Norton Rose Fulbright > London, England > Firm Profile
Norton Rose Fulbright Offices

3 MORE LONDON RIVERSIDE
LONDON
SE1 2AQ
England
Norton Rose Fulbright > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright's standing in the market is reflected by the fact that it is a first choice among many FTSE 250 and AIM-listed companies, listed funds, bulge-bracket banks and other financial institutions. Led by Raj Karia, the team is notably active in transactions with a nexus to the real estate, renewables infrastructure, oil and gas, mining, healthcare and life sciences sectors, and financial institutions. In 2020, Thomas Vita led advice to Hyloris Pharmaceuticals on its €75m Euronext Brussels IPO. In addition, he was part of the cross-office team, which acted for Citigroup, Jefferies and Commerzbank on the €115m IPO of Brockhaus Capital Management on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The firm also advised JP Morgan and Peel Hunt as joint bookrunners on LondonMetric Property Plc’s £120m placing by way of accelerated bookbuilding. Fiona Millington, Richard Sheen and Clementine Hogarth are other names to note in the group, which is also highly active in emerging markets transactions, including those involving the Middle East and Africa.
Practice head(s):
Raj Karia
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Extremely fast, extremely practical and solutions oriented. We’ve loved working with them every time, as they help us navigate difficult and formalistic legislation with full comfort and without taking up huge resources.’
‘Tom Vita remains a great practical lawyer, guiding both legal professionals and the business through the ins and outs of arcane and byzantine US securities laws as they apply to EU offerings.’
Key clients
eve Sleep plc
Purplebricks Group plc
Investec Bank plc
Panmure Gordon
Canaccord Genuity Limited
Mortgage Advice Bureau (Holdings) Plc
Crystal Amber Fund Limited
Egdon Resources plc
Good Energy Group plc
Numis Securities Limited
Peel Hunt
BMO Capital Markets
Hyloris Pharmaceuticals
Investec Bank
Ecofin US Renewables Infrastructure Trust
Trian Investors 1 Limited
Picton Property Income Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the Main Market IPO of Ecofin U.S. Renewables Infrastructure Trust PLC.
- Advised Canaccord Genuity and Cantor Fitzgerald as joint bookrunners on a $140m placing and PrimaryBid retail offer by Yellow Cake plc.
- Advised BMO Capital Markets as sponsor on Petra Diamond Limited’s financial restructuring transaction.
Finance > Islamic finance Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright's well-established practice in London benefits from the firm's impressive global office network, enabling it to handle complex cross-border work for financial institutions, sovereign governments and multinational corporates across Europe and the Middle East. Particular areas of strength include project finance, energy and transport, and the group has significant experience in sukuk structures, trade finance and real estate transactions. The group is led by the well-respected Farmida Bi, who stands out for her expertise in the cross-over between Islamic finance and capital markets. Counsel Andrew Coote and senior associate Mark Brighouse are also notable individuals.
Practice head(s):
Farmida Bi
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
ACWA Power Development
Bank ABC
Bank of London and the Middle East
Bank of New York Mellon
Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance
Qatar National Bank
Islamic Development Bank
Work highlights
- Advising ACWA Power on its debut issuance of a $500m sukuk to be privately placed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (completion expected in April 2021).
- Advising the Middle East affiliate of an international investment bank on their Shariah Compliant Trade Finance product and preparing a suite of template documents in relation to the same.
- Advising a real estate company in relation to a £9.46m murabaha facility from a UK Islamic bank in relation to the acquisition of a £17m property in prime central London.
Finance > Trade finance Tier 1
The banking and finance practice at Norton Rose Fulbright houses substantial trade finance expertise. 'A great team that has sound knowledge and cross-border capabilities in trade finance', remark clients. The firm, which handles the full range of trade finance structures, recently advised Macquarie on its $1.1bn syndicated revolving borrowing base facility with a group of international commercial lenders. Practice head Nicholas (Nick) Grandage, who works in both London and New York, is a market veteran and a leading light in commodities and trade finance. Finance partner Andrew Wood handles structured transactions, and senior associates Tudor Plapcianu (who is recommended for his 'strong analytical skills, customer-oriented mindset and full commitment') and Richard Wilkes also play key roles in the practice.
Practice head(s):
Nick Grandage
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I think NRF is very professional and productive with good collaboration between offices in different locations.’
‘A great team that has sound knowledge of trade finance and banking finance in general.’
‘Cross-border capabilities in trade finance specialism together with debt capital markets and insurance. Great team.’
‘I was mainly working with Tudor Plapcianu. Tudor’s strengths: high level of professionalism, extensive experience, strong analytical skills, customer-oriented mindset with full commitment, good communication skills and great efficiency.’
‘Andrew Wood and Richard Wilkes are a really good team working well together and complementing each other. Great leadership from Andrew with strong support from Richard Wilkes.’
‘Nick Grandage and Tudor Plapcianu are fantastic practitioners and Tudor is particularly good value for money.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO
AIG
BP
BNP Paribas
The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi Ltd
Citibank
Coal India Limited (CIL)
Commodities Markets Council
Demica
Erste Group Bank AG
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Eurasian Resources Group
FBN Bank
Gazprom Neft
HSBC
JP Morgan
Louis Dreyfus
Lloyds Bank
Low Carbon
Macquarie
Mercuria
Natixis
NEXIM
Rosneft
RWE
Santander
Societe Generale
Standard Chartered Bank
Trafigura
Trailstone
VTB
ICBC Standard Bank
Raiffeisen Bank International AG
Mizuho Bank, Ltd
Baffinland
UK Export Finance
Work highlights
- Advised Macquarie on its US$1.1bn syndicated revolving borrowing base facility with a group of international commercial lenders, including Standard Chartered Bank, SMBC, Bank of China and MUFG Bank. The financing leveraged physical assets across Macquarie’s commodities and global markets division and required the firm to establish security in England, Singapore, Canada, Sweden, Germany and the US.
- Advised Rabobank as arranger in relation to an innovative €300m syndicated pan-European gas repo facility covering multiple jurisdictions in Europe and backed by a shared security package. The repo facility is provided to Guvnor (one of the largest physical natural gas traders) and will be used to support Gunvor’s growing natural gas activity across Europe.
- Advising EBRD in relation to its award-winning Trade Facilitation Programme, which involves documentation with numerous banks in EBRD’s countries of operation. Advisers to EBRD, drafting and negotiating programme documentation including guarantee issuance facilities and revolving credit agreements.
Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 1
Perhaps the most balanced and well-resourced offering in the market, the ‘highly skilled and effective‘ 22-partner team at Norton Rose Fulbright is able to handle a tremendous range and volume of finance mandates across all the main transport asset classes. Shipping remains the heartbeat of the practice, and the ‘very professional‘ team, which is also able to call upon assistance from practitioners in key maritime centres, including Hamburg and Piraeus, has effectively been able to guide a myriad of stakeholders, including owners, lessors, banks and funds, through the choppy waters left in the wake of the pandemic. The ‘pragmatic and solutions-driven‘ Simon Hartley has a ‘very strong and precious franchise in the cruise sector‘ and has an excellent perspective from both lender and borrower side as a result of his strong ties with commercial banks, ECAs and operators. Indeed, along with the firm’s Hamburg office, he recently assisted core client Carnival on its $6bn capital raising. Eleanor Martin is ‘wonderful to work with‘, and has developed particular expertise in relation to the financing of offshore equipment, including support vessels, FPSOs and drilling rigs. Simon Gwynne and Tom Johnson are key practitioners within the firm’s thriving rail practice, which continues to handle a range of finance and leasing work for private and public sector stakeholders, both from a purely domestic as well as international perspective. On the aviation front, the firm has lender and borrower-side expertise across the spectrum of new money and restructuring mandates, including sale and leasebacks and ECA-backed financings. Duncan Batchelor is particularly well known for advising on high-value, structured financings including Japanese, French, UK and Luxembourg lease structures, and transactions involving portfolios of aircraft. Will Alete also continues to impress, primarily as a result of his work for new and established airlines; he was promoted to partner in January 2021, as was Andrew Williams, who covers a broad range of sectors.Practice head(s):
Duncan Batchelor
Other key lawyers:
Owen Mulholland; Giles Brand; Tom Johnson; Simon Gwynne; Simon Hartley; Simon Lew; Richard Howley; Eleanor Martin; Will Alete; Dan Cowdy; Andrew Williams; Richard Green
Testimonials
‘The team is very professional and able to manage complicated transactions while meeting ultra challenging deadlines.’
‘Norton Rose Fulbright are the market leaders in aircraft structured asset financing.’
‘It is a highly skilled and effective team.’
‘The pragmatic and solutions-driven Simon Hartley is a highly talented legal advisor, managing complicated situations calmly. He is very hands on and knows how to get a deal done.’
‘Owen Mulholland has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of aircraft financing with a particular strength in dealing with complex aircraft purchase agreements.’
‘Simon Hartley has a very strong and precious franchise on the cruise sector. He not only understands legal situations but also the commercial situations.’
‘Eleanor Martin is wonderful to work with.’
‘Dan Cowdy has excellent in depth knowledge of our business and our agreements. He is always available and offers sound and balanced advice.’
Key clients
Amedeo + Voyager Aviation
Gener8 Maritime Inc.
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
BNP Paribas
Carnival Corp.
Citigroup
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Crown Commercial Services Rail panel
DNB Markets, Inc.
DHL
DP Aircraft/ DS Aviation
DVB
easyJet
Eversholt
Equitix
Global Ship Lease
The Go-Ahead Group
InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo)
John Laing Infrastructure Fund
JP Morgan
KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH
Lagos State Government
Lombard North Central PLC
Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT S.A.
Macquarie
NORD/LB
ORIX Corporation
P&O Ferries
Clover Aviation Capital(formally Ping An Aircraft Leasing Company Limited)
Prime Capital AG
Qatar National Bank
Qatar Reinsurance
SACE S.p.A.
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS)
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (SEB)
Stadler Rail
Standard Chartered Bank
Stena
Société Générale
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
UK Export Finance
UniCredit
Volga Dnepr Airlines (Ireland) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised easyJet on the sale and leaseback of 56 of its Airbus A320 NEO family and A320 CEO family aircraft with seven lessor counterparties, enabling the airline to generate over $1.8bn of cash proceeds.
- Advised SMBC Leasing (UK) and Equitix on the termination of the Wales and Borders franchise, effectively nationalising passenger rail operations on those lines. The firm’s advice included the transfer of agreements in respect of the finance, purchase and leasing of over £1bn rolling stock.
- Advised KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and Carnival corporation in relation to the ‘Cruise Holiday Principles’ introduced by the German ECA Hermes in March 2020 in response to the impact of Covid-19 on the cruise sector which were then adopted in the same or similar form by the other European export credit agencies.
Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 1
The London office of Norton Rose Fulbright works with a network of more than 60 offices worldwide, bringing together an impressive range of expertise to assist major corporates, borrowers, sponsors, investment banks, government bodies, ECAs, multilaterals, and off-takers on major projects around the globe. Acting for both lenders and borrowers on large financing transactions, the firm is known for its expertise in projects in Africa, and its in-depth knowledge of project finance, energy, mining and construction work. Global head of business Martin McCann leads the broad multi-disciplinary group. Mark Berry is a construction and projects expert who specialises in EPC and EPCM contracts in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, while Daniel Metcalfe specialises in complex finance transactions in the energy and natural resources sectors. Madhavi Gosavi handles the development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects, both in Europe and Africa; and Charles Whitney handles complex project financings involving export credit agencies, particularly in Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. Corporate specialist Raj Karia focuses on deals in the mining and minerals sector; up-and-coming partner Daniel Giemajner leads the mining group for EMEA.
Practice head(s):
Martin McCann
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A diverse range of specialist disciplines, so you can access the correct person for the job. Immediate and timely responses to work requests and deadlines. Great continuity of people. You can revisit a topic many years later and know the same people will respond and they immediately have all the background to the issue.’
‘Pragmatic solutions, not dogmatic with respect to a position or certain forms of wording. Accessible, easy to engage with associates who you can easily make a connection with.’
Key clients
Africa Finance Corporation
AIG
Al Rayan Bank
AT&T
Bank of America
Bank of China
Bankmed, Sal
Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi
Balfour Beatty
Barrick Gold
BHP
BMW
Bombardier
BP
Brookfield
Cell C
Citi
Crédit Agricole
Danaos
DBS Bank
Deutsche Bank
Ministry of Finance of Angola
Domino’s Pizza
ExxonMobil
GSK
Guarantco
HSBC
ICBC
IMI Group
International Finance Corporation
ING
JP Morgan
Marubeni
Mercuria Energy
Macquarie
McLaren
Rio Tinto
Rosneft Oil
Royal Bank of Canada
Proparco
Shell
SNC Lavalin
TowerShare
Trafigura
Tullow
Turk Telekomünikasyon
Wells Fargo
United Overseas Bank
Work highlights
- Advising lenders (including Société Générale, Export Development Canada, Nedbank KfW and SEK) in relation to the $1bn financing of Ivanhoe Mines’ greenfield Platreef platinum mine in South Africa.
- Advised Appian Capital Advisory as sponsor on the project financing of the Serrote copper and gold mine in Brazil, owned by Mineração Vale Verde do Brasil Ltda.
- Advising RK Mine Finance (part of the Red Kite investment group) on the financing of AIM-listed Bacanora Lithium’s Sonora lithium project in Mexico.
Industry focus > TMT Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright combines its comprehensive offering in the field of TMT with a unique technology consulting practice, led by Peter McBurney and Madeline Bailey, who previously worked as the global head of strategic initiatives at MS Amlin. On the technology side, the firm advises start-ups, growth stage companies and large corporates in relation to major joint ventures, consortia agreements, M&A and investments. In the telecoms space, the team is involved in major digital infrastructure transactions and commercial agreements, including fibre and satellite deals and submarine cable arrangements. Sean Murphy handles a wide range of corporate matters for technology clients, with a particular focus on the fintech sector, while James Russell provides critical advice on outsourcing, IT and IP mandates; additionally, he supports clients with AI issues, DLT work, smart contracts and systems procurement matters. Oliver Stacey frequently assists TMT clients with corporate and commercial transactions, predominantly in the telecoms sector. Caroline Thomas advises clients on contentious and non-contentious competition issues; she recently advised PayPal on a CMA review following its acquisitions of iZettle and Honey. Zayed Al Jamil, who was promoted to partner in January 2021, is also a standout member of the team, with notable expertise in market data transactions.
Practice head(s):
Sean Murphy; Oliver Stacey; James Russell
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Thomas; Zayed Al Jamil; Charlotte Rowlandson; Peter McBurney; Madeline Bailey; Paul Joseph
Testimonials
‘James Russell – pragmatic advice, excellent in negotiations. Paul Joseph – really good strategic advice on technology matters.’
Key clients
Airband Community Internet Limited
Bolt
Community Fibre
Deliveroo
Etisalat
Modern Times Group
Mubadala Investment Company
Newegg
Orange
PayPal Inc.
Purplebricks
Starling Bank
TowerShare
Unily
Vodacom
Vodafone
Work highlights
- Advising Modern Times Group AB on its acquisition of Hutch Games Ltd, a leading developer and publisher of free-to-play mobile games focused on the racing genre.
- Advising ride-hailing app Bolt on a range of commercial, employment and regulatory matters.
- Advising Vodacom on a software development and licensing agreement relating to the development and customisation of the Alipay digital payment platform.
Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright’s global reach is a key differentiator for its insurance team, with one of its recent work highlights involving over 50 jurisdictions. The team is led by James Bateson, whose workload includes advice to clients on M&A, joint ventures, distribution arrangements and Part VII transfers. Another name to note is Maria Ross, who is also highly skilled in handling Part VII transfers, as well as longevity reassurance transactions. On the regulatory side, Bob Haken has expertise in Solvency II issues. Noleen John (a former head of legal at AXA UK) is well-versed in insurance and life insurance regulations. David Whear, Matthew Foster and Nicholas Berry are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
James Bateson
Other key lawyers:
Maria Ross; David Whear; Bob Haken; Noleen John; Matthew Foster; Nicholas Berry; Simon Baker; Charlotte Rowlandson; Isabella Jones; Rosemary Finn
Testimonials
‘They are our group’s preferred lawyers for M&A.’
‘NRF’s corporate insurance practice stands out as a team with a genuinely deep understanding of, and plenty of experience doing deals in, the insurance sector. It is able to seamlessly draw on specialists from other departments with complementary skillsets.’
‘Partners and associates alike are very responsive. Matt Foster, in particular, makes clients feel like they are his top priority.‘
‘They are technically excellent, so you always know you’re in safe hands. Alongside this, they’re just very good people, easy to get along with and always with one eye on the longer term relationship. This means that they always take a very commercial approach.’
‘Nico Berry is extremely competent at what he does, but just as importantly he makes it clear that his priority is building a long term relationship, with an appropriate amount of time and resource committed on his side. Charlotte Rowlandson is a star in the making. She is absolutely superb at what she does, juggling numerous complex issues and stakeholders effortlessly.‘
‘Good knowledge of the market. Experienced.‘
‘Very deep industry knowledge. Very collegiate firm. Strong partners and associates.‘
‘David Whear is deeply experienced and has great judgement. He also has both deep industry knowledge and understanding of our business. He is also down to earth and likeable.’
Key clients
AIG
Aquiline Capital Partners
Arch Insurance
AXA LG
Axis
Bain Capital
Berkshire Hathaway
Chubb
Generali
Liberty
Pioneer Underwriting
Primary Group
Stable Group
Travelers
Work highlights
- Advised Bain on its acquisition of Liverpool Victoria Financial Services Limited
- Advised Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc (MMC) on its sale of GCube Underwriting.
