Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner > London, England > Firm Profile

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner > The Legal 500 Rankings

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner delivers ‘fair pricing and excellent results’ for a diverse range of clients, spanning from nightclubs, bars, and restaurants to hotels, property developers, banks and majro retailers. The lead partner for all licensing, nuisance and enforcement issues is practice head Jeremy Bark, described by one client as 'invaluable'. Bark is also noted for his capabilities as a solicitor advocate, appearing in tribunals across England and Wales on various judicial reviews, including before the Court of Appeal.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Water Tier 1

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner boasts a broad practice encompassing asset management, in addition to high-value transactions. The practice is also able to draw upon an extensive support network of experts across the UK and enjoys a strong reputation in the build to rent, life sciences, logistics and student accommodation sectors. Robert MacGregor, Juliet Thomas, and Alan Wight are noted for their thorough expertise in pre-letting transactions, and the latter pair also cater to landlord and tenant mandates. Chris Rowe and Matthew Pomfret are proficient in development projects, while the former excels in urban regeneration schemes. Emma La Wita acts for both institutional landlords and occupational tenants, while Liana Hewson is well-versed in long term infrastructure-led large-scale projects. Ruth Miller thrives in development transactions in the residential and mixed-use sector, while global practice head Chris de Pury advises both regional and global investors in big-ticket transactions. UK practice head Samant Narula is primarily engaged in investment matters for domestic and overseas institutional investors, pension funds and private equity real estate funds. Adam Bogdanor has recently been engaged in a significant hotel transaction, while Celia Berg specialises in the retail and student accommodation sectors.  Claire Milton handles corporate support work, developments and lettings, as well as sales and purchases.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner boasts a broad practice encompassing asset management, in addition to high-value transactions. The practice is also able to draw upon an extensive support network of experts across the UK and enjoys a strong reputation in the build to rent, life sciences, logistics and student accommodation sectors. Robert MacGregor, Juliet Thomas, and Alan Wight are noted for their thorough expertise in pre-letting transactions, and the latter pair also cater to landlord and tenant mandates. Chris Rowe and Matthew Pomfret are proficient in development projects, while the former excels in urban regeneration schemes. Emma La Wita acts for both institutional landlords and occupational tenants, while Liana Hewson is well-versed in long term infrastructure-led large-scale projects. Ruth Miller thrives in development transactions in the residential and mixed-use sector, while global practice head Chris de Pury advises both regional and global investors in big-ticket transactions. UK practice head Samant Narula is primarily engaged in investment matters for domestic and overseas institutional investors, pension funds and private equity real estate funds. Adam Bogdanor has recently been engaged in a significant hotel transaction, while Celia Berg specialises in the retail and student accommodation sectors.  Claire Milton handles corporate support work, developments and lettings, as well as sales and purchases.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner boasts a broad practice encompassing asset management, in addition to high-value transactions. The practice is also able to draw upon an extensive support network of experts across the UK and enjoys a strong reputation in the build to rent, life sciences, logistics and student accommodation sectors. Robert MacGregor, Juliet Thomas, and Alan Wight are noted for their thorough expertise in pre-letting transactions, and the latter pair also cater to landlord and tenant mandates. Chris Rowe and Matthew Pomfret are proficient in development projects, while the former excels in urban regeneration schemes. Emma La Wita acts for both institutional landlords and occupational tenants, while Liana Hewson is well-versed in long term infrastructure-led large-scale projects. Ruth Miller thrives in development transactions in the residential and mixed-use sector, while global practice head Chris de Pury advises both regional and global investors in big-ticket transactions. UK practice head Samant Narula is primarily engaged in investment matters for domestic and overseas institutional investors, pension funds and private equity real estate funds. Adam Bogdanor has recently been engaged in a significant hotel transaction, while Celia Berg specialises in the retail and student accommodation sectors.  Claire Milton handles corporate support work, developments and lettings, as well as sales and purchases.

