Mining and minerals Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP provides complete coverage to a stellar client base in the mining sector. This includes having mining sector experts in specialist areas such as tax, employment and pensions, technology and corporate crime and investigations. Practice head Greg Mulley specialises in public and private M&A, IPOs and other equity fundraisings, joint ventures, listed company issues and corporate governance. The team was recently bolstered by the promotion to partner of Laura Hulett, who focuses on complex M&A and project financing transactions.

Oil and gas Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's client base includes supermajors, independents, financial buyers, traders, Asian corporates and banks. The oil and gas team, led by Lewis McDonald, who recently relocated from the Tokyo office, handles corporate, finance and specialist work. The team also has an impressive contentious offering; James Baily has expertise in cross-border and gas and LNG price review disputes, among other areas. In recent highlights, the group acted for BP in a multibillion-dollar inter-conditional UK-Alaska transaction between the client and ConocoPhillips, which constitutes one of the first such international transactions between two global energy majors in the past 20 years. Other key contacts include Reza Dadbakhsh, who handles M&A, cross-border transactions and entries into mature and emerging markets. Stephen Murray retired from the profession.

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology Tier 1

Alan Montgomery is the global co-head of the Herbert Smith Freehills LLP pharmaceuticals and healthcare sector team, together with Shaun McVicar in Melbourne. It is home to a world-class patent litigation team acting for global pharmaceutical companies;  Sophie Rich and Sebastian Moore are two of the key patent litigators whilst Montgomery handles an impressive range of M&A, restructuring, joint venture and commercial mandates in the life sciences sector. Jonathan Turnbull's expertise includes protection of rights in small molecule and biological products and Chris Parker handles a broad range of disputes in the sector.

Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP advises on the full gamut of power matters, covering biomass, energy from waste, solar, offshore wind and tidal energy. The team handles everything from greenfield project development and secondary M&A to refinancing transactions. Silke Goldberg has been advising on a number of interconnectors between the UK and other jurisdictions, and the firm has a long-established relationship with EDF, building on the successful financial investment decision on Hinkley Point C in 2016. The practice is led by Lewis McDonald, who recently relocated to London from the firm's Tokyo office, while energy and infrastructure finance partner Matthew Job is also recommended.

Product liability: defendant Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP fields a team of dedicated lawyers, who specialise in industry sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceutical and healthcare as well as tobacco, food and beverages. It acts for insurers and corporate insureds in significant product liability disputes and provides commercial and risk management advice. The practice is jointly led by Howard Watson, who is vastly experienced in group/class actions; recall expert Tony Dempster; and Philip Pfeffer, who is well versed in the consumer products sector. Senior associate David Bennett is also noted.

Rail Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is experienced in large scale UK-based rail projects and the group is able to leverage its extensive international network to advise on significant international projects. With extensive franchising experience, the team handles a number of rail-franchising instructions and it is also engaged in significant rolling stock procurement mandates. Rail-related real estate developments are also a key focus of the practice and it is adept at high-profile disputes in the sector, where David Nitek plays a key role. Global infrastructure head Patrick Mitchell has extensive experience of project development and transactions; Mitchell and consultant Adrian Clough continue to advise High Speed Two on core elements of the £55bn HS2 project. Of counsel John Williams has broad experience in the rail sector where he advises on the development of railways, access and operational issues, rolling stock procurement, infrastructure, rolling stock maintenance, interface arrangements, concession and franchise issues; and Tim Briggs handles regulatory matters. The arrival of asset finance partner Rex Rosales, from Watson Farley & Williams LLP, has bolstered the firm's rail finance expertise.

Regulatory investigations and corporate crime Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is as comfortable advising compliance and advisory matters as investigations and regulatory defence and white collar crime matters. It frequently counsels clients in sectors such as banking and financial services and mining, advising on matters including bribery, corruption, sanctions, money-laundering, fraud, modern slavery and tax evasion. Susannah Cogman heads the team and has  a broad practice spanning investigations, including those by the SFO, compliance and regulatory matters. Daniel Hudson handles regulatory investigations by the SFO, FCA, the police and HMRC. Brian Spiro , who joined in 2017 , acts for corporates and individuals in business crime matters in the UK and throughout Europe.

