Travers Smith LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Travers Smith LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 1

Travers Smith LLP continues to draw praise from clients, with a commercial offering that spans a variety of sectors and is increasingly active in the international space. Significant recent work includes advising new client Volta Trucsk on outsourced manufacturing arrangements with an Austrian supplier, as well as guiding NewsUK through its TalkSport licensing deals with a number of international broadcasters. A strong regulatory offering remains the cornerstone of the practice, working with utility, energy and financial clients on environmental clauses and ESG concerns. Dan Reavill fronts the group, with the ‘commercially pragmatic and balanced’ Richard Brown taking the lead on a number of complex mandates, including a strong focus on partnership agreements. Ben Chivers‘ practice concentrates on UK-based contractual matters, working with clients such as Oxford University and Nuffield Health, as well as Shinfield Studios on the large-scale film studio development at Thames Valley Park, while senior counsel Michael Cuthbertson lends strong energy and infrastructure expertise to advise on electric and green energy business operations. Both Senior counsel Michael Ross and Senior associate Richard Offord‘s broad capabilities ensure they are continually sought-out by colleagues to support a variety of matters in multiple sectors.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 1

Acting on behalf of a stellar lineup of issuers, financial institutions, management, selling shareholders and cornerstone investors, Travers Smith LLP‘s ECM work spans IPOs, secondary issues and other transactional matters – including class 1 transactions, reverse takeovers, block trades and tender offers. The team particularly stands out for its significant long-standing relationships in the London-based investment bank market. Andrew Gillen leads the practice alongside head of corporate Spencer Summerfield. Experienced ECM practitioner Richard Spedding frequently represents public companies, investment banks, hedge funds and other financial intermediaries, whilst Adrian West is known for his work on high-profile IPOs. Elsewhere in the group, Tom Coulter maintains his broad ECM practice.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 1

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 1

Described by clients as a ‘team at the top of its game’, Travers Smith LLP excels at advising on the tax aspects of incentive arrangements, and is also well placed to advise on corporate, governance and corporate law considerations. The practice has additionally seen an increase in instructions in relation to advising on corporate governance matters for companies. ‘Thought leader’ Mahesh Varia heads the practice, and is active on the incentives arrangements of complex transactions and secondary buyouts. Elissavet Grout is instructed by a wide range of public and private company client and is praised for her ability to advise on the ‘intricacies of share plans‘. Employee benefit trusts and executive remuneration are among Claire Prentice‘s areas of expertise.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 1

Travers Smith LLP is noted for its ‘pragmatic‘ and ‘client-focused’ pensions work, with the team being jointly headed by Susie Daykin and Daniel Gerring. The practice offers clients assistance in matters including de-risking, distress, covenants, and defined contribution pensions, with a particular focus on the endgame for schemes. Clients span employers, insurers, private equity firms, and trustees, with recent work including advice on the transfer of assets to a master trust, advice in part 8 claims, and assistance in multi-million pound buy-in deals. David James is a name to note for his master trust work, while Dan Naylor is a notable contact for pensions insurance and endgame planning work. Andy Lewis, Niamh Hamlyn, and senior counsel Chris Widdison are also key names within the team. Hamlyn was promoted to the partnership in July 2022.

Real estate > Environment Tier 1

The environmental offering at Travers Smith LLP is regarded as being ‘one of the first to recognise the importance of ESG’. It is also well-regarded for its abilities advising its key client roster on related EU regulations particularly in relation to chemical and product support law, an area in which Sarah-Jane Denton has noteworthy expertise. Its workload features matters involving advising renowned corporate clients on financial and investment considerations in relation to sustainability regulations and ESG principles. Transactional work is another area of focus for the team; it often advises both domestically and cross-jurisdictionally on the environmental elements involved in key sales and acquisitions in this regard. Senior counsel John Buttanshaw and team lead Doug Bryden both also bring notable experience in advising such clients as Meta on the regulatory considerations surrounding large-scale energy and infrastructure projects.

Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 1

The ‘outstanding’ and dedicated team at Travers Smith LLP handles a broad range of governance, risk management and compliance matters under the leadership of Doug Bryden and Neal Watson. It acts for blue-chip clients and draws on strength from the firm’s corporate, disputes, commercial, employment and regulatory departments to provide a holistic approach to governance issues. Bryden is a contact for bribery and corruption, corporate crime, human rights and ethical investments, while Watson handles corporate and board-level issues. Senior consultant Simon Witney focuses on regulatory, transactional and fund formation mandates and at the more junior end of the team, associate Laura Smyth advises on governance and corporate crime matters in the banking, retail and private equity sectors, and senior counsel Aisling Arthur deals with market abuse and compliance issues.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 2

