Firm Profile > Mishcon de Reya LLP > London, England

Art and cultural property Tier 1

Under the leadership of Karen Sanig at Mishcon de Reya LLP the art law team handles the full array of art-related legal matters. Sanig is regularly involved in some of the biggest art transactions and in the most important litigation in this area. Newly-promoted partner Amanda Gray is also recommended for her work on contentious and non-contentious matters. The team is highly regarded for the breadth of its art-related expertise and frequently advises on the sale and purchase of art, artists’ rights, the creation and management of artists' estates and other issues surrounding authenticity and ownership as well as the restitution of looted cultural property.

Brand management Tier 1

Mishcon de Reya LLP fields 'a strong team of experienced IP and brands specialists' who assist leading international clients such as Sky, eBay and Ralph Lauren with the full range of IP-related matters, from trade mark and design protection, enforcement and portfolio management to advertising clearance and commercialisation through franchising and licensing. The firm has a strong reputation for acting in high-profile trade mark protection and enforcement matters, demonstrated by its continued representation of Iceland Foods in invalidity applications filed against the client's EUTM by the Icelandic government, and of Sky plc on trade mark enforcement. The practice is led by Jeremy Hertzog, a specialist in IP protection and enforcement, with Sally Britton heading the brands team; David Rose, Ray Black and associate Cassandra Hill are also of note.

Commercial property: retail Tier 1

Mishcon de Reya LLP's ‘excellent’ team is hailed for its ‘exceptional knowledge of the real estate industry’. The practice handles high-value portfolio acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, structuring and finance issues, as well as development funding matters. Inward investment, particularly from the Far East, is an area where the group demonstrates prowess and likewise alternative asset classes are among its core strengths. Recent highlights have included advising Delancey, APG, Qatari Diar and Oxford Properties on the development of the former Olympic Village in Stratford, East London. Led by the ‘exceptional knowledge’ of Nick Doffman, the practice is also active in the retail space and represents several household high-street names in addition to emerging and luxury brands. Another standout name is Stephen Hughes, who possesses expertise across the full array of commercial property matters including joint ventures.

Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

Mishcon de Reya LLP has a wealth of experience in acting for private individuals, family businesses and trust companies, and predominantly acts in cases where there is a complex international/cross-border dimension. In recognition of the differing needs of its high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, the team advises on both personal and business disputes. Head of team Mark Keenan is known for his work on domestic and international trust and succession disputes, and frequently acts for wealthy clients in cases involving freezing injunctions and asset recovery in offshore jurisdictions. Peter Steen is also well-regarded for his work on offshore contentious trusts. Jessica Medus is a 'stand-out associate'.

Employment: employers Tier 1

The sizeable team at Mishcon de Reya LLP has a strong reputation for its work on complex, high-level 'special situations' matters, with regular appearances in the Employment Tribunal, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The practice specialises in matters at the forefront of employment law, including the gig economy and the gender pay gap, and acts for prominent senior executives, CEOs and board directors, as well as senior partners of law firms and PE houses. Recent highlights include taking a lead role on the headline-making Pimlico Plumbers Supreme Court case on the employment status of gig economy workers, while the firm has also been representing senior female BBC journalists and broadcasters in their equal pay and discrimination dispute with the broadcaster. Daniel Naftalin heads up the team, supported by 'force of nature' Joanna Blackburn, the 'exceptional' Jennifer Millins, Sharon Tan, Greg Campbell and Susannah Kintish.

Employment: senior executives Tier 1

The sizeable team at Mishcon de Reya LLP has a strong reputation for its work on complex, high-level 'special situations' matters, with regular appearances in the Employment Tribunal, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The practice specialises in matters at the forefront of employment law, including the gig economy and the gender pay gap, and acts for prominent senior executives, CEOs and board directors, as well as senior partners of law firms and PE houses. Recent highlights include taking a lead role on the headline-making Pimlico Plumbers Supreme Court case on the employment status of gig economy workers, while the firm has also been representing senior female BBC journalists and broadcasters in their equal pay and discrimination dispute with the broadcaster. Daniel Naftalin heads up the team, supported by 'force of nature' Joanna Blackburn, the 'exceptional' Jennifer Millins, Sharon Tan, Greg Campbell and Susannah Kintish.

