Linklaters LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Linklaters LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 1

The broad practice of Linklaters LLP is strong in UK high-end listings and ‘able to bring in subject-matter experts as required as well as a wide team in their continental office network’. Recommended as ‘peerless in advising and steering the ECM industry at large’, the firm supports banks in changing the London regulatory environment, and is active in international deals including in the Netherlands and UAE. Expertise covers SPACs, de-SPACs, IPOs and M&A in the ECM space. John Lane acts for issuers and underwriters on equity transactions and has experience in private and public M&A. He co-leads the team with Jason Manketo, who advises clients across the life cycle of their equity capital markets activities. Other key names on the deep bench are Pam Shores, who is US lawyer based in London with strength in equity and debt capital markets; Tom Thorne, who specialises in equity capital markets and listing rules driven transactions; and James Wootton, who assists corporate and financial institutions on a wide range of corporate transactions.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 1

Well-regarded for its ability to marry a ‘high calibre, technical capability‘ with a ‘commercial and pragmatic’ approach, Linklaters LLP‘ sizeable practice is consistently engaged by some of the biggest companies in the world for assistance in high-stakes regulatory, transactional, and contentious matters. In recent months, the team has concentrated its position in the healthcare and technology sectors, advising on takeover bids, contractual breaches, and foreign investment clearance matters. Global antitrust and foreign investment head Nicole Kar maintains a prolific merger investigations practice, and serves as a key adviser to a diverse roster of financial institutions, retailers, mining groups, and healthcare operators. The group’s wide-ranging expertise in UK utility regulation – including sectoral regulator-led investigations and price control appeals – is underpinned by Natura Gracia, a dual-qualified (English and Spanish) state aid/subsidies and public procurement specialist who regularly advises a range of water companies and energy providers. Simon Pritchard is consistently engaged for his track record in Phase 2 merger inquiries, cartel investigations, and merger litigations, while Anna Mitchell is particularly strong in UK and EU merger control, investigations, and market studies. Managing associate Verity Egerton-Doyle, noted for her experienced in CMA merger investigations and CA98 cases, is especially well-versed in tech and life sciences matters. Cartel investigations specialist Rachel Hetherington is also recommended. Kar recently took over as global antitrust head following the departure of Christian Ahlborn.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 1

Magic Circle firm Linklaters LLP is hailed for its ‘unrivalled experience, commercial sense and client focus’. Martyn Hopper fronts the practice, leveraging his background at the FSA to support on array of market leading insider dealing, market manipulation, unauthorised trading and corporate disclosure proceedings, among others. Other integral names include Nikunj Kiri, a veteran of numerous PPI complaint, mis-selling, market misconduct matters, along with Alison Wilson, an authority for FCA investigations, internal investigations and pre-enforcement matters within the retail banking space. Ben Packer is famed for his work on PRA and FCA investigations, representing companies and individuals alike, while Clare McMullen serves as a leading name for market abuse work, conduct issues and AML proceedings. At counsel level, Elizabeth Dowd is a US-qualified lawyer whose recent workload includes a PPI complaint, benchmark manipulation and controls failings in the context of bribery and corruption risks.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 1

Linklaters LLP is famed for its ‘strength in-depth, commercial expertise and context-sensitive advice’; its practice is fronted by Martyn Hopper and is backed by Michael Kent’s first-rate knowledge of market infrastructure developments, namely clearing systems, trading platforms and settlement systems. Peter Bevan has distinct expertise in new product development, trading issues and regulatory structuring and the team is also home to significant fintech expertise in the form of Harry Eddis, a payment systems and payment services specialist. Nikunj Kiri is the group’s contentious regulatory and risk management authority while, at the more junior end of the partnership spectrum, Sebastian Barling is an expert on the impact of a number of key directives and Alastair Holt has notable regulatory licence, prudent regulation and conduct of business expertise. At counsel level, Raza Naeem is a name of prominence, particularly in respect of retail and wholesale conduct, ESG and governance affairs. Carl Fernandes re-joined the firm from Latham & Watkins in January 2022.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 1

Drawing superlative praise from a litany of clients, Linklaters LLP has a near-unrivalled reputation for blockbuster public company deals, working with dozens of FTSE 100 entities on a wealth of multi-billion pound transactions. Global corporate head Simon Branigan manages a number of the firm’s most consequential client relationships, with recent highlights including acquisitions and disposals in the consumer goods, mining, and software sectors. Owen Clay – another key relationship partner for a diverse roster of market-leading corporates – possesses considerable expertise in conventional energy matters, as well as in TMT and manufacturing deals. Dan Schuster-Woldan is principally noted for his insurance sector acumen. Spearheading the team’s fintech offering, UK ring-fencing regime expert Fionnghuala Griggs is sought out by numerous financial institutions for her capabilities in multi-jurisdictional M&A and consortium deals. Derek Tong, who chairs the UK tech department, continues to handle high-value, cross-border matters, including strategic acquisitions and multi-jurisdictional carve-outs. Sarah Flaherty is set to leave the practice for Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP, while Nick Rumsby is set to leave for Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Jessamy Gallagher  has moved to Paul Hastings LLP.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 1

