Firm Profile > Norton Rose Fulbright > London, England

Aviation Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright has 'extensive experience in acting for all participants in the aviation industry' and the team, which benefits from the firm's international footprint, 'really understands the issues faced by airlines'. It is active across a spectrum of aviation instructions and has in-depth expertise in aircraft transaction disputes, antitrust, competition work and regulatory matters. The team is also adept at handling commercial contracts and disputes, cyber risk management, data protection, insurance, M&A, passenger claims and slot trading issues. Flight delay compensation claims, brought under EU Regulation 261/2004, are a key focus for the team where it acts for leading airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, TUI and Wizz Air; Robin Springthorpe, who is deemed 'one of the best litigators in the field', represented easyJet on a second appeal to the Court of Appeal concerning a delayed flight. Elsewhere, Simon Chamberlain handles regulatory and commercial matters; he 'knows when to 'push' a point and when not to', and Patrick Farrell heads the contentious aviation practice.  Charlotte Winter handles transactional disputes for operators, banks and lessors and senior associate Annabelle Wheeler, who is based across the firm's London and Munich offices, handles contentious matters in the sector.

Brexit Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright fields a dedicated multi-disciplinary Brexit team, which draws from the firm’s expertise acting for financial institutions, insurance companies, transport clients and energy sector companies, assisting with the full range of Brexit work including technology mandates, tax issues, employment and immigration matters and trade treaties. Structured and asset finance specialist Emma Giddings leads the firm’s approach to Brexit and also contributes to the firm’s aviation expertise. The team recently advised Delta Air Lines on the Brexit-related aspects of its joint venture with Virgin Atlantic Airways and Air France-KLM, and advised easyJet on its Brexit restructuring project. Financial services global head Jonathan Herbst and corporate partner Glenn Hall, who also leads the firm’s government relations and public policy practice, are also highly regarded. Other key practitioners include financial services regulatory partner Hannah Meakin, corporate finance experts Bob Haken and Maria Ross, and competition specialist Ian Giles. Mark Simpson also heads up the firm’s recently established WTO and international trade practice and Harry Theochari is global head of the transport group.

Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 1

Clients recommend the lawyers at Norton Rose Fulbright for their ‘tenacity and attention to detail’, ‘technical ability’ and ‘commercial acumen’. The team is reputed on the investment and development fronts for global inward investment, infrastructure projects, financing and long-term projects, including an increasing number of mixed-use and residential-led schemes. The firm’s hotel and leisure practice, led by the highly recommended Nick Clayson, handles a broad range of work on cross-border branding, construction and development, data protection, IP, franchising and financing matters, among others, while high-profile corporate occupier clients engage the group for pre-letting negotiations, construction and refurbishment contracts, IT procurement and strategic lease advice. Recent work highlights include advising on the £700m redevelopment of the Olympia London exhibition centre. David Hawkins is a go-to name in the development space while David Sinclair possesses ‘an incredible grip on the minute details of each project’ and is active on a broad range of investment and development projects, including hotels, infrastructure, offices and shopping centres. Louisa Roe was recently promoted to counsel and is a specialist on complex leasing transactions.

Commercial property: development Tier 1

Clients recommend the lawyers at Norton Rose Fulbright for their ‘tenacity and attention to detail’, ‘technical ability’ and ‘commercial acumen’. The team is reputed on the investment and development fronts for global inward investment, infrastructure projects, financing and long-term projects, including an increasing number of mixed-use and residential-led schemes. The firm’s hotel and leisure practice, led by the highly recommended Nick Clayson, handles a broad range of work on cross-border branding, construction and development, data protection, IP, franchising and financing matters, among others, while high-profile corporate occupier clients engage the group for pre-letting negotiations, construction and refurbishment contracts, IT procurement and strategic lease advice. Recent work highlights include advising on the £700m redevelopment of the Olympia London exhibition centre. David Hawkins is a go-to name in the development space while David Sinclair possesses ‘an incredible grip on the minute details of each project’ and is active on a broad range of investment and development projects, including hotels, infrastructure, offices and shopping centres. Louisa Roe was recently promoted to counsel and is a specialist on complex leasing transactions.

Commercial property: hotels and leisure Tier 1

Clients recommend the lawyers at Norton Rose Fulbright for their ‘tenacity and attention to detail’, ‘technical ability’ and ‘commercial acumen’. The team is reputed on the investment and development fronts for global inward investment, infrastructure projects, financing and long-term projects, including an increasing number of mixed-use and residential-led schemes. The firm’s hotel and leisure practice, led by the highly recommended Nick Clayson, handles a broad range of work on cross-border branding, construction and development, data protection, IP, franchising and financing matters, among others, while high-profile corporate occupier clients engage the group for pre-letting negotiations, construction and refurbishment contracts, IT procurement and strategic lease advice. Recent work highlights include advising on the £700m redevelopment of the Olympia London exhibition centre. David Hawkins is a go-to name in the development space while David Sinclair possesses ‘an incredible grip on the minute details of each project’ and is active on a broad range of investment and development projects, including hotels, infrastructure, offices and shopping centres. Louisa Roe was recently promoted to counsel and is a specialist on complex leasing transactions.