Family Tier 1

Mishcon de Reya LLP is frequently involved in complex high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth cases, often with an international element, that involve complicated tax and trust issues, substantial business assets and partnerships. It is best known for its litigation prowess and has successfully litigated on matrimonial finance cases at all levels of tribunal all the way up to the Supreme Court and the Privy Council. Sandra Davis is 'one of the legends of the family world' and heads the team. Davis is also a keen advocate of the voices of children and young people throughout the divorce and parental separation process. Barbara Reeves has significant experience in cases where there are wider issues affecting the family including trust disputes, separation and property disputes. Reeves is also skilled at handling any other issues surrounding cohabitation. Kate Clark and Claire Yorke are recommended.

Fraud: civil Tier 1

Mishcon de Reya LLP's team has broad expertise, handling fraud investigations, litigation asset recovery, civil injunctions, freezing orders and cyber security. Clients include global organisations and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Kasra Nouroozi heads the team and specialises in disputes, investigations and cross-border injunctions. Kathryn Garbett is adept at handling civil fraud litigation, while Gary Miller is an international litigator and focuses on commercial disputes involving dishonesty, fraud and corruption issues. Robert Wynn-Jones is also 'extremely well regarded'. Mark Davis joined as partner from Davis & Co, while Alison Levitt QC left to join 2 Hare Court.

Gaming and betting Tier 1

Mishcon de Reya LLP has expertise in M&A transactions, gambling licensing regulations and defending regulatory enforcement proceedings. The practice is experienced in drafting and negotiating commercial gambling and platform contracts, and in advising on anti-money laundering procedures and data protection measures. Nick Nocton advises on eSports and virtual currencies, while practice head Susan Breen assists with migration plans for the transfer of businesses across different jurisdictions. Niki Stephens, who was promoted to partner in April 2019, advises on enforcement actions by the Gambling Commission.

Insurance and reinsurance litigation

Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

Clients of Mishcon de Reya LLP include a mix of ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, institutions, investors and property developers as well as entrepreneurs, trustees and charities. Its work spans both UK and cross-border transactions as well as providing succession planning advice. A growing area for the practice is advising on philanthropy by advising on tax-efficient giving and the establishment of charitable trusts and foundations. The practice has also been developing its expertise in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. In addition, its tax practice spans both personal and corporate tax. Andrew Goldstone is well-regarded, and in December the team was joined by former Forsters LLP private client head Patrick Harney.

Property litigation Tier 1

'Providing excellent legal advice given in a practical commercial context and based upon deep experience', Mishcon de Reya LLP stands out for its expertise in representing high-net-worth individuals but the team also acts for blue-chip clients and PLC boards. Much of its work pertains to development disputes, rights of light issues, injunctions, rent reviews and judicial review matters. The 'accessible and very smart' Daniel Levy heads the 'determined and formidable' team, which includes the 'highly experienced and personable' Joanna Lampert, who handles high-value disputes and provides associated risk analysis and risk avoidance advice, as well as 'quick and clever' development and property portfolio expert Emma Macintyre. Recommended managing associate Sarah Heritage is experienced in commercial landlord and tenant disputes.

Residential property Tier 1

With a range of clients that includes high-net-worth individuals across the UK, Asia and the Middle East, as well as developers, investors, banks and onshore and offshore investment funds, Mishcon de Reya LLP's residential property group handles sales and acquisitions of prime central properties, units and portfolios, offering expertise across all areas including planning, construction, tax structuring, financing and tenancy agreements. Practice head Sonal Thakrar has a particular focus on transactions regarding super-prime and prime residential property in central London, often involving offshore structures and challenging lending requirements, with further expertise advising banks on secured lending. Partner Julie Bond's expertise spans enfranchisement and the acquisition, structuring and sale of developments. James Liffen, who made partner in the firm's 2019 promotions round, acts on complex deals involving aspects such as shared ownership, auction sales, portfolio purchases, tenancy and planning issues.

Commercial property: development Tier 2

Mishcon de Reya LLP's ‘excellent’ team is hailed for its ‘exceptional knowledge of the real estate industry’. The practice handles high-value portfolio acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, structuring and finance issues, as well as development funding matters. Inward investment, particularly from the Far East, is an area where the group demonstrates prowess and likewise alternative asset classes are among its core strengths. Recent highlights have included advising Delancey, APG, Qatari Diar and Oxford Properties on the development of the former Olympic Village in Stratford, East London. Led by the ‘exceptional knowledge’ of Nick Doffman, the practice is also active in the retail space and represents several household high-street names in addition to emerging and luxury brands. Another standout name is Stephen Hughes, who possesses expertise across the full array of commercial property matters including joint ventures.