- Advised Carmine Papa of PKF Littlejohn, the independent expert appointed in connection with the Part 7 transfer of EEA business written at Lloyd’s to Lloyd’s Insurance Company S.A. in Belgium.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure Tier 1
The Norton Rose Fulbright infrastructure practice provides a full service that leverages the firm’s strengths in energy, resources, real estate, corporate, disputes and regulation. This broad expertise is combined with domestic and international reach, particularly projects in Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America, the Middle East and increasingly Latin America. A specialism for the group includes the delivery of PPP projects in emerging and developed markets, as well as the management and recovery of distressed assets. The intersection between energy, infrastructure and natural resources financing is another forte. Global head of business Martin McCann leads the team and has experience in financing and restructuring. Also notable is Matthew Hardwick, who advises infrastructure investors and funders on infrastructure and energy projects globally.
Practice head(s):
Martin McCann
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Hardwick; Daniel Metcalfe; Rosa Mottershead; Madhavi Gosavi; Stephen Rigby
Testimonials
‘Well rounded team, good use of legal tech and a can do attitude. Do not over staff deals’
‘Matt Hardwick is very good – extremely likeable, pragmatic, good sector knowledge and presence’
‘Excellent support throughout the team led brilliantly by Dan Metcalfe and Rosa Mottershead. Knowledgeable, helpful, very courteous, always available and capable of providing advice in terms of legal solutions and/or legal risks of adopting certain proposal’
Key clients
Absa Bank Limited
AMG Pension Fund
Armstrong Energy Limited
Balfour Beatty
BP
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
European Investment Bank
Greencoat UK Wind plc
Hellenic Republic Development Fund
Hermes Investment Management
John Laing Infrastructure
JP Morgan
Lloyds Banking Group
Octopus Investments
Orange SA
Sacturino Limited
Standard Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
The Renewable Infrastructure Group Limited
Baltic Connector Oy
Laing O’Rourke
INA-INDUSTRIJA NAFTE, d.d. (INA) and Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas, S.A.
TAV Havalimanlari and Al-Rajhi Group
Ministry of Finance
Eurasian Resources Group
Stanbic Bank Kenya
Marubeni Corporation and Techint Chile S.A.
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium of 29 lenders and 3 export credit agencies on the financial close of the first two phases of Dogger Bank offshore wind farm. When complete in 2026, it will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
- Advising the Lenders on various lots in the Kenyan Annuity Roads Programme, which aims to construct up to 10,000 kilometres of new roads across the country. These are the first PPP projects in Kenya and are being tendered on long term contracts for design, finance, construction and maintenance of identified roads.
- A longterm role advising a consortium of lenders and financers of the project finance required for the construction of Seagreen, which involved bringing the project to financial close. Also had a separate role with a separate team advising Total Renewables on the M&A process, which saw Total acquire a majority interest in the project.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright fields a strong mining and minerals practice group which focuses on the Latin American and African markets. Overseen by Martin McCann, the multi-disciplinary team handles private equity deals, cross-border financing transactions and dispute resolution matters for large mining companies including Anglo American. The core team comprises Raj Karia, who focuses on capital markets transactions, Daniel Metcalfe, who advises commercial lenders and financial institutions, Holly Stebbing and Daniel Giemajner. At associate level, project finance specialist Felicity Brown remains a key contact. Other names of note include the corporate finance-focused Jon Perry, who has significant expertise in the Asian markets. The practice regularly works on international deals with the firm's offices in Washington DC, Amsterdam and Paris.
Practice head(s):
Martin McCann
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team that I worked with was not only responsive but also proactive and always available to discuss questions or concerns, which made making time-sensitive business decisions a much more streamlined process.’
‘Daniel Giemajner is very approachable and friendly – and his advice is proactive, pragmatic and commercial. He is also always quick to respond when needed. He makes dealing with difficult issues much less stressful.’
‘Strong partner-led support on a timely and amicable basis. Daniel Giemajner is flexible, knowledgable and amicable.’
‘A really strong team that is good to work with, particularly Jon Perry.’
‘They have a strong technical and legal understanding and the ability to explain the alternatives and the advantages and disadvantages to the client. A collaborative approach with all parties involved reduces unnecessary conflict (which in turn is less expensive and time consuming). They have a clear understanding of client objectives and legal advice is given accordingly. Very responsive and quick turn-around on documents.’
‘Dan Metcalfe is respectful of all parties involved in negotiations and has deep project finance experience, particularly in Africa, and a strong working relationship with lenders and legal counsel for lenders. He is able to tailor his advice and approach based on an understanding of our objectives and offer alternative solutions to consider.’
Key clients
Allied Gold
Alufer
Anglo American
AngloGold Ashanti
Appian Natural Resources Fund
Aureus Mining
Banro
Barclays
Bellzone Mining Rio Tinto
BHP Billiton
Caterpillar Finance
Centamin plc
Centerra Gold Inc
Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee
EIB
Endeavour Mining
ERG
FMO
First Rand Bank (RMB)
IAMGold
La Mancha
Lucara Diamond Corporation
Lundin Gold Inc
Nedbank
Petropavlovsk Plc
Red Kite Mine Finance
Roxgold
Shalina Resources
Standard Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Societe Generale
Taurus Mining Fund
Tizir Limited
Trafigura
TrueGold
Yara International
Work highlights
- Advised Appian Capital Advisory as sponsor on the project financing of the Serrote copper and gold mine in Brazil, owned by Mineração Vale Verde do Brasil Ltda.
- Advising TRQ in connection with a gold streaming transaction derived from gold from the world-class Oyu Tolgoi copper/gold mine in Mongolia.
- Advised CBG (which is owned by Rio Tinto, Alcoa, Dadco, and the State of Guinea) in connection with the $800m expansion of its Sangaredi bauxite mine in western Guinea and the most recent $200m financing of its shared railway infrastructure.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright has an excellent track record of advising on big-ticket renewable energy transactions and continues to demonstrate its industry expertise across the hydrogen projects space. Led by Rob Marsh in London, who is singed out for his advisory work to lenders and sponsors, the group acts in relation to offshore wind assets, solar power work, and project financings. Julien Bocobza, who was previously based in the firm's Tokyo office, is noted for his handling of energy transition projects across Europe and other emerging markets. The core team also includes Christopher Down , who advises on power projects across Asia and the Middle East. The team, which also includes banking specialist Charles Whitney and infrastructure and projects lawyer Madhavi Gosavi, regularly works with colleagues in Singapore, Paris and other global offices on large-scale international mandates.
Practice head(s):
Rob Marsh
Other key lawyers:
Madhav Gosavi; Chris Down; Charles Whitney; Julien Bocobza
Testimonials
‘The team has experienced partners and associates with a lot of recent projects experience in the sector. Moreover, each lawyer was well connected each other, thus it makes the work very smooth and efficient. It saved a lot of time and costs.’
‘Julien Bocobza has good connections with sponsors and lenders. Also he is super efficient and speedy in every action. He is a solution oriented lawyer, so always seek results rather than being trapped by every small issue.’
‘Julien Bocobza was very efficient, finding solutions when the negotiations were blocked. He has huge experience in renewables and perfectly know the market practices in both M&A and project development contracts.’
Key clients
Bank of Tokyo MUFG
Brookfield Renewable Power
EDF Renewables
Greencoat UK Wind plc
IFC
Jinko Power
Marubeni
Masdar
Ministry of Finance of Angola
Neoen
RWE
Total Renewables
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium of 29 lenders and three export credit agencies on the financial close of the first two phases of Dogger Bank offshore wind farm.
- Advising JBIC and a syndicate of international banks on the $957m financing of the Fujairah F3 Independent Power Producer project in the United Arab Emirates.
- Advising a consortium of EDF Renouvelables and Jinko Power Company Limited on the project financing and development of the Abu Dhabi-based 2GW Al-Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Producer project.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright leverages its considerable international network to support on an array of inward investment transactions and cross-border real estate projects. The practice counts its expertise in energy, infrastructure and large-scale social housing schemes as its keystones and is able to tap into the firm’s wider finance, tax and corporate structuring capabilities to provide a full lifecycle service. Dan Wagerfield fronts the global real estate practice from London, providing distinguished experience in mixed-use developments and outbound capital from Asia; he is supported by UK practice head Wasim Khan, a prominent Islamic finance specialist, as well as David Hawkins who has been supporting London Olympia on its ongoing £2bn redevelopment . David Sinclair enjoys a first-rate reputation for both investment and development matters, particularly those at offices and hotels, while well-regarded counsel Louisa Roe is particularly integral to the corporate occupier offering which supports landlords and tenants from initial lease negotiation through to terminations and subsequent disputes.
Practice head(s):
Wasim Khan
Other key lawyers:
Louisa Roe; David Sinclair; Charlie Pinkerton; David Hawkins; Dan Wagerfield
Testimonials
‘The team works well together and collaborates across the departments to ensure issues are assessed and taken care of.’
‘Everyone we deal with at Norton Rose Fulbright is highly capable, hardworking, pleasant to work with and, importantly, have a sense of humour (the latter has been important given the challenges the last year has thrown at us!)’
‘We deal with many solicitors – Louisa Roe and her team are the most commercial and proactive team I have dealt with in recent years. They are incredibly responsive to both the client’s requirements and to input made by ourselves. Their turnaround time is exceptional. They are very collaborative as a team and bring the wider team together with is critical in making deals happen and so often is not the case with other solicitors.’
‘A team of solicitors I have always enjoyed working with. The partners are very approachable, and all the associates are extremely knowledgeable about the real estate sector and have got me out of trouble a few times.’
‘Louisa Roe is head and shoulders above other solicitors we deal with day in day out. Very commercial, brilliant at problem solving, great attention to deal, incredibly responsive.’
‘David Hawkins has excellent engagement with and understanding of the complexities of deals. Very committed and never let us down on timing. David is very well supported by Louisa Roe and both work extremely hard.’
Key clients
MS Amlin Corporate Services
Exane S.A.
DP World London Gateway
Bank of Montreal
VF International
Trainline
Civitas Social Housing
IMI plc
Korn/Ferry International
1 Spinningfields Unit Trust
WELPUT
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management
SOFAZ
Olympia London
EasyJet Airline Company Ltd
Ivanhoé Cambridge
Prime London Ventures
SAAB Technologies UK Limited
Ashby Capital
Barnard’s Inn Unit Trust
Prudential Plc
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
Khoo Teck Puat Charitable Foundation
Europa Capital/Hobart Partners
Resolution Property Holdings
McGill & Partners
BMW
Rolls-Royce Motorcars Limited
Mini
British Racing Drivers Club (Silverstone)
Commerz Real
State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan
GLL Real Estate Partners
Work highlights
- Advised the developers of the £2bn redevelopment project at Olympia London on the first pre-letting of the music venue to AEG Presents and hotel operator agreements with Hyatt and CitizenM.
- Advised the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) on the re-gearing of its headlease at 78 St James’s Street to facilitate its proposed redevelopment of the historic Grace II* listed building.
- Advised Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) on the re-gearing of its existing leases and its expansion at 40 Portman Square.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech Tier 1
With Norton Rose Fulbright having historical strengths in both the financial services and technology sectors, it is able to leverage its capabilities across a number of key disciplines to provide a full service to clients. It houses practitioners whose expertise spans areas such as banking, financial services regulatory, IP/IT, data privacy, payments and tax. The firm has recently been acting on a number of funding matters for fintech businesses, and it also advises on P2P platforms, payment systems, insurtech, regtech and cryptocurrencies. Sean Murphy counts start-ups, investors, banks and asset managers among his clientele. Nicholas Berry handles M&A, regulatory and transactional work. Victoria Birch and Imogen Garner are recommended for blockchain matters, while Hannah Meakin is recommended for advice on regulatory matters and cryptocurrency issues. Senior associate Charlotte Rowlandson has notable experience of corporate work, including venture capital and growth equity investments. Madeline Bailey joined as a consultant from an in-house role at MS Amlin.
Practice head(s):
Sean Murphy; Victoria Birch; Imogen Garner; Hannah Meakin; Nicholas Berry
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Good depth of expertise and global coverage.’
‘Very responsive and able to make time for calls even with mis-matched time zones involved.’
‘Quick turn around on several drafting requests.’
Key clients
AIG
Anansi
Arch
FMO
HSBC Investment Bank
Global Parametrics
Global Blockchain Business Council
IG Markets
InsurWave
Nexus Mutual
Northern Trust
Pay.UK – the UK’s New Payment System Operator
Paxos (formerly itBit)
Paypal
Post Trade Distributed Ledger Group
Riskbook
Revenio Capital
SmartCo
Stable Group
Standard Chartered Bank
Starling Bank
Superfluid
TPAY
Zego
Zurich
Work highlights
- Advising Northern Trust on its investment in Zodia Custody – a start-up providing institutional-grade custody for cryptocurrencies – with joint venture partner SC Ventures the innovation and ventures unit of Standard Chartered.
- Advised longstanding client Starling Bank on its latest £272m Series D funding round (its largest ever), valuing the company at £1.1bn pre-money.
- Advising Zego on its $150m Series C round of funding, valuing the business at $1.1bn and making Zego the UK’s first privately held InsurTech “unicorn.”
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright is very active in IT and telecoms, demonstrating considerable expertise in data privacy, outsourcing and regulatory mandates, in addition to strength in the emerging areas of fintech, insurtech and digital payments. Sean Murphy leads the firm's technology practice, focusing primarily on cross-border transactions, investments and joint ventures in the fintech sector; Oliver Stacey has a wealth of experience in telecoms transactions throughout the MENA region, Central and Eastern Europe and Africa; James Russell has strong credentials in onshore and offshore outsourcing, systems procurement and smart contracts. Zayed Al Jamil, who became a partner in 2021, is recommended for his role in outsourcing, blockchain and AI projects.
Practice head(s):
Sean Murphy; Oliver Stacey; James Russell
Other key lawyers:
Zayed al Jamil
Testimonials
‘Zayed Al Jamil was invaluable in helping us complete a complex, challenging contract. He’s intelligent, personable, pragmatic and is able to deal effectively with difficult counterparts. As the chief negotiator, I spent a lot of time with him and because we worked so well together the arrival of the pandemic didn’t really unduly detrimentally affect our ability to close out the negotiations.’
‘Highly professional, approachable partners who are extremely knowledgeable about their areas and/or sectors of expertise.’
‘Approachable, responsive, fee conscious, experienced and knowledgeable.’
‘James Russell is a committed, practical lawyer with an immense depth of expertise.’
Key clients
Bolt
Cell C
Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank (CACIB)
De Beers
Econet Wireless
Etisalat
Gemcorp Capital
Helios Investment Partners
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Modern Times Group (MTG)
Mubadala Investment Company
Newegg
Orange
Paxos Trust Company, LLC
PayPal Inc.
Post Office
PTCL
Shell Ventures BV
Starling Bank
Telenor
TeliaSonera
TowerShare
Unily
VAKT Global Limited
Veon
Vodacom
Vodafone
Work highlights
- Advising the Post Office on a major multi-supplier outsourcing covering telecoms network, IT, service integration and management, the provision of consumer hardware and contact centre services.
- Advising Modern Times Group MTG AB (MTG) on its acquisition of Hutch Games Ltd (Hutch), a leading developer and publisher of free-to-play mobile games focused on the racing genre.
- Advising Landis+Gyr on its strategic, multi-year partnership with Google to accelerate its transition to the cloud and to co-innovate new products and services. It’s the first partnership of this kind for the energy management industry.
Transport > Aviation Tier 1
Norton Rose Fulbright is known for its 'strength and depth' in the aviation sector, with a track record of work on major commercial contracts and disputes, Brexit-related regulatory matters, insurance and M&A. Global aviation head Duncan Batchelor specialises in asset finance and a range of commercial matters, working with aviation disputes head Patrick Farrell and 'tenacious litigator' Robin Springthorpe. Aviation disputes partner Charlotte Winter is noted for her work regarding redelivery and purchase contract disputes, while counsel Annabelle Wheeler is 'one to watch' for her work on complex commercial litigation and arbitration. Competition partner Ian Giles advises on cartel investigations and merger control. Commercial specialist Will Alete was promoted to the partnership in January 2021.
Practice head(s):
Duncan Batchelor; Patrick Farrell; Robin Springthorpe
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte Winter; Annabelle Wheeler; Ian Giles; Will Alete; Chris Randall; Zayba Drabu; Dan Cowdy
Testimonials
‘Duncan Batchelor, Robin Springthorpe and Annabelle Wheeler are very professional, with strong aviation knowledge, especially within technical matters – they are fast and responsive.’
‘A very well respected firm within this sector and with an excellent knowledge of airline wants and needs – probably the only law firm that has such a well-rounded practice. They resource each matter in the appropriate manner.’
‘The team is responsive and personable. They understand common issues in aviation and can explain it in a way that is easy to understand. They are able to propose commercially viable solutions in light of market practice.’
‘Chris Randall is outstanding in all respects – he is always available and incredibly responsive and efficient; and adds value at a high level. He takes the lead for us in a very effective manner, always representing our interests.’
‘Zayba Drabu – a fantastic lawyer, responsive, knowledgeable and clear in her advice.’
‘Dan Cowdy is very attentive, conscientious and not afraid to voice an opinion.’
‘Annabelle Wheeler is an excellent lawyer – she is highly knowledgeable, delivering a service well above her job title. Highly responsive, very commercial and great fun to work with. Was great to have her in the trenches with us on a very tricky transaction. Felt a real partnership with her, that you don’t always get with specialists. One to watch.’
‘Robin Springthorpe is a leader in his field – a tenacious litigator.’
Key clients
Amedeo + Voyager Aviation
AirTanker
British Airways
The Carlyle Group (formerly Apollo Aviation)
CargoLogicAir
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
easyJet (legal panel)
FTAI AirOpCo UK Limited
Gama Aviation PLC
Jet2.com
NAS Holding
Standard Chartered Aviation Finance
SAS
Tui
Virgin Atlantic
Volga Dnepr Group
WOW Air
Zephyrus Aviation Capital
Work highlights
- Represented FlyNAS in an ongoing dispute regarding the payment of maintenance reserves with Genesis.