Emerging markets Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright is a recognised leader in emerging market finance and its deep bench of lawyers in London is backed up by a huge global team with in-depth knowledge of the most important jurisdictions and specialist industry sector expertise in agriculture, mining, oil and gas, power, infrastructure development and commodity trading. The practice, led by Martin McCann , handles project finance, acquisition finance, asset finance, asset-based lending, corporate lending, Islamic finance, real estate finance and restructuring. Charles Whitney is head of the energy practice for EMEA and he specialises in large project financing transactions involving export credit agencies and multilateral financial institutions, notably in Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Trade finance expert Nicholas (Nick) Grandage, banking partner Christopher (Chris) Brown, capital markets and Islamic finance specialist Farmida Bi and infrastructure finance partner Daniel Metcalfe are among the many lawyers who devote much of their time to emerging markets deals. Counsel Daniel Giemajner is a rising star in cross-border project and structured finance transactions in the infrastructure, mining and commodities sectors, on which he advises banks, funds, listed and private sponsors, and traders.

Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 1

Though Norton Rose Fulbright is often recognised for its strength in many of the world's emerging markets, the ECM team has been especially busy with London fundraising deals involving companies in Canada and Australia. Acting for nearly 90 London-listed clients, the practice group handles a solid base of issuer mandates, but also has strong relationships with international investment banks and nomads. REITs and other listed funds work has been another source of the group's recent activity. Raj Karia leads the firm's corporate, M&A, and securities group across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Other recommended contacts include Thomas Vita, who advises on US securities matters for ECM transactions across EMEA, and newly made partner Clementine Hogarth, 'a robust negotiator and a doggedly determined legal adviser'.

Fintech Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright's 'pragmatic and experienced' fintech group advises clearing banks, financial institutions, challenger banks, start-ups, p2p platforms, payment institutions, investors and foreign governments on all areas of their operations, including AI, smart contracts, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, ICOs and insurtech. The team stands out for its work with fintech companies on the establishment of different platforms including trade, regulatory compliance and blockchain platforms. It also advises on investments and ICOs on behalf of major banks and cryptocurrency platforms. On the regulatory side, the team uses its global reach to advise foreign governments on updating their legislative frameworks in relation to technology developments such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Sean Murphy, whose practice covers the development of fintech and corporate transactions in the sector, recently advised The Web 3.0 Technologies Foundation on its 'Polkadot' initial coin offering. In another significant mandate, Nicholas Berry, who handles financial services regulatory work for insurance clients in the sector, advised Arch Insurance on insuring cryptocurrencies through the use of cold storage custody arrangements. Corporate associate Charlotte Rowlandson recently advised Lendingblock on its seed fundraising round.

Fraud: white-collar crime Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright handles matters such as  investigations, enforcement, allegations of bribery and corruption, international complex fraud, money laundering, market abuse, insider trading, extradition and corporate manslaughter. The firm deals with domestic and multijurisdictional cases brought by agencies including the SFO, FCA, NCA, HMRC and the CPS. It represents clients from interview to trial and beyond. Co-head of team Neil O’May focuses on corporate, business and white-collar crime. Patrick Bourke also heads the team. Jeff Cottle joined as partner from Steptoe and Johnson UK LLP.

Flotations: small and mid-cap Tier 1

Power (including electricity and renewables) Tier 1

Commercial property Tier 1

Financial services Tier 1

M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £250m+ Tier 1

Asset finance and leasing Tier 1

Securitisation Tier 1

Flotations: small and mid-cap Tier 1

Commercial property Tier 1

Asset finance and leasing Tier 1

Financial services Tier 1

Planning Tier 1

Infrastructure (including PFI and PPP) Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright has considerable experience in providing advice around PPP projects in both emerging and developed markets. The team is regularly involved in significant deals, where it acts for banks, funds and public entities, among others. Martin McCann heads up the global business practice, while finance specialist Rob Marsh leads the London energy, infrastructure and natural resources team. Chris Brown is another expert in the banking and finance area, who knows a variety of industries well. Madhavi Gosavi is particularly well versed in financings in emerging markets. Charles Whitney is a key contact in energy projects.

Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 1

The corporate and regulatory insurance practice at Norton Rose Fulbright exclusively represents insurance clients, handling matters including M&A, Part VII transfers, insurance joint ventures and corporate reorganisations. The department - which is led by global head of financial institutions and insurance James Bateson - also comprises a warranty and indemnity insurance practice, led by newly promoted partner Matthew Foster, which provides advice on the underwriting review process. David Whear is a key contact for Lloyds, while Nicholas Berry leads on the regulatory aspects of insurtech. Other key partners include Maria Ross, Robert (Bob) Haken and Noleen John.

Insurance: insolvency and restructuring Tier 1

The insurance restructuring practice at Norton Rose Fulbright handles some of the most high-profile Part VII transfers in the market, working with a premium roster of top insurer clients including Travelers, which it recently advised on the transfer of the entirety of the business of Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of Europe. The hugely experienced James Bateson leads the team, supported by partners including Robert (Bob) Haken and David Whear, both of who have a track record of restructuring work, and Maria Ross, who has expertise in Part VIIs. Nicholas Berry, who leads the firm's London insurtech practice, is also well-regarded.

Islamic finance Tier 1

The Islamic finance offering at Norton Rose Fulbright cuts across the firm's practices in project finance, ABS and capital markets, investment funds, and real estate finance. Although the team has noted a drop in sukuk redemption, it has picked up steady streams of work in real estate finance throughout Europe and the UK, and has reported increased activity in project and trade finance emanating from Indonesia and various African jurisdictions. Also of note, the team has recently been involved in the development of certain Islamic blockchain products. The Islamic finance practice is headed by Farmida Bi, who chairs the firm's EMEA group and specialises in shari'ah-compliant capital markets transactions.