Commercial property: investment Tier 2

Mishcon de Reya LLP's ‘excellent’ team is hailed for its ‘exceptional knowledge of the real estate industry’. The practice handles high-value portfolio acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, structuring and finance issues, as well as development funding matters. Inward investment, particularly from the Far East, is an area where the group demonstrates prowess and likewise alternative asset classes are among its core strengths. Recent highlights have included advising Delancey, APG, Qatari Diar and Oxford Properties on the development of the former Olympic Village in Stratford, East London. Led by the ‘exceptional knowledge’ of Nick Doffman, the practice is also active in the retail space and represents several household high-street names in addition to emerging and luxury brands. Another standout name is Stephen Hughes, who possesses expertise across the full array of commercial property matters including joint ventures.

Competition litigation Tier 2

Acting primarily on the claimant side, Mishcon de Reya LLP has carved out a significant reputation based on its extensive experience bringing high-profile competition damages claims. An area of recent uptick for the competition litigation department is defending clients against allegations of abuse of a dominant position. The group has a successful track record handling precedent-setting cases; for example representing Sainsbury's Supermarkets in a claim against MasterCard in the Competition Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, with a further set of proceedings scheduled for a hearing at the Supreme Court in 2020. Practice head Rob Murray, Sarah Houghton and managing associate Natasha Pearman are recommended. The team is growing, with March 2019 seeing Neil Baylis join from K&L Gates LLP.

Financial services: contentious Tier 2

Specialising in high profile enforcement cases and with a strong cross-sector disputes practice behind it, Mishcon de Reya LLP  also has experience handling issues arising at the intersection between regulation and employment law. Adam Epstein leads the practice and focuses exclusively on contentious regulatory matters, representing those caught up in FCA and PRA investigations. His team also works closely with the firm’s white collar department in regulatory misconduct cases with a criminal element. The group is acting for the administrators of London Capital & Finance Limited in the high profile FCA and SFO investigations into London Capital & Finance Plc. Also notable in the team are the 'very knowledgeable and thorough' Guy Wilkes; and Matt Hancock, who has particular experience acting for individuals facing serious market abuse allegations. On the non-contentious side managing associate Charlotte Wilson leads the practice, following the retirement of Tim Flood in 2018, and focuses on perimeter guidance and complex restructuring advice.

Fraud: white-collar crime Tier 2

Mishcon de Reya LLP represents clients in cross-border investigations, prosecutions, bribery, money laundering and fraud cases. It acts for clients being investigated by various agencies including the FCA, SRA, FRC, HMRC, CMA and SFO. Other areas of expertise include market abuse, insider dealing, tax and extradition cases. Highly regarded head of team, Jo Rickards , has expertise in cases involving corruption, cartels, fraud and contentious financial services. Clients include individuals, directors, boards and companies in the UK and internationally. Johanna Walsh joined as partner from Kingsley Napley LLP. Alison Levitt QC left the firm for 2 Hare Court.

Reputation management Tier 2

Sitting within a heavyweight disputes firm, the reputation protection team at Mishcon de Reya LLP works closely with other groups within the firm such as the in-house cyber consultancy and cyber intelligence service. It is often called in to help resolve reputation management issues and regularly represents political figures and organisations. Practice head Emma Woollcott is particularly adept at new media and internet-related issues and gives urgent pre- and post-publication advice. She defended Elaph Publishing in the libel and data protection claim brought by Prince Moulay Hicham of Morocco, for instance.

Sport Tier 2

Mishcon de Reya LLP's 'hard working' sports team of 'hard negotiators' has strength and depth in contentious, regulatory and disciplinary work across a range of sports, acting for clubs, athletes, rights holders and governing bodies, as well as handling commercial and corporate matters including sponsorships, player contracts, joint venture agreements and partnership agreements. In a recent highlight, Liz Ellen, acting alongside associate Stefania Genesis, successfully pursued several multi-jurisdictional claims on behalf of the Governing Bodies of Tennis against tennis players accused of match-fixing and other forms of corruption. On the commercial side, managing associate Simon Leaf, whose expertise spans media rights, sponsorship, international transfers and commercial contracts, worked with Ellen on Matchroom Boxing's $1bn joint venture deal with Perform Group to stage and air boxing events in the US.