- Regularly supported long-time client Delta Air Lines, Inc. on antitrust, competition and corporate matters, and recently on the recapitalisation of Virgin Atlantic (VAA) following VAA’s complex financial restructuring plan.
- Represented Jet2.com on conducting a judicial review against the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Transport > Rail Tier 1
The ‘highly experienced‘ full-service, global rail team at Norton Rose Fulbright has ‘an excellent knowledge‘ of rolling stock procurement, finance, and construction matters for both high speed and light rail. Its experience covers the full spectrum of services, and in 2020 notably advised clients on the renationalisation of the Wales and Borders rail franchise. Global head of rail team Tom Johnson and partner Simon Gwynne are ‘two industry heavyweights‘ in general rail and finance. Susanna Rogers is a key resource for antitrust, regulatory, and procurement matters, while counsel Louise Auty is considered ‘technically excellent‘ for her rail asset finance expertise.Practice head(s):
Tom Johnson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly experienced team with the ability to advise on complex cross-border financial structures.’
‘Tom Johnson is an experienced partner and has strong commercial acumen required to close complex transactions.’
‘A highly experienced team in the rail sector with the expertise to cover all aspects such as project work, disputes and litigation, project finance.’
‘Simon Gwyne is a trustworthy individual who is able to see the commercial reality of the situation and achieve the right outcome.’
‘Norton Rose has an excellent knowledge of the rail industry. The team is led by two industry heavyweights – Tom Johnson and Simon Gwynne – who are then supported by the technically excellent Louise Auty.’
‘Norton Rose has been heavily involved in the rail sector since pre-privatisation. They act for a range of clients in the sector. As a result they have a real in depth knowledge and understanding of all parts of the sector, the issues that impact on it, where it has been and where it is going. Norton Rose has also acted for us for many years so, additionally, they have an excellent understanding of us, where we sit in the sector and where we want to be. These attributes are what we want from our advisers.’
‘Tom Johnson is excellent. He knows what is important. He is knowledgeable, clever, commercial and pragmatic.’
‘For a business like ours where rail is only a smaller part of our business, we really appreciate a business like Norton Rose Fulbright where there are two senior partners who we can approach – Simon Gwynne for finance and the Tom Johnson for general matters.’
Key clients
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
The City of Ottawa
Crown Commercial Services (Rail Panel)
Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (panel)
The Department for Transport (DfT)
DVB Bank SE and DZ Bank AG
Eversholt Rail
Equitix
The Go-Ahead Group Plc
Joint venture between Ferrovial Agroman (UK) Limited and Fluor Limited (the JV)
Lagos State Government
Lloyds Banking Group plc
Lombard North Central plc
Metrolinx (Greater Toronto Transportation Authority)
Stadler Rail
Thales Ground Transportation Systems UK Limited
SMBC Leasing (UK)
Work highlights
- Advised SMBC Leasing (UK) and Equitix on the termination of the Wales and Borders rail franchise, effectively nationalising passenger rail operations on those lines.
- Advised Lagos State Government on the Blue Line Metro project, a cross-border project in Lagos consisting of a 27.5km railway running from East to West between Okokomaiko in western Lagos and Marina on Lagos Island.
- Acted for Lombard North Central plc in connection with their extension of financing via a hire purchase arrangement to Colas Rail Limited.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 2
At Norton Rose Fulbright, lawyers handle investigations and enforcement actions initiated by the UK regulators and authorities, and have the ability to work alongside colleagues in the firm’s international office network in multi-jurisdictional investigations. Other areas of expertise include skilled person reviews and remediation programmes, as well as financial criminal defence. Katie Stephen, ‘undoubtedly one of the best financial services practitioners in the City’, co-leads the team alongside David Harris, another stand-out contentious regulatory practitioner.Practice head(s):
Katie Stephen; David Harris
Other key lawyers:
Rachel McDonnell; Sally Tavares
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable in this space, instructed on many of the big regulatory dispute.’
‘Katie Stephen – brilliant litigator who tirelessly fights for her clients.’
‘The team is very responsive and able to nimbly deal with complex regulatory and jurisdictional issues. They have a quick grasp on complex market issues and the regulatory issues around them.’
‘I have principally worked with Katie Stephen. She has been very quick to develop an understanding of the key issues and to break these down in a clear and concise way. She has also shown strong co-ordination with our US counsel and managed to skilfully navigate the differing US and UK legal and regulatory requirements.’
‘The in depth knowledge of the topic and the practical application to our challenges is excellent. The team are approachable and talk in a straight forward way I can understand. When they explain complex issues they have the way of expressing the issues which I can analyse and understand quickly. They have understood our complex corporate history, and they have been very innovative in helping us navigate a complex and changing environment.’
‘The straight talking, supportive dialogue has been invaluable to us. we have been able to make rapid decisions as we have been able to get clear guidance, quickly. The ability of the NRF team to work collaboratively (with us and across their own disciplines) has been excellent, and really made a difference to us. We feel we own our decisions, but that we have made them with all the information we need. The whole team have been excellent, nominating any individual feels unfair!‘
‘Norton Rose have sophisticated lawyers experienced in dealing with the most complex financial services cases.’
‘Katie Steven deals with complex financial services litigation. She has an excellent command of the detail in these cases. She is also a pleasure to deal with – very collaborative in her approach to colleagues and other parties. This is an approach that undoubtedly works in encouraging co-operation of stakeholders.’
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 2
The financial services and regulatory group at Norton Rose Fulbright excels at governance, conduct and markets issues. The team is well versed in accountability regimes for senior managers, social governance frameworks, in addition to issues arising from trading and post-trading interactions. The overall department and global practice head is Jonathan Herbst; Imogen Garner is the main contact for conduct regulation; Hannah Meakin takes the lead on markets regulation; while Katie Stephen is responsible for the governance practice. Counsel Matthew Gregory is an expert in cross-border regulatory matters, particularly where there is a crossover between UK and EU law.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Herbst; Imogen Garner; Hannah Meakin; Katie Stephen
Other key lawyers:
Albert Weatherill; Matthew Gregory
Testimonials
‘Norton Rose’s delivery time is quicker than other firms we use, and their knowledge of UK regulation is impressive. They have been innovative and helpful in providing secondments, free training, and answering quick ad hoc questions on an unchargeable basis. That flexibility, and their expertise, has led us to look to them first in many situations when we would have previously gone to a Magic Circle firm.’
‘Imogen Garner is engaging and extremely knowledgeable. Always available and makes it seem effortless. User-friendly. Hannah Milkin is excellent technical skills. Jonathan Herbst uses his superior intellect not to outwit others but to simplify complex matters in order to provide useful, useable advice. He is an in-house lawyer’s ideal external lawyer.’
‘We mainly deal with Norton Rose Fulbright in our ESG work. This is of key importance to our members. Their ability to stand up experts in discussions with members and in understanding regulatory proposals as well as assisting in formulating policy recommendations is why we use them.’
‘Our lead partner is Imogen Garner, who is both charming and very sharp. Imogen is accessible as well as expert where she needs to be.’
‘I deal with seniors – very strong in a broad range of areas with a focus on prompt and practical advice. Capacity to be technical but also to demystify complex matters for broader audience. They understand our business and what matters to us and to our clients.’
‘Jonathan Herbst has a wealth of knowledge and experience – ability to get very quickly to practical solutions to complex issues. Not afraid to take a view.’
Key clients
Citadel
CME Group
FIA
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
KKR
New Payments Systems Operator
River and Mercantile
Societe Generale
UK Finance
Work highlights
- Advised, with Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP, Bain on its acquisition of Liverpool Victoria Financial Services Limited (“LVFS”). LVFS is the second largest insurance mutual in the UK with over one million members, and provides both with-profits and non-profits products. This is a highly significant transaction, involving the demutualisation of LVFS, and has received a great deal of press coverage.
- Advised UK Finance, the leading industry body for banking and financial services, and a consortium of seven of the UK’s largest retail and corporate banks, on the launch of the pioneering and widely used UK Government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
- Instructed by Europex to conduct a study on the impact of European Union financial services law and regulation on the wholesale electricity and gas markets with a view to producing a report for the European policy and law makers to consider in their further development of legislation that might affect this sector.
Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright‘s tax team has a full service offering for a broad range of corporate and finance transactions. The team’s growing activity in the VAT space has led to the formation of the firm’s European VAT group; advising clients on the impact of Brexit on the import and export of goods and services has been a strong area of focus. Chris Bates heads the European VAT practice and has extensive experience advising on a range of financial and asset finance transactions. Dominic Stuttaford is the head of tax for Europe, the Middle East and Asia; Stuttaford advises on corporate finance transactions and structures, with particular expertise in the insurance and technology sectors.Practice head(s):
Dominic Stuttaford
Other key lawyers:
Chris Bates; Matthew Hodkin; Michael Alliston; Julia Lloyd
Key clients
Barclays Bank Plc
Bibby Financial Services
Bombardier
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners
Centrica
Civitas Social Housing PLC
Commerz Real Investmentgesellschaft mb
Credit Agricole
France Telecom
Gatehouse Bank
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
Lloyds Banking Group
London Gateway Port Limited
Mubadala Investment Company PJSC
Santander
Statoil
UBM
Vodacom Group
Welput (the West End of London Property Unit Trust – operated by Schroders plc)
No
Al Rayan Bank PLC
Work highlights
- Acting for BMW on its ongoing successful appeal to the Court of Appeal concerning the working of the VAT rules relating to VAT grouping and which entity is entitled to claim a refund of VAT where there have been changes to the composition of a VAT group over time.
- Acting for Takeda (formerly Shire) in a restitution claim in the stamp taxes group litigation order relating to stamp duty reserve tax.
- Advised a range of clients across the firm’s transport group on the potential indirect tax consequences of Brexit on their businesses, both in anticipation of a no deal Brexit and following the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2
The multidisciplinary Norton Rose Fulbright practice is known for the depth of arbitration and litigation expertise in the team, as well as its specialisms in cyber work, fintech and ICOs (initial coin offerings). The firm is ‘excellent on the detail of the case, the law and case management’ and is recommended for its ‘fine sense of the client’s commercial objectives‘. Michael Godden leads the department and can draw from a deep bench that includes corporate disputes specialist Ruth Cowley, banking litigation expert Harriet Jones-Fenleigh and associate James Lockwood, who focuses on civil fraud, asset-tracing and enforcement matters.Practice head(s):
Michael Godden
Other key lawyers:
Harriet Jones-Fenleigh; James Lockwood; Ruth Cowley; Radford Goodman
Testimonials
‘The team contains several giants in their field as well as star associates. Katie Stephen is at the top of the market for anything related to regulatory crime/investigations (including fraud); Dominic Stuttaford has supreme knowledge of tax law and is an invaluable resource in any fraud cases with a tax element; James Lockwood is an up and coming superstar, he is an associate to watch; Harriet Jones-Fenleigh is a delight to work with and 100% trustworthy’.
‘My experience of the NRF litigation teams shows how they bring their knowledge of specialist areas – in my case, banking – to bear on fraud claims’.
‘Fraud claims rarely exist in a vacuum and this ability to combine specialist expertise with the litigation strategy required in fraud cases marks out the NRF team I am currently working with Radford Goodman who has shown great sensitivity to the broader issues in play while providing his clear advice to the client’.
‘James Lockwood, Counsel, is class act, very responsive and gives practical and commercial advice; clients love him. Sure to be a star of the future’.
‘Ruth Cowley: she’s absolutely first-rate. A top quality mind, an excellent lawyer, a fearsome opponent, and one of the top fraud lawyers around’.
‘Harriet Jones-Fenleigh: a young partner, who is rightly rated as a superstar. Fearsomely clever, monstrously hardworking, and a delight to work with’.
‘James Lockwood: totally outstanding, and someone you want working on any fraud case you’ve got. He produces excellent documents, first-rate analysis and legal research, and has a capacity for hard work second to none’.
‘The team I have worked with have been excellent on the detail of the case, the law, and case management and have also had a fine sense of the client’s commercial objectives’.
Key clients
HSBC
Republic of Angola
Citibank N.A. and Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Citicorp Trustee Company Ltd
Orange Liberia, Inc.
Bank of Scotland plc, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group
Société Générale
Goldman Sachs
Barclays
BNPP Paribas
Emirates NBD Bank
Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 2
With ‘great industry and market knowledge‘, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s dispute resolution team is strong for retail and investment banking litigation and contentious regulatory matters as well as corporate crime investigations, fraud, competition and enforcement issues. Practice head Michael Godden has a breadth of wholesale, commercial and retail banking disputes expertise as well as civil fraud, asset tracing and enforcement experience; Harriet Jones-Fenleigh focuses on commercial and investment banking and counts fintech and cybersecurity matters among her areas of expertise. For default, enforcement, insolvency, fraud and directors’ duties litigation, Radford Goodman is noted while David Harris and counsel Dominic Hennessy are other contacts to note for enforcement proceedings. Paul Morris joined Alston & Bird LLP.Practice head(s):
Michael Godden
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great industry and market knowledge – highly recommended.‘
Key clients
The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c
HSBC
Republic of Angola
Citibank, N.A. and Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Citicorp Trustee Company Ltd
Bank of Scotland plc, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group
Société Générale
Goldman Sachs
Barclays
BNPP Paribas
Emirates NBD Bank
Work highlights
- Acting for The Law Debenture Trust Corporation plc in a high profile US$3.075bn Commercial Court claim brought by a corporate trustee against Ukraine to enforce payment of notes issued by Ukraine in 2013, which it failed to repay on maturity in 2015.
- Defending HSBC in two related complex £1bn and £100m group actions fraud claims.
- Acting for Citi in a $285m Commercial Court dispute concerning financing transactions entered into between certain Citi group entities and commodities trader Mercuria in respect of metal supposedly stored in warehouses at the Chinese ports of Qingdao and Penglai.
Dispute resolution > Commodities disputes Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright has ‘strong practitioners at every level and can handle the most difficult cases in the area – they know the industry inside out‘. The firm has a global platform for commodities and natural resources work, and it frequently acts for leading financial institutions, commodity trading houses, national and international mining and energy companies. EMEA head of litigation Michael Godden and Neil Miller, who leads the energy, infrastructure, trade and transport disputes group, oversee the commodities disputes team. Holly Stebbing handles disputes in the energy and natural resources sector, with a particular focus on Africa, while commercial litigator Antony Corsi, arbitration specialist James Rogers and up-and-coming partner Harriet Jones-Fenleigh handle complex, cross-border matters.Practice head(s):
Michael Godden; Neil Miller
Other key lawyers:
Holly Stebbing; Antony Corsi; James Rogers; Harriet Jones-Fenleigh
Testimonials
‘Outstanding knowledge of the markets and industry context, a highly intelligent approach from great communicators.’
‘The team has a high level of experience in the commercial nuances of the area, achieved through their instruction by a large number of big players in the industry.’
‘Michael Godden is truly excellent. His legal knowledge is just as good as a QC, but he wears his learning lightly and has an excellent client manner and tactical sense.’
‘Quick turnaround, good collaboration between team members, relationship of trust has developed due to long-standing working engagement with NRF.’
‘Norton Rose’s commodities disputes practice is brilliant. Their lawyers are market leaders in the area. They have strong practitioners at every level and can handle the most difficult cases in the area. They know the industry inside out. They are also extremely nice people to work with.’
‘Antony Corsi is very well respected in this field. He has a great sense of strategy and gives very sensible advice.’
Key clients
Citibank N.A. and Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Mercuria Energy Group
Barrick Gold Corporation
Finance > Asset based lending Tier 2
Led from London by 'very effective negotiator' Michael Black and aided by a pervasive international network of offices, Norton Rose Fulbright is particularly effective at advising lenders on complex cross-border ABL-related corporate lending mandates. Much of this work emanates as a result of Black's deeply entrenched relationships with major US-based commercial banks, including Bank of America, which he continues to regularly advise on sophisticated multi-jurisdictional deals, including where the ABL facility forms a key part of an overarching financing structure involving debt capital markets and conventional lending. The 'responsive and user-friendly' Alex Dunn has an 'exceptional knowledge of the lending area' and regularly employs ABL financing techniques for lenders on bilateral and syndicated financings.
Practice head(s):
Michael Black
Other key lawyers:
Alex Dunn; Charlotte Hickman; Helen Masri
Testimonials
‘The team is professional, knowledgeable, practical and very client-focused.’
‘Michael Black is an excellent attorney with deep knowledge of secured lending and the marketplace. He is a very effective negotiator and analyses issues both from a business and legal standpoint and finds creative solutions.’
‘The responsive and very user-friendly Alex Dunn has exceptional knowledge of the lending area.’
Key clients
Wells Fargo
Bank of America
Citibank
JP Morgan Chase Bank
HSBC Invoice Finance
ABN Amro
Citizens Bank
Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec
Regions Bank
Work highlights
- Advised Bank of America in its capacity as agent and lender, under $710m facilities made to IPL Plastics Inc. and its affiliates.
- Advised Bank of America on a $70m ABL facility for the Singer Sewing Machines group.
- Advised JP Morgan Chase in relation to its $40m ABL facility to Trax Group.
Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 2
'The team is very professional with great knowledge of the subject matter', remarks a client of Norton Rose Fulbright. The firm has a recognised market presence in its core areas of both investment grade and emerging market debt, sovereign and supranational issuance, debt restructuring, corporate trust issues, Islamic Finance and Canadian capital markets. Head of DCM Peter Young focuses on cross-border capital market transactions under English and New York law, and he recently advised Coca-Cola HBC on a $1bn euro commercial paper programme. EMEA chair and head of Islamic finance Farmida Bi is renowned for advice on corporate trustee matters, sovereign debt, project bonds and restructurings. Peter Noble is a recognised expert in deals for Canadian issuers, though he also advises foreign issuers and their dealers in the Canadian capital markets. In 2020, he advised Canadian banks and their international dealers on more than $15bn of offerings. Newly promoted partner Kirstin Russell frequently acts for corporate trustees and agents in the UK, US and Asia. Counsels Vishal Mawkin and Jacqueline Heng also play key roles in the practice.