Mining and minerals Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright has a thriving dedicated mining practice, acting on major deals across jurisdictions including Latin America and Africa. It has recently advised on some of the most innovative, challenging and high-profile transactions in the market, such as Randgold's multibillion-dollar merger with Barrick. The group also played a key role in the Bacanora lithium project in Mexico, Cupric’s Khoemacau copper and silver project in Botswana, and the Yara potash project in Ethiopia, among others. 'Excellent' global head of business Martin McCann leads the team, working with EMEA corporate chief Raj Karia, energy disputes specialist Holly Stebbing, 'stand-out' counsel Daniel Giemajner and well-regarded senior associate Felicity Brown, cited as a potential 'future leader'.

Oil and gas Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright has been advising on five different financings in connection with the Southern Gas Corridor project, including three financings for the Shah Deniz gas field and a financing in connection with the pipeline for a total of approximately $2.5bn. Other highlights for Rob Marsh's multi-disciplinary oil and gas team pertain to its enviable work in the fields of energy disputes, LNG-to-power and strategic M&A. The team also includes Nick Prowse, who has extensive upstream and downstream experience.

Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 1

The full-service power practice at Norton Rose Fulbright covers the full spectrum of energy matters, both in the UK and internationally. Recently, the team has been particularly active in the area of thermal power projects across a wide range of emerging markets, as well as the development of gas-fired plants such as, in Ghana, the 400MW Bridge gas-fired project and the 192MW Amandi gas-fired project. On the nuclear front, the group continued to advise on the set-up of uranium trading activities and in relation to the nuclear defence sector, in particular, in relation to third party nuclear liability. Rob Marsh co-chairs the firm's renewable energy practice, while Charles Whitney heads the EMEA energy team. Long-serving partner Richard Hill recently left to join White & Case LLP.

Rail Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright houses a 'market-leading team with core strengths in the rail sector' and it is commended for its 'broad industry expertise'. The London practice, which is supported by an international network of experts, handles an extensive range of work, including franchising and concessions, rolling stock, projects, infrastructure and finance mandates; and it also offers expertise across environmental, health and safety, intellectual property, technology, dispute resolution, competition, regulation, tax and real estate matters. Clients include financiers, manufacturers, government entities and infrastructure developers. Tom Johnson, who is 'first-rate', led advice for Stadler Rail on its bid to supply rolling stock for the West Coast Partnership franchise. Of counsel Louise Auty is an asset finance lawyer with in-depth rail sector expertise and recently promoted partner Susanna Rogers handles competition and regulatory matters. Esteemed practitioner Simon Gwynne joined the practice in 2019 from Hogan Lovells International LLP.

Regulatory investigations and corporate crime Tier 1

Norton Rose Fulbright advises clients on multi-jurisdictional investigations, enforcement, criminal prosecutions and civil litigation through its global network of offices. It often advises clients facing investigations by the bodies such as the SFO, FCA, HMRC, NCA and CPS, advising on matters in fields such as cybercrime, bribery, money laundering, compliance and export controls. Clients include corporates, financial institutions and senior individuals. Patrick Bourke co–heads the team alongside Neil O’May , who handles international fraud, market abuse and investigations. Lista Cannon focuses on transnational regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings. David Harris is recommended for his cross-sector experience and deals with clients in the financial services, banking, energy and defence sectors. Jeffrey Cottle, who splits his time between Washington and London, joined as partner from Steptoe and Johnson UK LLP. Sam Eastwood and Jason Hungerford both left the firm for Mayer Brown International LLP.

Trade finance Tier 1

The practice at Norton Rose Fulbright is 'dedicated and incredibly knowledgeable with a positive attitude and approach towards its clients'. The trade finance practice sits alongside a respected commodities transactional and advisory service, with complementary expertise in shipping, insurance, derivatives, regulation, regulatory investigations, fintech and dispute resolution. The scope of its work covers the full spectrum of trade finance structures including pre-export and prepayment financings, committed and uncommitted transactional trade finance facilities, borrowing base facilities, commodity repos, invoice discounting structured Letters of Credit transactions. Global head of trade finance Nicholas (Nick) Grandage, who works from both the London and New York offices, key partner Andrew Wood and senior associate Richard Wilkes are 'very knowledgeable in the area of trade finance and provide exactly the support needed - they make a great team but equally the associates working are very good'. Davide Barzilai returned to London from the firm's Hong Kong office to add expertise in ECA financing, supply chain financing, and structured trade and commodity finance. Conor Foley, who is co-head of the firm's global government relations and public policy practice, and derivatives partner Nigel Dickinson also play key roles.

Transport finance & leasing Tier 1

Benefiting from an 'unquestionably deep sector knowledge, coupled with a down-to-earth and practical approach', Norton Rose Fulbright's 11-partner team has the critical mass to handle a tremendous volume and range of mandates across all transportation asset classes. Aided by offices in key strategic locations, including Singapore and Greece, the firm remains a 'powerhouse' in the maritime sector, where the 'brilliant' Simon Hartley has an excellent practice; particularly within the cruise ship space (for both owners and lenders) as exemplified by his recent work for Société Générale on the €2.6bn French ECA-supported receivable purchase and post-delivery financings to acquire three cruise vessels for MSC Cruises. Team head Harry Theochari has vast knowledge and experience of financings within the maritime sector (he has been particularly focused of late on acting for new fund entrants into the market), and Eleanor Martin excels at work in the offshore sector. Duncan Batchelor and Simon Chamberlain are two of the primary practitioners within the aviation finance sub-group, which is noted for its 'business-oriented approach and knowledge of market standards'. On the rail front, Tom Johnson is a 'very fine practitioner' whose broad client base encompasses train operating companies, government entities, financiers and rolling stock owning companies, while the team recently secure a major boost with the hire of highly rated rail finance specialist Simon Gwynne from Hogan Lovells International LLP. At an associate level, Will Alete and the 'business-oriented' James Collins are particularly noteworthy.