Employee share schemes Tier 3

Mishcon de Reya LLP's team has a strong track record of advising high-value entrepreneurial and private equity-backed organisations, particularly in the TMT sector, on novel incentive arrangements. The group also has experience designing incentive structures for real estate-sector businesses structured through a mixture of partnership and corporate entities. Other areas of expertise include corporate transactions and regulatory advice. Department head Stephen Diosi has expertise in all aspects of the strategy, design, implementation and compliance of UK and global employee incentive arrangements. Associate Caroline Nye-Wilkins acts for businesses in the financial services, entertainment, social media and transport sectors.

Franchising Tier 3

Mishcon de Reya LLP has substantial expertise in the retail and fashion sectors with a growing practice acting for hotel owners and developers; it also stands out for its global franchise expertise, franchise expansion work and brand clearance advice. Notable clients include Oliver Sweeney, Hawes & Curtis and Al Mana Lifestyle Trading. Lewis Cohen heads up the international franchising and brand extension group, and recently advised Tesco on its international franchise arrangements for its F&F clothing and accessories brand. The team also handles contentious work and competition issues.

Insurance litigation: for policyholders Tier 3

While Mishcon de Reya LLP's practice primarily advises clients on D&O and property damage claims, the team is also active in cross-border disputes involving political risk and professional indemnity policies, as well as insurance coverage claims. Richard Leedham has expertise in most lines of business, while Sonia Campbell is increasingly handling work for clients in the life sciences sector.

M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m Tier 3

Mishcon de Reya LLP acts for both public and private companies, as well as institutional investors and family offices - a product of the firm's well-regarded private client practice. The team has been taking on more international mandates, particularly in the technology sector, which has been a strong area of growth over the past year. A decrease in client confidence and inbound investment into the UK has signalled some slowdown in real estate M&A work, although this area continues to be strong. Hospitality has been largely unaffected, and continues to provide work and new clients, including Minor International. Practice head Nick Davis has a broad client base but is best known for his work in the  recruitment services sector.

Partnership Tier 3

Mishcon de Reya LLP fields a cross-departmental team dealing with the life cycle of partnerships and LLPs. It is most noted for its work handling partnership disputes, and is often instructed in cases involving discrimination and whistleblowing claims, worker status issues and exit terms. The group is led by Joanna Blackburn, who focuses on the intersection between employment law and partnerships. Blackburn is supported by Daniel Naftalin, who has experience in the range of contentious partnership matters.

PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 3

Mishcon de Reya LLP demonstrates strength in strategic portfolio development and trade mark disputes alike, with the management of large-scale international trade mark portfolios at the heart of the practice. The group shoulders a significant volume of contentious EU trade mark prosecution cases, regularly involving General Court proceedings. Sally Britton is the practice head.

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

Mishcon de Reya LLP's 'standard approach to executing legal due diligence and M&A transactions is affordable but still high-quality and incredibly professional', in the words of one client. Highlights include Andrew Rimmington and managing associate Lucinda Brendon advising the management team of automotive company Autovista Group on a €325m secondary buyout. The client provides pricing and specification intelligence for Europe’s automotive decision-makers. Management representation of this kind forms a large portion of the firm's PE practice, which is strongly supported by broader employment and tax teams. Kevin McCarthy, who leads the team, is a key contact.

Regulatory investigations and corporate crime Tier 3

Mishcon de Reya LLP advises corporates on investigations by various regulatory authorities including the SFO, FCA, CMA and HMRC. Areas of expertise include corruption, cartels, money laundering, insider dealing, market abuse, fraud and contentious financial services. Client sectors include IT, telecoms, real estate and the public sector. Highly regarded partner Jo Rickards  heads the team following the departure of Alison Levitt QC to 2 Hare Court. The firm added the 'outstanding' Johanna Walsh joined as partner from Kingsley Napley LLP and specialises in corporate crime investigations including cross-border cases.

Tax litigation and investigations Tier 3

Mishcon de Reya LLP's team has a particularly strong track record in VAT disputes with HMRC. Leslie Allen leads the department, drawing on vast experience in direct and indirect tax disputes, including those relating  to tax avoidance and evasion claims. In September 2018, the group benefited from the arrival of Paul Noble from Pinsent Masons LLP, who has expertise in mitigating tax risk where HMRC has  already commenced an investigation, or where clients are at risk of challenge.

Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 4

Mishcon de Reya LLP 'has extraordinary depth and experience in UK High Court litigation'. The firm's finance and banking litigation lawyers are best known for their advice on disputes involving corporate finance and private equity. Masoud Zabeti leads the finance and banking disputes group, James Oldnall is 'an excellent litigation professional with a very good track record' and Genevieve Quierin is 'a star within the disputes team'. Also key to the practice are Derval Walsh and Mohammed Khamisa QC, along with managing associates Samantha Kakati, Henry Farris, Edwin Chik, Ian Bean and Polly Blenkin.

Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4

Mishcon de Reya LLP counts both private individuals and corporates as clients and regularly handles GDPR compliance work, litigation and data transfers and other transactional matters. For private clients it has noteworthy expertise in subject access requests and also regularly acts for individuals in litigation; in a recent highlight the team represented Richard Lloyd as the representative claimant in a data protection claim against Google relating to the alleged secret tracking and collation of the personal data of iPhone users. Adam Rose heads the department, which also fields non-lawyer cyber security specialists. The department was also recently bolstered by the arrival of data protection advisor Jon Baines; he was previously at National Rail and is also the chair of the National Association of Data Protection and Information Law Officers.

Intellectual property Tier 4

Mishcon de Reya LLP's team has experience across patent, trade mark, design and copyright disputes, and also advises on non-contentious matters. The group has particular expertise in the technology, automotive, pharmaceuticals, betting and gaming, sport, retail, fashion, media, and food and beverage industries. Practice head Jeremy Hertzog handles a range of IP protection and enforcement matters and counts anti-counterfeiting issues among his specialisms. 'Robust and experienced litigator' David Rose is recommended for trade mark litigation, while Sally Britton heads up the brands team.

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology Tier 4

The Mishcon de Reya LLP team helps a broad range of life sciences clients on both contentious and non-contentious cases in the IP and regulatory spheres, in addition to areas including contractual and competition law disputes.  It also has a noteworthy track record in obtaining search and seizure orders against counterfeiters in the pharmaceutical sector. Martyn Hann leads this work and David Rose has expertise in all areas of IP protection including data base rights. Managing associate Stefania Littleboy specialises in non-contentious matters including joint ventures, licensing and co-existence agreements.

Planning Tier 4

Mishcon de Reya LLP has a number of residential-led urban extensions and mixed-use developments on its current work portfolio, to which the team lends expertise in CIL matters, section 106 negotiations, highways agreements, environmental statements, and all other planning matters. The team also advises on hotel developments, estate restoration projects, retirement home developments, and planning matters for high-net-worth individuals. Contentious issues include challenges to CPO applications, local authority code of conduct matters, and property amalgamation cases (including a successful recent appeal in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea). Practice head, Anita Rivera, and Daniel Farrand also advise on build-to-rent schemes, affordable housing viability, and student housing schemes.

Property finance Tier 4

Mishcon de Reya LLP is noted for its diverse borrower and lender client base, including banks, funds, investors and real estate developers. The team handles acquisition, investment and development finance, and structured finance, and has been particularly active in transactions involving student accommodation and co-living and co-working assets. The practice is led by Nick Strutt, whose expertise covers restructuring and enforcements.

Commercial contracts Tier 5

Mishcon de Reya LLP’s practice has broad sector expertise, particularly in retail, hotels and sport. The firm is also known for its experience in matters relating to blockchain, technology and issues with an international element. Adam Rose specialises in the area of overlap between commercial contracts and real estate. He leads the practice with Lewis Cohen, whose experience covers sport, retail, media and hospitality, as well as specialist agreements in these sectors. Also notable is associate Anne Rose, who joined in 2018 from Simons Muirhead & Burton and co-leads the blockchain group.

Commercial litigation Tier 5

Mishcon de Reya LLP's litigators are 'very tough but imaginative' in devising the appropriate strategy for clients. The team is also hardworking, with 'impressive litigation experience at both senior and junior levels'. It acts for businesses that range from owner-manager operations to multinational entities, with disputes crossing several jurisdictions.The practice is largely conflict free and able to act on large commercial disputes and group actions. Kasra Nouroozi heads the dispute resolution department, which includes fraud defence group leader Kathryn Garbett as well as James Libson and Richard Leedham.  The team makes use of technology and eDiscovery to reduce the cost of large-scale litigation and also has experience with litigation funders, group litigation claims and shareholder actions.