Tax litigation and investigations Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's top-level tax litigation team draws on the firm's global platform and strong disputes history to provide high profile clients with a powerful multi-jurisdictional litigation and investigations service. Solicitor-advocate Heather Gething, who is an accredited mediator and a judge in the First-tier Tax Tribunal, leads the firm's 'simply superb' tax disputes and tax planning department. The teams also includes  Nick Clayton, an expert in issues arising from the Criminal Finances Act 2017, and senior associates Michael Hunt (who specialises in disputes involving the tax treatment of debt and derivatives) and 'great' Dawen Gao.

Trade finance Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP climbs to the top tier this year, having cemented its prominent position in large, complex and highly structured transactions in the energy market. It is 'very service-oriented and will do everything it can to support clients in the best way possible', remarks a client who notes that it 'demonstrates a keen desire to better understand the business and the needs of the client'. The practice is led by the 'client-driven' William Breeze and leading light Thomas Bethel, who specialises in oil and gas finance and is among the most experienced lawyers in English law reserve-based lending transactions. The firm had a role in the majority of market-leading RBL deals in recent years, acting for leading energy companies and trading houses, as well as a large roster of banks that includes HSBC, BNP Paribas and ING. It also handled prepayment and pre-export financing facilities with a value in excess of $10bn between 2016 and 2018.

VAT and indirect tax Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's main areas of expertise are VAT and stamp duty advice. The group often supports the wider firm's transactional departments, although it also handles a wide variety of standalone advisory and contentious indirect tax work, including in relation to the aggregates levy, landfill tax and tonnage tax. Isaac Zailer leads the group. Nick Clayton and senior associate Michael Hunt are other names to note.

Water Tier 1

The team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has vast experience of regulation and restructuring within the water sector. Recently, the group was appointed to assist Southern Water in connection with its PR19 price control review, and advised the Bazalgette Consortium on its successful bid to undertake the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the Thames Tideway Tunnel. The group is jointly led by experienced M&A expert Malcolm Lombers and regulatory specialist Tim Briggs.

Aviation Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's multi-disciplinary practice is commended for its 'excellent aviation knowledge' and is particularly noted for its track-record on significant M&A, competition and regulatory instructions in the sector. The team generates a significant workflow from UK airports on planning and infrastructure mandates, while tax, IP, real estate and disputes are also key areas of focus. Kim Dietzel handles regulatory work and UK and EU competition mandates in the aviation sector, while M&A expert Robert Moore has a strong airline following. Advising Virgin Atlantic on the consortium rescue takeover offer for Flybe Group is a key highlight for the department which is 'able to relate to the commercial realities of a deal'. The wider aviation team has recently been enhanced by the arrival of asset finance specialists Rex Rosales and Jahnavi Ramachandran, who joined from Watson Farley & Williams LLP in 2018.

Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 2

With an impressive roster of blue-chip corporate clients, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has excellent financing credentials on behalf of investment grade corporates including EDF,  Elementis plc and British Land. Kristen Roberts leads the corporate debt and acquisition finance team in London and has significant expertise across the capital structure, including on mandates in the loan and privately placed notes markets. On the borrower front, Roberts is particularly well-versed working alongside FTSE corporate treasury teams and is at the cutting-edge in trends in the corporate debt market. On the lender front, the firm has particular niches in the energy sector – where it is a market leader in advising banks on reserve-based lending facilities – as well as with regard to multi-sourced financings in the emerging markets, involving debt provided by commercial lenders, export credit agencies and Development Finance Institutions. Senior associate Elliot Beard has a growing reputation on behalf of a number of FTSE 250 clients, which he regularly advises on their general corporate financings in the banking and US private placement markets.

Construction: contentious Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's contentious team acts for a premium roster of domestic and international clients, with clients including developers, multinational corporations, contractors and governments. James Doe, who 'instils confidence in clients' and has a particular focus on energy and power, was promoted to lead the team in 2018. Other recommended figures include 'brilliant legal mind' David Nitek and Ann Levin, who has a track record across a range of construction projects including tunnels, power plants and offshore wind farms.

Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a strong international reach and regularly advises institutional clients, trustees, their insurers, beneficiaries, family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on a broad range of issues. Work spans from pure advisory work through to complex actions pursuing or defending trustees in relation to claims for breach of trust, through to third party claims by or against trustees. The team has also acted in the arbitration of trust disputes. It is particularly well-regarded for its work in advising trust companies on complex cross-border issues relating to succession and tax planning. Richard Norridge heads the team and Gareth Keillor has recently been promoted to 'Of Counsel'.