Real estate > Planning Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s experienced planning team is co-led by Tim Hellier, who has over 28 years’ experience in planning, compulsory purchase matters, and environmental law. The firm handles large-scale development schemes across the UK; James Good advises a range of clients, from central government and local authorities to public and private companies, on their development projects. Tim Smith strengthens the team’s international reach, advising clients in England, Wales, and overseas on all aspects of complex regeneration schemes. The team has a ‘first-class‘ infrastructure practice and handles major projects, which is a particular area of strength for James Parker. Giles Pink boasts expertise in the promotion of large retail, residential, and mixed-use schemes, as well as on commercial development projects in Central London. The group is involved in significant energy projects; practice co-head Christian Drage ‘stands out' as a key practitioner for promoters of energy and transport infrastructure, and the team is handling DCOs for high-profile clients, such as National Grid. The practice is also at the forefront of data centre, battery storage, and small nuclear power station projects. Senior associate Emma Perring leads a significant proportion of the team’s contentious work, with particular experience in judicial reviews, environmental assessments, and CPO compensation mandates.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s ‘well resourced team who are very knowledgeable across the whole property finance spectrum’ is led by Naveen Vijh, who alongside senior associate Benedict West, advised on Brookfield Asset Management’s first European core-plus real estate fund (BPREP-E) on financing the acquisition of eight logistics assets located in France and the Netherlands. Claire Watson‘s expertise in investment grade lending and the student accommodation sector further bolsters the practice’s offering. Debt finance expert Gordon McMillan, ‘stand-out’ Payam Yoseflavi and Taslima Salam are sought after by market-leading lenders, borrowers and sponsors.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1

The real estate disputes team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles complex lease disputes, restrictive covenant cases and landlord and tenant matters for a wide-range of blue-chip clients. ‘Expert in his field’ Akhil Markanday leads the team and is experienced in all aspects of contentious property work, including complex joint ventures and sale and purchase disputes. Roger Cohen advises investors, owners and occupiers on real estate disputes and transactional risks, whilst ‘top-rate lawyer’ Rebecca Campbell handles complex disputes surrounding exit strategies, dilapidation claims and insolvency claims. The ‘brilliant’ Anna Iceton is also a key team member with strong abilities acting for a range of institutional clients in both commercial and residential contexts. Michael Metliss left the team to join Fladgate LLP in October 2022.

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 2

With ever-expanding global capabilities, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acts on a range of commercial issues, with continued excellence in the retail, tech, and fintech sphere. A key feature of the practice’s offering is helping big businesses’ strategic goal of improving customer reach, exemplified by Farfetch and Outlier Venture’s collaboration to launch a Web3 programme, and developing Estee Lauder’s loyalty programme in Israel. Richard Shaw and Marcus Pearl co-head the department, with the former primarily active on a litany of commercial agreements in the retail sector, and the latter concentrating on big-ticket telecommunications, tech and media matters, working with clients such as BT Group and Lumen. Carol Osborne‘s wide-ranging expertise has seen her advise on distribution agreements in the agricultural industry, global licence arrangements for retail giants, as well as transitional services agreements, while senior associate Kate Jeffery continues to provide valuable insight to a wide breadth of practice mandates.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 2

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s ‘responsive and solution orientated’ team is highly experienced in the entire spectrum of equity capital markets work, including IPOs, follow-on listing and public M&A – in addition to fully integrated US securities law advice. Richard Werner  and Tom Bacon jointly lead the department following the departure of former practice head Alexander Keepin to Simmons & Simmons in February 2023.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Lower Mid-Market Deals, £100m-£750m Tier 2

Highly praised by clients as a ‘strategic, practical and supportive’ team,  Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner offer ‘tailor-made’ assistance on cross-border transactions for funds, public and private companies. The team acts for clients across a range of sectors, most notably in the agriculture, retail and sports and entertainment sectors. The London practice is helmed by the highly experienced Benjamin Lee, noted for his experience in the financial services, real estate and retail industry. Regarded by some clients as ‘the best corporate lawyer,’ the ‘pragmatic, responsive and commercial’ Jinal Shah is a key port of call for cross-border transactions, especially in emerging markets. Servicing multinationals, investors, financial sponsors and entrepreneurs across an array of sectors, John Bennett  operates a broad practice, with experience in corporate finance, M&A, shareholder activism, joint ventures and private investments. Andrew Hart is an expert in the retail and financial services industries, acting on acquisitions, joint ventures, carve-outs and issues of equity. M&A and corporate finance expert Marie Johnson and Simon Beddow are further key names to note. Ian Ivory left the firm to join White & Case LLP in January 2023, while Indi Heire left to join GIC in November 2022.

Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 2

‘The level of expertise is exceptional’ at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, with the team handling both contentious and non-contentious VAT and indirect tax mandates on a domestic and international basis, including SDLT matters. its client base includes investment banks, large multinationals, pension funds, real estate investment funds, property owners, and investors. Elizabeth Bradley chairs the firm’s global tax practice and is active in handling tax-related transactions. She is supported by chartered accountant Alan Sinyor who has advised on a number of VAT cases before tribunals. Andy West was promoted to the partnership in January 2023 and focuses on real estate-related tax mandates. Richard Harbot joined DLA Piper in March 2022.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2

Lawyers at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner work in close tandem with the firm’s wider regulatory, white-collar crime, investigation and tax teams to support on a wealth of complex, cross-border matters. The offering is helmed by Segun Osuntokun, a key port of call for state governments and entities, multinational conglomerates, financial services players, high-net-worth individuals, and energy and natural resources companies; he is distinctly well-versed in matters involving Africa and other developing countries, and is supported by investment fraud specialist, Andrew Tuson.

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 2

The team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner represents a diverse range of well-known clients, including BT, Tesco, and EasyJet, in standalone and follow-on damages claims in both the High Court and the CAT, in addition to collective actions. Edward Coulson heads the practice, often representing both claimants and defendants in actions concerning alleged abuse of dominance; while senior associate Andrew Leitch handles price fixing cartel disputes and abuse of dominance cases. Ben Blacklock has a great deal of expertise in commercial disputes, often appearing before the High Court, the CAT, and the Court of Appeal in matters concerning leniency applications and cartel investigations. Associate Ben Bolderson joined the group from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in October 2022, and contributes his broad knowledge of cartel damages claims.

Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 2

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s ‘great, experienced team’ acts for an international client list on a diverse range of matters, including both criminal and civil investigations and defence work. Global tax head Elizabeth Bradley co-leads the group alongside contentious tax specialist Kate Ison, whose experience covers VAT disputes, compliance issues, and corporate internal investigations. Alan Sinyor has expertise in the VAT area and advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Associate Wesley Grimm joined in July 2022 from Webber Wentzel.

Employment > Employers Tier 2

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles a broad range of employment work including strategic transactional advice, outsourcing, internal disputes and tribunal litigation. The practice is headed by Adam Lambert, who acts on investigations as well as providing TUPE advice in connection with corporate transactions. Rebecca Harding-Hill is also a central part of the team, specialising in employment litigation regarding the financial services sector, with a strong record in claims regarding discrimination and whistleblowing. Further key names include gender discrimination disputes expert Lisa Mayhew and Catherine Turner, who focusses on work related to the crossover of employment law and financial services regulation. Jackie Thomas moved to Fox & Partners in September 2023.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 2

The hotels and hospitality team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has a strong cross-border footprint spanning the UK, US, mainland Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and is noted for its ‘excellent’ understanding of the sector, with extensive experience in high-profile matters spanning hotel management, franchise and operational agreements, branded residence work and all aspects of the lifecycle of hospitality projects. The team comprises specialists in the real estate, construction, M&A, corporate and real estate finance, employment, data privacy and tax spheres. Jointly heading the team are hotel acquisitions and disposals, leasing, development and financing expert Laura Wild and real estate specialist Chris de Pury, who is instructed by domestic and international investors to assist with structured investments, disposals, joint ventures and developments. Nazir Dewji offers expertise in non-contentious construction law and large real estate development projects.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 2

Described by one client as an ‘exceptional team with unusual business acumen', Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s multi-disciplinary retail and consumer products group is well placed to advise on the full spectrum of retail mandates, and counts several large grocers and luxury goods retailers among its clients. Under the leadership of Carol Osborne, dual-qualified in the UK and the US, recent work for the team has included advising on complex data flows, franchise agreements, and corporate transactions for large multi-national retailers. The firm has a long track record advising private and public companies on complex corporate issues, including cross-border M&A and private equity matters; Benjamin Lee is another key name here. Commercial and outsourcing contracts are handled by Richard Shaw.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 2

Active on mandates ranging from digital infrastructure financings to utility developments and civil engineering matters, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner continues to be a major player in the market, with a strong bench of practitioners providing counsel to a wealth of domestic and international clients. The group has an impressive track record advising on funding deals to accelerate programme rolls outs, as well as complex refinancings of PFI projects. Practice head Mark Richards shows prolific activity across the board, especially in new transport deals. Barry Gross leads data centre mandates globally, and is well-positioned to lend experienced knowledge and expertise to a number of sponsors and lenders, while Christian Drage is chiefly recognised for his work on urban regeneration projects, with significant familiarity with the regulatory and delivery piece. Further individuals to note are Alexander Hadrill, who is a go-to in the team for debt-related transactions, and Hansy Shore, who has strong cross-border experience and acts for a range of clients including governmental bodies.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 2

