Taylor Wessing LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Taylor Wessing LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £500m) Tier 1

Taylor Wessing LLP acts for a host of private equity firms and their portfolio companies on complex, multijurisdictional transactions, including buyouts, investments, bolt-ons, equity restructurings, and exits. Edward Waldron, who heads up the group, is highly regarded for his cross-border work, particularly in the tech and life sciences sectors. James Goold acts for both sponsors and management teams on acquisitions and disposals. Jonny Bethell works with a growing roster of investment firms in connection with takeovers, bolt-ons and disposals, while Emma Danks is recognised for her prolific track record in leveraged buyouts.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 1

‘Extremely experienced’ in the tech and life sciences sectors, the Taylor Wessing LLP practice regularly advises both domestic and international clients on the gamut of fundraising, capital raising, and investment round matters. Displaying a strong track record in seed investment and funding rounds, the department leverages its tech expertise to cover a range of issues relating to data privacy, GDPR compliance, and IP tracking. The ‘high-calibre’ practice head Howard Palmer stands out for his track record in investment advice, primarily in the cleantech and fintech spheres. The ‘extremely experienced‘ Josef Fuss regularly assists investors, entrepreneurs, and management teams. Other names to note include Alexandra Richardson, who supports companies from the start-up stage through to exit; Cambridge-office head Ross McNaughton, an expert in the biotech and medical device spaces, and Ian Moore, who concentrates on e-commerce and retail tech businesses. Angus Miln left the firm to join Cooley (UK) LLP in September 2024.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 1

The hotels, hospitality and leisure team at Taylor Wessing LLP handles an array of work including acquisitions, hotel management agreements, refinancing and redevelopments, often covering multiple jurisdictions. The team’s impressive London offering is substantiated by its recent engagements, including advising blue-chip food and beverage conglomerates on the redevelopment and management of its luxury properties in its portfolio in excess of £1 billion. Practice head Richard Bursby is known for his expertise on hotel management and franchise agreements as well as his work with UHNW individuals and families. Mark Rajbenbach co-heads the international real estate group, overseeing a host of corporate and commercial mandates. Victoria Butcher is noted for her cross-border expertise, advising on large-scale acquisitions and disposals. Michael Helfgott assists the team advising a range of clients on high-value real estate investments and developments, notably including a number of tourist attractions.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

At Taylor Wessing LLP, ‘the team has wide knowledge of commercial matters and has the ability to distil information to non-lawyers in a very professional way’.  Emma Jordan heads the practice, and is dual-qualified as both an English barrister and a Jersey advocate. The team includes Kirstie McGuigan, whose practice spans contentious and advisory work, and Caroline Tayler, who has a strong reputation for trusts advice in divorce proceedings. The stellar team advises on civil fraud work, asset-tracing, and recovery in the context of offshore trusts and structures. Another area of strength is advising on insolvent trusts. The group has been busy handling high-value issues of capacity, particularly where the protector loses capacity. Its client base includes ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families who have interests in two or more jurisdictions, and it represents more than 100 families with global wealth in excess of $1bn, eight royal families, and around 300 individuals and families worth over $100m.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

The ‘very strong technical’ team at Taylor Wessing LLP has a ‘strength and depth to their capabilities that I think few, if any, other firms would be able to match’. It has immense experience in advising wealthy individuals and families, privately-owned businesses, family offices, and financial services executives on a whole host of complex matters. These matters frequently have an international dimension. It also receives a steady stream of instructions from leading private banks and fiduciary service providers. Nick Warr heads the international private wealth unit. The ‘excellent’ Damian Bloom spearheads the UK private client team and Alexander Erskine leads its private wealth strategy in Asia. Kirstie McGuigan has a wealth of experience in all elements of private client work, acting for UK resident and domiciled clients. Another key figure is Ben Lister, who guides clients through an array of complex legal and family issues, both in the UK and internationally. Simon Phelps is another prominent member of the practice. Sanjvee Shah left the firm in February 2024 and is now at Wedlake Bell LLP.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 1