The 'dedicated and highly motivated' Travers Smith LLP team advises domestic and international clients in a range of matters, including asset management, corporate finance, M&A, and tax disputes. Department head Russell Warren is particularly active on behalf of private fund and asset management clients, and has broad transactional tax expertise. Also key are Emily Clark, who leads the asset management team, Mahesh Varia, who is head of incentives & remuneration, and Simon Skinner, whose practice covers both corporate and individual taxation. Hannah Manning specialises in private equity and M&A transactions. Transactions specialist Madeline Gowlett, and Elena Rowlands, whose focus is the taxation of asset managers, are names to note.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 2

Travers Smith LLP is turned to by a number of bluechip asset managers, corporates, and other financial services entities for its 'highly intelligent, incredibly responsive, client-focused' approach. Key names to note include practice head Tim Lewis, the 'outstanding' Michael Raymond, and Natalie Lewis, recommended for her expertise in fintech and payments work.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2

Lawyers at Travers Smith LLP often work in close tandem with the firm’s wider anti-bribery and corruption group to provide a full service offering across a wealth of local and multijurisdictional cases. The practice is led by Rob Fell, who enjoys a prominent track record within the banking and finance space, and is also home to Toby Robinson who has led on a number of high-profile FCA, SOCA and SFO cases.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 2

Being described by clients ‘excellent in all ways, and a real pleasure to work with’, the full-service dispute resolution practice at Travers Smith LLP is equipped to handle highly complex cases. Cases with a cross-border component are regularly undertaken by the team, as are high-profile cases, with the team notably having been entrusted to act on the high-profile Hewlett-Packard tech-related fraud trial. Rob Fell brings his ‘fantastic knowledge and experience’ to lead the ‘absolutely first-rate’ team that consists of financial services expert Caroline Edwards, who also co-heads the firm’s competition litigation practice. Also of note is ‘very reliable, accurate, and clever’ Alexa Day, ‘up-and-coming star’ Stephanie Lee, and the ‘exceptional team’ of Toby Robinson, Andrew King, and Polly Richard.

Employment > Employers Tier 2

Travers Smith LLP is well regarded for its investigations and senior staff exits work, often dealing with matters involving sensitive allegations. The firm also assists its extensive client list with major restructuring and redundancy programmes, as well as providing representation in litigation before the employment tribunal, EAT and High Court. The team also works closely with the firm’s immigration group for support on recruitment issues. The practice is led by whistleblowing investigations specialist Ed Mills. He is supported by Siân Keall, who works on team moves and exits as well as investigations. TUPE and outsourcing expert Tim Gilbert and Ailie Murray, who was promoted to partner in July 2023, are also key. Alex Fisher left the firm in February 2023, joining Goodwin Procter.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 2

Travers Smith LLP has 'highly intelligent, incredibly responsive, client-focused, outcomes-driven and dedicated lawyers'. The firm is principally focused on derivatives matters for buy-side clients, though it is also a leading adviser on financial services regulatory issues.  More recently, the firm has become taken a more prominent role in advising on fintech and ESG-related matters in the context of derivatives. Practice head Jonathan Gilmour brings 'excellent technical skills, practical and clear advice' to client matters. Gilmour and emerging partner talent Joseph Wren (whose 'straightforward approach provides comfort to trustees') assisted a leading asset manager with various derivatives and structured products matters, both at fund level and at the level of its portfolio companies, in particular in relation to European Market Infrastructure Regulation, Securities Financing Transactions Regulation, and the Central Securities Depositories Regulation. Peter Hughes, who focuses o pension funding and covenant mandates, and senior counsel Cindy Smith (whose 'attention to detail is exceptional'), play key roles in the practice. Sebastian Reger joined Fieldfisher in 2023.

Investment fund formation and management > Fund finance Tier 2

Investment fund formation and management > Listed funds Tier 2

Travers Smith LLP supports fund managers undertaking fundraisings, IPOs and restructuring measures in addition to secondary solutions. Further to advising funds looking to list on the LSE’s Main Market and Specialist Fund Segment (SFS), in 2022 practice head Aaron Stocks, whose practice focuses on advising investment trusts, REITs and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) on IPOs, assisted the LSE with the creation of the Voluntary Carbon Market, designed to facilitate investments in carbon credits. Will Normand advises fund managers on the establishment of new investment structures aimed at widening funds’ traditional investor bases beyond institutional investors and opening them up to retail investors. Senior counsel Stuart Mackenzie advises London-listed funds on matters concerning the LSE and AIM.