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner distinguishes itself with its proficiency in commercial construction matters, serving UK property companies and developers. Renowned for its drafting expertise in commercial construction matters, the firm provides strategic guidance to real estate developers on a plethora of projects, including build-to-rent, student accommodation, mixed-use, and retirement living projects. The practice’s expertise is increasingly sought internationally, extending its client reach across Europe and Asia. Team leader Gareth Stringer offers comprehensive advice on contract drafting and negotiation, procurement strategy, and project management, primarily for large-scale developments. The firm’s capability is further augmented by Nazir Dewji’s proficiency in procurement strategy and project management, Kimberly Roberts’s versatile expertise on major developments, and senior associate Christopher Skone James‘s specialisation in advising developers, employers and funders on retail, residential, and other projects.

Transport > Rail Tier 2

‘The flexibility, responsiveness, collaboration and support whenever working with the Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner team continues to be first class – a team that I trust implicitly’. Russell Clifford heads the department, which does a considerable amount of complex rail financing and leasing work, with a particular focus on rolling stock matters. Another strength lies in advising prominent developers and investors, as well as major infrastructure companies, on important rail-related projects. Jason Chamberlain has a wealth of experience in the rail sector. Jamie Wiseman-Clarke acts for financial institutions, lessors, lessees and manufacturers on various domestic and cross-border asset finance transactions. In particular, Wiseman-Clarke specialises in rolling stock leasing, procurement and financing work.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acts for high profile clients on a diverse range of advisory and transactional tax matters, spanning the entire tax life cycle. Team leader and global head of tax Elizabeth Bradley has a broad practice which includes corporate M&A, funds, financing, and real estate tax. Highly experienced partner Mark Brailsford advises on complex corporate transactions, and Alan Sinyor is head of VAT within the firm. Andy West was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 3

Boasting an extremely active international trade practice, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner continues to advise clients on export controls, customs and WTO rules, with a particular strength in sanctions work. Practice head Chris Bryant is regularly sought after by global financial institutions and major multinational corporations for his expertise regarding anti-dumping and anti-subsidy cases, as well as his particular expertise in EU/Russia sanctions matters. Tax specialist Kate Ison has experience advising on complex export control issues and investigations, while associate director Ursula Johnston advises clients on international trade issues arising from procurement, supply and distribution agreements and trade compliance programmes.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 3

The team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is marked by its ‘sophisticated understanding‘ of contentious regulatory issues and cross-border investigations. Polly James, who acts as the global co-lead of the financial services disputes and investigations department, has a wealth of experience acting on substantial and complex cases for a wide range of clients, including international banks and other financial institutions, as well as individual members of their senior management. Oran Gelb, the global banking practice co-head, also provides oversight. In a key development, highly regarded expert David Rundle joined the group from WilmerHale in May 2023.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 3

‘Always willing to go the extra mile’, the team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acts for a broad range of financial institutions in the retail and wholescale sectors, in addition to advising members of senior management and listed companies on regulatory requirements. Daniel Csefalvay acts for investment banks, broker dealers, market infrastructure providers and investment managers on domestic and cross-border regulatory risk mandates, while Matthew Baker is ‘very experienced’ in the investment management arena, acting for regulated businesses in large-scale transactions. Polly James leads the team and associate Joanna Munro, who ‘stands out in terms of the quality of work and responsiveness’, is another key contact.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises on strategic acquisitions, litigation, in addition to a broad array of regulatory and commercial matters. The team is well regarded for its contentious expertise in judicial reviews. Jeremy Bark and Benjamin Lee jointly lead the team; Bark has a proven track record in handling new license applications, while Lee is a corporate finance specialist who is noted for handling ‘big-ticket work, particularly where there is a public markets element’. Marie Johnson adds to the corporate finance expertise at the firm, while Oran Gelb is a ‘go-to guy‘ for contentious work.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3