Recommended for its ‘creative thinking’, Taylor Wessing LLP is highly adept at handling big-ticket litigation for a litany of patents, and is notably active in the Patents Court in relation to complex healthcare and pharmaceutical issues. Multi-jurisdictional litigator Nigel Stoate leads the practice with his wealth of experience that spans the medical devices, pharmaceutical, telecoms, chemical, and engineering industries. Matthew Royle leverages his background in molecular immunology to assist players in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences industries, whereas Mike Washbrook acts in high-calibre technology mandates. Andrew Payne is another key name to note.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 1

Excelling in the creative and technology industries, Taylor Wessing LLP‘s diverse offering extends from complex disputes to day-to-day design work, which enables it to operate for dynamic, global-scale clients. The team is recommended for its ‘first-rate depth of knowledge, experience and expertise’. Practice leader Roland Mallinson regularly litigates for household names and enjoys considerable multi-jurisdictional capabilities. Adam Rendle enhances the firm’s strengths in the media and entertainment field, while Xuyang Zhu, who covers the full gamut of IP rights, is especially knowledgeable in the digital content arena. Simon Jupp‘s core streams of work include trade mark litigation, portfolio strategy, and advertising. The team has expanded, with Anneka Dalton joining from Hogan Lovells International LLP in October 2023 and Giles Crown joining from Lewis Silkin in February 2024.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Theatre, publishing and other media Tier 1

Taylor Wessing LLP has ‘great sector knowledge‘ in the publishing and media industries, assisting local and international news publishers, digital media and entertainment clients with media, IP, consumer and data protection mandates. The team, which seamlessly combines its expertise in print and digital media, also advises on pre-publication and post-publication matters, rights acquisitions and AI-related issues. Practice head Adam Rendle, a key contact for publishers, collecting societies, broadcasters and digital media services, focuses on copyright, publishing and platform liability issues. Niri Shan leads on IP and media litigation matters involving the publishing sector, while newly promoted partner Xuyang Zhu - an expert in the legal implications of generative AI and novel means of exploiting and monetising content - handles a mix of contentious and non-contentious work. Timothy Pinto offers support with pre-publication clearance and content litigation.

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

Taylor Wessing LLP in Cambridge 'provides a highly proficient and accessible legal support to biotechs'. The group assists spin-outs, early-stage and multinational companies, as well as their investors, and also handles the commercialisation of new products in the life sciences and deep tech sectors for the global market. IP licensing specialist Adrian Toutoungi and VC investment partner Ross McNaughton lead 'a dynamic team that works extremely well together to support some of the most innovative biotech start-up clients in the UK'. Life sciences licensing and commercialisation partner Colin McCall is 'top-notch, a solid go-to collaborator across all types of legal contract'. Up-and-coming partner Tasmina Goraya also stands out.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 1

Taylor Wessing LLP has 'exceptional knowledge, particularly in contractual matters related to the commercialisation of early-stage technologies'. IP strategy, acquisition, enforcement and commercialisation are at the core of the firm's international offering as a key adviser to the life sciences sector. IP specialist Adrian Toutoungi leads a practice in Cambridge that has the 'ability to apply depth of knowledge to find resolutions that could otherwise be deal breakers'. 'Highly responsive and quick to engage', Colin McCall is a highly regarded life sciences licensing and commercialisation partner. Up-and-coming partner Tasmina Goraya handles a broad range of regulatory and compliance issues relating to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food supplements, human cells, and tissue.