Debt capital markets Tier 2

The debt capital markets group at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in London is 'very commercial, with excellent attention to detail'. It has a proven track record of work for both issuers and managers on a range of products, including standalone bonds, regulatory capital instruments, MTN programmes, commercial paper programmes, private placements, equity-linked transactions and liability management trades. The practice comprises experienced lawyers qualified in both English and US law and, in 2018, it handled innovative transactions in developed and emerging markets. The practice has worked on some of the most high-profile projects bonds in the market, including the £10bn Thames Tideway debt issuance programme. The firm is also strong in sovereign debt issuance and acted for managers in the Republic of Ghana's $1bn notes offering. Practice head Amy Geddes and key partner Andrew Roberts are recognised experts in the DCM market, and clients recommend US securities partners Gabrielle Wong, Tom O’Neill and Dinesh Banani.

Derivatives (including commodities) Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP focuses on high-end, complex and multi-jurisdictional transactions for both buy-side and sell-side clients across a wide variety of underlying structures and jurisdictions. The practice covers rates and FX, equities, commodities and credit derivatives for financial institutions, funds and corporates, as well as structured finance transactions and transactions undertaken to achieve regulatory benefits that include the use of derivatives. The firm also runs advice on derivatives regulatory reform, including clearing and margining under European Market Infrastructure Regulation.  Margin lending transactions in the form of equity derivatives, repos, total return swaps and loans utilising derivatives techniques for both banks and end users feature prominently in its work. Michael Poulton runs the international securitisation and structured finance practice, with the firm also having a strong  focus on derivatives in the context of transactions for insurance companies, and extensive commodity derivatives expertise.The newly promoted Nick May, who is head of the derivatives practice, is a standout partner. Clients praise the 'very good team work and 'can-do' attitude from very commercial lawyers'.

EU and competition Tier 2

Attracting praise for its expertise by peers and clients alike, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has 'extensive competition law experience'. The team is active across a number of industries such as aviation, telecoms, transport and regulated infrastructure, but also has a particular strength in financial services and consumer products, with Susan Black particularly recommended for the latter sector. Black heads up the firm's consumer products practice group. The London and Brussels offices work closely together on competition matters, with the London team also working in conjunction with colleagues across the firm’s global network in Europe, Africa and the Asia Pacific. This international breadth means the firm is able to handle complex cross-border merger filings, antitrust investigations, and private enforcement actions. The department’s longstanding client base includes notable blue-chip clients such as Sky, British American Tobacco, and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Mandates include a team led by global practice head Stephen Wisking advised Sky on the merger control and regulatory aspects of its £29.7bn acquisition by Comcast, as well as on the merger control and media plurality issues of 21st Century Fox’s competing bid for Sky. Also highly recommended are Veronica Roberts, Kim Dietzel and Tim Briggs.

Financial services: contentious Tier 2

Known for its banking and asset management expertise, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP also has experience in fintech, payment services and Brexit-related projects. Banking regulation and compliance expert Clive Cunningham leads the non-contentious practice, which specialises in complex, multijurisdictional advisory and transactional work, an example being advice to interdealer brokers TP ICAP on all aspects of its Brexit project and related restructurings. Also notable is Andrew Procter, who focuses on the financial services and investment banking industry. Given its strength in disputes work the firm offers clients significant experience on the contentious side, offering regulatory expertise, particularly in relation to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime and cyber security related matters. Leading this team is Jenny Stainsby, who has experience in a range of regulatory and compliance matters, including investigations and enforcement proceedings as well as governance, conduct of business issues and skilled persons' reviews.

Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 2

Property damage and professional negligence are the mainstays of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's insurance and reinsurance litigation practice. The firm's client roster includes insurers, reinsurers, captive insurers and prominent brokers. Paul Lewis heads the 'knowledgeable' team, which features the 'trustworthy' Alexander Oddy and property damage and business interruption expert Anthony Dempster. Other key members of the group are David Reston, who specialises in professional negligence disputes, and Greig Anderson, who has cyber insurance expertise.

Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 2

The practice at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is led by non-contentious specialist and 'star performer' Geoffrey Maddock , who enjoys a strong reputation among clients, who recommend him for his 'very broad, deep and invaluable knowledge of insurance'. The practice has particular strengths in pensions de-risking and reinsurance and portfolio transfers, expertise that goes hand in hand with more general transactional capabilities. Senior associate Kaja Kluziak is also recommended.