Practice head(s):
Peter Young
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Strong and co-operative cross-discipline team from trustee to litigation. Added bonus of merger with Fulbright adds excellent NY law capability and experience.’
‘Kirstin Russell is an excellent communicator whose extensive experience means she sees and deals with problems and issues before they arise.’
‘The team is very professional with great knowledge of both the subject and the corporate engaged.’
‘Quick responses, and professional service.’
‘The NRF team had unique technology which enabled efficient contract review. The project team was able to provide daily management information which was very useful.’
‘The practice requires a balancing between the client’s business objectives and the market/regulatory realities. Norton Rose does it well. Their flexible approach to billing is noteworthy as well.’
‘Peter Young and Vishal Mawkin are both are very tuned in to the requirements of the client and provide pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
Canadian financial institutions
Telenor ASA
Bank of Nova Scotia
Citi
Canadian Sovereign issuers
Intertrust
Citicorp
Coca-Cola HBC
Schlumberger
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 2
Clients of Norton Rose Fulbright report its 'quality and expertise rival that of the Magic Circle, but it offers a better value proposition and better partner availability'. The firm handles a strong flow of transactional derivatives work and structured products transactions, frequently involving innovative products and new markets such as new securities lending pledge documents. It is also has a growing presence in emerging areas such as fintech. Peter Young leads the capital markets group, in which Daniel Franks handles derivatives, repos, stock lending, collateral, set-off, netting, structured products and regulatory capital and funding transactions, and Nigel Dickinson, who is 'the crown jewel standout partner, the best repackaging lawyer in the market', is a key adviser investment banks on cutting-edge derivatives and structured finance transactions. Franks has recently advised multiple global banks on the adoption of new industry documentation for securities lending on a secured basis. Structured finance partner David Shearer, though mainly focused on securitisation, also handles covered bond and structured finance transactions for a broad client base.
Practice head(s):
Peter Young
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Franks; Nigel Dickinson; David Shearer; Sean Bruns
Testimonials
‘Key strengths are depth of experience in the repackaging market, hedging of structured finance transactions, and other complex derivative structures. Quality and expertise rival that of the Magic Circle, but it offers a better value proposition and better partner availability.’
‘The crown jewel standout partner is the head of the derivatives practice, Nigel Dickinson. Nigel Dickinson is the best repackaging lawyer in the market: his experience of complex structured finance transactions is unrivalled, and he is well-liked by the business as well as in-house lawyers for how quickly he grasps the technical issues and is able to propose innovative solutions. He is ably assisted by up-and-coming partner Daniel Franks.’
‘Strong technical expertise and great value on fees. Always have partner focus on matters.’
‘Daniel Franks is a standout partner to work with – exceptionally technical yet commercial and a brilliant negotiator. He is valued by both in-house legal and business teams.’
‘This team combines technical legal skill with commercial savvy exceptionally well. They have made the effort to truly understand our business and its needs, and we consider them a trusted advisor to our business.’
‘Partner Nigel Dickinson is the star of this team and sets the standard extremely high. He is an active participant in our matters and is always available to us. As a result he understands our business incredibly well and can be trusted as a safe pair of hands. Hi technical expertise is second to none but it’s his commercial nous which truly sets him apart. I first met senior associate Sean Bruns at the start of his career and it was clear to me even then that he was exceedingly gifted. He has a confident grasp of even the most complex of our transactions and we always enjoy working with him.’
Key clients
AIG
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of Ireland
BNP Paribas
Commerzbank
JP Morgan
Natixis
Piraeus Bank
Société Générale
Prime Capital
Compagnie de Saint-Gobain
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
Work highlights
- Representing a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm in relation to its intended participation in a DLT-based securities lending platform operated by HQLAx, a Luxembourg startup backed by Deutsche Börse.
- Advised multiple global investment banks in relation to their adoption of new industry documentation for securities lending on a secured or “pledge” basis.
- Acted for MUFG in relation to the derivatives aspects of its transition from IBOR to risk-free rates (RFRs).
Finance > Securitisation Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright has 'business sense and superb domain expertise - ideal advisor for first-time issuers'. The London-based securitisation practice is predominantly focused on residential mortgage-backed transactions, both in the UK and internationally, though it also handles covered bonds, trade receivables and SME lending, as well as advising issuers, cash managers and trustees on post-issue restructurings, defaults and litigation. Practice head David Shearer is 'a trusted advisor for the top management of any issuer with exceptional expertise in the field of securitisation'. With US counsel Rae Parsons, he advised Olympic Commercial & Tourist Enterprises, the operator of the Avis Budget franchise in Greece, on its first-ever securitisation, a €186.4m securitisation of a portfolio of auto leases. Key partner Sandrine Sauvel handles deals in the UK and throughout Europe, acting for arrangers, originators, trustees, rating agencies and monoline guarantors. Farmida Bi provides essential advice on corporate trustee and service provider issues.
Practice head(s):
David Shearer
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Business sense, superb domain expertise, ideal advisor for first issuers.’
‘David Shearer is a trusted advisor for the top management of any issuer with exceptional expertise in the field of securitisation. He is pragmatic and conscious of stakeholders’ restrictions. Rae Parsons shows commitment to meeting even the most demanding deadlines.’
Key clients
AIG
Piraeus Bank
Barclays
Eurobank
Attica Bank
UBS
Toronto Dominion Bank
National Bank of Canada
Bank of Montreal
Bank of Nova Scotia
Fédération des casisses Desjardins du Québec
Province of Quebec
Province of British Columbia
Province of Alberta
Work highlights
- Advised Olympic Commercial & Tourist Enterprises SA, the operator of the Avis Budget franchise in Greece on its first ever securitisation – a €186.4m securitisation of a portfolio of auto leases.
- Advised on the update of Eurobank SA’s covered bond programme II.
- Advised Piraeus Bank on the amendments to the terms of two series of the covered bonds issued off Piraeus Bank’s covered bond programme.
Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 2
The multidisciplinary hospitality and leisure group at Norton Rose Fulbright advises hotel owners, operators, developers and private financiers on matters across the sector. It has significant experience in hotel operations, technical services, condominiums and hotel financing, and is bolstered by the firm’s wider strengths in planning, tax, construction and IP within the sector. The team has assisted clients with issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, negotiating relief packages, including business interruption loans, and helping both owners and operators with concessionary packages to avoid defaults. Practice head Wasim Khan works with a number of major investors in the Middle East, including sovereign wealth funds, and has extensive expertise in Islamic finance. London regeneration and redevelopment-focused Sarah Fitzpatrick joined from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.Practice head(s):
Wasim Khan
Other key lawyers:
Dan Kennedy; Sarah Fitzpatrick
Key clients
British Racing Drivers Club Limited
PPHE Hotel Group (Park Plaza)
57 Whitehall S.à.r.l.
Al Faisal Holding
United Overseas Bank and Bangkok Bank
Yoo Capital
Deutsche Finance Limited
HSBC Bank plc
Olympus Property Holding Limited
Standard Chartered Bank
777 Partners LLC
Hotchkiss Limited
Setha Chipping Norton Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Deutsche Finance and Yoo Capital on the London Olympia redevelopment scheme.
- Advised 57 Whitehall S.à.r.l. on the continued development of the first Raffles hotel in the UK.
- Advised the British Racing Drivers Club on the development by Escapade Living of 60 new luxury holiday lodges.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright has strength advising on high-value claims for clients in the financial and legal services and insurance sectors, whilst also advising on liability and risk management issues. The team benefits from the expertise of the firm’s tax and pensions teams which it frequently works alongside. The firm’s extensive global firm network means the practice frequently advises on international matters. Michael Godden leads the team and is adept at handling high value claims with a cross-border element, and also conducts overseas arbitrations. Ffion Flockhart is skilled on cyber mandates, while Katie Stephen handles regulatory disputes.Practice head(s):
Michael Godden
Other key lawyers:
Ffion Flockhart; Paul Morris; David Stevens; Lesley Browning; Dominic Stuttaford; Adrian Mecz; Katie Stephen; Helen Fairhead; Charlie Weston-Simons; Michelle George; Mike George
Testimonials
‘A conscientious, hard-working and analytical team with an excellent knowledge and understanding of professional negligence cases against solicitors and barristers.’
‘Highly commercial and pragmatic. Advice that is worth paying for.’
‘Creative thinking, engaged with the key issues promptly and can see the wood from the trees. Forceful but always reasonable. Personable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Mike George is diligent, resourceful and gives careful thought to issues.’
‘Michelle George and Mike George are excellent professional negligence lawyers. Experienced in defending high profile and heavyweight solicitor negligence claims.’
‘Michelle George is excellent. She is experienced and calm under pressure whilst providing succinct advice on technical legal issues.’
Key clients
Hyperion
Lloyds Banking Group
Marsh & McLennan Companies
XL Catlin
PwC
Neon
Barbican
M S Amlin
Markel International Limited
Brit Insurance
Work highlights
- Acting for Ward Hadaway LLP in defence of a professional negligence claim brought by its former client, Tanfield Group plc, in respect of legal advice relating to an AIM circular which Ward Hadaway LLP gave in 2013 in connection with the transfer of Tanfield’s majority interest in the Snorkel group of companies.
- Acting for Osborne Clarke LLP in defence of a professional negligence claim brought against the firm by national house builders, Persimmon Homes Limited and Taylor Wimpey UK Limited, with respect to the drafting of an option agreement to acquire land.
- Acting for Bevan Brittan LLP and their insurers in defence of High Court proceedings brought by its former client, Cheltenham Borough Council, in connection with the advice relating to the development of real estate in Cheltenham into a supermarket, public parking space and residential development.
Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright advises asset managers (including the investment arms of a number of financial institutions) on fund formation, regulatory issues and investments. It also has an active listed fundraising practice, which handles IPOs on key exchanges. The team advises funds focused on asset classes including energy, infrastructure and transport, alongside debt and insurance products. Practice head Richard Sheen has a strong track record in asset management and equity capital markets work. Ian Fox and counsel Margaret Simcock are other key individuals in the group.
Practice head(s):
Richard Sheen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very good expert knowledge on all aspects of the investment funds market.‘
‘I use Ian Fox mainly. He has a long track record of providing practical and commercial advice on investment trusts. A real trusted adviser.‘
Key clients
JP Morgan Cazenove Limited
Starwood European Real Estate Finance Limited
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management
JPMorgan Income & Growth Investment Trust plc
JPMorgan Elect plc
Numis Securities Limited
The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited
Macau Property Opportunities Fund
Trian Investors 1 Limited
Jefferies International Limited
Crystal Amber Fund
Work highlights
- Advising RBC (as global co-ordinator, sole bookrunner and joint financial adviser), Winterflood (as co-lead manager) and Akur (as joint financial adviser) on the IPO of Triple Point Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Company PLC on its admission to the Specialist Fund Segment of the London Stock Exchange.
- Advised Taylor Maritime Investments Limited on its IPO to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
- Advised on the Main Market IPO of Ecofin U.S. Renewables Infrastructure Trust PLC.
Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright has ‘excellent knowledge’ of the oil & gas market, with LNG matters a core area of strength. The team is regularly instructed on the construction and development of LNG-to-power projects and other related infrastructure. Practice head Rob Marsh who also co-leads the renewable energy practice has extensive experience across energy regulation and project work. Nick Prowse is the name for upstream and downstream oil and gas matters, and has experience acting across EMEA. Madhavi Gosavi is a project finance specialist. On the energy disputes side, the team is led by Neil Miller, who is supported by key partners James Rogers and Holly Stebbing. Energy transition matters have also become a growing focus for the team.
Practice head(s):
Rob Marsh
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have been working with Norton Rose Fulbright for about 10 years now, and it’s been a really good experience. The teams are organized by lawyers with excellent training and are knowledgeable across a wide range of matters.’
’Madhavi Gosavi is very committed to delivering and work very closely with the client, understanding theirs needs and challenges, such as financing and strategy.’
Key clients
bp
Egdon Resources Plc
Eni
ExxonMobil
IFC
INA – Industrija Nafte d.d.
Ministry of Finance of Angola
Pavilion Energy
Shell
Work highlights
- Advising Pavilion Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pavilion Energy Pte. Ltd., on the world’s first LNG sale & purchase agreement (“SPA”) with carbon neutral ambitions.
- Advised on the financing of the construction, development and operation of the INGS Alexandroupolis, an independent natural gas terminal in north-eastern Greece.
- Advised in respect of the sale of BP’s petroleum interests in the Gulf of Suez region of the Republic of Egypt covering 12 different concession areas including BP’s interest in the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO) to Emirates National Oil Company owned Dragon Oil for an undisclosed consideration.
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 2
Norton Rose FulbrightNorton Rose FulbrightNorton Rose Fulbright leverages its considerable international network to support on an array of inward investment transactions and cross-border real estate projects. The practice counts its expertise in energy, infrastructure and large-scale social housing schemes as its keystones and is able to tap into the firm’s wider finance, tax and corporate structuring capabilities to provide a full lifecycle service. Dan Wagerfield fronts the global real estate practice from London, providing distinguished experience in mixed-use developments and outbound capital from Asia; he is supported by UK practice head Wasim Khan, a prominent Islamic finance specialist, as well as David Hawkins who has been supporting London Olympia on its ongoing £2bn redevelopment . David Sinclair enjoys a first-rate reputation for both investment and development matters, particularly those at offices and hotels, while well-regarded counsel Louisa Roe is particularly integral to the corporate occupier offering which supports landlords and tenants from initial lease negotiation through to terminations and subsequent disputes.
Practice head(s):
Wasim Khan
Other key lawyers:
David Sinclair; David Hawkins; Dan Wagerfield; Charlie Pinkerton
Testimonials
‘The team works well together and collaborates across the departments to ensure issues are assessed and taken care of.’
‘Everyone we deal with at Norton Rose Fulbright is highly capable, hardworking, pleasant to work with and, importantly, have a sense of humour (the latter has been important given the challenges the last year has thrown at us!)’
‘We deal with many solicitors – Louisa Roe and her team are the most commercial and proactive team I have dealt with in recent years. They are incredibly responsive to both the client’s requirements and to input made by ourselves. Their turnaround time is exceptional. They are very collaborative as a team and bring the wider team together with is critical in making deals happen and so often is not the case with other solicitors.’
‘A team of solicitors I have always enjoyed working with. The partners are very approachable, and all the associates are extremely knowledgeable about the real estate sector and have got me out of trouble a few times.’
‘Louisa Roe is head and shoulders above other solicitors we deal with day in day out. Very commercial, brilliant at problem solving, great attention to deal, incredibly responsive.’
‘David Hawkins has excellent engagement with and understanding of the complexities of deals. Very committed and never let us down on timing. David is very well supported by Louisa Roe and both work extremely hard.’
Key clients
MUFG Bank
DP World London Gateway
Dagenham Dock
British Racing Drivers Club
Resolution Property IM LLP (UK)
Europa Capital (UK)
Ask Real Estate (UK)
Commerz Real (Germany)
Prudential plc (UK)
Olympia London
57 Whitehall S.à.r.l. (Old War Office) (India and Spain)
Bank ABC (Middle East)
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management (UK)
Tristan Capital Partners (UK)
fDHSBC Alternative Investments (UK)
Bank of Montréal (Canada)
Employees Provident Fund (Malaysia)
Orstead Energy (formerly Dong Energy) (Denmark)
Argo Group (USA)
WELPUT (Jersey)
Ashby Capital (UK)
State General Reserve Fund (Oman)
SOFAZ (Azerbaijan)
ICBC (London) plc
Hobart Partners (UK)
Sidra Capital (Dubai)
Ivanhoé Cambridge (Canada)
Work highlights
- Advised Olympus Property Holding Limited on all aspects of the £2bn redevelopment of Olympia London, one of the few remaining indoor events venues in Central London.
- Advised DP World London Gateway on its pre-letting to DHL of a new 482,000 sq.ft. state of the art, fully automated warehouse at its £1.5bn London Gateway port and logistics park.
- Advised Azerbaijani sovereign wealth fund SOFAZ on the redevelopment of Grade II* listed 78 St James’s Street, one of the largest buildings in the heart of the St James’s district.
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright's construction practice leverages the firm's strengths in employment and health and safety law to provide a full set of services to clients. The dedicated team provides technical support on a number of key agreements, both standard and bespoke, to clients across the infrastructure, civil structures, office and hotel sectors. Mark Berry heads up the team, specialising in EPC and ECM contracts in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors, with a particular emphasis on public-private partnerships. Peter Hall is well regarded for his experience in large domestic developments and his involvement in the firm's sustainable cities initiative. Andrew Buisson is also highly active in this area.
Practice head(s):
Mark Berry
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly skilled team members, thorough analysis and the ability to explore all options. Able to understand the client’s position and advise during the negotiation and finalisation of legal documents.’
‘Solid legal advice, always delivered in a timely and professional manner. Stuck to the brief and sub budgets for particular deliverables and refreshingly came in under budget.’
‘Andrew Buisson is extremely knowledgeable in aviation projects. His drafting and attention to detail is excellent, he is deal focused and he has a great ability to break down and explain difficult legal concepts in manner that is easily understandable for both parties, which in turn made him a great negotiator and facilitator.’
Key clients
ACWA Power
Assured Guaranty
Balfour Beatty
Bechtel
Bouygues UK
Chevron
Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee
DP World
Ecobank Ghana Limited
Eco World
European Investment Bank (EIB)
Eurasian Resources Group
Full Circle Generation Limited
GuarantCo
Hochtief
INA-INDUSTRIJA NAFTE, d.d. (INA)
Iridium
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
JG Pears Power Limited
KS GOK LLC
Marubeni Corporation
Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy
National Grid
Ofwat
Orsted
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
TAV HAVALIMANLARI Holdings A.S.
Thales
TOTAL
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi
Urbaser
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium of 29 lenders and three export credit agencies on the financial close of Dogger Bank offshore wind farm.