Linklaters LLP’s market-leading banking litigation team is known for its expertise representing clients in high value and high profile domestic and cross-border banking disputes, often involving  regulator scrutiny and financial or reputational impact. The team , which is led by contentious regulatory specialist Alison Wilson and Christa Band, benefits from working with lawyers in other parts of the firm, including its financial regulatory, banking, derivatives and structured products, and capital markets practices. Other key names in the practice include Patrick Robinson, whose broad practice  frequently sees him advising clients on structured product-related disputes, Rory Conway, whose expertise includes insolvency-related issues, and Susana Cao Miranda, who previously worked in-house at Goldman Sachs. The team acts for well known financial institutions including  Societe Generale. Sarina Williams was promoted to partner in May 2021.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 1

The sizeable employee incentives team at Linklaters LLP often acts for FTSE 30 companies, large banks, international asset managers and conglomerates on the share plan and remuneration elements of big ticket cross-border transactions, including M&A, rights issuances, and takeovers. The financial services sector is a particular area of focus, where practice head Alexandra Beidas receives strong praise from clients for her 'knowledge of regulatory remuneration matters'. Other key names are Cara Hegarty and Bradley Richardson, who together have extensive experience advising listed and unlisted companies on executive remuneration, share plans and incentive schemes.

Employment > Employers Tier 1

Lauded for its track record in big-ticket tribunal and High Court cases, Linklaters LLP‘s practice head and key litigator Nicola Rabson has ‘unparalleled experience’ acting on behalf of financial sector clients and PLC’s in investigations, restrictive covenants and board and management level issues. It is also increasingly instructed on mandates relating to workplace culture, approaches to flexible working and workplace activism. Jean Lovett leads the transactional employment practice, and Sinead Casey is a solid choice of counsel for investigations and crisis management mandates.

Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 1

Linklaters LLP is known for handling high-profile pensions litigation and regulatory disputes, with the team commended by clients for being ‘able to deal with high-quality technical and substantial pensions cases‘. In addition, the group is well-versed in mediation. The team is led by Mark Blyth, who has substantial experience before the pensions regulator and pension protection fund, with a focus on scheme funding and restructuring issues, benefit redesigns, the construction of scheme rules, rectifications, and representing clients bringing professional negligence claims. Blyth is ably supported by managing associate Sarah Opie, who has recent experience in rectification and regulatory enforcement cases; and solicitor-advocate Geoff Egerton, an expert in acting for trustees, employers and professional advisers in professional negligence claims.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 1

At Linklaters LLP, the standalone pensions practice acts for trustees, employers, insurance companies and consolidation vehicles, and handles the gamut of pensions issues. For investments, the group is well-versed in ESG and fiduciary management; on the fund consolidation front, it has significant experience in master trust arrangements and related authorisations; the funding offering includes advice on long-term funding agreements. Liability management is another core competency, and the group is often instructed on buy-ins, buy-outs and longevity swap structures; while the team is also noted for supporting colleagues with corporate reorganisations, transactions and insolvencies. Claire Petheram  heads the global practice, and is experienced in scheme mergers and consolidations, as well as benefit changes and equalisation issues, also areas of expertise for Tim Cox. Rosalind Knowles  leads the pensions investment team, bringing together experts in investment management, derivatives, structured projects, and pensions. Philip Goss is praised by clients for his expertise in de-risking projects.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 1

Drawing on ‘excellent strength-in-depth‘ in its London office and across its extensive international network, Linklaters LLP is well-positioned to handle multi-jurisdictional sponsor and corporate-led acquisition finance mandates for a balanced roster of borrowers and lenders. Under the leadership of David Irvine (‘excellent commercial instincts’) and Oliver Sceales , both of whom have strong financial sponsor ties, the team has ‘strong leveraged finance knowledge’ and is adept at advising across the full scope of financial products, including bank and bond financing on large cap mandates, as well as on direct lending mandates. Edward Aldred  is also a popular choice among sponsor clients, as a result of his experience across the gamut of loan products, from syndicated institutional covenant-lite incurrence-based TLB facilities through to unitranche and covenanted maintenance loans. Philip Spittal  advises a balanced borrower and lender client base on event-driven and leveraged finance deals and, alongside creditor-focused partner Nick Syson , is able to call upon a vast amount of knowledge as a result of many years’ experience advising on mandates throughout the credit spectrum. Pathik Gandhi is ‘very efficient at getting the deal done with minimum fuss’ and together with Chris Medley is a driving force behind the firm’s growing creditor offering. Newly promoted partner Rohan Saha is well-versed at advising both banks and sponsors on leveraged finance mandates.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 1

Drawing upon strong product knowledge at both the front end of a deal, as well as in a refinancing/restructuring context, Linklaters LLP‘s ‘knowledgeable’ banking team is a popular choice among banks and investment grade corporates (including a high proportion of FTSE 100-listed clients). As well as regularly picking up a strong pipeline of syndicated lending work the firm also handles a disproportionately large proportion of corporate M&A financings. The team has also been very active advising borrowers on sustainability-linked financings, including Ian Callaghan‘s recent advice to Balfour Beatty Plc on the conversion of their £375m revolving credit facility to the largest sustainability linked loan in the UK construction sector to date. Toby Grimstone‘s practice consists of syndicated and secured bank financings and although he is active across a range of sectors, he is particularly well-versed at advising on mining/energy financings, including those with an emerging markets nexus (invariably export credit backed). Oliver Edwards co-heads the corporate and structured lending team alongside Grimstone and has a broad creditor practice that encompasses niche expertise in margin lending, as well as liquidity financings to other financial institutions. Philip Spittal often handles syndicated lending work in his role as global co-head of banking and is a key member of the team that also includes Caroline Courtney, who is well-versed across a range of products, including as it relates to syndicated lending and asset finance.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 1