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

With sector strengths in technology, life sciences, and healthcare, Taylor Wessing LLP‘s M&A group has recently seen an uptick in transactions related to cryptocurrency and Web3, as well as cleantech and deep tech. Practice head Emma Danks has expertise in various types of cross-border transactions, including private equity-driven work. Noted for his life sciences focus, Andrew Edge concentrates on public and private M&A, IPOs, and private financing. Real estate specialist Michael Goldberg handles high-value transactions on behalf of banks and retail groups, while Mark Barron focuses on cross-border mergers and acquisitions for US and Canadian businesses. Edward Chapman, who was promoted to partner in May 2023 along with Paul Thorpe, specialises in M&A transactions, joint ventures, and corporate restructuring. Thorpe regularly advises venture capital firms, private equity funds, and investors on deals in the technology, media, and communications sectors. Russell Holden left the firm in June 2023.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 2

The ‘helpful, knowledgeable, and collaborative’ team at Taylor Wessing LLP  showcases a diverse range of expertise, particularly in venture capital transactions within the biotech sector, patent litigation and advisory work for growth companies. Alison Dennis co-leads the practice and frequently leverages her broad knowledge in IP, compliance and contractual issues to advise pharmaceutical clients and medical device manufacturers. Fellow co-head Andrew Edge has extensive experience in public and private mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and secondary offerings. Nigel Stoate excels in patent litigation and frequently co-ordinates multi-jurisdictional cases. In Cambridge, Ross McNaughton focuses on the biotech domain, primarily supporting clients with corporate advice and capital raising. His Cambridge colleague Adrian Toutoungi, with his particular experience in biologics and small-molecule therapeutics, advises on life science licensing mandates. Colin McCall also assists clients with licensing agreements and R&D projects, while Charlie Adams frequently brings his IP knowledge to bear on work with life sciences incubators and accelerators.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 2

Operating at the nexus of high-fashion, e-commerce and retail, Taylor Wessing 's offering spans commercial, IP, data and advisory work. Under the stewardship of practice head Edward Story, who displays expertise in corporate and commercial matters, the firm works with a sizeable client roster which includes some of the market's leading luxury houses and online retailers. Practice co-head Jason Rawkins advises on both contentious and non-contentious IP matters, while Ian Moore supports the firm with his expertise in cross-border M&A and strategy advising high-profile brands.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 2

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s wide-ranging TMT offering covers IP enforcement, financing, and M&A, among other matters. Practice co-head Graham Hann – who also leads in the UK Games and eGaming group – focuses on commercial, IT and data issues. Mike Washbrook, who heads the patents and innovation group, specialises in tech and telecoms patent litigation. Sian Skelton is a technology and privacy law specialist who works with a host of North American startups breaking into European and UK markets. Adam Rendle heads the firm’s media and entertainment content and advertising practices, specialising in copyright, advertising, medi and publishing, and platform liability work. Josef Fuss is a venture capital expert advising a mix of investors, companies, entrepreneurs and management teams, while Mark Owen advises on IP strategy, use and protection.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 2

Providing ‘seamless collaboration between various departments’, Taylor Wessing LLP supplements its development expertise with specialists in corporate, finance, tax, planning and construction issues. The firm is regularly approached by clients for support in projects concerning logistics, industrial, mixed-use and leisure assets. It is also well-versed in developing brownfield sites and is adept at advising on purpose-built student accommodation. Paul Lawrence oversees the team, which contains Leona Ahmed, who is experienced in handling joint ventures for investors from Asia and the Middle East. Matthew Swainston advises financial institutions, government bodies and banks regularly. Another noted member is Paul Leamy, who covers residential and leisure projects. Chris Turley is acquainted with retail, office and leisure developments. Other key names include Chris Komodromou, experience in leisure schemes, and Sarah Bolton, expert in logistics and office sector matters. Georgina Watt was promoted to partner in May 2023.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 2

Taylor Wessing LLP advises ultra-high net worth individuals and families on their investment transactions, especially in connection with development projects. The firm is also well-versed in financings, including financings under Islamic law. Paul Lawrence, who is a specialist in private wealth real estate investment, oversees the practice. Leona Ahmed is a key name in the firm for Islamic law financing. Mark Rajbenbach is experienced in development-related matters. Matthew Swainston is noted as a ‘very experienced dealmaker’. Georgina Watt, who made partner in May 2023, focuses on investments in the logistics space, whilst Lauren Fendick specialises in the life sciences sector. A regular advisor on forward funded transactions, Chris Turley is another key name.