The banking litigation practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner works closely with the financial regulatory, antitrust, and white-collar practices, advising high-profile clients on complex mandates as well as related regulatory or criminal consequences. Graham Shear and Oran Gelb lead the team, with Andrew Tuson and associate Rhys Corbett both prominent figures within the team. The team continues to grow, with the arrival of Ravi Nayer from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP in August 2022.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s 'highly efficient team' has an enviable track record in cross-border disputes, particularly in relation to Africa, continental Europe, Russia, India, Pakistan and Israel. Global arbitration group co-head, George Burn, is a specialist in both commercial arbitration and investor-state arbitration proceedings; Roman Khodykin acts in corporate, shareholder, reinsurance and energy disputes; and Claire Morel de Westgaver is experienced in claims over technology, corporate transactions, licenses, and cross-border sale agreements. At senior associate level, Nadia Hubbuck acts in international commercial arbitrations administered under the rules of major international arbitral institutions, as well as in ad hoc proceedings.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 3

The 'very commercial and responsive' team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is best-known for its rail-related procurement, leasing and finance work  for a lessor-focused client base that includes Angel Trains and Beacon Rail. 'Very strategic' team head Russell Clifford 'knows the rail market inside out', ensuring that he is instructed not only on high-profile domestic mandates but also an increasing volume of international work, as certain clients seek to expand into Continental Europe. The 'level-headed' Jamie Wiseman-Clarke  is 'a pro-active problem solver', acting on his own, as well as with Clifford, on core rolling stock leasing work. Drawing upon in-house expertise gained through his time at the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and the Strategic Rail Authority, Jason Chamberlain has deep rail knowledge and 'is indispensable when dealing with highly technical matters'. Anton Chambers is the main contact for the firm's much smaller aviation finance offering and handles work for lessors, asset management firms and start-up airlines.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is led by Geraldine Quirk, who is notable for her extensive experience in Part VII transfers, which is reflected in the wider firm’s particular strength in these transactions both cross-border and wholly within the UK. Quirk and the wider firm also have broader capabilities in the insurance space, with a track record in handling typical M&A, reinsurance transactions, restructures, and regulatory advice in relation to Brexit and the EU. Adam Bogdanor is noted for his work with leading insurers on a range of transactional mandates, while Andrew Hart is more focused on US clients in relation to their international transactions and EU operations.

Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 3

Enjoying longstanding relationships with high-profile real estate investment managers and asset managers, both domestically and internationally, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is active in traditional and alternative asset classes. Kieran Saunders, who heads the practice, acts for fund managers, GPs, institutions and global investors on equity investments in funds and joint ventures. Chris Beaumont McQuillan joined from Reed Smith LLP in February 2023, while Luke Mines joined from Morrison Foerster a month later. In Summer 2022, Louisa Cobbe left for Kirkland & Ellis International LLP. In October of the same year, Kate Binedell left for DLA Piper.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 3

A popular choice for  international banks, funds and financial institutions, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s cross disciplinary team brings its experience to bear on a number of major projects and transactions, with significant experience in broadband infrastructure deals and transport infrastructure. The team has a wide exposure to a variety of renewable asset transactions. Practice head Mark Richards is widely recognised as the main driver behind the practice’s project finance offering while Jinal Shah fronts the group’s M&A and capital markets work. Shah has extensive experience pertaining to digital infrastructure and renewable energy assets, routinely working alongside Marie Johnson who finds herself acting on numerous infrastructure transactions, restructurings and joint ventures.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is known in the space for its broad expertise across M&A, equity finance and mining debt finance. The team frequently represents major public mining companies, large-scale mining funds and other major industry players on major mandates, alongside representing governments on mining agreements. Mark Richards leads the team.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 3

The team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is well-equipped to advise its clients on key transactions, including those involving new technologies such as nuclear fusion, hydrogen and carbon capture. It also advises on the sale and acquisition of large-scale renewable energy projects, such as onshore wind farms and battery storage facilities predominantly in the UK and Europe. The team is co-headed by Mark Richards and ‘genuine world-class individual’ and sustainability specialist Kiran Arora. Helen Miller is an associate to note.