Intellectual property Tier 2

The intellectual property team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is 'commercially focused and able to provide concise advice under pressure' and combines substantial commercial IP expertise, spanning transactions, projects, risk management and strategic advisory work, with notable strength in patents, trade marks and copyright disputes. Practice head Joel Smith handles a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with particular experience across the consumer, retail, media, technology, agribusiness and energy sectors, while global head of intellectual property Mark Shillito focuses on the life sciences, TMT and consumer goods industries. Other names to note include pharmaceutical patent litigators Sophie Rich and Sebastian Moore (Moore splits his time between London and Milan), and hi-tech patent expert Andrew Moir.

IT and telecoms Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP combines 'genuine commercial expertise in telecoms, media, entertainment, tech and privacy' with 'an insightful and commercially-aware team, which is able to deliver fast and cogent advice'. The sector-focused group handles a range of corporate, commercial, regulatory and contentious matters for its impressive client roster, which spans large corporates, public sector clients, global banks, financial institutions and technology companies. The group is jointly led by Nick Pantlin, who specialises in IT transactions; commercial litigator James Farrell; patent litigator Andrew Moir, and telecoms sector specialists David Coulling and Stephen Wisking, who focus on transactional and regulatory matters respectively.

Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's media and entertainment offering handles a raft of high-profile transactional, operational, regulatory, competition and dispute resolution mandates. The team is active across film, TV, interactive content, OTT platforms, digital and social media, technology, IP and rights management instructions, while music, sports, gaming, live events, sponsorship, advertising, marketing, information and data services and betting work are also key focuses. Consultant Hayley Brady is UK head of digital and media and specialises in commercial, advisory and regulatory work. Brady advised Smilegate on the commercial agreements relating to the launch of Smilegate Megaport's mobile games (including Epic Seven). In an example of its market-leading transactional expertise, the team was instructed by the Independent Committee of Sky on the competing takeover offers from 21st Century Fox and Comcast Corporation.

Partnership Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is particularly noted for its disputes practice, acting for partnerships, LLPs and their members. The multi-disciplinary team is made up of disputes, corporate, employment, incentives, regulatory and tax specialists, enabling it to provide a full-service offering. On the non-contentious side, it advises on partnership strategy, notably assisting Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner on the employment and partnership aspects of its day-to-day operations and integration following the merger between Berwin Leighton Paisner and Bryan Cave; a matter handled by Tim Leaver. Malcolm Lombers and Alan Watts jointly head the department.

Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 2

Pensions litigation has been a particular recent strong point for the team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, with Samantha Brown acting on significant matters involving GMP equalisation, Section 75 debt applications and Pensions Regulator enforcement cases. The team also counts insurance firms and regulatory bodies on its client roster, with issues ranging from Pensions Ombudsman complaints to professional negligence claims (senior associate Antonia Pegden is an emerging name in the latter, having acted on a number of highly publicised matters). Regular non-contentious mandates include derisking exercises, general regulatory advice, scheme closures, corporate transactions - Michael Aherne is a rising star in this field -  high-value buy-outs, scheme funding negotiations and consolidation projects. Rachel Pinto leads on matters for a number of high-profile clients with a particular emphasis on derisking mandates including bulk annuity transactions.

Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 2

Pensions litigation has been a particular recent strong point for the team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, with Samantha Brown acting on significant matters involving GMP equalisation, Section 75 debt applications and Pensions Regulator enforcement cases. The team also counts insurance firms and regulatory bodies on its client roster, with issues ranging from Pensions Ombudsman complaints to professional negligence claims (senior associate Antonia Pegden is an emerging name in the latter, having acted on a number of highly publicised matters). Regular non-contentious mandates include derisking exercises, general regulatory advice, scheme closures, corporate transactions - Michael Aherne is a rising star in this field -  high-value buy-outs, scheme funding negotiations and consolidation projects. Rachel Pinto leads on matters for a number of high-profile clients with a particular emphasis on derisking mandates including bulk annuity transactions.

Planning Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has an established foothold in the major fields of the planning law market, namely commercial development, energy and infrastructure projects. Market-leading projects are often handled through the team, including multi-billion pound London regeneration schemes, significant retail and mixed-use developments, commercial building projects and DCO applications for major infrastructure projects. Of particular note to the latter, Catherine Howard and of counsel Charlotte Dyer are handling the £1bn+ electric power transmission link between England and France. DCO applications for infrastructure projects is a strong point including expertise in the nuclear energy development sector. Practice head, Matthew White, advises on some of the largest commercial redevelopment projects on the market such as the £4bn Canada Water mandate. The team often takes on highly unique projects such as Madison Square Garden’s new London Sphere project, including site acquisition and planning. Contentious work is all-encompassing, with recent matters involving the defence of high-profile public inquiries, judicial reviews and planning objections.