Co-headed by Rebecca Jarvis and Richard Bussell, Linklaters LLP‘ ‘top-class’ 16-partner London restructuring team provides ‘commercial, practical and solutions-focused’ advice to  a varied range of stakeholders, including lenders, funds and corporates. The team advises across the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious work, ranging from formal insolvencies through to balance sheet restructurings and distressed M&A. The firm excels in handling multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary work, and frequently works alongside colleagues throughout its international network, as well as in complementary practice areas. In a matter exemplifying this approach, Bussell recently led restructuring work from London, working alongside litigators from Amsterdam and Munich on Steinhoff’s global settlement of substantial contingent liabilities that arose from accounting irregularities. James Douglas also had a key role in the matter and is appreciated by funds clients, in particular, for his ability to provide ‘very clear and balanced advice’ in complex and often highly contentious scenarios. Richard Hodgson is ‘innovative, thoughtful and user friendly‘ and has developed a particular strength advising IPs on high-profile restructurings in the retail sector. Nick Le Masurier and Sarah Mook , both of whom formerly held  in-house positions at major investment banks, are also key members of the team and bring a unique perspective to clients across a wide array of cross-border restructuring work. Tony Bugg  is also recommended.    

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 1

Linklaters LLP is 'at the cutting edge of DCM, providing strong technical advice in tune with legal and market developments, and smooth transaction management', according to one client. 'Having been there at the inception of the debt capital markets decades ago, they have always had a leading position and a high level of expertise', remarks another. The 'level-headed, technically spot on' Ben Dulieu leads the practice. Cecil Quillen is 'a top US partner with so much experience, he has seen everything'. Elaine Keats, who handles both ECM and DCM transactions, is 'extremely experienced and knowledgeable, as well as super responsive'. Senior capital markets partner Richard Levy and his team of associates 'really care about the relationship and always try to make sure the client is comfortable'. The 'tenacious and thorough' Richard O’Callaghan is highly recommended for equity-linked transactions. Carson Welsh is a key partner in the practice. The firm has a strong team of emerging partner talent, among them Arjun Muddu, and managing associates including the 'meticulous' Andrew Chaplin.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 1

‘What makes the practice unique is the efficiency and reliability of delivery‘, remarks a client of Linklaters LLP, noting that the firm is ‘a leader in the industry‘. The practice is highly regarded for its work on securitised derivatives, CLOs, synthetic securitisations and repackagings, as well as OTC derivatives trading, prime brokerage, fintech and exchange-traded derivatives. Practice head Deepak Sitlani, Pauline Ashall and Simon Firth acted for the International Swaps and Derivatives Association Inc. (ISDA) on numerous strategic initiatives, among them the drafting and finalising the first iteration of the new 2021 Interest Rate Derivatives Definitions, and the new 2022 ISDA Securities Financing Transactions Definitions and SFT Schedule Provisions. Michael Voisin and counsel Richard Hay acted for European Investment Bank on a digital bond issuance, which involved the use of blockchain technology. Mark Drury acted for Fnality International Ltd in a project to establish a new global, wholesale payment system based on blockchain technology. Matthew Monahan and David Phillips handle OTC and securitised derivatives. Vinay Samani is ‘responsive, commercial, pragmatic and knowledgeable‘. Counsel Jennifer Ellis joined from Milbank. Paul Lewis is now firm-wide managing partner.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 1

Linklaters LLP is ‘one of the most prominent structured finance and securitisation practices in the UK and Europe and it has been at the forefront of the market for many years, advising banks and other market participants on regulatory and legal changes across asset classes‘. The firm is active for major players across all asset classes, and has a growing niche among non-bank mortgage originators. Mark Nuttall leads the firm’s structured finance group, founded by standout securitisation partner Julian Davies. Adam Fogarty, who handles CMBS, RMBS and ABS transactions, acted for PIMCO in a £325m securitisation of non-performing electricity invoices for Public Power Corporation in Greece. Andrew Vickery leads the firm’s finance group and its covered bond practice. He assisted TwentyFour Asset Management with a £288m RMBS backed by owner-occupied mortgage loans secured on properties in the UK. Among the firm’s emerging partner talents, Alexander Shopov is ‘clever, hardworking and technically unbeatable‘, Reza Taylor is ‘creative and finds solutions others might overlook‘, and Thomas Quoroll has ‘an amazing ability to juggle multiple difficult matters and comfortably outperforms many partners from other firms‘. Manging associate Aditi Srivastava also plays a key role in the practice.

Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 1

Linklaters LLP co-ordinates a large emerging markets practice from London, where partners are active across Africa, the CEE, Southern Europe, China, India, Latin America, the Middle East, the CIS, Southeast Asia and Turkey. The firm’s work spans banking and finance, corporate and M&A, capital markets, energy and infrastructure, and dispute resolution, with the team frequently acting for some of the world’s largest corporates and financial institutions. Head of the Africa group Andrew Jones is a key partner in the energy and infrastructure practice. His group, which includes Ian Hunter and Michael Fanner, assisted Arise Côte d’Ivoire on the setting-up and development of three Economic Industrial Zones in Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan, Ferkessédougou and San Pedro. Daniel Tyrer leads the global energy and infrastructure group, and he frequently advises on upstream oil and gas, LNG, pipeline and petrochemical plant projects across EMEA and the CIS. Capital markets partner Richard O’Callaghan acted for a multinational investment bank on the Republic of Serbia’s issuance of €1bn in green notes due 2028 under its GMTN programme. Ian Andrews  left the firm in 2022.

Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 1

UK head of investment funds Matt Keogh leads the team at Linklaters LLP. The team has a strong reputation for expertise across all major fund formation markets, acting for sponsors, management teams and investors. The globally integrated team works consistently on multi-jurisdictional, ultra-high-net-worth and complex real estate deals, alongside advising on the structuring, formation, taxation and regulation of all types of alternative investment funds, including open and closed-ended, perpetual core+ and real estate. In addition, the team has expertise in ESG advisory work, particularly within the European fund space. Managing associate Ben Jennings has experience in private equity, venture capital, hedge, debt funds and real estate work, assisting with both transactional and advisory matters for a broad range of clients. The ‘technically excellent’ and ‘unflappable’ Rahul Manvatkar is a standout team member, as is leader of the offering's private investment practice Clare Baker.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 1

Linklaters LLP offers clients ‘a strong balance between the commercial and legal approach’. It regularly advises on M&A and finance work in the infrastructure sector and has a deep bench of experienced partners, including some who specialise in structured finance and investment funds work. The team leans on the firm’s extensive international network to provide clients with a fully integrated approach to cross-border transactions. Key names to note include Ross Schloeffel, who acts for investment funds and their lenders on acquisitions and disposals in the energy and infrastructure sectors, and Ian Andrews, recommended for his focus on infrastructure financing work. Another significant corporate partner is David Martin, who is well versed in multijurisdictional transactions and focuses on the digital infrastructure sector. Former practice heads Jessamy Gallagher and Stuart Rowson have left for Paul Hastings LLP.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals Tier 1

Linklaters LLP acts for some of the world’s largest mining companies on a broad range of matters, with a focus on corporate M&A, financing, regulatory and compliance. It also draws on related practice groups, such as antitrust, taxation, IP and environmental, to provide a holistic service to clients. The team is jointly led by Toby Grimstone, James Inglis and Robert Cleaver, while Ian Hunter, Aisling Zarraga and Andrew Jones are key practitioners; Zarraga is a key name for public and private M&A, joint ventures, equity issues and general corporate matters; Hunter also handles corporate matters and is the managing relationship partner for key client Glencore; and Jones has considerable experience in mining transactions in Africa. Charlie Jacobs left for an in-house role at JP Morgan in the summer of 2021.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 1

Linklaters LLP is at the forefront of the renewables sector working on projects from initial development through construction to financing , M&A, trading and disposal. The firm advises on every aspect of wind power projects and continues to dominate the greenfield offshore wind market in the UK in addition to other key areas such as energy from waste. Global head of energy and infrastructure Daniel Tyrer co-leads the practice with Chris Staples  who deals with cross-border mandates. Construction expert Richard Coar  specialises in advising governments, sponsors and funders while Charlotte Morgan handles project finance transactions. Jeremy Gewirtz focuses on emerging markets and Francesca Matthews leads on acquisitions and disposals.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Water Tier 1

Linklaters LLP‘s water department is distinguished by its full service offering, providing advice in all key areas of the water sector, including M&A, finance, regulation and competition. Having been involved in the water sector since privatisation in the 1990s, the firm has a strong understanding of the sector. Julian Davies heads the water team and has expertise in financing and M&A matters. Natura Gracia, head of water regulation, specialises in competition law and has handled regulatory investigations and appeals to the CMA, including a successful price redetermination appeal in 2021 on behalf of Anglian Water and Northumbrian Water. Mark Nuttall heads the firm’s structured finance group and is an expert in infrastructure and utilities financing. Reza Taylor has acted on a number of restructuring matters and led on Anglian Water’s issuance of a sustainability-linked bond in 2021. Newly promoted counsel James McGivern is also recommended for infrastructure and utilities financing.

Real estate > Environment Tier 1

Linklaters LLP‘s environment and climate change team is active across a range of sectors where environmental issues are commercially relevant or heavily regulated. It is regarded as ‘knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in environmental law’, and advises corporates and financial institutions on incoming environmental and social requirements of investors and regulators. The team counts on the expertise of high profile individuals such as Vanessa Harvard-Williams, who is recognised for her expertise in the areas of human rights, environmental law and governance. ‘Personable, resourceful and knowledgeable’ Rachel Barrett specialises in advising clients interested in ensuring their approach to sustainability is robust and fit for purpose, as well as those facing or anticipating investor activism, brand damage and regulatory investigation. The team also counts on the expertise of Iyesogie Igiehon, who specialises in advising on environmental and health and safety matters in M&A and project finance transactions.

Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 1

Linklaters LLP continues to build on its ESG expertise, with a focus on governance and compliance issues and crisis management work. Drawing on multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary expertise from its global network of offices and banking and finance, employment, dispute resolution and regulatory practitioners, the team is well placed to act for international companies in a wide range of industries. Vanessa Havard-williams heads up the practice and is well versed in environmental and climate change matters, and she also handles compliance issues in a range of areas. Alexandra Beidas is a name to note for remuneration issues, gender equality and workforce engagement, and Rachel Barrett is recommended for human rights matters. Tom Cassels is a key name for crisis management, while managing associate Aileen Buchanan handles health and safety and environmental matters, among other areas. Raza Naeem was promoted to partner in May 2022.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 1

With a‘very credible global network to call upon’, Linklaters LLP attracts clients from a range of sectors, including financial services, tech, fintech and insurance, seeking assistance with cross-border compliance projects, GDPR work, and high-profile data breaches. Benefiting from a long-standing relationship with regulators in the UK and EU, the team is well versed in investigation proceedings and enforcement actions. Co-practice head Richard Cumbley is recommended for large data subject access matters and privacy litigation. Co-practice Georgina Kon ‘provides exceptional service’ and excels in governance matters, privacy investigations and cyber events. Co-practice head Julian Cunningham-Day focuses on the tech and fintech segments. Counsel Alaister Johnson is also recommended.