- Advising Lagos State Government in relation to a number of key civic works projects.
- Advising the Tibah Airports Development Company on operational aspects of the $1.2bn Prince Mohammed Bin Adbulaziz International Airport at Madinah in Saudi Arabia.
Real estate > Environment Tier 2
Notable for its global reach and depth of experience, the team at Norton Rose Fulbright is helmed by recognised expert Caroline May, who is praised for her ‘excellent leadership skills’ as well as her ‘good litigation instincts'. The practice is diverse and ranges from advising on high-volume international transactions and projects, particularly in the renewables space, to product regulation as well as large regeneration projects. The team is also involved in high-stakes environmental litigation, on the international and domestic level. Climate change and clean energy lawyer Andrew Hedges heads up the climate finance side of the practice while counsel Lucy Bruce Jones plays a key role in the team, advising on non-contentious and contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Caroline May
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A strong team led by veteran Caroline May, who has all the instincts of a litigator and will fight your corner like a lion. Great for diversity as it includes female solicitors in leading positions. The collaboration is great and there is a strong cohesion in the team. A big advantage is the collaboration across other teams in NRF, taking care of all needs in the litigation.’
‘Caroline May is a very experienced solicitor. She is very knowledgeable of the oil industry and operations, and has good litigation instincts and excellent leadership skills. She also has excellent communication skills with lay clients and is available to clients. She is the kind of person you want in your corner.’
‘Lucy Bruce-Jones is consistent and committed to her work.’
‘A strong and powerful team of environmental lawyers. Caroline May probably has as much hands-on experience of environmental litigation as anyone currently in practice.’
‘Top of the pile environmental lawyers.’
‘Lucy Bruce-Jones is hardworking.’
‘Caroline May is knowledgeable and wily.’
Key clients
Althelia Sustainable Ocean Fund
Amerisur Resources Limited
AXA IM Impact Fund Climate and Biodiversity
Balfour Beatty / Urbaser (as a joint venture) (UBB Waste (Essex) Limited
BMW (UK) Limited
Bombardier Inc
Brookfield Asset Management
Civitas Social Healthcare Advisors Limited
Crest Nicholson Plc
Directors of Walney Extension
DP World/London Gateway Port Limited
Ecosphere+
Europa Capital LLP
ExxonMobil International Limited
FMO – Green Climate Fund
GeoPark Limited
Gore Street Energy Storage Fund Plc
Greencoat UK Wind Plc
IMI Plc
Laing O’Rourke Plc
Macquarie Bank Limited
Qatar Petroleum
RWE AG
Sandvik Mining & Construction Tools AB
Setha Canterbury Limited
Tees Eco Energy Limited
Tiger Infrastructure Partners LP
Vodafone Group Services Limited
Yara International ASA
Work highlights
- Continuing to advise Europa Capital LLP/Dagenham Dock Limited on a large-scale remediation and regeneration project in the Thames Gateway region.
- Acting for an international oil and gas company in multi-party litigation arising from claims of alleged pollution and contamination of a rainforest in a sensitive location.
- Advising Setha Canterbury Limited on a city centre redevelopment project which involves issues surrounding protected habitats and issues of nitrate neutrality.
Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright has a diverse corporate governance work base, encompassing board-level advice, annual reporting and regulatory obligations, compliance work, and a strong investigatory practice, handling issues such as SFO investigations and white-collar crime matters. The team is led by David Harris, a specialist in cross-border criminal and regulatory investigations with a strong focus on the banking and financial services sector, alongside Jon Perry, who is an experienced takeover adviser with cross-border expertise in the commodities and mining sectors. Christopher Pearson is recognised as a leading corporate governance practitioner, with notable capabilities in regulatory matters, while Claire O’Donnell advises boards on business ethics and challenging governance considerations.
Practice head(s):
Jon Perry; David Harris
Other key lawyers:
Christopher Pearson; Claire O’Donnell
Testimonials
‘The team are approachable and talk in a straight forward way I can understand. When they explain complex issues they have a way of expressing the issues which I can analyse and understand quickly. We have needed to work very closely with the NRF team, and they have worked very closely with all of my own team. They have understood our complex corporate history, and they have been very innovative in helping us navigate a complex and changing environment. Billing is transparent and understandable, the team have had all the requisite skills as we needed them.‘
‘Chris Pearson is very pragmatic and innovative in his approach.‘
Key clients
Anglo Pacific
Barrick Gold Corporation
Coca Cola HBC
Crest Nicholson
F&C Investment Trust
Greencoat
HSBC
IMI
Lloyds Banking Group
Petropavlovsk
PPHE plc
Randgold Resources
Terra Firma
Reach
ValueAct
TeliaSonera AB
Civitas Social Housing
Work highlights
- Advised Reach plc and the Board on innovative arrangements to enable new shares to be issued to shareholders in lieu of a cash dividend.
- Representing a former senior executive of Petrofac in relation to the SFO’s criminal investigation.
- Advising clients on business and human rights matters, including compliance with the UK Modern Slavery Act (MSA) and other human rights reporting requirements.
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright has ‘a depth of knowledge and strong international team which can handle multi-jurisdictional issues seamlessly, and with great expertise’. With a strong focus on cybersecurity work, the practice handles a large number of high-profile data breaches and is well versed in cyber incident responses. On the data protection side, the team advises large corporate and government clients on global compliance policies and procedures. Practice co-head Marcus Evans is experienced in large cross-border privacy projects and outsourcing matters. Fellow co-head Ffion Flockhart is recommended for cyber risk management work and Lara White handles privacy issues for financial services, insurance and technology companies.
Practice head(s):
Marcus Evans; Ffion Flockhart
Other key lawyers:
Lara White; Janine Regan
Testimonials
‘Working with each member of the team and the team as a whole has been a positive experience’.
‘They are all highly motivated, friendly, hard-working and produce work to a high standard’.
‘When considering Norton Rose Fulbright alongside other law firms, my general sense is that they are more professional and more experienced’.
‘Ffion Flockhart leads by example with respect to extremely high levels of professionalism, which manifests itself as demanding extremely high quality work from all those around her’.
‘The Norton Rose Fulbright team has been extraordinarily understanding in shaping guidance to our needs in addition to of course providing sound legal judgment’.
‘Marcus Evans is extremely knowledgeable but also extremely collegial’.
‘Lara White is one of the most knowledgeable legal counsel I have ever worked with; her advice is incredibly well reasoned and well supported’.
‘Norton Rose is the only firm I’ve worked with that consistently presents a cogent, practical and synthesised response to questions I pose’.
Key clients
AIG
Bank of Montreal
BMW
Cathay Pacific
Chicago Metal Exchange
CNA Hardy
Deliveroo
Guy Carpenter
IMI
Indigo
Informa
Legal Utopia
Lucozade Ribena Suntory
Marsh McLennan
Mitsubishi Electric
NAE
Newegg
PayPal
Pfizer
Qantas Airways
Riverstone
T Rowe Price
Vocalink
Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 2
Norton Rose Fulbright’s London offering works in tandem with US colleagues. The department places an emphasis on running internal investigations and handling self-reporting matters relating to allegations of fraudulent activity, bribery and corruption. It has additional sanctions expertise, as evidenced in the recent workloads of David Harris and recently promoted partner Katie McDougall. The team forms part of the wider dispute resolution and litigation department led by Michael Godden. Neil O’May leads the criminal law practice and is highly experienced in issues relating to deferred prosecution agreements. Pamela Reddy stands out for her recent SFO and NCA work. Senior consultant Lista Cannon serves as global co-head of the regulation and investigations group.Practice head(s):
Neil O’May; Michael Godden
Other key lawyers:
David Harris; Ruth Cowley; Pamela Reddy; Katie Stephen; Lista Cannon; Andrew Reeves; Katie McDougall; Thomas Hubbard; Claudia Culley
Testimonials
‘ Pamela Reddy is very good and strategically sound in her approach. She is particularly strong dealing with clients in the financial sector.’
‘The team are approachable and talk in a straightforward way I can understand. When they explain complex issues, they have a way of expressing the issues which I can analyse and understand quickly. We have needed to work very closely with the NRF team. They understood our complex corporate history, and they have been very innovative in helping us navigate a complex and changing environment.’
‘Always helpful, accommodating and provide excellent timely advice, which is clear and easy to follow.’
‘The straight-talking, supportive dialogue has been invaluable to us. We have been able to make rapid decisions as we have been able to get clear guidance, quickly. The ability of the NRF team to work collaboratively (with us and across their own disciplines) has been excellent, and really made a difference to us. We feel we own our decisions, but that we have made them with all the information we need. The whole team have been excellent!’
‘Always helpful, accommodating and provide excellent timely advice, which is clear and easy to follow. David Harris in particular is an extremely valued contact.’
Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright has a sizeable tax practice with ‘deep technical expertise‘, advising clients on international M&A transactions, refinancings and restructurings. Practice head Dominic Stuttaford specialises in M&A transactions and corporate reorganisations, with a particular emphasis on the insurance, banking and technology sectors. Matthew Hodkin displays sector expertise in the transport and renewable energy sectors, and clients praise Michael Alliston for being ‘technically brilliant‘ with a broad transactional tax and cross-border M&A practice. Another key name to note is Julia Lloyd, who is singled out as ‘a star‘ for all matters concerning property, fund and real estate tax.Practice head(s):
Dominic Stuttaford
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Hodkin; Matthew Findley; Chris Bates; Michael Alliston; Julia Lloyd
Testimonials
‘Julia Lloyd is a star. She is very commercial and practical. Her advice is clear and relevant. She gives solutions not problems.’
‘They are very knowledgeable with the energy industry and M&A deals, together with being very approachable. We are able to have pragmatic discussions which help in getting deals done.’
‘The team is able to draw on a wide range of deep technical expertise to deal with a varied range of questions and issues.’
‘Michael Alliston is technically brilliant and can perform thorough research and analysis at speed.’
Key clients
EasyJet
Lloyds Banking Group
Barclays Bank Plc
Orange SA
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
Roofoods Ltd (Deliveroo).
AXA XL
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited
Louis Dreyfus
Total
Civitas Social Housing PLC
Morgan Stanley
Residential Secure Income REIT Group
Deutsche Finance International
London Gateway Port Limited
Commerz Real Investmentgesellschaft mb
Stena AB
Credit Agricole
Societe Generale
Yoo Capital
Bibby Financial Services
Bombardier
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners
Centrica
Gatehouse Bank
Santander
Vodafone/Vodacom Group
The West End of London Property Unit Trust
Oxford Industries Inc.
Kaefer Group
Carnival Corporation & plc
CitiGroup
Toronto-Dominion Bank
Trian Fund Management, L.P.
Terra Firma
AIG
Liberty Insurance
Euclid Transactional
Chubb
PGGM Vermogensbeheer B.V.
Glennmont Partners
Greencoat UK Wind
Work highlights
- Advised Total Renewables on tax aspects of the acquisition from SSE Renewables of a majority stake in the Seagreen 1 offshore wind farm project.
- Advised Carlsberg on its deal with Marston’s plc to form a new joint venture beer company in the UK, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC).
- Advising a joint venture of institutional investors on the £1bn redevelopment of Olympia London, a 130-year-old exhibition and events business.
Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright's standing in the market is reflected by the fact that it is a first choice among many FTSE 250 and AIM-listed companies, listed funds, bulge-bracket banks and other financial institutions. Led by Raj Karia, the team is notably active in transactions with a nexus to the real estate, renewables infrastructure, oil and gas, mining, healthcare and life sciences, and financial sectors. In 2020, Thomas Vita led advice to Hyloris Pharmaceuticals on its €75m Euronext Brussels IPO; he was also part of the cross-office team, which acted for Citigroup, Jefferies and Commerzbank on the €115m IPO of Brockhaus Capital Management on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The firm also advised JP Morgan and Peel Hunt as joint bookrunners on LondonMetric Property Plc’s £120m placing by way of accelerated bookbuilding. Fiona Millington, Richard Sheen and Clementine Hogarth are among other names to note in the group, which is also highly active in emerging markets transactions, including those involving the Middle East and Africa.
Practice head(s):
Raj Karia
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Vita; Richard Sheen; Mark Lloyd Williams; Fiona Millington; Clementine Hogarth; Kit McCarthy; Kevin Connolly; Alexander Green
Testimonials
‘Extremely fast, extremely practical and solutions-oriented. We’ve loved working with them every time, as they help us navigate difficult and formalistic legislation with full comfort and without taking up huge resources.’
‘Tom Vita remains a great practical lawyer, guiding both legal professionals and the business through the ins and outs of arcane and byzantine US securities laws as they apply to EU offerings.’
Key clients
JTC PLC
Numis Securities Limited
Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co.
J.P. Morgan Securities plc.
Goldman Sachs International
Canaccord Genuity Limited
Société Générale
Citigroup
Peel Hunt
CI Capital Holdings S.A.E.
Rameda S.A.E.
Management Consulting Group PLC (MCG)
Warehouses De Pauw NV
Xior Student Housing NV
Credit Suisse
Investec Bank plc
Aedifica NV
Orascom Investment Holding
The Renewables Infrastructure Group
Work highlights
- Advised Aedifica NV on its €459.2m rights offering.
- Advised Investec Bank plc and Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG as joint bookrunners in relation to a £180m accelerated bookbuild placing by Ceres Power Holdings plc.
- Advised Investec Bank plc in connection with its role as sole broker and sole bookrunner on a £85m placing by Johnson Service Group plc.
Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright provides its clients with 'consistent and high calibre support' across a range of areas, often leveraging its international network of offices to provide global expertise. Merger control is a speciality, with the group often being brought in by clients when a phase II investigation is launched to provide specialist advice, though the team also handles investigations of various types. 'Excellent communicator' Mark Simpson leads the London team, while Ian Giles heads up the practice across the EMEA region. Mark Tricker leads on merger clearances for some of the practice's key clients such as PayPal.
Practice head(s):
Ian Giles; Mark Simpson
Other key lawyers:
Mark Tricker; Caroline Thomas; Susanna Rogers
Testimonials
‘Susanna Rogers – very diligent, very calm, great practical advice delivered efficiently, willing to respond to changing demands client demands, great knowledge and understanding, organised and really nice to deal with.’
‘Mark Simpson – very strategic advice, good to deal with, showed flexibility and quick to get up to speed.‘
‘The NRF Competition Team have provided us with consistent and high calibre support for a number of years. They know our business and are able to provide practical, commercial advice and have an excellent understanding of the law in this area and best practice. They are a very personable team with sharp focus and responsive turnarounds. We have found them highly adaptive in responding to questions from different parts of our business and a pleasure to work with. They have been creative and responsive in their training offerings for us.‘
‘Mark Simpson – excellent communicator and understanding of the law. Quick to adapt advice to our sector and understand complex products. Is able to get to the key questions decisively and instils great confidence with his advice.’
‘Caroline Thomas – personable style, commercial approach and highly diligent. Quickly absorbs all the facts and listens actively. Brings excellent experience and understanding of competition law in practice. Is solution focused‘
Key clients
PayPal
HSBC
Vodafone
Delta Air Lines
PwC
BP
Shell
Coca-Cola European Partners
Orange
Mercer
National Grid
Carlsberg
SONI Limited
Bombardier
Stena
Energizer Brands
Santander
Qatar Petroleum
Exxon Mobil
PayPoint plc
Reckitt Benckiser
Hertz
Thales
BUPA
CAE
Arla
TUI
Jet2
Northern Trust
Work highlights
- Advising PayPoint in relation to an investigation by Ofgem.
- Advising Carlsberg on its joint venture with Maston’s.
- Advising Bristol Water plc on a regulatory reference to the CMA.
Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright‘s London private equity practice draws on the wider firm’s global connections to advise on crossborder buy-outs and exits. The practice counts international investors as well as management teams amongst its clients, and in addition acts for clients in portfolio company M&A. Bayo Odubeko is particularly focused on transactions involving emerging markets; Sophie O’Connor is another key contact.Other key lawyers:
Bayo Odubeko; Sophie O’Connor; Mark Maurice
Key clients
Aquiline Capital Partners LLC
Carlyle
AfricInvest Capital Partners
ValueAct Capital
Denham Capital Management LP
Scottish Equity Partners
XPV Water Partners
Mobeus
Abris Capital
Champ Ventures
Shell Ventures
Development Partners International
Modern Times Group MTG AB
Bain Capital
Starling Bank
Work highlights
- Advising Aquiline Financial Services and insurer ERS on a US$350m fundraising lead by ABRY.
- Advising Modern Times Group on its acquisition of Hutch in the (active) e-gaming sub-sector.
- Advising Starling Bank on its Series D funding round.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 3
The corporate and white-collar crime team at Norton Rose Fulbright sits within the wider dispute resolution department led by Michael Godden. Neil O’May (who is praised as ‘one of the big beasts in the market’) heads up the criminal law practice, which is able to handle all stages of investigations and prosecutions involving allegations of bribery and corruption, and money laundering. Instructions by senior executives in relation to all aspects of high-profile SFO investigations account for a sizeable proportion of the team’s work, but the team is also adept at advising individuals in relation to large-scale investigations conducted by the FCA, the HMRC, and authorities overseas; Pamela Reddy (who is ‘meticulous, organised and engaged at every point of the case’) is noted for her wide-ranging international experience. For multi-jurisdictional work, the practice draws on the firm’s capabilities worldwide; in one example, the team’s network worldwide allowed it to advise on the global implications of the high-profile acquittal of a Canadian businessman formerly charged by the SFO with corruption offences. In addition, complex mutual legal assistance issues and cutting-edge market abuse matters are other strengths of the practice.Practice head(s):
Neil O’May; Michael Godden
Other key lawyers:
Pamela Reddy; Claudia Culley
Testimonials
‘There is a good balance in the team between Neil O’May who is an extremely experienced lawyer held in high repute who has seen it all, and Pamela Reddy, a highly personable, immensely competent communicator with a calm manner and a good handle on complex cases. Both exercise astute judgement.’