Asset based lending Tier 2

Led by the ‘superb’ Michael Black out of London and also able to tap into the firm’s vast international network, Norton Rose Fulbright’s seven-strong team’s particular sweet-spot is in advising lender clients on big-ticket, cross-border financings involving the ABL product, either on its own or sitting alongside other more conventional financing. The firm has strong ties with Wells Fargo and regularly advises it on some very significant ABL mandates, including in its role as one of a syndicate of banks on a $250m revolving ABL facility to Masonite International Corporation. Although it is perhaps best known for its work on mandates with a transatlantic nexus, the group continues to establish stronger ties with domestic and European entrants in the market and picks up a significant amount of more commoditised work, including on deals utilising the ABL product for domestic working capital facilities purposes.

Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright is highly rated for its experience in significant, high-value banking and finance disputes, including complex cases in the Financial List. The practice is well known for disputes involving derivatives, bonds and structured finance, commodities and trade finance, and Islamic finance. It acted for The Law Debenture Trust Corporation, as corporate trustee, in its high-profile Commercial Court dispute against Ukraine. The matter was brought on behalf of note holders to enforce payment of notes issued by Ukraine, which it failed to repay on maturity. Michael Godden has considerable experience of wholesale, commercial and retail banking disputes, senior consultant Lista Cannon co-heads the global regulatory and investigations group, and Paul Morris focuses on disputes arising from structured finance products, civil fraud and asset tracing, and trade and commodity finance litigation. Also highly rated are Matthew Waudby, Radford Goodman and David Harris, while of counsel Dominic Hennessy and senior associate Alex Shattock are also experienced litigators. Growth in the team saw cross-border banking and finance disputes expert Harriet Jones-Fenleigh promoted to partner in 2019.

Commercial contracts Tier 2

The international Norton Rose Fulbright practice has industry expertise ranging from energy, mining and infrastructure to finance, healthcare and life sciences. As well as providing a technology consulting practice, the firm has experience in niche areas, including insurance distribution agreements. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Michael (Mike) Knapper focuses on commercial contracts, particularly those involving intellectual property, data and technology. He co-leads the practice with M&A and securities expert Raj Karia. Notable in their team is James Russell, who specialises in outsourcing, information technology and intellectual property law. The group is advising Esso on its exclusive fuel sponsorship agreement with Nectar. Ian Lopez left for Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP in 2018.

Commercial property: investment Tier 2

Clients recommend the lawyers at Norton Rose Fulbright for their ‘tenacity and attention to detail’, ‘technical ability’ and ‘commercial acumen’. The team is reputed on the investment and development fronts for global inward investment, infrastructure projects, financing and long-term projects, including an increasing number of mixed-use and residential-led schemes. The firm’s hotel and leisure practice, led by the highly recommended Nick Clayson, handles a broad range of work on cross-border branding, construction and development, data protection, IP, franchising and financing matters, among others, while high-profile corporate occupier clients engage the group for pre-letting negotiations, construction and refurbishment contracts, IT procurement and strategic lease advice. Recent work highlights include advising on the £700m redevelopment of the Olympia London exhibition centre. David Hawkins is a go-to name in the development space while David Sinclair possesses ‘an incredible grip on the minute details of each project’ and is active on a broad range of investment and development projects, including hotels, infrastructure, offices and shopping centres. Louisa Roe was recently promoted to counsel and is a specialist on complex leasing transactions.

Commodities disputes Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright handles the full range of matters arising from the production, shipping,  transportation, warehousing, collateral management, financing and hedging of physical commodities, and it frequently has a role in complex trading and regulatory disputes. Among its clients are banks, national and international development finance institutions, traders, producers and exporters in both emerging and developed markets. Global head of trade finance Nicholas (Nick) Grandage is now based in New York, but the London office retains significant expertise and a diverse client base comprising international commodity and agricultural producers, traders, banks and financial institutions. Andrew Wood, who specialises in structured finance transactions in the commodities sector, is now the key contact in London. Litigators Neil Miller, whose practice focuses on the energy, trading and shipping industries, Holly Stebbing, and regulatory specialist Jonathan Herbst, who is global head of financial services, are highly recommended.

Construction: contentious Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright's contentious team offers a comprehensive service to a range of clients including developers, contractors, employers, lenders and owners. EMEA construction and energy disputes head Donald Warnock leads the team, while Simon Ramsden and James Rogers are other notable figures. Sectors covered include commercial and industrial real estate, transport infrastructure, waste, power, oil and gas and mining. The firm has received plaudits for its N-Accelerate technology initiative, an automation process developed by the firm to large volumes of complex documents quickly and cost efficiently.

Contruction: non-contentious Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright provides a full service non-contentious offering to a big-name client roster including developers, investors, sponsors, contractors and financiers. The team is headed up by Mark Berry, who has advised on many of the major waste-to-energy projects in the UK. He also has particular expertise in mining and associated infrastructure development and advised the Eurasian Resources Group and its subsidiary Metalkol on the £511m construction and financing of its copper and cobalt project in the Kolwezi region of China. Andrew Buisson has particular experience of advising on major infrastructure transactions in the transport and social accommodation sectors, while Matthew Hardwick has a track record of working with government institutions.

Corporate governance Tier 2

With a client base of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, Norton Rose Fulbright handles the full range of corporate governance issues leveraging standalone corporate, investigations, criminal defence and compliance practices. The group leans heavily on partners in the firm's corporate department, with significant contributors including Alan Bainbridge, Richard Crosby, Charlotte Henry and Claire O’Donnell. Jonathan Herbst and Neil O’May are also key names to note; Herbst is global head of the financial services regulatory practice and O'May leads the criminal law practice. In a recent highlight, O'May represented the former director of Tesco in a high-profile investigation and prosecution into Tesco's accounting practices.