Real estate > Residential property Tier 2

Taylor Wessing LLP is regularly instructed by ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their family offices on the purchase and sale of luxury, high-end properties and sites across the country. The team has considerable strength in complex enfranchisement matters, an area in which Elaine Dobson is particularly experienced. The team is skilled at advising clients on freehold, lease extensions and on collective enfranchisement claims for high-value buildings in central London. The group also advises trust companies, and other entities such as developers, family offices and private banks on a growing number of developments or schemes which include branded residences. Luke Callaghan leads the team’s rural and landed estate team, often advising on all aspects of high-end residential and agricultural/rural property.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

Counting entrepreneurs, international corporations, and start-ups on its client roster, Taylor Wessing LLP is often engaged in data privacy and master service agreements. Sian Skelton handles IT contracts and is vastly knowledgeable of technology and privacy law, while Graham Hann is a key port of call for clients operating in the e-commerce, FinTech, and payments sectors. Mike Washbrook is noted for his strength in Tech patent litigation, and Kelly Burke is skilled at collaboration agreements and technology delivery arrangements.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Digital content & social Tier 2

Taylor Wessing LLP offers corporate, commercial and IP advice to its media an entertainment clientele, including traditional heavyweights, newer digital media clients and streaming platforms. The team’s wide-ranging expertise makes it well placed to advise on a myriad of issues, from consumer law to copyright and data protection. Adam Rendle jointly leads the team with Xuyang Zhu; Rendle focuses on copyright, advertising, publishing and platform liability work, while the Zhu handles a mix of contentious and non-contentious issues in the media and entertainment sector, including digital content and media rights issues. Graham Hann focuses on gaming matters, and often advises on online safety and gambling issues.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Video games Tier 2

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s gaming practice is known for its prowess in publishing, and has more recently advised clients on generative AI models for user generated games and regulatory issues involving the Digital Services Act (DSA). The team advises major publishers, developers and investors from the video gaming industry on a host of legal matters, covering monetisation and revenue models, commercial agreements, IP, gambling regulation and M&A. The team is co-led by Graham Hann and Robert Fenner. Hann advises on player acquisition, IP, data and a myriad of other gaming-related issues. Fenner and Paul Thorpe handle corporate matters for gaming clients, while Xuyang Zhu advises on digital content services,  media rights and AI issues. Richard Faichney is active in investments and M&A in the gaming industry.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 2

Taylor Wessing LLP’s technology, IP and information team acts for prominent clients across the tech, media, life sciences, and private wealth sectors in various reputation management matters, ranging from defamation, online harassment, unlawful data processing, and privacy issues. Led by Niri Shanmuganathan, who has extensive experience in preventing intrusive or false media stories, the team represents both claimants and defendants.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Cambridge Tier 2

Taylor Wessing LLP has a strong niche practice advising on venture capital investments into spin-outs, early-stage and multinational companies, many of which are based around Cambridge. Its focus on life sciences and technology sees it frequently involved in the commercialisation of innovative products. Practice head Ross McNaughton, who focuses on the biotech, medical devices and diagnostics sectors, and senior associate Oli Denne  'have solid commercial acumen and an ability to distil the negotiation dynamics into clear recommendations'. IP specialist Adrian Toutoungi also has a central role in the practice.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 3

Fielding both civil and criminal fraud specialists, Taylor Wessing LLP has a notable track record in pursuing, investigating and defending high-profile allegations of fraud. The practice is particularly experienced in cryptocurrency disputes, as well as representing Middle Eastern private wealth firms in matters involving either fraud or corruption. David De Ferrars‘ experience encompasses large financial fraud cases; Andrew Howell is global co-head of the firm’s international disputes group; and Tim Strong is ‘a real team player’. Promoted to partner in May 2024, Emma Allen is ‘a great solicitor’, who acts in cross-border litigation involving serious allegations of civil fraud.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s ‘quick and effective’ practice has expertise covering the share scheme aspects of high-value and cross-jurisdictional transactions, acting for well-known corporate clients; the group's client roster features names across a range of sectors including the energy, tech and professional services industries. In addition, the practice also handles the design and implementation of all employee plans, employee trusts, and share incentive plans. Team head Ann Casey is experienced in advising national and international clients, and Claire Matthews ensures ‘the best possible customer service’, while Katie Lewis is described as ‘phenomenally good’.