‘The level of client care is outstanding. Clients feel that they are listened to and the team put their all into obtaining the best result possible. An excellent, focused team.’
‘The small team advising me worked well together and provided me with all the advice I required. Communication was clear, concise and always provided on a very timely basis. I am very happy with everything provided by the NRF white collar crime team, and would not hesitate to work with them again.’
‘Pam Reddy is very talented and efficient, and is a gutsy character who fights for her clients.’
‘Neil O’May is becoming one of the big beasts in the market.’
‘Pamela Reddy is the lawyer I have had most dealings with. She is meticulous, organised and engaged at every point of the case. Clients feel that their interests are being well cared for; I get an excellent and very prompt response to all my queries.’
‘Neil O’May is a skilful and intelligent leader of a very tight team. The entire team were a delight to work with, but particular thanks to Pam Reddy for her proactive attitude, personable demeanour and quality of advice.’
Work highlights
- Represented the former financial director of Tesco in the high-profile prosecution into accounting practices at Tesco.
- Represented and secured the acquittal of a Canadian businessman on all charges brought by the SFO in a prosecution for alleged corruption in connection with contracts worth billions of dollars for the supply of alumina to a Bahraini company, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C.
- Representing a former senior executive of Petrofac in relation to the SFO’s criminal investigation.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright‘s litigation department is ‘a very safe set of hands for the most complex and difficult cross-border commercial disputes‘. It counts contractual, shareholder and M&A disputes among its areas of expertise, which are areas of focus for Ruth Cowley (who is daul-qualified in England and Wales and Hong Kong), recently promoted partner Charlie Weston-Simons (who also handles insurance issues, professional negligence and cyber litigation) and senior associate Andrew Judkins. It also has growing expertise in cyber disputes and group actions, for which Ffion Flockhart and Antony Corsi are the respective names to note. Banking litigator Michael Godden heads the EMEA dispute resolution practice, while Patrick Bourke leads the London team.Practice head(s):
Michael Godden; Patrick Bourke
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Really top class outfit.‘
‘Antony Corsi – A charming and urbane individual with an excellent discipline for careful project management of complex litigation. Perfect blend of an eye for overall strategy and tactics, with attention to detail in the delegation and supervision of senior and junior associates leading individual workstreams.‘
‘Andrew Judkins – a truly remarkable ability to get up to speed. Highly organised individual who plainly takes great care in his work.’
‘Antony Corsi – beginning to make waves in the London market. Will go far.’
‘The team is marked out by its disciplined management of the litigation and the various workstreams – nothing is ever missed or forgotten about. Overall, the team is a very safe set of hands for the most complex and difficult cross-border commercial disputes.
‘Outstanding market and industry knowledge – very bright and intelligent – pleasure to work with.‘
Key clients
Orange SA
Orange Liberia
HSBC
Greengate S.A.R.L.
Gwynt-y-Mor Offshore Windfarm Limited
The World LLC (Nakheel)
First Bank of Nigeria
Shell
Work highlights
- Defending Orange SA in claims brought by the Administrators of Phones4U which were issued in December 2018 and allege anti-competitive collusive conduct, breach of contract and unlawful means conspiracy and are brought against Orange SA and a number of the other major mobile network operators (MNOs) including EE, Vodafone, Telefonica, and Deutsche Telekom.
- Acted for Greengate (Luxembourg SPV) as defendant in a claim brought by two companies (one UK-based, one US-based) in the Atlas property management group. The case concerned the second largest residential Build-to-Rent property in the UK.
- Defended Gwynt-y-Mor Offshore Windfarm (GyM) and related companies in a £20m claim for an indemnity under an SPA. This was the first occasion on which a dispute has come before the Courts in connection with a transfer of offshore windfarm transmission assets pursuant to the OFTO regime.
Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright advises on the full spectrum of contentious competition issues, including investigations, follow-on claims and standalone actions in both the UK and EU courts. Equally able representing claimants and defendants, the group has been involved in many of the largest cases on the market, having recently represented HSBC in claims following on from the FX market cartel decision. London competition head Mark Simpson has developed a niche in regulated sectors, most notably telecoms, electricity and gas. Ian Giles leads the EMEA practice, while counsel Helen Fairhead assists with the firm's most high-profile cases. Managing partner Peter Scott is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Ian Giles; Mark Simpson
Other key lawyers:
Peter Scott; Susanna Rogers; Helen Fairhead; Jason Logendra; James Flett
Testimonials
‘The team at Norton Rose is excellent. They truly operate as a team and have managed to create a highly collaborative culture in the practice. The entire team from partner to associate is fully engaged on every case, which inspires confidence and makes for a highly productive working relationship.’
‘Mark Simpson, in particular, is a pleasure to work with. He is smart and fosters a collaborate culture on his cases. He also has a solid understanding of the core competition economics concepts and interacts meaningfully with experts to ensure the best outcomes for his clients.‘
‘Mark Simpson has excellent sector knowledge.’
‘The advice received from NRF was undoubtedly excellent, as was their prior knowledge of the sector, just as you would expect. But what marks NRF out was the quality of the collaboration that we had with them.‘
‘It was the openness to engagement and collaborative spirit that marked them out. You expect knowledge, insight and of course hard work, and you get all of that too from the NRF team, but when that comes with a warm, human approach it helps hugely with handling those inevitable pinch points found on any case.’
Key clients
HSBC
Vodafone
BP
Shell
Delta Air Lines
Reckitt Benckiser
Carlsberg
Stena
Bombardier
Orange
PayPal
Easyjet
Centrica
EirGrid
Thales
Coca Cola
Liverpool Victoria
Standard Chartered Bank
Electricity North West Limited
IFPI
Paypoint Plc
Laing O’Rouke
SONI Limited
National Grid
Northern Gas Networks
Stark Limited
Bristol Water
Energy Networks Association
Work highlights
- Representing HSBC in defending claims alleging the bank’s conduct over a caused damages through benchmark and pricing-related manipulation.
- Acting for Orange SA in its defence of claims brought by the Administrators of Phones4U.
- Advising HSBC on defending allegations in the European Commission’s investigation of manipulations of the Euro inter-bank offer rate.
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright's international arbitration practice fields dedicated arbitration specialists across various industries, particularly the energy and infrastructure sectors. With a current caseload of commercial arbitrations involving satellites, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, patents and aviation, Sherina Petit heads up both the international arbitration practice across Asia, Europe and Middle East, and the firm’s India practice globally, while James Rogers has a significant focus on the infrastructure, energy and mining sectors. Also integral to the practice are Middle East specialist Patrick Bourke and Ruth Cowley, whose experience includes Africa-related mining matters and M&A and joint venture-related disputes. Matthew Buckle was made counsel in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Sherina Petit
Other key lawyers:
James Rogers; Patrick Bourke; Ruth Cowley; Matthew Buckle; Joshua Coates
Testimonials
‘A brilliant team for international arbitration. Well-resourced, experienced, and with truly outstanding client care.‘
‘The NRF team, led by Sherina Petit, is a very astute team when it comes to strategising for disputes.‘
‘Sherina Petit is a brilliant lawyer and I have worked with her on many occasions – very robust drafting of disputes documents and she is very thorough in her work.‘
‘Sherina Petit has a deep and insightful understanding of what her client needs; she provides clearheaded, no-nonsense and sensible advice to clients, while helping them navigate the unfamiliar territory of international arbitration.‘
‘James Rogers has excellent advocacy skills and strategic vision, and is hands on.‘
‘Ruth Cowley is a standout partner in this field. Highly intelligent and patient, and with incredible forensic skills.‘
‘Patrick Bourke has a quiet dedication to promoting his client’s interests.‘
‘Counsel Matthew Buckle is very sharp.‘
Key clients
BP
Total
Shell
Reckitt Benckiser
OMV
Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 3
At Norton Rose Fulbright, Dominic Stuttaford heads up the tax practice for Europe, Middle East and Asia and Brazil. Stuttaford is 'absolutely brilliant', 'tactically astute' and an experienced tax litigator. The team represents clients in tax authority investigations and a broad range of tax disputes involving the major UK courts and tribunals, as well as the European Court of Justice. Contentious tax lawyer Chris Bates advises on HMRC investigations, risk reviews and tax governance and compliance matters. Michael Alliston is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Dominic Stuttaford
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Outstanding.’
‘Dominic Stuttaford is absolutely brilliant! He knows tax law and practice like no-one else. He’s stunningly clever, unbelievably knowledgeable, a terrific lawyer, tactically astute and a delight to work with.’
Key clients
BMW
HSBC
Lloyds Banking Group
Takeda (formerly Shire)
Royal Bank of Canada
Work highlights
- Acting for Takeda (formerly Shire) in a restitution claim in the Stamp Taxes Group Litigation Order relating to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax.
- Acting for HSBC in a restitution claim in the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order.
Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright has advised on the employment share schemes for the likes of Deliveroo, Carlsberg and Kerry Group, with a diverse roster of listed and unlisted companies as well as corporates and private-equity backed startups. The team also utilises the firm’s extensive international network, advising on cross-border issues involving Europe, Asia, the US and Latin America and more specifically advising on listings in the UK, US and Ireland. Matthew Findley leads the team and has assisted clients with corporate governance, as well as M&A, IPOs and demergers.Practice head(s):
Matthew Findley
Testimonials
‘Matt Findley is personable, technically excellent and responsive and so has all the characteristics I look for as a client.’
‘For me, this is where the people stand out as being true experts in their field but are also providing excellent customer service. They are approachable and always willing to provide both legal advice but with a commercial approach when assessing any risks.’
‘Matthew Findley is an excellent partner providing first class service.’
‘Matthew Findley provides clear, practical advice. No messing about.’
‘Matthew Findley provides clear and concise advice without overcomplicating matters. He understands the commercial drivers behind what the client needs and is upfront with what can be done.’
‘The team at Norton Rose are both technically excellent and straightforward to deal with. They give commercial, pragmatic advice without looking for overly complex solutions. This makes life easy from a client’s perspective.’
‘The people are the unique element. The team’s strengths are: responsiveness; the ability to provide simple explanations to complex issues; and first class customer service. I feel like they’re an extension of my team.’
‘The team is practical, efficient and obviously smart.’
Key clients
Carlsberg
Deliveroo
ISI Markets
Centamin
CGI Group
Crest Nicholson
Kerry Group
M-KOPA Holdings
LumiraDX
Vakt Holdings
IMI
Reach
Anglo Pacific Group
Work highlights
- Advised the management team of ISI Markets on its sale by CITIC Capital and Caixin Global to new buyer Montagu Private Equity.
- Advised Irish multinational Kerry Group plc on the introduction of a new long-term incentive plan.
- Advised IMI plc on its UK and international share plan and executive remuneration matters.
Employment > Health and safety Tier 3
Caroline May leads the Norton Rose Fulbright health and safety team. Expert in product safety and liability matters, May has extensive experience in the utilities, transport, and construction sectors in relation to industrial accidents. The team also handles high-profile public sector projects, both in an advisory and crisis response capacity. The London team forms part of the firm's global health and safety network, so also advises large global corporates on acquisitions, compliance and health & safety obligations.
Practice head(s):
Caroline May
Other key lawyers:
Neil O’May; Neil Q Miller; Holly Stebbing; Lucy Bruce Jones
Testimonials
‘Although a very large organisation, the team that have supported me made it all feel very personal – they were always happy to answer my questions.’
‘Always responsive. Up to date expertise.’
‘Caroline May heads up a crack team at Norton Rose’
‘Caroline May is a great leader with bags of experience and sound tactical instincts. She delivers exceptional service to her clients and fights their corner tenaciously.’
Key clients
Bombardier Inc.
DP World, London Gateway
GeoPark Limited
IMI Plc
Sandvik Mining & Construction Tools AB
Tiger Infrastructure Partners LP
Urbaser Balfour Beatty (UBB)
Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 3
Lesley Browning has taken over at the helm of the Norton Rose Fulbright 's London pensions team. Former lead, Peter Ford, remains with the practice as a consultant working with major UK and international corporates on all aspects of pensions law. The practice covers the full range of industry participants and its non-contentious expertise includes longevity swaps, pooled/insured investment vehicles and fiduciary management arrangements. Shane O’Reilly advises both employers and trustees on investment work as well as advising on the evolving ESG landscape. The team's contentious practice provides strategic advice in relation to benefit errors, TPR moral hazard powers, and contentious funding negotiations. Katie Stephen's contentious regulatory expertise encompasses FCA, PRA, Ofgem, HMRC, and SRA investigations.
Practice head(s):
Lesley Browning (Head of Pensions); Michael Godden (Head of dispute resolution and litigation)
Other key lawyers:
Giannis Waymouth; Katie Stephen; Shane O’Reilly; Peter Ford
Testimonials
‘The team are always able to blend pragmatism with detail and to work with others to ensure practical and robust solutions.’
‘We have worked with the pensions team at Norton Rose for many years and have always found them approachable and responsive to our needs. They have provided valuable advice on consolidated trust deeds and rules and scheme closures and mergers.’
‘The individuals I work with provide good advice and do so in a very consultative manner. The firm’s periodic thought pieces and their summaries of new and proposed regulations and laws are also quite informative and timely.
‘Lesley Browning has an excellent understanding of the issues we face and has always provided excellent and timely advice.’
‘Peter Ford and Shane O’Reilly are two very experienced lawyers but over and above that they take the time to get to know people and they are always an absolute pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Abellio Transport Holdings
Accenture Inc
Accolade Wines Ltd
AES Corporation
Amtrust International
AXA UK plc
Bain Capital
Bank of Ireland
Barclays Bank plc
Bechtel Global Corporation
Bombardier Inc.
The Boston Consulting Group Limited
Canada Life Limited
Carnival plc
Carlsberg UK Limited
Carrier Pension Trustee Limited
CEMEX UK Pension Trust Limited
Cheviot Trustees Limited
Chubb Services UK Limited
Civil Aviation Authority
Colgate-Palmolive (UK) Limited
Cooper Tyre & Rubber Co. Europe Limited
Crest Nicolson plc
Dalriada Trustees Limited
Energizer Brands LLC
FCA
Hayward Tyler Pension Plan Trustees
HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Ltd
HSBC Master Trust Trustee Limited
HSBC Retirement Services Limited
Hydro Aluminium Deeside Ltd
Hyperion Insurance Group Limited
IMI plc
Invensys Pension Scheme Trustee Limited
Irish Pensions Trust Limited
John Menzies
Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company Limited
Lyondell Chemical Europe Inc.
Maersk Line UK L
Work highlights
- Advised Carlsberg UK Limited on its entry to a joint venture with Marston’s plc worth £780m.
- Advised Bain Capital Credit LP on the pensions aspects of the acquisition of Liverpool Victoria group by way of a Part VII scheme
- Advised Invensys Pension Trustee Limited as Trustee of the Invensys Pension Scheme on a whole host of scheme issues including potential scam cases, GMP equalisation and rectification, as well as data protection, tax and regulatory advice.
Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 3
Led by Chris Brown, the 'incredibly attentive and cohesive' team at Norton Rose Fulbright provides 'high-quality' advice to banks and borrowers on multi-jurisdictional financings in core areas of sector strength for the firm as a whole, including infrastructure, energy and transport. As well as its work for major commercial banks, the team is also skilled at advising on emerging markets-related (particularly across the African continent) multi-sourced financings involving ECAs and DFIs. Neha Khosla is 'perceptive, robust and tenacious', particularly in her work for lenders and borrowers engaged in energy-related emerging markets deals (including in oil mandates utilising reserve based lending facilities). The firm also benefits from access to ancillary areas of expertise, including asset-based lending (ABL) and Islamic finance, ensuring that it is able to handle the more bespoke transactions in the market.
Practice head(s):
Chris Brown
Other key lawyers:
Michael Black; Daniel Metcalfe; Michael Ings; Neha Khosla; Alex Zekkos; Tom Meredith
Testimonials
‘The team was incredibly attentive and cohesive. They provided consistently great service throughout.’
‘Experience and communication with clients and advisers is very high quality. Always available and commercially minded.’
‘Neha Khosla is perceptive, robust and tenacious. She communicates complex issues with absolute clarity and leaves no stone unturned.’
Key clients
Bank of America
Goldman Sachs
SMBC
HSBC
ABN Amro
Stanbic Bank
SBSA
DNB Bank
Deutsche Bank
JP Morgan
Rabobank
Work highlights
- Advising SMBC in relation to a $750m reserve-based lending facility.
- Advising Volution Group plc in relation to the refinancing of its existing £120m revolving credit facilities.
- Advising private equity investor Gemcorp Capital in relation to its facilities to Net1 International Holdings, the media and mobile phone company based in Indonesia.
Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright handles insurance litigation matters involving financial lines, D&O and professional indemnity claims, as well as growing areas such as property liability and business interruption claims. Practice leader Adrian Mecz acts for international insurers and reinsurers on a range of disputes. Michelle George, who has experience handling product and professional indemnity claims, and Jonathan Ogle are praised as ‘stellar’ lawyers, alongside Ffion Flockhart who is also a key contact in the team. The team welcomed consultant Declan McDaid from the firm’s Hong Kong office, while Charlie Weston-Simons was promoted to partner at the start of 2020.Practice head(s):
Adrian Mecz
Other key lawyers:
Michelle George; Jonathan Ogle; Ffion Flockhart; Declan McDaid; Susannah Russell
Testimonials
‘Jon Ogle and Michelle George – stellar.’