Professional discipline Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's professional discipline work complements the firm's widely respected administrative law and human rights practices. The group was recently predominantly active in the financial, accountancy and legal sectors. It acted for the Financial Reporting Council (FRC)'s Executive Counsel in prosecuting a formal complaint against Baker Tilly UK Audit, the auditors to AIM-listed Tanfield Group, which was a global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and zero emission electric vehicles. Andrew Lidbetter heads the practice, which includes Nusrat Zar and of counsel Jasveer Randhawa.

Professional negligence Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's professional negligence team sits within the firm's 'formidable' dispute resolution practice and it is 'technically very strong, and has a very good understanding of the client's business, which helps advice to be commercially nuanced'. With a global reach, the London team handles high-profile claimant and defendant work across the insurance, pensions, legal, financial, technology and construction sectors for leading insurers, brokers and blue-chip clients; 'this is the team you engage on the most complex matters with the potential to impact the company significantly'.  Paul Lewis heads the firm's global contentious insurance practice and heads the pensions disputes group; he is regularly engaged in disputes involving solicitors, insurance brokers and pensions advisers. David Reston is noted for claims involving solicitors and Sarah McNally, who is 'technically superb and is always able to shape her advice so it can be easily digested and put into action', handles construction, infrastructure, projects and energy sector disputes.

Property finance Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is noted for its ability to handle large pan-European property finance transactions, and has been particularly active advising on high-value refinancings and complex development finance matters. It also handles senior and mezzanine debt financings, hotel financings, and real estate NPL financings. The team acts for leading market lenders, including UK banks, German mortgage banks and fund lenders. On the borrower side, clients include major UK real estate companies. Simon Chadney leads the team, which also includes Gary Hommel, who heads the firm’s European finance practice, and Robert Carr, who has expertise in advising on mezzanine finance.

Property litigation Tier 2

Handling a broad range of commercial property litigation, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's 'efficient, diligent, proactive and pragmatic' team sits at the intersection of the firm's dispute resolution and real estate practices and is noted for its experience in compulsory purchase order (CPO) compensation disputes - a key area of expertise for team head Matthew Bonye - and rating litigation but the group is also well versed in handling contentious public project, development and redevelopment work as well as various landlord and tenant issues, among others. In a recent highlight, the team defended the board of trustees of the Tate Gallery against a claim of private nuisance and breach of human rights brought by several residents of the NEO Bankside development. Senior associate Julia Tobbell has been particularly active in high-value disputes, while rating law expert Martin Dawbney joined boutique planning law firm Town Legal LLP in May 2018.

Public international law Tier 2

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's team of 'top-tier lawyers' has 'excellent experience' in investment treaty arbitration, acting for sovereign and leading multinational clients in proceedings against states. The group's work in this space focuses strongly on disputes in areas where the firm is traditionally strong, including the energy, oil and gas, mining and banking sectors. Other areas of expertise include Law of the Sea issues, sovereign and international organisation immunity and human rights-related matters, sanctions and international trade law; the team has also been seen a steady growth of work advising clients on the UK's exit from the EU. Andrew Cannon has 'tremendous experience in public international law'. Iain Maxwell is noted for his representation of clients in ICSID investment arbitration.

Commercial contracts Tier 3

Known for its IT expertise, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP combines a deep bench of commercial contracts practitioners with technology sector specialists. The firm is well regarded for complex commercial and business transformation projects, as well as global cross-sector procurements and outsourcings. The team also has an experienced commercial disputes practice. Nick Pantlin specialises in advising clients on complex and business-critical outsourcing, notably in the technology area. He co-leads the team with Stephen Rayfield, who has extensive experience advising central government bodies on major procurement exercises. Their group is advising Google's technical infrastructure legal team on all its commercial requirements.