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

Linklaters LLP provides the full spectrum of transactional and regulatory advice on fintech projects for e-money and financial institutions, challenger banks, infrastructure and payment services providers, and technology companies. The practice supports fintech clients with anti-trust matters, disputes and crisis management work, employment issues and tax advice. Key product areas of focus include digital assets, payment systems and digital payments, corporate restructuring matters and, data, cyber and technology disputes. Julian Cunningham-Day leads the global fintech team, specialising in technology projects in the financial services and other regulated industries. Group co-heads Harry Eddis and Fionnghuala Griggs have expertise in financial markets regulation and fintech-sector based M&A work, respectively. Head of UK fintech, counsel Richard Hay, has considerable experience in new product developments in the context of market infrastructure. Michael Voisin and Lisa Chang (who made partner in 2022) are further key names to note.

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

Linklaters LLP has an impressively broad practice and client base, spanning from telecoms operators and service providers to local and global corporates and governments, in addition to an increasing number of financial sponsors. Key areas of focus for the team include IT, communications, fintech and digital infrastructure mandates, as well as regulatory issues, complex transactions and M&A work. The group is also well-equipped to handle technology-related disputes. Julian Cunningham-Day co-leads the global technology and fintech sector groups, specialising in technology projects for financial services. Stuart Bedford is also co-head of the technology group with substantial expertise advising corporates and banks on technology deals. Iain Fenn jointly heads up the telecoms group alongside David Martin; Fenn advises major telecoms clients on transformational projects, while Martin focuses on digital infrastructure transactions in the telecoms space. Richard Cumbley has stepped down as global head of the TMT practice, but continues to play an active role in regulatory and IT work. Marly Didizian is incredibly experienced in large-scale and business-critical digital transformations, and Georgina Kon handles mandates involving innovative technologies and the roll-out of digital programmes.

Transport > Rail Tier 1

Linklaters LLP has considerable expertise in all rail matters both domestically and internationally. It advises on the full range of deals from heavy rail matters (including high speed rail) to light rail, rolling stock and train systems as well as station real estate. Fiona Hobbs is recognised for her work on many of the biggest deals in this sector. Charlotte Morgan has immense knowledge of the regulated infrastructure sector. Stuart Rowson is a well-known infrastructure partner and deals with significant rail financings. The first-class team continues to assist a wide range of sponsors, lenders, rolling stock companies and governments to bring some major industry leading rail deals to a close. Jessamy Gallagher  has now moved to Paul Hastings LLP.

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 2

Linklaters LLP’s global practice, which sits within the firm’s TMT and IP department, excels at handling supply chain arrangements, outsourcings and procurements at a national and international level, with particular expertise in highly regulated sectors including the financial services, healthcare and technology industries. Richard Cumbley heads up the TMT group, which includes the highly regarded Marly Didizian, who leads the London sourcing practice and co-heads the healthcare group; outsourcing and technology deal specialist Georgina Kon, and technology and fintech specialist Julian Cunningham-Day.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 2

Linklaters LLP's lawyers have expertise advising on tax aspects of corporate transactions, including domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures and demergers, and have been particularly active on SPAC related matters. Lynne Walkington is practice head, and focuses on M&A transactions, reorganisations and real estate. James Morgan covers corporate, finance, and structuring tax, and previously worked as a tax expert in the Strategic Transactions Group of Lloyds Banking Group. Chris Smale is a name to note, and this year advised Alphawave IP on its £3.1bn IPO on the London Stock Exchange.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+) Tier 2

Linklaters LLP has a high-quality offering in private equity, with a focus on handling complex, cross-jurisdictional mandates. Praised as ‘always available and extremely responsive’, the team’s work in 2021 included acting on a number of take-privates in the UK and European public markets, as well as handling carve-outs. In addition to its work for prominent funds such as TDR, Apax and Carlyle, the practice also regularly represents consortiums of investors on large-scale buyouts. Highly regarded practice co-heads Alex Woodward and Ben Rodham are well-regarded for their work in this area, with Rodham praised as ‘superbly commercial and pragmatic’. Will Aitken-Davies stands out for his work on cross-border transactions, while Chris Boycott  also had a strong year in 2021, including handling public-to-privates and carve-out deals.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 2

At Linklaters LLP, the team is able to leverage both its interdepartmental and international strength to achieve successful results in the most complex multi-jurisdictional, cross-practice cases. Alison Wilson heads up the overall disputes group, which fields a large number of experienced senior practitioners, including Christa Band and Tom Cassels. Harriet Ellis , who led on representation of the Internet Association in its appeal to the Supreme Court in Lloyd v Google, is another name to note. Wilson’s banking expertise is reflected in the department’s extensive roster of leading client names from the financial services sector. In terms of other sector specialisms, Ben Carroll is well-regarded for energy-related disputes. As well as acting in claims stemming from joint ventures, shareholder agreements and M&A, the firm is regularly called on at the advisory stage, to mitigate the risk of litigation.