‘Michelle George and Adrian Mecz are highly experienced insurance coverage lawyers who have always seen and dealt with it before’
‘Michelle George is an excellent insurance coverage lawyer who doesn’t waste time with bad points or advice’
‘Excellent team – very diverse experience – excellent individuals. An excellent service’
‘Charlie Weston-Simons has provided excellent strategic thinking around a complex matter’
‘Susannah Russell managed the large volumes of material involved with great skill and accuracy and kept pace with the many twists and turns of the arbitration’
Key clients
AIG
AmTrust
AXA XL
Barbican
Brit
Canopius
Chubb
Enstar
ERGO
Liberty Specialty Markets
Marsh
MS Amlin
Munich Re
Pembroke/Hamilton
QBE
Resolute
Talbot/AIG
Vitality
WR Berkley
Zurich
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3
Norton Rose FulbrightNorton Rose FulbrightNorton Rose Fulbright leverages its considerable international network to support on an array of inward investment transactions and cross-border real estate projects. The practice counts its expertise in energy, infrastructure and large-scale social housing schemes as its keystones and is able to tap into the firm’s wider finance, tax and corporate structuring capabilities to provide a full lifecycle service. Dan Wagerfield fronts the global real estate practice from London, providing distinguished experience in mixed-use developments and outbound capital from Asia; he is supported by UK practice head Wasim Khan, a prominent Islamic finance specialist, as well as David Hawkins who has been supporting London Olympia on its ongoing £2bn redevelopment . David Sinclair enjoys a first-rate reputation for both investment and development matters, particularly those at offices and hotels, while well-regarded counsel Louisa Roe is particularly integral to the corporate occupier offering which supports landlords and tenants from initial lease negotiation through to terminations and subsequent disputes.
Practice head(s):
Wasim Khan
Other key lawyers:
David Sinclair; David Hawkins; Dan Wagerfield; Charlie Pinkerton
Testimonials
‘The team works well together and collaborates across the departments to ensure issues are assessed and taken care of.’
‘Everyone we deal with at Norton Rose Fulbright is highly capable, hardworking, pleasant to work with and, importantly, have a sense of humour (the latter has been important given the challenges the last year has thrown at us!)’
‘We deal with many solicitors – Louisa Roe and her team are the most commercial and proactive team I have dealt with in recent years. They are incredibly responsive to both the client’s requirements and to input made by ourselves. Their turnaround time is exceptional. They are very collaborative as a team and bring the wider team together with is critical in making deals happen and so often is not the case with other solicitors.’
‘A team of solicitors I have always enjoyed working with. The partners are very approachable, and all the associates are extremely knowledgeable about the real estate sector and have got me out of trouble a few times.’
‘Louisa Roe is head and shoulders above other solicitors we deal with day in day out. Very commercial, brilliant at problem solving, great attention to deal, incredibly responsive.’
‘David Hawkins has excellent engagement with and understanding of the complexities of deals. Very committed and never let us down on timing. David is very well supported by Louisa Roe and both work extremely hard.’
Key clients
MUFG Bank
Patrizia AG
Bank of London and the Middle East Plc
Dagenham Dock
GLL Real Estate Partners
United Overseas Bank Limited
ICBC (London) plc
RWE AG
Resolution Property IM LLP (UK)
Europa Capital (UK)
Civitas plc (UK)
Commerz Real (Germany)
Prudential plc (UK)
Olympia London
57 Whitehall S.à.r.l. (Old War Office) (India and Spain)
Bank ABC (Middle East)
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management (UK)
Tristan Capital Partners (UK)
HSBC Alternative Investments (UK)
Bank of Montréal (Canada)
Employees Provident Fund (Malaysia)
Argo Group (USA)
WELPUT (Jersey)
Ashby Capital (UK)
State General Reserve Fund (Oman)
SOFAZ (Azerbaijan)
Hobart Partners (UK)
Sidra Capital (Dubai)
Ivanhoé Cambridge (Canada)
Funding Affordable Homes Plc (UK)
Work highlights
- Advised Civitas on a number of portfolio acquisitions in the vibrant social housing investment sector.
- Advised GLL/Macquarie on the acquisition of Yalding House in the West End from British Land plc.
- Advised Olympia on the £2bn investment and redevelopment of this iconic Central London venue.
Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright is known for its work in disputes involving commercial and industrial real estate, transport infrastructure, energy and logistics projects. It is particularly well regarded for its strength in cases concerning distressed PFI/PPP projects, acting for developers, contractors and other stakeholders. Donald Warnock heads the construction and energy practice for the firm, leading in disputes, and particularly arbitrations, in those areas. Simon Ramsden and James Rogers are also noted for their respective experience advising on PFI disputes and international arbitration.
Practice head(s):
Donald Warnock
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Simon Ramsden can simplify a complex situation, and bring genuine and alternative pragmatic and commercial options to the table, whilst being robust on the legal solutions also available.’
‘Happy to work dynamically and efficient in their collaboration with the client as the situation changes.’
‘Norton selects the best lawyers that they have around the world to create the best team to defend your interests.’
‘The partners and associates at Norton are good lawyers: they know the law that they are applying, they think very much in the interest of the client, and they are a very good advocates in defending the client.’
Key clients
BAM Nuttall
Thales
Ferrovial Agroman UK Limited
First Generation Limited
UBB Waste Limited
Sacyr
Sumitomo Mitsubishi Banking Corporation Europe Limited
Husky Energy
ENGIE
Work highlights
- Acting for Hyde Housing Association in claims arising out of the design and installation of cladding systems on high-rise buildings in the UK.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 3
With over 50 international offices, Norton Rose Fulbright acts for borrowers and lenders across the globe and domestically, in particular across Africa and Asia. The ‘excellent‘ property finance team is co-led by Dan Kennedy, who has strengths in restructuring deals, development financing and regeneration projects, and ‘superstar‘ Sarah Cullen, who advises on domestic and cross-border debt financings involving office, residential, retail, leisure, hotel, student accommodation and logistics properties. Jennie Dorsaint joined the team from Paul Hastings LLP in December 2020, bringing expertise in representing lenders, arrangers, investors, administrators and debt funds.Practice head(s):
Sarah Cullen; Dan Kennedy
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Metcalfe; Jennie Dorsaint
Testimonials
‘Dan Metcalfe takes an active role on all transactions and always makes himself available for commercial discussions and negotiations, bringing his many years of experience to bear for the client’s benefit. The team is able to work fast without sacrificing attention to detail when required to meet tight deadlines. They have made increasing use of technology, particularly in the conditions precedent space.’
‘Their partner engagement, client management, knowledge and technical capabilities are outstanding. Clear fee arrangements and periodic WIP billing updates engender confidence in project controls and efficiency of service. Norton Rose made the legal elements of our transaction feel effortless – their advice was always clear, very timely and document reviews were controlled with well-managed and quickly resolved issues lists. A fantastic experience and a top class adviser.’
‘The team are excellent. They go above and beyond to get the deal done and have done a number of extremely difficult deals for us in the past year.’
‘A full-service real estate practice, with direct access to partners who run all elements of the transaction.’
‘Sarah Cullen is an absolute superstar. Highly responsive, very commercial and everything you want in a real estate finance lawyer.’
‘Jennie Dorsaint is a strong partner, is able to work across Europe on transactions with ease, and always manages the entire end-to-end process in order to ensure delivery on time and in a cost-effective manner.’
‘Sarah Cullen is clear, incisive, smart, collegial, patient and highly commercial in approach. She is an exceptional lawyer, with great poise and a very calm and friendly demeanour. Sarah knows exactly what needs to be done and ensures a crisp execution and excellent client management. She also manages her team incredibly well and invisibly, so her associates are empowered and similarly competent and her clients benefit from her close behind the scenes oversight and careful management of key commercials.’
‘Jennie Dorsaint is pragmatic and commercial, has great client knowledge and is cool-headed. She has exceptional knowledge of complex structures.’
Key clients
Olympus Property Holding
Picton Property Income
Standard Chartered Bank
ICBC
Nedbank
L1 UK Property Investments Pty Ltd
Funding Affordable Homes Housing Association Limited
Battersea Power Station
Emirates Bank
Lloyds Bank plc
Crest Nicholson Holdings plc
National Westminster Bank Plc
DBS Bank Ltd
Ivanhoe Cambridge
AIG
RBSI
Münchener Hypothekenbank eG
United Overseas Bank
Work highlights
- Advised a joint venture of institutional investors on the £875m facility arranged by Goldman Sachs in connection with the £1.3bn redevelopment of Olympia London, a 130-year old exhibition and events business.
- Advised PPHE Hotel Group, the FTSE 250 international hospitality real estate company, on its most recent £180m development financing being provided by Bank Hapoalim.
- Advised Standard Chartered Bank on the £48.2m financing to SRE Bourne Limited for the £76m acquisition of the Bourne Business Park.
Corporate and commercial > M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £500m+ Tier 4
Drawing on its broad network of international offices Norton Rose Fulbright is able to offer clients corporate and M&A expertise across Europe, the US, Asia Pacific and Africa. The firm regularly advises clients from its key sectors: financial institutions; energy, infrastructure, mining & commodities; transport; technology and life sciences and healthcare. Steered by EMEA corporate chief Raj Karia, the team is predominantly instructed on matters with a strong international aspect, coordinating transformative transactions. Paul Whitelock is a key figure for capital markets transactions and public M&A, including LSE and AIM-listed takeovers. Experienced in Asian and African markets, Jon Perry is rated by clients for his 'nimble, problem-solving approach'. Meanwhile TMT specialist Oliver Stacey is praised as 'traditional trusted counsel'.
Practice head(s):
Raj Karia
Other key lawyers:
Paul Whitelock; Jon Perry; Oliver Stacey; Alan Bainbridge; Fiona Millington; Chris Grieves; Stephen Rigby; Bayo Odubeko; Jason Moss; Claire O’Donnell; Zahra Sachedina
Testimonials
‘Jon Perry is an excellent partner. Top tier M&A lawyer, brilliant client engagement, and nimble problem solving approach.’
‘Practical, commercially minded, proactive and collaborative.’
‘I would like to give specific mention to the partner, Oliver Stacey and Zahra Sachedina. I have now worked with them for over two and a half years, and they never fail to impress. Oliver is affable, and the traditional trusted counsel. Always available and making sure the matter runs smoothly. Zahra is very capable and available. At her junior level she is able to inspire confidence normally only bestowed on her much more senior colleagues.’
Key clients
AIG
Bank of Montreal
Barrick Gold
BHP Billiton
BMW
BP plc
Brookfield
CME Group
Delta Air Lines
HSBC
Lloyds Banking Group
Centamin
Orange SA
Rio Tinto
Santander
SNC-Lavalin Group
Teliasonera AB
Terra Firma Capital Partners
Reach plc
Vodafone
3M
Bombardier
Work highlights
- Advised Total on the acquisition from SSE Renewables of a majority stake in the Seagreen 1 offshore wind farm project.
- Advised Carlsberg on its deal with Marston’s plc to form the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company.
- Advised Bombardier Inc. on the sale of Bombardier Transportation to Alstom.
Employment > Employers Tier 4
Regularly working in tandem with colleagues across the firm’s myriad international hubs, Norton Rose Fulbright’s employment and labour practice in London routinely handles contentious and non-contentious matters with complex cross-border dimensions. Department lead Paul Griffin frequently coordinates responses globally to multijurisdictional labour and employment issues. The firm's areas of expertise include trade union disputes, Employment Tribunal claims, severance issues, boardroom disputes and corporate governance matters. Also providing key support to employer clients is Catrina Smith.
Practice head(s):
Paul Griffin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The firm offers a significant breadth of expertise across a range of sectors, delivering on-point legal and commercial advice.’
‘The team works very well together, and delivers timely and accurate legal/commercial advice and insights. It is always a pleasure to work with them even when dealing with challenging situations.’
‘Having worked with a number of NRF teams over the past four years I have been impressed with the calibre of the people and their adherence to deadlines.’
‘Having worked with Catrina Smith for the past 20 months I have valued her practical, pragmatic and common-sense approach. Her support, direction and guidance have been invaluable and she always made herself available. Approachable and personable, Catrina has been a joy to work with.’
‘The team has strong knowledge in diverse areas: regulatory, employment law, GDPR, etc.’
‘Balanced judgement of cases; great experience in managing a variety of situations; good market liaisons.’
Key clients
BMW
Starr International
Lyondel Basell
Pfizer
Royal Bank of Canada
Bombardier
IMI plc
Battersea Power Station
Boston Consulting Group
Societe Generale
Dolce Gabbana
Saab
Credit Agricole
Standard Chartered
Bechtel Corporation
Work highlights
- Undertaking an investigation for a global bank into issues raised by an employee via the client’s Speak Up channel.
- Advising Carlsberg, one of the world’s leading brewers, on its £780m joint venture with Marston’s plc to combine (as Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company) their UK brewing and distribution activities.
- Advising Total on the UK employment aspects of its acquisition of ‘Blue Point London’ from the Bolloré Group.
Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 4
Lesley Browning has taken over at the helm of the Norton Rose Fulbright ‘s London pensions team. Former lead, Peter Ford, remains with the practice as a consultant working with major UK and international corporates on all aspects of pensions law. The practice covers the full range of industry participants and its non-contentious expertise includes longevity swaps, pooled/insured investment vehicles and fiduciary management arrangements. Shane O’Reilly advises both employers and trustees on investment work as well as advising on the evolving ESG landscape. The team’s contentious practice provides strategic advice in relation to benefit errors, TPR moral hazard powers, and contentious funding negotiations. Katie Stephen‘s contentious regulatory expertise encompasses FCA, PRA, Ofgem, HMRC, and SRA investigations.
Practice head(s):
Michael Godden (Head of dispute resolution and litigation); Lesley Browning (Head of Pensions)
Other key lawyers:
Katie Stephen; Peter Ford; Michelle George; Jon Ogle
Testimonials
‘The team are always able to blend pragmatism with detail and to work with others to ensure practical and robust solutions.’
‘We have worked with the pensions team at Norton Rose for many years and have always found them approachable and responsive to our needs. They have provided valuable advice on consolidated trust deeds and rules and scheme closures and mergers.’
‘The individuals I work with provide good advice and do so in a very consultative manner. The firm’s periodic thought pieces and their summaries of new and proposed regulations and laws are also quite informative and timely.’
Real estate > Planning Tier 4
Norton Rose Fulbright's newly-established planning team has become 'a real powerhouse', under the leadership of Sarah Fitzpatrick. In addition to being noted for its active enforcement practice and expertise in mixed-use schemes, the team has also seen growth in residential development, compulsory purchase and DCO work.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Fitzpatrick; Caroline May
Other key lawyers:
Carina Wentzel
Testimonials
‘Excellent, forward-thinking planning advice.’
‘Adaptability to advise on different types of development and up to date knowledge of case law and how to apply it to best effect in practice.’
‘Sarah Fitzpatrick is an industry expert with a proven track record in successful planning appeals with local authorities. You would not want anyone else to represent you.’
‘A real powerhouse. A blue chip client base. Huge knowledge and experience of all aspects of planning law, including major infrastructure and court litigation. Fits within the broader Norton Rose offering which means there is particular strength in Energy cases. In my view, undoubtedly one of the very best planning teams in London.’
‘Carina Wentzel is truly exceptional. Hugely personably, terrifyingly intelligent, and totally on top of all of the deals all of the time. She works extremely hard and understands both the law and the client’s commercial objectives in a way that only a first-rate solicitor can.’
Key clients
Berliet Limited
DB Cargo (UK) Limited
Setha Canterbury Ltd
Hotchkiss Limited
PPR Estates
Linea Homes
Setha Chipping Norton Ltd
Civitas Social Housing plc
Work highlights
- Advising Berliet Limited on the redevelopment of four linked sites to provide a residential led mixed-use scheme with circa 750 residential units.
- Advising DB Cargo (UK) Limited on a high-value compulsory purchase compensation claim in connection with HS2 (Phase 1).
- Advising the Setha Group on a complex town centre redevelopment in Canterbury, with significant heritage and ecclesiastical aspects.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4
Norton Rose Fulbright acts for a diverse client roster including investors, developers, landlords, financial institutions, joint venture partners and corporate occupiers. Solicitor advocate David Stevens heads the team and is the main contact for property management and development-related work, both of which form the practice's key areas of expertise; the latter regularly involves development constraints.
Practice head(s):
David Stevens
Testimonials
‘David Stevens offered practical and pragmatic advice in testing circumstances, delivered in line with our required timescales.’
‘Knowledgeable and responsive.’
‘David Stevens is friendly and eager to help.’
Key clients
57 Whitehall S.A.R.L.
Banco Nacional de Angola
BMO Asset Management
BMW (UK) Limited
BNP Paribas Real Estate
Canada Pension Plan Investment
Civitas Social Housing plc
Commerz Real
Dagenham Docks Limited
IMI plc
Ivanhoe Cambridge/Residential Land
L1 Capital
Olympia Limited
Palace Capital plc
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Schroder Real Estate
Shell UK plc
Thales Properties Limited
WELPUT (a Schroders property fund managed by BentallGreenOak)
Work highlights
- Continuing to act for Circus Apartments Limited, a joint venture between Ivanhoe Cambridge and Residential Land, the long leaseholder of a residential apartment building in Canary Wharf, in proceedings with the freeholder involving alleged breaches of tenant covenants as a preliminary to forfeiture proceedings, as well as a counterclaim seeking a declaration that the landlord had unreasonably delayed and refused consent to applications for consent to assign and underlet the premises.
- Advising Olympus Property Holding on the development constraints and potentially contentious aspects of the mixed-use redevelopment of the Olympia Exhibition Centre.
- Advising 57 Whitehall S.A.R.L. on the development constraints and potentially contentious aspects of the redevelopment of the Old War Office in Whitehall, including rights to light aspects.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4
Norton Rose Fulbright’s IP practice acts on the breadth of non-contentious instructions, including rights acquisitions and disposals, commercial licensing agreements and M&A-related activity, predominantly handled by practice head Mike Knapper. The team has a focus on the fintech and TMT sectors, also working with clients in the consumer goods sector. Contentious IP expert Paul Joseph spearheads copyright infringement litigation in the insurance sector.
Practice head(s):
Mike Knapper
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Japan Tobacco International SA
Ocado
Nomad Foods
Carlsberg
Ceres Power
Coca Cola Hellenic
Barclays
Accolade Wines
Accenture
Schweppes International Limited
Vispring
Work highlights
- Advising on the joint venture between Carlsberg and Marston’s to combine their United Kingdom brewing and distribution activities.