Commercial property: retail Tier 3

The team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP delivers a ‘consistently high quality service from consistently high quality personnel’, working with a wide variety of owner, development and tenant clients on high-profile matters. The practice handles the full lifecycle of investment projects and transactions as well as large development and regeneration projects. The globally integrated hotels and leisure practice advises on areas including acquisitions, disposals, disputes, IP and employment issues, while expertise in the retail sector includes development, acquisition, disposal and letting issues. Donald Rowlands, a ‘leader in his field’, is a key member of the team, as is Richard Forsdyke, who is knowledgeable across the full spectrum of financing, development and investment matters. The group is currently acting for Madison Square Garden Company in relation to the proposed development of MSG Sphere London, a 20,000 seat entertainment venue in Stratford. Clients include sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds, investment and fund managers, borrowers and lenders. Nick Turner is a key name and leads the corporate occupier offering, while Paul Chases is an expert in the structuring, negotiation and completion of complex development joint ventures. Also recommended is Shona Grey, a specialist in corporate acquisitions and disposals in the private equity real estate sector.

Corporate tax Tier 3

Isaac Zailer is the global head of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's tax group, which has a strong international focus and advises clients on the tax aspects of M&A deals, private equity, fund formation and restructuring. Particular niche specialisms include upstream energy taxation and insurance-related tax. Other key names include corporate and tax planning specialist Howard Murray and William Arrenberg, whose focus include real estate, oil and energy tax matters. In 2019, Neil Warriner retired, while Michael Alliston left the firm for Norton Rose Fulbright.

Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 3

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP fields distinct data protection and cybersecurity practices led by Miriam Everett and Andrew Moir respectively; Everett was promoted to the partnership in 2019. Nick Pantlin is general head of the TMT and data practice and has recently been active advising clients on data protection and cyber security issues related to the use of new sourcing delivery models, data analytics and the commercialisation of big data; and Christine Young heads up the employment-related data protection and data subject rights practice. The data protection group’s expertise includes GDPR compliance advice, data transfers, data subject access requests and binding corporate rules and also benefits from the firm’s global network to assist with cross-border mandates; it recently advised Hays on its data protection practices across Europe including a full review as part of its GDPR compliance project. Marcus Turle is also recommended.

Environment Tier 3

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP possesses expertise in oil and gas, nuclear and renewable energy, and environment-related disputes. The firm provides regulatory compliance advice and assists with matters such as contaminated land and climate change liability, as well as advising on environment-related matters arising from Brexit. Senior associate Julie Vaughan advises on transactional and project development matters in the energy projects, transport, retail and water treatment sectors.

Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 3

Known for its banking and asset management expertise, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP also has experience in fintech, payment services and Brexit-related projects. Banking regulation and compliance expert Clive Cunningham leads the non-contentious practice, which specialises in complex, multijurisdictional advisory and transactional work, an example being advice to interdealer brokers TP ICAP on all aspects of its Brexit project and related restructurings. Also notable is Andrew Procter, who focuses on the financial services and investment banking industry. Given its strength in disputes work the firm offers clients significant experience on the contentious side, offering regulatory expertise, particularly in relation to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime and cyber security related matters. Leading this team is Jenny Stainsby, who has experience in a range of regulatory and compliance matters, including investigations and enforcement proceedings as well as governance, conduct of business issues and skilled persons' reviews.

Fintech Tier 3

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's 'pragmatic and responsive' fintech group acts for investors, start-ups, national and international banks, insurances companies and other financial services organisations, advising on regulatory considerations such as PSD2 and GDPR, cyber security risks, outsourcing arrangements, smart contracts, financing, and general corporate transactions. The team stands out for its ability to manage complex partnership agreements, primarily outsourcing arrangements for financial institutions and payment services but also in relation to the development of innovative funding solutions and payment platforms. Nick Pantlin's broad expertise covers the potential impact of blockchain technology and smart legal contracts in the financial services sector, whereas Caroline Rae specialises in corporate transactions, including takeovers, private acquisitions and capital raising. Senior associate Lyndon Coppin, former head of operations, technology and commercial legal at Barclays Bank, was one of several lawyers to join the team in 2018-2019.

M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £500m+ Tier 3

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP advises predominantly London-listed clients on complex cross-border matters, with a focus on the public M&A markets. In addition to representing corporations in public takeovers, the firm has longstanding relationships with investment banks, and frequently advises them as financial sponsors on high profile acquisitions. Key matters have seen Stephen Wilkinson lead a team advising Sky as target in the competitive auction between Comcast and 21st Century Fox; running a team that included the 'very able' senior associate Harriet Forrest, who clients recommend for her 'valued calmness'.  Practice head Gavin Davies, alongside the 'excellent' Caroline Rae, advised ARRIS International on its proposed $7.4bn acquisition by CommScope Holding Company Inc. Meanwhile senior partner James Palmer remains a visible member of the team, with a strong track record of advising clients on M&A, including hostile takeovers.