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 2

Handling complex cases before the Competition Appeal Tribunal and the High Court, and with expertise in dealing with class actions, the competition litigation team at Linklaters LLP is ‘among the strongest litigation teams in the City’. The ‘impressive’ and ‘wise’ Tom Cassels leads the practice, bringing to bear his extensive experience in acting on high level cases. He is supported by Harriet Ellis, Nicole Kar and the highly rated Sarina Williams, who is ‘making a great impression on the market’.

Finance > High yield Tier 2

Linklaters LLP has a strong bench of high yield practitioners, who handle complex and high-value deals. It leverages the expertise of its market-leading banking and private equity practices to handle covenant-intensive debt securities, leveraged finance and restructuring. The firm’s sweet spot is multi-tranche bank and bond capital structures involving loans, bonds and combinations of both. Alexander Naidenov, Mark Hageman and Colin Chang are the standout partners in London, and they are key advisers to underwriters, private equity sponsors and corporate issuers. The firm hired experienced US finance partners from Vinson & Elkins RLLP, Noel Hughes, Christianne Williams and Giacomo Reali, who handle complex cross-border leveraged finance transactions.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 2

According to clients, Linklaters LLP stands out for its ‘extremely high quality of people, deep knowledge of the sector and ability to cover every aspect of work that is thrown its way’. The cross-practice team draws from the expertise of practitioners across the firm’s corporate, commercial, dispute resolution, IP, technology, data protection, regulatory, product liability and finance departments to provide clients with a holistic service across the full range of life sciences and healthcare work. The group’s diverse client base spans pharmaceutical, biotech, digital health and medical device companies and healthcare service providers. Aisling Zarraga and Marly Didizian co-lead the team, focusing on corporate and commercial work respectively.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 2

Linklaters LLP advises a range of clients, from private equity funds and investors to high-profile and high street retailers. The team is trusted by global brands such as Unilever, L’Oreal and Nestlé to handle issues throughout the entire consumer value chain, overseeing production, manufacturing, supply and distribution matters and market entry issues. Paul McNicholl and Michael Honan co-lead the practice. McNicholl often advises FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 consumer and retail clients on cross-border M&A, corporate restructurings and joint ventures, while Honan’s consumer sector expertise includes acting for e-commerce businesses, luxury companies, supermarkets and consumer brand businesses.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 2

Linklaters LLP is recognised for its de-risking practice, which covers buy-ins, buy-outs and longevity swaps. The department is also adept at dealing with M&A, reinsurance issues and internal reorganisations, including Part VII transfers, advisory work and distribution. Lorna Tennent oversees the team, advising multinational insurers on various aspects of Solvency II. Corporate lawyer Dan Schuster-Woldan is the global relationship partner for clients such as AXA and Phoenix and offers wide-ranging experience in public and private M&A, demergers, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and equity capital markets transactions. Duncan Barber is recommened for his work across the breadth of the non-contentious insurance space, particular focusing on M&A, reinsurances, distribution arrangements, financings and securitisations. Ben Wilkinson is another key name to note.

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

The energy and infrastructure team at Linklaters LLP is well known in the market for handling high-value, cross-border M&A and financing matters. Other areas of focus include joint ventures and commercial contracts and the team draws on strength from other practice areas to offer clients an integrated approach to oil and gas deals. Daniel Tyrer heads the team and is experienced in financing and private equity transactions across EMEA and the CIS. Mark Russell handles corporate work pertaining to upstream and LNG, and former practice co-head John Pickett retired.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 2

‘The top-class team’ at Linklaters LLP advises its roster of clients, including domestic and international developers and investors, on big-ticket transactions, including M&A and distressed real estate mandates, as well as high-value regeneration and development projects. Praised as a ‘a steady and knowledgeable guiding force’, global practice head Andy Bruce leads the London-based real estate team and handles acquisition, disposal and financing matters, while senior partner Martin Elliott is the practice’s key contact for development projects. Senior partner Patrick Plant has considerable experience advising investors, developers, lenders and tenants on the full gamut of real estate property mandates in the UK, and Tom Watkins focuses on real estate M&A transactions.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 2

‘The top-class team’ at Linklaters LLP advises its roster of clients, including domestic and international developers and investors, on big-ticket transactions, including M&A and distressed real estate mandates, as well as high-value regeneration and development projects. Praised as a ‘a steady and knowledgeable guiding force’, global practice head Andy Bruce leads the London-based real estate team and handles acquisition, disposal and financing matters, while senior partner Martin Elliott is the practice’s key contact for development projects. Senior partner Patrick Plant has considerable experience advising investors, developers, lenders and tenants on the full gamut of real estate property mandates in the UK, and Tom Watkins focuses on real estate M&A transactions.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 2

The real estate finance team at Linklaters LLP ‘is one of the best in the market‘ and advises on high-value, structured transactions domestically and across Europe, especially on matters regarding property restructuring and insolvency mandates. The team is jointly led by the ‘beyond technically excellent‘ Scott Simpson and Philip Gore; Simpson specialises in pan-European deals for banks, debt funds and private equity sponsors, and Gore has an active practice advising lenders on development financing mandates and mezzanine-level portfolio transactions. Previous co-leader of the team Steve Smith left the firm in 2021 to take up a real estate consultant role. Managing associate James Godfrey is fluent in English and French, and advises clients on a wide range of property finance mandates. Jessica Jenner joined the team from Ashurst in early 2022.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 2