Employment > Employers Tier 3

The ‘extremely responsive’ team at Taylor Wessing LLP acts for a significant number of tech and life sciences company. It is one of the leading UK law firms for venture capital-backed tech companies setting up in the UK, and has a strong reputation in the financial services sector. Led by US-UK partner Paul Callaghan, the group provides Europe-wide support to major companies which are headquartered in the US and Canada. It has deep expertise in advising on complex investigations, as well as political and reputationally sensitive matters. Other areas of focus include advising on employee data privacy and diversity. Anna Carey is also recommended.

Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP’s team is highly regarded for its pensions fraud work, together with its advising of professional trustees in particular. The firm is also highly reputed for its corporate restructuring work as well as rectification and cases involving the pensions regulator. With experience advising a range of employers and trustees from large companies, public sector bodies, and charities, among other groups, Mark Smith leads the team with his broad experience on both the contentious and non-contentious sides.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP advise both trustees and employers across the breadth of pensions work, covering large and smaller pension schemes. Mark Smith leads the team, advising on the full range of pension issues and schemes, with FTSE 100 companies, public sector bodies and charities on his client roster. Anna Taylor has expertise in investments, funding arrangements, mergers and de-risking issues.

Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s product liability and safety team advises companies on matters such as product recalls, corrective actions, product compliance, regulatory investigations, and supply chain disputes. The firm works across various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, life sciences, and automotive. Practice head Katie Chandler is well-versed in managing coronial inquest proceedings and regulatory investigations. Other key names include Edward Spencer, co-head of the cyber response team, and Megan Howarth, who works with various manufacturing and supplier clients.

Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP continues to be a go-to firm for professional liability claims involving auditors, accountants, and negligent tax advice. Leading the team, Andrew Howell is considered to be ‘a standout partner for high-value cases involving allegations of audit negligence’. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Julian Randall has a focus on resolving disputes within the financial sector, as well as a wealth of experience in claims and investigations involving major accountancy firms. Stuart Broom is another recommended member of the team.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP’s practice operates across the infrastructure, life sciences, tech, and energy sectors, and advises on headquarters relocations, real estate development, and occupational requirements. Paul Lawrence regularly advises international investors on various real estate transactions in London and across the UK. Other key members in the team are Louise Tobutt, who handles acquisitions, disposals, and lettings, and Rebecca Mars, who is a key contact for landlord and tenant matters.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s non-contentious construction team are known for their expertise in advising a wide range of clients on real estate and development portfolios. Team head Matthew Jones provides the full range of construction advice to real estate companies and other significant clients, advising on mixed-use extensions and significant domestic redevelopments. David Quinlan and Stephanie O’Hare are also key contacts, handling domestic and international energy projects, and advising bank and non-bank lenders, investors, and financial planners on commercial and residential real estate property portfolios.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 3

Lead by Heather Buttle and Jonathan Marks, the ‘forward-thinking’ Taylor Wessing LLP banking and finance team regularly collaborates closely with the firm’s real estate, construction, private client, and tax teams to provide lenders and borrowers with a cross-practice offering. Buttle is experienced in development transactions for residential, student accommodation, and build-to-rent assets, while Marks specialises in acquisition and refinancing transactions. Gareth Lawson, ‘a great asset to the firm’, is noted for his focus on preferred equity lending and mezzanine arrangements.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