- Advising Japan Tobacco International on complex multijurisdictional licensing matters in respect of its Reduced Risk Products (e-cigarettes etc) opposite licensees and suppliers of technologies covering Europe and Asia.
- Advising Ocado on IP issues and the negotiation of the IP provisions in the context of its engineering services agreements relating to the design of the robotics system used by Ocado in its customer fulfilment warehouses internationally.
Transport > Shipping Tier 4
Norton Rose Fulbright's shipping practice covers a full range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including those involving shipbuilding, charterparties, bills of lading and bunkers. Elsewhere, ship finance transactions are another driver of activity. Charlotte Winter focuses on asset finance litigation, while Katie McDougall leads the team's sanctions practice, providing advice on risk assessment and compliance, as well as disputes. Philip Roche leads the group.
Practice head(s):
Philip Roche
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The NRF team responsible for our work is reliable and responds quickly. If instructed, they can deliver work product within the same day.’
‘What stands out with NRF is that they are keen to deliver a good product and focus on return clients. This is done by having an even and high quality delivery, good knowledge of the shipping industry and the finance sector.’
Key clients
Carnival Corporation
Dubai Ports World
DVB (Shipping panel appointment)
Japan P&I Club
P&O Ferries
Total
RBS
Rio Tinto
Standard Chartered Bank
Stena
Trinity House
Work highlights
- Producing a sanctions matrix for a third party shipping mutual insurer on EU and US sanctions that are specific to the shipping industry, with respect to the various different country regimes that may be relevant to their members.
Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 5
Norton Rose Fulbright handles a regular stream of instructions for investors, investees and corporate venturers . A considerable amount of this venture capital work sits within the fintech sector, an area in which Sean Murphy has particular expertise, both on the transactional side, as well as advising on accompanying regulatory concerns. Many of the mandates handled by the team have a cross-border element and the firm has a particular strength advising on Africa-based emerging markets mandates, which the ‘outstanding’ Bayo Odubeko has a particular focus on. Murphy co-heads the venture capital and growth capital team.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Norton Rose Fulbright has a very strong team with extensive experience in all issues relating to corporate, commercial and venture capital. No matter the knotty issue, NRF finds and executes alternative solutions to deliver value.’
‘Bayo Odubeko and Louise Finnegan are outstanding. They work selflessly and professionally, and consider our issues their issues. They take every win for their clients as a win for themselves, so they give everything.’
Key clients
Starling Bank
Funding Xchange
OGCI Climate Investments
Telus Communications
Paga Group Ltd
Green Africa
Revenio Capital
Northern Trust
Zego
Work highlights
- Advising Northern Trust on its investment into Zodia Custody with joint venture partnerSC Ventures by Standard Chartered.
- Advised Starling Bank on its latest £272 million Series D funding round, valuing the company at £1.1 billion pre-money, confirming its status as one of Britain’s newest unicorns
- Advised commercial motor insurer Zego on its US$150m Series C round of funding, valuing the business at US$1.1bn and making Zego the UK’s first privately heldInsurTech “unicorn.”
Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 5
Norton Rose Fulbright advises commercial/investment banks, as well as some large corporates, across a range of cross-border financing work, particularly within sector strengths of the firm as a whole (including energy, mining and commodities). Uniquely among many in the ranking, the firm has 'strong experience in Africa', and is particularly well-equipped to handle the financing accompanying investment into the continent by virtue of its deep strategic alliances with local firms and a sizeable on the ground presence in South Africa. Michael Black has niche expertise advising lenders on acquisition finance mandates incorporating ABL techniques. Chris Brown heads up the overarching banking and finance group.
Practice head(s):
Chris Brown
Other key lawyers:
Michael Ings; Michael Black; James Dunnett; Neha Khosla; Alex Zekkos
Testimonials
‘The team is proactive, diligent, innovative and commercial, and has strong experience in Africa where we operate.’
Key clients
Bank of America
Goldman Sachs International
Community Fibre Limited
Volution Group Plc
Reach Plc
National Bank of Canada
Sandvik
Wells Fargo
ABN Amro
Work highlights
- Advised National Bank of Canada, as underwriter, in the debt and equity financings connected to Savaria Corporation’s £265m acquisition of Handicare Group AB.
- Advised Bank of America in its capacity as agent and lender, under a $125m senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility made to IPL Plastics Inc. and its affiliates. The loan financed the acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of IPL Plastics by Madison Dearborn Partners and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
- Advised Community Fibre Limited and its existing investors Amber Infrastructure and RPMI Railpen in connection with the acquisition of a controlling stake in Community Fibre by funds advised by Warburg Pincus LLC and DTCP.
Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 5
Norton Rose Fulbright provides 'very pragmatic' advice to lenders, IPs, investors, corporates and directors across a wide range of contentious and non-contentious insolvency/restructuring issues, including those occuring within key industry sectors for the firm, such as transport and energy. Team head James Stonebridge is experienced at 'working through complex, international restructuring and insolvency situations', and is frequently aided by lawyers based across the firm's extensive global network of offices. As part of Mark Craggs' broad-ranging practice, he has developed particular expertise advising on the interaction of differing global restructuring laws, including as it relates to Brexit's impact on UK-EU cross-border restructuring. The practice has been strengthened by the 2020 hire of Alison Goldthorp .
Practice head(s):
James Stonebridge
Other key lawyers:
Mark Craggs; Alison Goldthorp; Matt Thorn
Testimonials
‘An experienced restructuring and insolvency team which is able to draw on the firm’s strong sector capability (eg shipping and energy) and breadth of specialisms, coupled with geographical reach which is delivered in an integrated way.’
‘Experience across a large number of deals allows for strong recommendations and innovative deal solutions.’
‘The team is approachable and very pragmatic in helping us reach the appropriate solution for our challenges. When they explain complex issues they have the way of expressing the issues which I can analyse and understand quickly.’
‘James Stonebridge is experienced at working through complex, international restructuring and insolvency situations with the interplay of different laws, precedents and jurisdictions.’
Key clients
The Liquidators of Lehman Brothers Australia
Citibank
Bourbon Maritime
ABN Amro
DNB
ING Bank
No
SMBC
Danmarks Skibskredit
The Administrators of Insect Technology Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised a group of senior secured lenders to the DeepOcean group, on its successful restructuring via inter-conditional restructuring plans (under the new Part 26A of the UK Companies Act 2006).
- Advised a major international bank as lender in relation to the restructuring of Benteler International AG.
- Advised certain creditors on the debt restructuring of Norwegian Air Shuttle.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 5
Norton Rose Fulbright has a dedicated communications, media and entertainment industry group, which advises clients on transactional matters, including cross-border M&A and joint ventures, content acquisitions and outsourcing. It also handles issues pertaining to advertising and marketing, dispute resolution, exploitation and protection of rights and sponsorships, among other matters. Corporate partner Oliver Stacey leads the team, which includes EMEA IP head Mike Knapper and Paul Joseph, who was recruited from RPC in May 2020. Zayed Al Jamil recently made partner.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Stacey
Other key lawyers:
Mike Knapper; Paul Joseph; Daniel Metcalfe; David Marshall; Lara White; Marcus Evans; Stephen Rigby; Zayed Al Jamil
Key clients
Modern Times Group MTG AB (MTG)
777 Partners LLC
Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Modern Times Group MTG AB (MTG) on its acquisition of Hutch Games Ltd (Hutch). Hutch is a leading developer and publisher of free-to-play mobile games focused on the racing genre. MTG’s acquisition enables strong growth opportunities within a new and highly attractive game category for MTG, while also further diversifying the group’s games portfolio.
- Advised 777 Partners LLC, a Miami-based private equity firm, on its acquisition of a majority stake in the London Lions basketball club and its partnership with the existing management team.
- Advised Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited as Global Co-ordinator in relation to facilities amounting to $40m and UGX220bn to MTN (Uganda) Limited as borrower.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 6
Norton Rose Fulbright hired Paul Joseph from RPC in 2020, which is intended to enhance its patent litigation offering. In more recent developments, the London team was bolstered by the recent arrival of Jane Caskey from the Toronto office, as well as Zayed Al Jamil's promotion to partner. Areas of activity for the practice include transport, life sciences and energy. Practice head Mike Knapper advises on licensing deals, collaborations, technology transfers and other transactional matters.
Practice head(s):
Mike Knapper
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Japan Tobacco International
Shell
Northern Trust
Schweppes International
Work highlights
- Advising Japan Tobacco Internationa on a number of patent licensing matters opposite licensees and suppliers of technologies in Europe and Asia.
- Advising Shell on a patent infringement claim in relation to Pay at Pump technology.
- Advising Schweppes International Limited in relation to patents (filing strategy and licensing, freedom to operate opinions, third party watch and potential oppositions) across the Suntory Food and Beverage Europe business unit.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 6
Norton Rose Fulbright’s London team forms part of the firm’s global sports practice, spread across 26 offices. Stephen Rigby fronts the UK offering, leveraging the firm's extensive footprint to advise on international transactions with a track record in supporting inward investment into UK-based football clubs. The wider group is also well-versed in stadium financings and developments, disputes, sponsorship deals, IP affairs and regulatory investigations.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Rigby
Other key lawyers:
Claire O’Donnell; Sarah Fitzpatrick; Paul Joseph
Key clients
Envision Virgin Racing
British Racing Drivers Club Limited
Crusaders Cricket Australia Inc.
Southampton FC
London Development Agency
Iconix Brand Group
Sportsworld Media Group Plc
Société Générale
777 Partners LLC
Work highlights
- Advised 777 Partners LLC on its acquisition of the London Lions basketball club.
India > Foreign firms Tier 3
Norton Rose Fulbright has a notable practice in the energy sectors, especially regarding disputes. Sherina Petit heads the India-focused practice from London, working with key practitioners, Stephen Begley, Raj Karia, Selene Tan and Aditya Rebbapragada.Work highlights
Norton Rose Fulbright > Firm Profile
The firm: Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm. We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 4,000 lawyers and other legal staff based in more than 50 cities across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa.
Areas of practice: Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and healthcare. Through our global risk advisory group, we leverage our industry experience with our knowledge of legal, regulatory, compliance and governance issues to provide our clients with practical solutions to the legal and regulatory risks facing their businesses.
Wherever we are, we operate in accordance with our global business principles of quality, unity and integrity. We aim to provide the highest possible standard of legal service in each of our offices and to maintain that level of quality at every point of contact.
Norton Rose Fulbright Verein, a Swiss verein, helps coordinate the activities of Norton Rose Fulbright members but does not itself provide legal services to clients. Norton Rose Fulbright has offices in more than 50 cities worldwide, including London, Houston, New York, Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Sydney and Johannesburg. For more information, see nortonrosefulbright.com
Offices: We have offices in the world’s most important business, financial and regulatory centres and are active in strategically important growth markets. Our offices are located in Amsterdam, Athens, Austin, Bahrain, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Brussels, Calgary, Canberra, Cape Town, Casablanca, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Durban, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Houston, Istanbul, Jakarta (in association with Norton Rose Fulbright Australia), Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Mexico City, Milan, Minneapolis, Monaco, Montréal, Moscow, Munich, New York, Ottawa, Paris, Perth, Piraeus, Port Moresby, Québec, Rio de Janeiro, Riyadh (in association with Mohammed Al-Ghamdi Law Firm), San Antonio, San Francisco, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, St Louis, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, Warsaw and Washington, DC. In Africa, we have alliances with firms in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Zimbabwe
Number of partners (worldwide): 1,000+
Number of other fee-earners (worldwide): 2,000+
Total staff: 7,500+
Global key contacts
Financial institutions: James Bateson
Energy: Anne Lapierre and John Mauel
Infrastructure, mining and commodities: Nick Merritt
Transport: Harry Theochari
Technology: Nick Abrahams
Life sciences and healthcare: Stacey Martinez and Randy Sutton
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Global chief executive | Peter Martyr | ||
Global chair | Stephen Parish | ||
Banking and finance | Nick Grandage | ||
Corporate, M&A and securities | Ava Yaskiel | ||
Dispute resolution and litigation | Gerard Pecht | ||
Energy | Simon Currie | ||
Financial institutions | James Bateson | ||
Infrastructure, mining and commodities | Nick Merritt | ||
Life sciences and healthcare | Patrick Kierans | ||
Life sciences and healthcare | Rick Robinson | ||
Technology and innovation | Mike Rebeiro | ||
Transport | Harry Theochari |
Lawyer Profiles
Diversity
At Norton Rose Fulbright our vision is to be an employer of choice worldwide, attracting and retaining the best people in order to provide our clients with the most considered and innovative advice.
To attract the best people, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can realise their full potential. With more than 7,000 people worldwide, we benefit from the diversity of perspectives and experiences they bring to the firm – from national origin, disability and gender identity to religion, race and ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation and socio-economic backgrounds. We value difference and actively promote a culture of inclusion, encouraging everyone to be curious about the different perspectives of our colleagues, clients and the communities in which we operate.
The global D&I sub-committee reports into the Global Executive Committee and advises on the strategic commitments needed to ensure we build a diverse and inclusive partnership and firm. Our global D&I strategy focuses on gender; race and ethnicity; LGBTIQ+; disability; mental health; social mobility; family and carers.
We believe targeted measures drive change and enable us to measure progress. In 2020 we launched an aspirational global gender target of 40% women and 40% men, and 20% flexibility to be fully inclusive as well as a new race and ethnicity strategy to accelerate progress. The refreshed ethnicity strategy introduced UK BAME targets: by 2025, 15% of partners (currently 9%) and 25% of employees (currently 20%). The annual BAME trainee recruitment target remains 25%, and now includes a target of 10% Black trainees.
To support diverse talent through critical career stages and to strengthen our pipeline and increase representation of minority groups we have developed a suite of programmes and initiatives to foster an inclusive culture. For example, our Career Strategies Programmes (CSP) are global modular development programmes to support women and minority ethnic fee-earners on track for partnership. In the UK we are expanding the CSP to BAME business services professionals and creating two other career development programmes for more junior lawyers and business services professionals.
To support our wider inclusion strategy we have nearly 50 employee networks globally. The network groups cover all areas of inclusion and share the aims of building awareness, providing development and networking opportunities, supporting business development and profiling role models.
As a corporate citizen we use our skills and knowledge to make a difference for the wider communities in which we operate, to help shape the future in a way that provides economic, ecological and social benefits for all. We are active across our local communities, working closely with a number of charitable organisations utilising the skills of our people through pro bono and volunteering opportunities, fundraising for a number of important causes and ensuring we are an environmentally conscious business.
Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
‘The global reach of the firm, the ability to work abroad and the culture’ lead the accolades given by trainees describing Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF). NRF has an impressive client list, sector focus and is an international stalwart. A major name in training, the current cohort applaud the firm’s ‘international opportunities’ and ‘culture’. Some trainees previously worked as paralegals, a great way of getting a sense of the firm before applying. With mandatory pro-bono work and a guaranteed overseas seat, trainees enjoy the international reach and the diverse sectors available. One trainee identified the firm’s supportive culture; ‘people are quite understanding and are happy to accommodate special needs’. Highlights included ‘getting to know the other trainees’, ‘the client contact’, and ‘closing a high-value deal mid-Covid, thinking that it might fall through; we had a little global NRF Zoom drinks and celebrations at 6am’. The international seat rotation has been challenging during the pandemic, but as one trainee comments ‘working remotely from London was something to get used to, but the time zones worked exceptionally well. Of course, this means that you have to step up as a trainee as your supervisor might be in bed when you have an urgent question to ask’. If you are looking for a global firm with strong pro-bono credentials and diverse sectors, Norton Rose Fulbright is one to target.Comparative Guides
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South Africa: Bribery & Corruption
Published: May 2021
Authors: Marelise van der Westhuizen Andrew Keightley-Smith Sabeeha Kathrada Ntokozo Mbonani
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Bribery & Corruption laws and regulations that may occur in South Africa.
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Indonesia: International Arbitration
Published: October 2021
Authors: Kresna Panggabean Jeremiah Purba Dandi Hamid
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to International Arbitration laws and regulations that may occur in Indonesia.
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United States: International Arbitration
Published: October 2021
Authors: Matthew H. Kirtland Katie Connolly Esha Kamboj Eddie Skolnick Ernesto M. Hernández
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to International Arbitration laws and regulations that may occur in United States.
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Hong Kong: Insurance & Reinsurance
Published: May 2022
Authors: James Parker Etelka Bogardi Graeme Mackay Amy Chung
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Insurance & Reinsurance laws and regulations that may occur in Hong Kong.
- Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap
- Finance > Islamic finance
- Finance > Trade finance
- Finance > Transport finance and leasing
- Industry focus > Emerging markets
- Industry focus > TMT
- Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables)
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- Transport > Aviation
- Transport > Rail
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious
- Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory
- Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil
- Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail
- Dispute resolution > Commodities disputes
- Finance > Asset based lending
- Finance > Debt capital markets
- Finance > Derivatives and structured products
- Finance > Securitisation
- Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds
- Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas
- Real estate > Commercial property: development
- Real estate > Construction: non-contentious
- Real estate > Environment
- Risk advisory > Corporate governance
- Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity
- Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates)
Firm Rankings
- Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax
- Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap
- Corporate and commercial > EU and competition
- Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m)
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals)
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium
- Dispute resolution > Competition litigation
- Dispute resolution > International arbitration
- Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations
- Employment > Employee share schemes
- Employment > Health and safety
- Employment > Pensions (non-contentious)
- Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans
- Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation
- Real estate > Commercial property: investment
- Real estate > Construction: contentious
- Real estate > Property finance
- Corporate and commercial > M&A: upper mid-market and premium deals, £500m+
- Employment > Employers
- Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution
- Real estate > Planning
- Real estate > Property litigation
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design
- Transport > Shipping
- Corporate and commercial > Venture capital
- Finance > Acquisition finance
- Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance)
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious)
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
- India > Foreign firms