Debt capital markets Tier 2

At Norton Rose Fulbright, 'the team has excellent knowhow, is quick to respond and has proven able to adapt to local requirements', according to one client, while another remarks that 'the team is responsive, independent and offers first-class legal advice'. The London capital markets practice is highly regarded for its work in emerging markets debt, sovereign and supranational issuance, debt restructuring, corporate trust and Islamic finance, as well as having the leading Canadian debt practice in London. It is also expanding its portfolio of work into new areas and, in 2018, it handled a project bond to fund hospital construction in Brescia, Italy, and also took the lead role in the world’s first Humanitarian Impact Bond. Farmida Bi is a leading light for corporate trustee advice, sovereign debt, project bonds and restructurings; Peter Young handles cross-border transactions under English and New York law; and Peter Noble leads on Canadian debt capital markets work.

Derivatives (including commodities) Tier 2

Part of the broader capital markets group, the derivatives and structured products practice at Norton Rose Fulbright handles a broad portfolio of transactional work across numerous asset classes, including commodities, and is a leading practice for regulatory advice. Leading light Daniel Franks is 'outstanding - technically excellent but also commercial and pragmatic'. He specialises in assisting investment banks including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan with derivatives, repos, stock lending, collateral, netting, structured products and regulatory capital and funding transactions. Key partner Nigel Dickinson focuses on OTC derivatives, structured products and structured finance transactions for investment banks. Jonathan Herbst and Hannah Meakin are highly recommended for advice on derivatives regulation. In the structured trade and commodity finance market, which requires significant expertise in commodity derivatives, the firm advises banks, development finance institutions, traders, producers and exporters. The firm's capacity for complex and innovative transactions was evidenced in 2018 by its work for HSBC, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank AG in a $3.8bn syndicated repurchase transaction with the Central Bank of Egypt.

Financial services: contentious Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright's work covers wholesale and retail financial services, with notable strengths in areas including banking, asset and wealth management and market infrastructure. In addition, the 'clear, pragmatic and extremely responsive' firm has an experienced fintech regulatory practice and assists several regulatory working groups and market associations focusing on developing regulatory standards around Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), smart contracts, virtual currencies and the blockchain. Imogen Garner and Hannah Meakin lead the practice in this area and are also co-heads of the overall non-contentious team, with the 'hard working, personable and, most importantly, extremely knowledgeable' Jonathan Herbst. On the contentious side, the practice specialises in market conduct, cyber-security and internal investigations. Led by transnational regulatory investigations expert Lista Cannon, the team includes Katie Stephen, who acts on a wide range of contentious regulatory matters, as well as advising clients in relation to Skilled Persons reviews and internal investigations; and David Harris, who has particular experience representing financial institutions, corporates and senior executives in connection with various cross-border matters. Also notable in this area is counsel Sonya Zywko.

Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright's work covers wholesale and retail financial services, with notable strengths in areas including banking, asset and wealth management and market infrastructure. In addition, the 'clear, pragmatic and extremely responsive' firm has an experienced fintech regulatory practice and assists several regulatory working groups and market associations focusing on developing regulatory standards around Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), smart contracts, virtual currencies and blockchain. Imogen Garner and Hannah Meakin lead the practice in this area and are also co-heads of the wider non-contentious team alongside the 'hard working, personable and, most importantly, extremely knowledgeable' Jonathan Herbst. The latter led in advising on regulatory aspects of leading derivatives market CME Group’s acquisition of the NEX group of companies. On the contentious side, the practice specialises in market conduct, cyber-security and internal investigations. Led by transnational regulatory investigations expert Lista Cannon, the team includes Katie Stephen, who acts on a wide range of contentious regulatory, as well as advising clients in relation to Skilled Persons reviews and internal investigations; and David Harris, who has particular experience representing financial institutions, corporates and senior executives in connection with various cross-border matters.

Fraud: civil Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright's practice, which is led by Peter Scott, has seen an increase in instructions involving sovereign and state entities, as emerging markets crack down on corruption. The team advises on cross-border disputes, asset tracing, insolvency, cyber-fraud, bribery, money laundering, economic sanctions and corruption. Clients include corporates, financial institutions, insolvency practitioners and senior executives. Other areas of expertise include worldwide freezing orders, proprietary injunctions, Norwich Pharmacal Orders and search orders. Key partners include the 'hugely impressive' Ruth Cowley and 'very sharp litigator' Matthew Waudby; recently promoted partner Harriet Jones-Fenleigh is also recommended.

Listed funds Tier 2

With a reputation for 'strong investment fund knowledge built up over many years', Norton Rose Fulbright's asset and wealth management team sits within the firm's broader corporate, M&A and securities practice. The group has a strong history advising on IPOs, with mattes including its representation of Trian Investors 1 in the client's £270m offering. 'Reliable, experienced and committed' partner Ian Fox led on this mandate. The firm is also noted for adopting and maintaining close relationships with major regulatory and trade bodies. Senior associate Margaret Simcock boasts both international experience (having spent six months at the firm's Bahrain office) and in-house experience (through a secondment at  Fenchurch Advisory Partners). Head of team Richard Sheen is a key contact.