Lauded for its ‘outstanding client service’, Taylor Wessing LLP coordinates with its life sciences, tech, and private wealth disciplines to advise on an array of property litigation matters, such as dilapidation claims, injunctions, and vacant possession strategies. ‘Formidable’ practice head Saleem Fazal advises investment landlords and developers on rights of light disputes, rent review cases, and real estate insolvency matters. Stephen Burke handles commercial and residential property disputes, while Alicia Convery and Emma Archer are both skilled in contentious lease renewals and forfeiture and break issues.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s team has a ‘practical, real world and actionable‘ approach to mandates ranging from data compliance advice to breach preparedness and response. The firm’s clients run the gamut, from technology pioneers, early stage companies and fast-growing scale-ups, to well-established global players undergoing digital transformation changes. Christopher Jeffery leverages his position as co-head of the international US group to cater to key venture capital-backed businesses looking to expand internationally. Jo Joyce and Ed Spencer jointly oversee the dedicated cybersecurity offering. Victoria Hordern rounds out the roster of key contacts.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Advertising & marketing Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s advertising and marketing practice has been steadily growing over the last few years, recently welcoming advertising expert Giles Crown, who joined from Lewis Silkin in January 2024. The team undertakes a mix of regulatory, commercial and contentious work in consumer-facing technology sectors. IP issues, data protection and consumer law matters are also core areas of activity for the practice. Co-head Adam Rendle focuses on advertising regulations, sponsorship agreements and disputes, while fellow co-leader Simon Jupp primarily assists brands with advertising campaigns and sales promotions.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech: corporate and commercial Tier 3

Taylor Wessing LLP boasts expertise in crowdfunding, consumer credit issues, technology outsourcing and corporate governance. Venture capital investments expert Howard Palmer and financial services regulatory partner Charlotte Hill co-lead the practice. Clare Reynolds is well placed to assist financial services clients with technology outsourcing.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Artificial intelligence Tier 4

Standing out for its ‘specific expertise in this novel field’, Taylor Wessing LLP handles both contentious and non-contentious matters in the AI arena, spanning generative AI agreements to complex copyright disputes. Headed by the London-based trio of Xuyang Zhu, Victoria Hordern, and Josef Fuss, the practice is well equipped to address data protection and advertising law matters, in conjunction with boasting a strong corporate offering for AI-focused clients. Adam Rendle also stands out for his media and publishing work.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 4

The team at Taylor Wessing LLP assists clients with national and cross-border issues, including trade mark-related litigation, portfolio management, and anti-counterfeiting mandates. Roland Mallinson heads up the practice, which has companies from the food and beverage, music and entertainment, retail and luxury fashion, and gaming sectors in its client base, to name a few.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech: regulatory Tier 4

Praised for its ‘great quality advice’, Taylor Wessing LLP's expertise covers platforms, cryptoassets and governance, among other matters. VC investment specialist Howard Palmer and UK head of regulatory Charlotte Hill jointly oversee the team. Hill, in particular, regularly works with financial services institutions navigating EU directives and regulations, as well as UK financial services regulations. Clare Reynolds is geared to advise on the regulatory aspects of payments, e-commerce, and technology outsourcing.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 4

Taylor Wessing LLP's team is highly active in cross-border matters, with experience advising on tax matters relating to corporate, real estate, and financing transactions. Graham Samuel-Gibbon leads the team, and has key strength in the technology and life sciences sectors. Core team members include Liz Wilson, who has recently been active across the real estate, manufacturing, and leisure sectors, and James Ross, whose practice covers corporate and capital markets transactions. Harriet Revington is a key name.

Employment > Immigration Tier 4

The immigration practitioners at Taylor Wessing LLP are ‘experts in their field‘ and particularly sought after by tech and life sciences companies, as well as HNW investors. The group advises on all aspects of business immigration, with notable capabilities in Sponsor Licence applications and compliance, Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas, Global Business Mobility and immigration implications of M&A transactions. The group is led by Sean Nesbitt who has broad immigration and employment practice with particular experience advising Latin American clients and acting for major tech companies. Corporate immigration specialist Charlie Pring and Vikki Wiberg, and expert in the establishment of family office structures as an alternative to investor visas, are also key figures.