Linklaters LLP acts for a broad client base, including several FTSE-listed companies, encompassing industries such as TMT, financial services, and energy, handling the full spectrum of financial crime proceedings, including bribery, money laundering, and tax evasion. Alongside SFO and FCA investigations into financial crime, the firm also represents clients facing broader corporate criminal allegations, such as Environment Agency investigations, as well as supporting teams internally through investigations, compliance matters, and board-level risk and reputation management issues. Practice head Alison Wilson leads the firm’s global disputes practice, and specialising in contentious financial regulatory cases, regularly representing clients against the FCA. Martyn Hopper  focuses on regulatory advice to financial institutions, and Satindar Dogra  is a vastly experienced corporate crime practitioner, and has advised clients on investigations and compliance issues relating to corruption, money laundering, and sanctions violations, among others. Former DPP Alison Saunders co-heads the firm’s business crime team, and brings deep expertise in criminal defence proceedings, with counsel Elly Proudlock also a key name for high-stakes SFO investigations into allegations of financial crime.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

‘With deep knowledge of arbitration‘, Linklaters LLP has substantial experience in acting for corporations and states in high-stakes investment and commercial arbitrations. The team also assists with related court proceedings in support of arbitration. Global international arbitration practice chair Matthew Weiniger KC is an investment arbitration specialist; and Ben Carroll is energy disputes head. Further support is provided by energy, infrastructure and construction expert Teresa Laboucarie-Polak; and Tom Lidstrom is experienced in all major arbitral institutional rules. Also active in international arbitration matters are counsel Jacqueline Chaplin, and managing associates Rebecca James, Alex Fawke, William Chan and Joanne Finnegan.

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 3

Linklaters LLP‘s PIL practice has a strong reputation for state-to-state disputes, international trade law, international human rights law and business and human rights advice. Additional key areas are investor-state disputes, state sovereignty, state immunity and intergovernmental organisations’ immunities. Global international arbitration chair Matthew Weiniger KC specialises in international arbitration and public international law, including international trade law; Charlotte Morgan is global co-head of trade law; Vanessa Havard-Williams co-leads the business and human rights group alongside Rachel Barrett; and Ben Carroll is energy disputes leader. Key managing associate Rebecca James assists with both international arbitration and international law matters.

Finance > Trade finance Tier 3

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 3

The funds team at Linklaters LLP has a strong offering to fund managers across private equity, infrastructure, credit and special situations, providing advice of ‘exceptional quality’ on structuring, marketing and fundraising. The firm’s office in Luxembourg enables the London team to provide comprehensive assistance on Luxembourg-domiciled funds, and it is also reguarly engaged to advise on funds based in Ireland and the Caymans. Matthew Keogh leads the practice and specialises in debt and credit funds, as well as access funds; clients find his knowledge in this space a ‘really outstanding resource to be able to call upon’. ‘Commercial and practical’ Rahul Manvatkar has broad expertise across a range of fund structures as well as experience in co-investment arrangements, while Clare Baker leads the team’s investor-side practice and acts for pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 3

The Linklaters LLP team provides a service covering aspects of public and administrative law, ranging from judicial reviews across a range of sectors, to mandates with a nexus to media and technology. The team is praised for providing a 'combination of commercial acumen and sector specific specialisms, making a rounded offering across disputes and corporate', and is adept at acting for businesses and public bodies on complex matters which require urgent resolution or involve issues of significant public interest. Practice head Tom Cassels is sought after by high-profile clients to provide senior level advice, and is commended for his ‘superb strategic vision and tactical nous‘.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3

‘The top-class team’ at Linklaters LLP advises its roster of clients, including domestic and international developers and investors, on big-ticket transactions, including M&A and distressed real estate mandates, as well as high-value regeneration and development projects. Praised as a ‘a steady and knowledgeable guiding force’, global practice head Andy Bruce leads the London-based real estate team and handles acquisition, disposal and financing matters, while senior partner Martin Elliott is the practice’s key contact for development projects. Senior partner Patrick Plant has considerable experience advising investors, developers, lenders and tenants on the full gamut of real estate property mandates in the UK, and Tom Watkins focuses on real estate M&A transactions.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 3

Capable across both contentious and non-contentious patent matters, the team at Linklaters LLP acts for some of the world’s largest pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies. Key areas of expertise for the team include the healthcare, telecoms, technology, consumer, and industrial industries. The team is led by Ian Karet, who has over 30 years of experience in the field and is notable for his healthcare sector patent litigation expertise, acting for global innovators. Yohan Liyanage has a broad practice, coordinating global patent disputes while also advising on the IP aspects of M&A, joint ventures, IPOs, and patent licensing transactions. Managing associate Stephanie Farrington is also of note, advising on cross-border patent litigation and negotiating and drafting licensing agreements. Paul Joseph joins the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright.

Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 4

Linklaters LLP advises a range of professional and financial services firms, including partnerships and LLPs, most notably the ‘big four’ accountancy firms such as KPMG LLP and prominent, global private equity firms and financial institutions. It has the resources to bring together expertise in related corporate and corporate structuring and other fields together with global issues. It assists partnerships of various kinds on areas such as team moves, exits and dismissals, restructuring and regulatory regimes and investigations. Nick Porter has handled a number of high-profile disputes and investigations in the financial services and insurance sectors while Nicola Rabson combines expertise in employment law and partnerships; she advises employers and partnerships on areas such as the enforcement of restrictive covenants, team moves and senior and executive appointments, exits and terminations in the context of partnerships.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 4

Linklaters LLP‘s construction team is particularly strong in relation to public infrastructure, renewable energy, energy transition, nuclear power, petrochemicals, and oil and gas projects. The team is co-led by Andrew Penfold, who specialises in domestic and international energy and construction projects, and Richard Coar, who is experienced in advising clients on the full suite of construction documents.