Private equity: transactions – mid-tier – up to £250m Tier 2

With practitioners reputed for their 'brilliant market knowledge and commercial and pragmatic approach to advice-giving', the PE practice group at Norton Rose Fulbright represents investors, portfolio companies and management teams on buyouts, co-investments, bolt-on acquisitions, refinancings and exits. While the group can handle transactions across a range of different sectors, it boasts high levels of integrated expertise in the fields of financial services and technology specifically. One widely-reported highlight involving fifteen jurisdictions saw Jon Perry, along with partners in the firm's Amsterdam and Brussels offices, advise Louis Dreyfus Company on the sale of its African fertilizers and inputs operations and global metals business. In the technology space, practice head David Marshall represented Commify on a series of bolt-on acquisitions. Richard Bull departed for Proskauer Rose LLP in February 2018.

Structured products and securitisation Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright has a deep bench of talent handling a range of cash and synthetic securitisations. As well as a strong position in the trade receivables market, the firm also has a prominent role in the RMBS and mortgage covered bonds market, in which it advises issuers, cash managers and trustees on a range of post-issue restructurings, defaults and litigation. The firm is also expanding its reach into the rapidly developing areas of fintech and SME financing. It has handled innovative RMBS deals including a groundbreaking shari'ah-compliant transaction, and a first-of-kind securitisation of shipping loans. The firm's Canadian structured bond and covered bond practice led by Peter Noble is unique in the market. David Shearer co-leads the securitisation practice alongside structured bonds, securitisation and regulatory capital specialist Sandrine Sauvel. Farmida Bi has a particular focus on corporate trustee advice. Associate Merel van der Mersch-Klinkers is a rising star.

VAT and indirect tax Tier 2

Norton Rose Fulbright's European VAT group is led by Chris Bates, and is part of the firm's broader tax team which is led by Dominic Stuttaford. In addition to supporting the transactional practice groups, it also has an active standalone practice, which includes VAT treatment disputes with HMRC. Other areas of expertise include advising on the importation of high-value assets, including private jets, yachts, commercial aircraft and supply chain inventories.

Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 3

The 'responsive and well-organised' team at Norton Rose Fulbright provides a 'commercial and thoughtful service' to lenders and investment grade corporates across a broad spectrum of syndicated and bilateral lending work, particularly in relation to transactions which occur within sector areas of focus for the firm – including energy, infrastructure, media and transportation. The team regularly advises on financing deals within emerging markets and has a strong track record in handling Africa-related matters – often backed by a mix of development finance institutions and commercial lenders. The firm also benefits from access to ancillary areas of expertise, including asset-based lending and Islamic finance, ensuring that it is able to handle the more bespoke transactions in the market. Michael Ings has vast experience handling financing work within the telecoms and media sectors throughout EMEA.

Commercial litigation Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright 'provides in-depth sector knowledge and real identification with clients' issues and priorities; it is also one of the easiest teams around to work with'. The firm's disputes lawyers advise multinational and domestic corporate clients on the full spectrum of complex contentious corporate and commercial matters. It acts for public and private companies operating across the financial institutions, energy, infrastructure, mining and commodities, transport, technology, and life sciences and healthcare sectors. Recommended advisers are Ruth Cowley, Antony Corsi, Ffion Flockhart, Neil Miller and Patrick Bourke, along with EMEA head of litigation and  disputes and global head of antitrust Peter Scott . Of counsels Jane Park-Weir and Charlie Weston-Simons, who was promoted in 2018, are also recommended. Harriet Jones-Fenleigh was made partner in 2019. Veteran litigator and white collar specialist Sam Eastwood left for Mayer  Brown in 2018.

Competition litigation Tier 3

At Norton Rose Fulbright, the antitrust and competition team assists both claimants and defendants with proceedings before multiple courts and regulatory bodies at the UK and EU level. The group advises on follow-on damages claims, complex litigation strategy, and contentious regulatory matters. The department’s work in the energy sector is of particular note - it is handling multiple appeals before the CMA and is increasingly attracting new mandates in the same space. Team members have expertise in the mobile telecoms sector as well. Led by practice co-heads Peter Scott and Mark Simpson, a team is representing a large telecoms company in bringing damages claims against smart-chip producers before the High Court.

Corporate tax Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright's tax expertise encompasses the range of corporate and finance transactions, drawing on strong and wide-ranging sector expertise, including in the niche areas of new technology and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), renewable energy and Islamic Finance.  Dominic Stuttaford is head of tax for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Brazil, and is focused on M&A transactions and corporate re-organisations, with a particular emphasis on the insurance, banking and technology sectors. Associate Judy Harrison has expertise in tax matters for financial institutions and clients in the transport, technology and energy sectors. In 2019, Angela Savin left the department to join KPMG United Kingdom, however the group gained Michael Alliston as a partner from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 3

Marcus Evans leads the group at Norton Rose Fulbright, which regularly assists with export solutions, data audits, data product advice, regulatory issues, data breaches and data subject access requests. Evans and newly promoted partner Lara White are the key contacts for non-contentious matters, while Ffion Flockhart handles contentious data work; IP practice head Mike Knapper also contributes to the practice. The department has notable expertise in the financial services, healthcare, life sciences, telecoms and technology sectors; key clients include PayPal, Deliveroo, BMW and the Bank of Montreal. Recent highlights include Evans, Ball and Flockhart advised AIG on its global data breach response service; and Evans assisting Mitsubishi Electric with multiple global personal data export projects.

Employee share schemes Tier 3

The ‘creative, dynamic and client-centric’ Norton Rose Fulbright is known for its strategic and international advice to listed multinationals, as well as providing expertise in designing and implementing bespoke incentive plans in unlisted companies. The firm also has expertise in cross-border work, notably in the US. The ‘incredibly responsive’ Matthew Findley leads the practice and has experience in executive plans and all-employee arrangements, as well as dealing with employee benefits in the context of mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and demergers.