Real estate > Environment Tier 3

The practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is described as having a ‘strong ability to advise on transactional matters as well as compliance’. Its workload involves advising such well-known clients as Thames Water and the National Grid on liability and compliance matters in particular. Projects the team handles often feature the development of significant UK-based real estate projects of high-value. Environment expert Aidan Thomson is at the team’s helm alongside planning and zoning specialist Tim Hellier. Associate Sam Levy  has a particular focus on planning and public law-related work. Isabelle Laborde departed to Ashurst  in September 2022.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner covers a variety of workstreams in the technology and commercial arena, including sourcing, supplier arrangements, data privacy and acquisitions. The team is led by Marcus Pearl, who is noted for his expertise in handling M&A transactions arising out of the financial services, fintech and insurtech sectors. Kate Jeffery advises on commercial agreements concerning IT and outsourcing, while Ben Wheeler has experience in the financial services industry, particularly in relation to payments.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner houses a practice described as ‘engaging, approachable, fair and incredibly customer centric’. The team possesses a truly multifarious competition offering, regularly advising on merger control, investigations and state aid matters. The ‘fantastic’ practice head Andrew Hockley – who has recently been primarily based in Sydney – has extensive experience in the regulated utilities and energy sectors. Victoria Newbold, Chris Bryant and Paul Culliford have been praised for their ‘considered and practical advice’. The London team has been bolstered by the arrival of associate Ben Bolderson, who joined from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Associate director Marieke Datema also joins the team from CMS.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4

The 'friendly, hardworking, and experienced' team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner act on high-stakes contractual disputes, with impressive multi-jurisdictional capabilities. 'Very experienced' Graham Shear leads the litigation and investigations practice at the firm, alongside the business and commercial disputes practice. Shear is praised for 'thinking deeply and laterally... considering multiple different aspects simultaneously from several perspectives to develop powerful strategies'. 'Intelligent litigator' Oran Gelb is integral to the team, as is 'seasoned litigator' Joby Davies, and 'brilliant technical lawyer' Rachel Ziegler. The team was strengthened with the arrival of Ravi Nayer from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP in July 2022 - he handles both commercial and group litigation.

Employment > Health and safety Tier 4

The practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is led by Jeremy Bark, who has strong capabilities in handling matters concerning fatal accidents, investigations and inquiries. The team maintains its regulatory focus, advising clients within the real estate, hotels and transport industries on regulations surrounding and potential breaches of health and safety compliance, particularly in relation to fire safety.

Finance > Asset based lending Tier 4

Although it has less of a core focus on ABL work than some of its higher-ranked peer firms, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is an increasingly popular choice among the firm's strong corporate and lender client roster on transactions which require flexible funding arrangements/solutions, often involving complex inter-creditor issues. Drawing upon her overarching banking expertise, as well as solid knowledge of structured and ABL-related financings, the 'exceptionally committed and attentive' Shanan Dunstan is the primary contact for work in the space, and regularly advises Wells Fargo on lending in the sector, including on inventory financing and channel financing facilities. Emma Howdle-Fuller heads up the overarching commercial lending practice.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 4

Led by Emma Howdle-Fuller, the small but nimble four-partner commercial lending team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner provides an 'extremely professional and thorough service' to banks and corporates across a range of different debt products, from a bilateral as well as a syndicated perspective. Although the firm is typically better-known for its mid-market UK-based work, it continues to grow its reputation for international work, with the 'exceptionally committed and attentive' Shanan Dunstan central to this heightened profile - particularly in light of her advice to US lender Wells Fargo on ABL/receivables financings. Derek Hrydziuszko  is also a key member of the team and regularly handles corporate lending work for investment grade clients, as well as advice to them on the financing of corporate-led M&A transactions.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner joins the ranking this year having continued to build out its UK securitisation practice. The firm now provides 'excellent partner availability and solid knowledge of the UK securitisation market', and clients remark that it is 'a top-class all-round real estate law firm that retains some excellent lawyers'. Will Trotman, who joined from Linklaters LLP in late 2022, and real estate finance specialist Eleanor Hunwicks lead the practice. Trotman has 'top-notch expertise' and is recognised as a talented structured finance and securitisation lawyer for asset-backed finance deals. He has notable experience in RMBS, CMBS, asset-backed warehouse facilities, and portfolio acquisition financings. Trotman is 'hardworking and 100% committed, and he fights for sensible points and manages to maintain a good relationship with everyone despite the fight!'.

Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is a go-to in cross-border reinsurance and coverage disputes. Drawing on their extensive experience covering all aspects in the insurance sector, Jonathan Sacher and Anthony Lennox co-head the practice, which is a regular fixture on non-standard and complex matters, such as COVID-19 claims on a broad portfolio of risks for major UK and international insurers and reinsurers. Senior associate Kelly Jones is noted for her expertise in coverage issues, reinsurance claims and complex debt recovery cases.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has deep sector expertise and is home to a team of specialists in oil & gas M&A – including asset deals, farm ins/outs and corporate deals – and in joint venture matters, whilst also remaining strong in dispute resolution in the space. Experienced practitioners Adam Dann and George Burn jointly lead the team. Alexander Keepin departed in February 2023.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner offers comprehensive expertise in construction disputes, providing guidance on litigation, arbitration, adjudication, and various alternative dispute resolution methods. The leader of the team, Shy Jackson, has a strong international practice in major engineering projects and also advises on high-value London developments. James Clarke specialises in representing clients in formal and alternative dispute resolution procedures, with a focus on adjudication and international arbitration. Senior associate Jennifer Varley has developed a niche in building safety matters, and consultant Marcus Birch specialises in arbitration, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

Real estate > Social housing: finance Tier 4

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4

Clients in the financial sector regularly instruct Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner on data subject access requests, cross-border compliance projects, and the data privacy aspects of divestments and acquisitions. The ‘efficient and exceptional‘ Kate Brimsted leads the team and has a broad practice with an emphasis on UK and EU GDPR matters, while Geraldine Scali is recommended for her ‘masterful’ knowledge of regulatory matters and authorities.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner acts for both individuals and corporates across a variety of sectors in issues relating to crisis management and reputational risk, taking advantage of the firm’s dispute resolution capabilities. Graham Shear leads the team and acts as co-head of the firm’s global business and commercial disputes practice, representing a range of corporates and individuals in the sport and entertainment industries. Joby Davies handles all aspects of media and sports litigation, as well as defamation and privacy matters.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 4

'An excellent team of very committed professionals', Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s sports offering spans corporate restructuring, insolvency and dispute resolution. The experienced Graham Shear focuses on a range of arbitration matters concerning FA rule K issues, the appointment of presidents of governing bodies, media-related issues, and corporate as well as financial issues. Marc Trottier is the key contact for financial transactions and insolvency support across a range of sports. Sports technology and data specialist Marcus Pearl and Andrew Street are further key contacts.

Transport > Aviation Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises both lessors and, increasingly, airlines on aircraft and engine financing and leasing arrangements, including sale-and-leaseback transactions, while also acting for a number of banks and other lenders. Leading the team are Anton Chambers, an asset finance specialist who also assists with restructuring measures, and Russell Clifford, a structured asset finance expert. Associate Ricardo de Oliveira handles both financing and leasing transactions, in addition to advising on regulatory matters and representing clients in aviation and insurance disputes. Former practice co-head Rebecca Quayle moved to HFW in September 2022, with Alana Checksfield following in October.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 5

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 5

Regularly instructed by overseas companies to handle Enterprise Management Incentive plan matters, the team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is also well versed in mandates that concern hiring and termination of senior executives. The ‘whip smart’ David Dennison heads up the department; performance share plans and employee benefit trust work stand out as recent areas of activity for the ‘experienced practitioner’.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 5

Less siloed than some of its peers, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s generalist finance offering has an excellent overarching perspective of market trends and debt products, ensuring that it has the flexibility to effectively advise both creditor and debtor clients across a range of leveraged and event-driven financings. Team head Emma Howdle-Fuller regularly advises banking clients on M&A-related financings, while Derek Hrydziuszko  is more skewed towards corporate borrower mandates, including for large investment grade entities. Shanan Dunstan‘s versatile offering includes a strong and growing presence in the ABL space and she regularly acts on hybrid deals where ABL products sit alongside other debt including term loans.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 5

Strengthened on the contentious and corporate restructuring sides, respectively, by the arrival in July 2022 of both Colin Ashford and Richard Obank from Brown Rudnick LLP, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner provides an increasingly comprehensive offering for a varied mix of corporates, IPs and funds on mid-market mandates. Obank now heads the practice that includes long-established team member Marc Trottier , whose eclectic mix of work includes formal insolvency mandates and transactions for funds investing in distressed situations, impaired credits and complex loan-to-own transactions. Leveraging the firm’s real estate credentials, the team also has niche expertise advising stakeholders in nearly every major landlord CVA in the market.

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

Finance > Banking and finance