Real estate > Planning Tier 4

Praised for its ‘thorough service’, Taylor Wessing LLP is highlighted for its strength in data centre infrastructure as well as residential schemes. The ‘phenomenally hardworking and personable’ Alistair Watson leads the practice and is experienced in airport and stadia developments. Emma Tait is well-versed in compulsory purchases processes, and Joanna Bassett handles planning objections and acquisitions, while Anna-Mariya Angelinova advises on the environmental law aspects of infrastructure projects.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 5

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 5

Taylor Wessing LLP ‘combines technical knowledge with commercial expertise’ to advise on financial services and fintech regulatory mandates, particularly matters concerning payment services, cryptoassets, consumer lending, wealth management and banking. The practice is also noted for its experience advising on the implementation of regulatory change and disruptive projects driven by technology. Charlotte Hill leads the team and Charlotte Witherington joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in February 2024. Praised as a ‘consummate regulatory professional with an incredible eye for detail’, Mila Pencheva is another key contact in the group.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 5

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5

Focusing on the technology, life sciences, private wealth and real estate sectors, Taylor Wessing LLP boasts extensive High Court experience. Andrew Howell, who leads the ‘well-known’ team, specialises in the financial and professional services sectors. In addition to heading up the firm’s litigation funding offering, ‘class act’ Richard Viegas advises an impressive roster of investment banks, asset managers and high-net-worth individuals. Katie Chandler is a go-to adviser on group claims, while Emma Allen regularly handles civil fraud and contractual disputes, often on a cross-border basis. Samantha Brendish is another key name to note.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 5

The contentious construction team at Taylor Wessing LLP represents a range of clients, including international infrastructure companies, build-to-rent property developers, and government sector entities. Team head Jonathan Hutt leads on Building Safety Act-related matters, adjudications in the sports sector, and ICC arbitrations in the energy sector. Matt Evans is another key contact in the team.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 5

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 6

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6

Taylor Wessing LLP ‘demonstrates vast experience in international arbitration’. Representing companies, institutions and ultra-HNW individuals, the group has particular expertise in disputes involving the life sciences, telecoms and transportation sectors. The team also handles arbitrations concerning India and Africa. Karel Daele is a longstanding commercial and investor-state arbitration specialist, who is well known for Africa-related disputes. Nick Storrs is ‘utterly dedicated to clients’ causes.’

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 6

Drawing upon a 'deep knowledge of the law and market', Taylor Wessing LLP provides a 'first-class service' to corporates and private equity firms engaged in mid-market acquisition finance mandates. A considerable portion of the work is centred on the tech sector, particularly in providing debt financing to the firm's later-stage venture-backed clients. Heather Buttle heads up the overarching banking and finance team that also includes the 'exceptional' Lerika Le Grange and Martin Yells, who both handle acquisition finance work as part of their broad-based banking practices.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 6

The 'dynamic and responsive' team at Taylor Wessing LLP provides 'highly effective' advice to creditors, investors, debtors and office holders across a variety of contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters. Team head Nick Moser excels in handling contentious matters, including those involving allegations of fraud, some of which arise in an asset-based lending context. Amy Patterson is 'highly knowledgeable' at handling real-estate-related cross-border restructuring and insolvency mandates, while Stephen O’Grady leverages the firm's broader venture capital credentials to good effect on tech-related mandates, including in the crypto space.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 7

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ‘clear knowledge’ and ‘thorough’ approach, the team at Taylor Wessing LLP is well-positioned to handle multijurisdictional merger control matters for its roster of blue-chip corporate clients. Practice head Paolo Palmigiano, a dual-qualified (English and Italian) practitioner, is recommended for his expertise in all areas of competition law, including cartels, abuse of dominance, investigations and mergers. He is supported by the ‘very helpful’ Louisa Penny.

Finance > Asset based lending

Worldwide > IP Tier 1