Environment Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright advises on the environmental aspects of real estate transactions, office redevelopments, and the financing of renewable energy projects. Practice head Caroline May has both contentious and non-contentious experience and specialises in renewable energy and infrastructure projects, as well as in providing regulatory advice regarding health and safety standards. Other areas of expertise include offshore oil and gas plant decommissioning.

Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 3

Though Norton Rose Fulbright is often recognised for its strength in many of the world's emerging markets, the ECM team has been especially busy with London fundraising deals involving companies in Canada and Australia. Acting for nearly 90 London-listed clients, the practice group handles a solid base of issuer mandates, but also has strong relationships with international investment banks and nomads. REITs and other listed funds work has been another source of the group's recent activity. Raj Karia leads the firm's corporate, M&A, and securities group across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Other recommended contacts include Thomas Vita, who advises on US securities matters for ECM transactions across EMEA, and newly made partner Clementine Hogarth, 'a robust negotiator and a doggedly determined legal adviser'.

EU and competition Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright’s antitrust and competition department has an abundance of experience handling investigations by the CMA. Of particular note, department co-head Peter Scott, supported by recently promoted partner Caroline Thomas, is representing PwC in the CMA’s high-profile market study into the statutory audit market. The team is strong in the merger control space, where Mark Tricker took the lead advising PayPal on the CMA’s Phase II-investigation of PayPal’s $2.2bn acquisition of financial technology company iZettle. Adjusting to recent market trends and the regulator's areas of focus, other growing streams of work for the group involve instructions regarding competition law concerns resulting from Brexit, digital markets and blockchain. Practice co-head Ian Giles is highly recommended.

Health and safety Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright's health and safety team leverages the wider firm's international platform to secure work on a variety of cross-border matters, advising on public inquiries, coroner's inquests and corporate manslaughter cases. The 'superb' Caroline May leads the team and represents large corporates on both contentious and non-contentious issues.

Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright has strength in advising on reinsurance, trade finance, aviation, and professional negligence work, and increasingly handles D&O and W&I indemnity claims. The firm recently saw the departures of former practice head Liam O’Connell, who joined DAC Beachcroft LLP, as well as a group of 12 lawyers to Kennedys, including marine and energy partners Patrick Foss, Chris Zavos. The team is now led by Adrian Mecz, who has broad expertise acting for insurers and reinsurers. The 'excellent' Michelle George focuses on professional liability claims and global data protection, while 'very impressive' privacy and cybersecurity co-head Ffion Flockhart specialises in W&I litigation, as well as cyber risk issues.

International arbitration Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright's 'experience in a multitude of matters makes it the team to have by a client's side in any dispute'. The London team has particular experience in growth markets such as Hong Kong, mainland China and greater Asia, India, the Middle East and the CIS. It also acts across the firm’s key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare. Sherina Petit leads the international arbitration practice across Asia, Europe and the Middle East and heads the firm’s India practice globally. James Rogers currently has the busiest arbitration case load in the London office. Also highly regarded are Patrick Farrell, Neil Miller, Donald Warnock, Philip Roche and Patrick Bourke; Matthew Buckle is an experienced senior associate. Irina Tymczyszyn left to become a full-time international arbitrator.

IT and telecoms Tier 3

The 'client-oriented and highly commercial' technology and innovation practice at Norton Rose Fulbright combines 'strong telecoms expertise and credentials, and robust M&A skills' with substantial expertise advising clients on technology development and commercialisation issues, particularly relating to emerging technology and the financial services and insurance sectors. Practice head Sean Murphy handles a range of international corporate matters in the technology sector, while Oliver Stacey has particular experience in the communications, media and telecoms industries. Other names to note include consultant and outsourcing expert Peter McBurney, telecoms regulatory specialist James Russell, Mark Simpson and litigator Ruth Cowley.

Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 3

Focusing primarily on non-contentious issues, Norton Rose Fulbright’s pensions team advises a host of trustees and corporate clients on the full range of matters including GMP equalisation, funding negotiations with the Pensions Regulator, liability management, scheme buy-outs and master trust implementation. Peter Ford also has a leading practice advising on the investment side of pensions such as significant longevity swap transactions and fiduciary management arrangements. The team often assists the corporate practice on the pensions specific aspects of sales and acquisitions. Fellow London partner Lesley Browning is praised for her 'exceptional experience of solving novel problems'.

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology Tier 3

The practice at Norton Rose Fulbright includes Ian Giles, who handles anti-trust/competition matters for life sciences clients, and Milana Chamberlain, a corporate finance lawyer who brings 'huge knowledge and passion' to her specialism in business ethics and anti-corruption. She advises clients on areas such as the UK Modern Slavery Act and  human rights in supply chains. The team's varied skills assist clients ranging from big pharma to biotech startups.

Professional negligence Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright's 'strong team' stands out for its financial services sector expertise; it handles high-value claims involving financial institutions, asset managers, solicitors, accountants, actuaries, insolvency practitioners, stockbrokers and insurance brokers, as well as claims involving pensions and property professionals. The team also offers contentious regulatory experience and handles professional negligence disputes relating to regulatory matters. The London team utilises the firm's global network of offices to advise clients across various jurisdictions and the team is instructed by a raft of leading insurers. It represented five directors of Asa Resource Group (in administration) in an unfair prejudice petition brought by two shareholders of the company. Of counsel Helen Fairhead is 'very bright and tenacious, with great attention-to-detail'. Liam O’Connell has joined DAC Beachcroft LLP and Angela Savin has joined KPMG United Kingdom.