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

Ian Karet spearheads the trade mark, copyright, and designs practice at Linklaters LLP, which is a trusted adviser to some of the largest global businesses in the consumer, healthcare, telecoms, technology and financial services industry sectors, regularly managing their IP portfolios. The transactional practice of the firm is of particular note, with recent highlights including assisting Unilever with the sale of its global tea business. Counsel Natalie Ellerby is a key member of the team, with considerable experience advising on trade mark disputes alongside Karet. Paul Joseph recently joined the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 5

Led from London by the ‘excellent’ Olga Petrovic and able to leverage the expertise of specialists in complementary practice areas, including capital markets, restructuring and funds, Linklaters LLP is particularly well positioned to handle major multi-disciplinary cross-border transactions in the maritime and aviation sectors. Both Petrovic and Caroline Courtney – who has ‘broad and deep experience in commercial aviation finance and private aviation operations’ – have recently been particularly active advising creditors with exposure to distressed or insolvent airlines and shipping companies.

Ghana > Foreign firms Tier 1

At Linklaters LLP, Andrew Jones heads the Africa Group and managing associate Kwaku Osei leads the Ghana desk, dividing his time between Ghana and London. The group has a broad range of sector expertise, covering oil and gas as well as mining and power. It is also adept at handling consumer goods and telecoms issues as well as having considerable expertise in the sports sector. Jones has a wealth of experience in advising clients on their Ghana-related business and has worked on some of the country’s most significant energy and infrastructure projects. Osei is experienced in advising sponsors, investors and lenders on energy and infrastructure projects and political risk insurance products in Africa and beyond.

India > Foreign firms Tier 1

The India group at Linklaters LLP is very active in the country and wider region and caters to domestic businesses and international companies looking to do business in India. It has a wealth of experience in high-profile and high-value cross-border M&A, and also offers clients strong banking, finance and capital markets expertise; on the contentious side, the firm is well versed in international litigation and arbitration. London-based practice head Narayan Iyer is a name to note for projects and energy work, with a focus on acquisition and leveraged finance, structured finance and inbound and outbound transactions. Savi Hebbur is dual qualified in England and Wales and New York and acts for companies and private equity houses on M&A matters, while Ben Carroll is noted for international commercial arbitration, with a particular focus on the energy sector.

Morocco > Foreign firms Tier 1

Based out of Paris, the Francophone Africa practice of Linklaters utilises a strong relationship with local governments and regulators in Morocco to support clients on major deals within the region. In particular, the firm is active on a number of major energy projects in regard to both development and financing. Managing partner Bertrand Andriani leads the group with a focus on project development, for both borrowers and financiers.

Tunisia > Foreign firms Tier 1

Leveraging its global corporate finance prowess, Linklaters LLP has established an impressive track record of involvement in Tunisia-related deals, with a historical focus on banking and finance, private equity and energy-related matters. Energy and infrastructure specialist Andrew Jones, based in London, co-heads the firm’s Africa group and brings to bear over two decades of experience in working in emerging markets across the continent. From Paris, Bertrand Andriani heads the Francophone Africa desk and is noted for his expertise in banking, energy and infrastructure transactions.

Algeria > Foreign firms Tier 2

Linklaters has vast experience acting for clients in the energy and oil and gas sectors, with recent work including advising on disputes, acquisitions and sales of assets. The team is led by London-based head of the Africa group Andrew Jones and project development and financing expert Bertrand Andriani, who works in Paris and is also the head of the firm's Francophone Africa practice. Senior managing associate Aymeric Voisin has experience in project work and development across the mining and infrastructure sectors, among others.

Angola > Foreign firms Tier 3

The Angola group at Linklaters stands out for its ability to leverage the firm’s full-service capabilities in Lisbon, Paris and London to assist clients with their operations in the country. The practice is noted for its strength in corporate, finance and dispute resolution. Francisco Ferraz De Carvalho is a key name in the banking and finance team and is particularly sought after to advise on projects in Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde. From Lisbon, he oversees the practice alongside London-based partner Andrew Jones, who is especially active in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.

United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance)

Linklaters has an impressive energy and infrastructure practice which covers a broad range of sectors, with the team acting on power, water, hydrogen, petrochemicals, and infrastructure projects. Practice head Matt Keats has extensive experience advising sponsors, lenders, ECAs and governments on the development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects across the Middle East region. Jonathan Vick specialises in the energy, commodities and infrastructure sectors, assisting with conventional and Shariah-compliant financing transactions. Also notable is ESG specialist Leila Amos, and Jack Allen-Fitt, who focuses on energy transition projects, including green and blue hydrogen, ammonia, and petrochemicals projects.

United States > Tax > US taxes: non-contentious

Noted for its representation of leading private equity funds, Linklaters LLP‘s broad tax expertise covers funds, capital raising transactions, asset acquisition and disposition deals, and financing arrangements. M&A, capital markets, and internal restructurings are also core workflows for the group. Washington DC-based David Brockway is at the forefront of the firm’s tax planning offering, placing particular emphasis on matters with a cross-border element, while Max Levine in New York has experience in the taxation of partnerships, REITs, domestic and offshore companies, sovereign wealth funds, and tax-exempt investors. Notable arrivals include New York-based tech expert Gabriel Grossman from Goodwin, and Omer Harel from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in August 2022, who focuses on the European and Asian markets from the London office.