Construction: contentious Tier 5

Mishcon de Reya LLP's team works on range of contentious matters relating to commercial developments, hotels and residential properties. The firm also advises on fire safety and cladding matters in regards to student accommodation and hotels. The practice is led by the 'highly intelligent' and 'first rate' Richard Gerstein who acts for specialists subcontractors, consultants, developers and owners, and was the lead partner acting for housing and social care provider Mears Group in a £35m dispute regarding the construction of two high rise buildings in a student housing scheme.

Contruction: non-contentious Tier 5

Mishcon de Reya LLP's non-contentious practice is led by Simon Hunter who covers a range of areas, with a particular expertise in the hotel, student accommodation and residential sectors. Partner Justine Ayto is another key member of the team, and acted for Almacantar on the construction aspects of its £290m sale of 125 Shaftesbury Avenue. Managing associate Marie Mulligan, who represents building owners, purchasers and landlords, is also recommended. The practice's client base also includes developers, property investors, contractors and consultants.

Corporate tax Tier 5

Mishcon de Reya LLP's advisory- and transaction-focused team has deep expertise in property tax, advising on all aspects of real estate investment, including student accommodation. Many of  these matters are led by department co-head Jonathan Legg. In addition, the team has experience in insurance-sector deals and fund formation taxation. John Skoulding, who is the other co-head, focuses on transactional advice around domestic and international M&A, fund formations and corporate restructurings and reorganisations. Gary Richards is noted for tax planning and transaction structuring.

Private funds Tier 5

Mishcon de Reya LLP's London funds team is well known for its technology-focused private equity funds niche. In addition to advising on fund formations, the practice also advises on matters such as spin outs and has in-house capabilities to advise on regulatory and tax law.  It has a particular emphasis on advising UK real estate institutions on capital raising efforts. The team is headed by Daniel Greenaway.

EU and competition Tier 6

Mishcon de Reya LLP handles areas of competition law compliance including merger control, competition and regulatory investigations. The team is active in sectors such as retail, media, technology, sports and, increasingly, the financial services sector. Traditionally standing out for its strength in competition-related dispute resolution matters (a space in which practice head Rob Murray and Sarah Houghton are key figures), the firm has extended its non-contentious offering through the appointment of Neil Baylis, former competition practice head at K&L Gates LLP, who joined in March 2019. Andrij Jurkiw departed to join Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP in April 2018.

International arbitration Tier 6

Mishcon de Reya LLP's 'very responsive, strategic and proactive team' has considerable experience in Africa and Asia-related disputes. Karel Daele heads the firm’s international arbitration practice and Kasra Nouroozi is dispute resolution head; Ben Giaretta, legal director Zachary Segal and managing associate Elizabeth Montpetit are the other names to note.

Immigration

Mishcon de Reya LLP has an 'outstanding reputation' for immigration work; it is 'very skilled at dealing with difficult immigration and nationality issues'; and the team has 'first-rate legal skills, but unrivalled client care skills'. The business immigration team acts for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients, which are active across the financial, creative, media, technology, sports and fashion industries. The team is regularly engaged on sponsor licence applications, right to work checks, Home Office compliance, entrepreneur and innovator applications and representatives of overseas business visa applications. It is experienced in advising on exceptional applications for naturalisation and complex ILR applications. The team also offers human rights, asylum and deportation expertise; it defends clients against extradition requests and is engaged on contentious immigration issues for clients in the Middle East, Russia and China. Judicial review claims, human rights and asylum claims are a key part of the practice. Team head Kamal Rahman is the 'absolute master of client care'; she is ably supported by Steven Bostock, Maria Patsalos , managing associate Hannah Barnett and associate Matt Ingham.

Travel

Mishcon de Reya LLP established its presence in the travel sector with the hire of Neil Baylis from K&L Gates LLP. Baylis is a UK and EU competition specialist and handles a range of commercial, regulatory and procurement mandates for travel sector clients. The team is also able to utilise the firm's wider commercial team to advise on agreements and terms and conditions with suppliers and consumers; including complex hotel franchising and management agreements. In a recent highlight, Baylis led advice for International Cruise and Excursions on implementing pan-European terms and conditions for distance selling.