Property finance Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright is known for its CMBS and residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) expertise, as well as for its strength in sharia-compliant investment and development finance, senior and mezzanine lending, and loan portfolio sales. Clients include lenders and borrowers, among them banks, real estate investment managers and property developers. The team is jointly led by Sarah Cullen, who regularly advises on domestic and cross-border debt financing and commercial and residential development financing, and Dan Kennedy, who handles complex new money and restructuring deals for borrowers and lenders.

Tax litigation and investigations Tier 3

Norton Rose Fulbright's active practice includes tax investigations. negotiations with authorities, tax tribunals, public law remedies, as well as tax governance and risk management issues, particularly in relation to new corporate criminal offences of failing to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion. The team is led by tax all-rounder Dominic Stuttaford, who is a highly experienced litigator. Angela Savin left the team for KPMG United Kingdom in December 2018.

Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 4

Norton Rose Fulbright is active on transactional work and disputes in the media and entertainment space. It advises on M&A, joint ventures, network sharing and outsourcing matters, while IP, regulatory, financing, brand management and investment matters are also key areas of activity for the team. Its global footprint means it is well-placed to advise on cross-border mandates. The telecoms, sports, publishing, advertising and broadcasting sectors are notable areas of expertise.

PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 4

Norton Rose Fulbright stands out through its dual expertise in trade mark prosecution, including portfolio management, enforcement, registration strategies and commercialisation, and reputation management through the use of defamation, advertising and media law. As part of the firm's global network, the group is very well versed in cross-border work and often acts for major international corporations. The financial services, life sciences and healthcare, mining and commodities, and technology sectors are particularly busy areas of work. Clare Jackman directs the practice.

Property litigation Tier 4

Working in close conjunction with its real estate transactional and various other departments, Norton Rose Fulbright's workload frequently pertains to contentious matters arising from property portfolios, property developments and corporate insolvency scenarios as well as landlord and tenant relationships. Clients include investors, developers, landlords, financial institutions, joint venture partners and corporate occupiers. David Stevens heads the practice.

Shipping Tier 4

Norton Rose Fulbright's London team is 'highly professional and is quick to take action'. Aided by its global footprint, the team handles a range of complex and cross-border shipping mandates including contractual, shipbuilding and dry shipping disputes; and marine casualty and admiralty disputes. It is also active across marine insurance, regulatory matters, insolvency, mortgage enforcement, sanctions work and accident investigations. The team continues to act for Empire Bulkers on claims relating to the collision between MV Eleni and a container vessel outside Vietnam. Department head Philip Roche handles marine insurance and general commercial disputes. The team has recently lost several key figures to Kennedys, namely; Patrick Foss, Chris Zavos and Jo Ward.

Acquisition finance Tier 5

Frequently teaming up with practitioners from across the firm's vast network of offices, Norton Rose Fulbright's expertise lies in handling multi-jurisdictional acquisition finance mandates for banks, funds and corporates. Team head, Michael Ings, has a particularly strong reputation in handling corporate lending and acquisition finance mandates within the telecoms/media sector, and is also often involved in transactions with a nexus to Africa.  Michael Black is also a key member of the team and adds a unique perspective by virtue of his asset based lending prowess.

Employment: employers Tier 5

Paul Griffin leads the London employment and labour department at Norton Rose Fulbright, which is adept at handling non-contentious and contentious employment mandates, including data protection and privacy law issues, TUPE, disputes and cross-border work. Griffin is very experienced in international employment matters, and is well known for handling instructions from the transport, financial services and technology sectors. Catrina Smith is noted for her experience in assisting clients from the life sciences, infrastructure and energy sectors, while of counsel Nick Howard is also recommended.

M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £500m+ Tier 5

Norton Rose Fulbright handles cross-border M&A matters through an interconnected network of international offices, including North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Key sector expertise includes energy, infrastructure, mining and commodities, transport, technology and life sciences, with work coordinated by the team in London. The team is led by Raj Karia, who specialises in public and private multi-jurisdictional M&A, with clients including international corporations and investment banks. Glenn Hall has rejoined the firm having spent time as Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the team was also boosted by four new promotions to the partnership during 2019. Chris Pearson, who was part of the firm's team which advised the Takeover Panel Executive on the competitive bids for Sky by Fox, Disney and Comcast, recently relocated to the firm's New York office.

Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 6

Co-headed by Sarah Coucher and James Stonebridge, Norton Rose Fulbright's 'effective and impressive' eight-partner team provides a compelling blend of 'strong legal analysis and practical business-focused insights' to banks, funds, and corporates engaged in contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters. The team is particularly active in core sector areas of strength for the firm as a whole, including transport and energy-related restructurings and insolvencies. Praised for his 'measured and sensible approach', Mark Craggs is developing a strong reputation for a range of stakeholders, particularly in relation to cross-border matters.

Intellectual property Tier 6

Norton Rose Fulbright leverages its position as 'a high-quality international law firm with global reach' with a 'technically strong' intellectual property team. Michael (Mike) Knapper is a key name to note, particularly for commercial arrangements involving intellectual property elements, while Clare Jackman, who is qualified as a lawyer and a chartered trade mark attorney, specialises in brand and trade mark portfolio management. Jonathan Ball and Huw Evans left to Gowling WLG.

Sport Tier 6

Norton Rose Fulbright's global platform hands the London team an edge over smaller domestic firms on cross-border and global matters, and the firm's team primarily focuses on international transactions, disputes and regulatory work with a UK aspect. The team is led by corporate specialist Stephen Rigby, who has built a niche area of specialism in advising overseas investors into UK football clubs. He works alongside corporate finance specialist Claire O’Donnell.