Personal injury: defendant Tier 3

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's personal injury practice focuses on providing advice to leading corporate clients from a range of sectors, particularly heavyweights in the energy field pertaining to serious injury claims and group litigation. The team is adept at handling both the civil claim and criminal prosecution that may arise from the same incident. Multi-party actions and catastrophic injuries specialist Howard Watson, who has notable experience of paraplegia and head injury claims, leads the department, which is frequently instructed on multi-jurisdictional matters.

Private equity: transactions – mid-tier – up to £250m Tier 3

Eight partners in Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's broader City corporate practice regularly work on PE mandates; with four of them handling primary buyouts, while two apiece are devoted to the ancillary practice areas of tax and financing. Real estate, infrastructure, energy, alternative financial services and TMT are sectors of specialist expertise for the firm, with the practice headed by John Taylor. PE fund formation and public-to-private transactions are some other core areas of work. The team acts for multinational blue-chip PE houses, such as The Blackstone Group and The Carlyle Group, as well as some sovereign wealth funds. Also recommended is Gavin Davies, who often advises financial investors and UK-listed companies.

Real estate funds Tier 3

Although General Partners (GPs) constitute the majority of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's current clientele in the real estate funds space, the firm boasts a burgeoning LP practice, with a recent increase in mandates from sovereign wealth funds and other institutional investors. Backed by a strong real estate practice, the investment funds team maintains good relationships with a number of longstanding clients, with mandates highlighting advisory roles as they diversify into alternative asset classes. Practice head Nigel Farr focuses primarily on closed-ended investment vehicles; also recommended is Tim West. The group is praised by one client for its 'excellent availability and client service'.

Structured products and securitisation Tier 3

Acquisition finance Tier 4

Tapping into the firm's impressive roster of corporate clients, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP handles a significant amount of financing related to M&A activity. The firm is also well-connected to numerous funds (including those with a focus on the energy sector and infrastructure) and regularly handles leveraged financings for them on their investments. On the bank side, the team's market-leading reputation in the reserve based lending space continues to be enhanced by strengthening relationships with some major European and US investment banks on leveraged finance matters.

Commercial property: hotels and leisure Tier 4

The team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP delivers a ‘consistently high quality service from consistently high quality personnel’, working with a wide variety of owner, development and tenant clients on high-profile matters. The practice handles the full lifecycle of investment projects and transactions as well as large development and regeneration projects. The globally integrated hotels and leisure practice advises on areas including acquisitions, disposals, disputes, IP and employment issues, while expertise in the retail sector includes development, acquisition, disposal and letting issues. Donald Rowlands, a ‘leader in his field’, is a key member of the team, as is Richard Forsdyke, who is knowledgeable across the full spectrum of financing, development and investment matters. The group is currently acting for Madison Square Garden Company in relation to the proposed development of MSG Sphere London, a 20,000 seat entertainment venue in Stratford. Clients include sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds, investment and fund managers, borrowers and lenders. Nick Turner is a key name and leads the corporate occupier offering, while Paul Chases is an expert in the structuring, negotiation and completion of complex development joint ventures. Also recommended is Shona Grey, a specialist in corporate acquisitions and disposals in the private equity real estate sector.

Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 4

Co-headed by Kevin Pullen and John Whiteoak  for non-contentious and contentious work respectively, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's ten-partner team provides 'practical and commercial solutions' to a wide range of stakeholders on the creditor and debtor front, particularly in distressed scenarios within firm-wide sector strengths including energy, infrastructure, travel, and leisure. Able to overlay complementary practice areas including corporate, litigation and tax, and also aided by an extensive international network, the firm has the ability to handle big-ticket cross-border debtor mandates as evidenced by its ongoing work in the longstanding Nortel matter.

Fraud: white-collar crime Tier 4

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP' corporate crime and investigations team is able to advise on white collar crime compliance and investigations work around the world. Its UK team is backed by offices across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the US, advising on multiple aspects of corporate crime including bribery, corruption and money laundering, taking the lead on both investigations and compliance work. Individual clients include directors, senior management and other employees. Susannah Cogman heads the team and has experience advising on anti-money laundering systems and controls failures, and representing clients in FCA investigations.

Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 4

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a dedicated private wealth offering that comprises senior disputes, advisory and transactional lawyers who advise on various issues including structuring and tax advisory matters. It regularly advises institutional clients, trustees, insurers, beneficiaries and family offices as well as high-net-worth individuals. Client mandates include acting for some of the wealthiest families in Asia, the Middle East and Europe (including the UK). Richard Norridge heads the team.

Reputation management Tier 4

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's defamation and reputation practice headed by the 'exceptional' Alan Watts applies a multi-jurisdictional approach, drawing on the firm's resources around the world. It is therefore a go-to practice for major multinational corporations. In this litigation-focused area of law, the practice promotes alternative dispute resolution. The team is also actively involved in handling cases surrounding the #metoo movement, advising companies on how to address allegations. Neil Blake's wide-ranging practice includes assisting FTSE 250 mining companies with their reputation management.

Charities and not-for-profit Tier 5

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP frequently acts for charities, NGOs, foundations and social enterprises as well as multinational corporate clients in relation to their charitable and philanthropic activities. The charities group spans all practice areas including tax, trusts, real estate and employment and its work typically has an international dimension. It is regularly instructed to advise local and international charities and foundations on their governance, structures and processes in addition to their social investments. Richard Norridge heads the team.

Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+) Tier 5

Eight partners in Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's broader City corporate practice regularly work on PE mandates; with four of them handling primary buyouts, while two apiece are devoted to the ancillary practice areas of tax and financing. Real estate, infrastructure, energy, alternative financial services and TMT are sectors of specialist expertise for the firm, with the practice headed by John Taylor. PE fund formation and public-to-private transactions are some other core areas of work. The team acts for multinational blue-chip PE houses, such as The Blackstone Group and The Carlyle Group, as well as some sovereign wealth funds. Also recommended is Gavin Davies, who often advises financial investors and UK-listed companies.

Private funds Tier 5

Garnering client praise for its 'extreme dedication, professionalism and cost consciousness', the investment management department at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is led by Nigel Farr. The group's 'thorough experience in funds matters' covers the areas of private equity, real estate and infrastructure, with a particular strength in funds investing in developing markets such as Asia and Africa. Blue chip entities such as BlackRock and BNP Paribas feature on the firm's client list, which also saw significant growth on the LP side due to the addition of new investor clients. Also noteworthy are Stephen Newby and Tim West; Newby boasts prior experience at the firm's Singapore and Dubai offices while West possesses funds regulatory expertise.

Transport finance & leasing Tier 6

The arrival in August 2018 of Rex Rosales and Jahnavi Ramachandran from Watson Farley & Williams LLP has afforded Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's London office a substantial aviation finance offering which was previously missing. Able to draw on the firm's broader aviation capability (across litigation, corporate and regulatory), its global network and complementary practice areas including finance and restructuring, the team has a strong footing with which to gain market share. Rosales and Ramachandran are both well respected among banks and lessors, in particular, and since joining the firm they have already expanded the scope of their client base to include firm-wide clients including Virgin Atlantic Airways.

India > Foreign firms Tier 1

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP acts for some of the largest Indian conglomerates, particularly on cross-border transactions, while also providing support to a global network of clients in relation to their investments into India. The firm fields an extensive cross-practice offering, which apart from M&A also covers international arbitration, as well as capital markets and finance matters. Overseeing the global India practice is London-based Chris Parsons, who has extensive experience working on cross-border deals. Alan Montgomery leads on M&A matters and specialises in public and private mergers and acquisitions, restructurings and joint ventures. M&A transactions are also an area of specialty for Roddy Martin, who advises on inbound and outbound investments, public takeovers, private auctions as well as buyouts. Nick Peacock heads the India Disputes practice, and is experienced in representing Indian corporates in complex arbitration proceedings, particularly in the energy and telecoms sectors; while Siddhartha Sivaramakrishnan leads the India capital markets and Asia US securities group from the Singapore office.

Tunisia > Foreign firms Tier 1

Leveraging its international footprint, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a 'strong' North Africa practice, with a specific focus on transactional and contentious matters across the mining, transport, energy and infrastructure sectors. Paris-based Bertrand Montembault is regularly engaged on cross-border corporate and project mandates. London-based Craig Tevendale is noted for international arbitration cases, as are Paris-based duo Laurence Franc-Menget and Thierry Tomasi.

Iran > Foreign law firms Tier 2

The practice group at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP handles a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work, ranging from renewable energy and oil and gas mandates to sanctions, project finance and M&A matters, to name a few areas. Reza Dadbakhsh and William Breeze, both based in London, share leadership of the practice.