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

Multi-year transformational, strategic projects are at the heart of Travers Smith LLP ‘s fintech, market infrastructure and payments group’s offering. The ‘exceptional’  Natalie Lewis and Tim Lewis spearhead the team’s offering. Phil Bartram, senior consultant Mark Evans   and Louisa Chambers are additional key contacts at the firm.

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 3

Travers Smith LLP particularly stands out for its significant long-standing relationships in the London-based investment bank market. Its ECM work spans IPOs, secondary issues  and other transactional matters – including class 1 transactions, reverse takeovers, block trades and tender offers – acting on behalf of issuers, financial institutions, management, selling shareholders and cornerstone investors. Andrew Gillen leads the practice alongside head of corporate Spencer Summerfield.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 3

At Travers Smith LLP, the regulatory investigations offering comprises specialists from the financial services and markets team, and the dispute resolution department, which is helmed by ‘terrific strategist‘ Rob Fell. The cross-departmental team utilises its various strengths to handle all relevant issues pertaining to regulatory investigations, enforcement actions and disciplinary proceedings, with a particular focus on litigation, due to the contentious expertise of many of the practitioners; Caroline Edwards, Toby Robinson, Huw Jenkin and Stephanie Lee are all key names in this regard.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3

Travers Smith LLP possesses a ‘top quality team for banking work‘ acting on high-profile disputes involving banks, brokers, and fund managers.  The practice has impressive cross-border capabilities, frequently acting on litigation with an international element. ‘Market leader’ Rob Fell sits at the helm of the team, leading many highly complex investigations for clients, with particular expertise in financial services-related disputes. Integral to the team are Caroline Edwards and Toby Robinson, both with experience across a wide range of contentious work across fraud and shareholder disputes, along with Jan-Jaap Baer and Stephanie Lee.

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 3

The ‘excellent‘ Caroline Edwards and the ‘fantastic‘ Nigel Seay jointly lead the team of ‘good and pragmatic strategists‘ at Travers Smith LLP. The team represents a diverse client base spanning the financial services, automotive, and tech sectors. Edwards regularly acts for defendants in certification applications for class actions, supported by Huw Jenkin; while Seay handles a variety of non-contentious issues, including antitrust investigations. Senior associate Ingrid Hodgskiss handles a broad-range of behavioural matters and damages claims within the insurance and maritime sectors. Stephen Whitfield has extensive expertise assisting clients with EU General Court appeals of European Commission decisions.

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

Travers Smith LLP not only helms high-end transactions, but possesses a strong bench of advisers that competently handle the  specialist debt, regulatory and commercial aspects of the entire infrastructure and energy piece. The team has been involved in M&A, joint ventures and capital raisings pertaining to a wide range of asset types, with notable activity regarding renewables and social infrastructure. The highly experienced Spencer Summerfield  continues to be an active presence in the group, overseeing deals such as the acquisition of an emergency services business and the disposal of interests in infrastructure developers. Jonathan Walters  focuses on M&A transactions, working closely with funds and strategics on their infrastructure and energy acquisitions. On the debt side Ben Thompson advises lenders and sponsors on acquisition finance transactions. Hugh Hutchison, recently promoted to partner, is also recognised for his M&A proficiency.

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

Travers Smith LLP acts for both IT customers and suppliers on a variety of transactions, advisory work and disputes. The team is noted for its experience advising financial market infrastructure bodies on regulatory issues, in addition to handling licensing arrangements. Dan Reavill heads the practice and assists clients on data protection, cyber security and confidentiality issues, while James Longster advises on all areas of IP, from creation to exploitation and enforcement. Louisa Chambers, who focuses on fintech matters, is another key contact in the group.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 4

Praised for its ‘reassuring, straightforward and practical’ advice, the team at Travers Smith LLP is regularly engaged in a wide spread of competition law matters, ranging from merger control and FDI clearances, to behavioural and cartel investigations. At the helm sits Nigel Seay, who has extensive experience leading on EU, UK and International merger control clearances across a wide range of sectors. Stephen Whitfield ‘instils confidence’ in his clients and is noted for his diverse practice focus, advising clients across the technology, financial services, life sciences and media sectors. Senior counsel Ingrid Hodgskiss is recommended for her expertise international merger clearances, FDI issues and antitrust matters.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 4

Instructed by several FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, private equity firms and financial sponsors across a range of sectors including infrastructure, financial services, wealth management and technology, the corporate M&A and ECM practice at Travers Smith LLP has recently been involved in big ticket billion-pound matters including public takeovers, group combinations, acquisitions and investments. Uniquely placed as a result of its dedicated listed company advisory team and its ‘best friends’ cross-border strategy, the team is led by: Spencer Summerfield, a highly experienced corporate lawyer with a broad practice; Andrew Gillen, a public and private M&A lawyer with particular knowledge of FCA listing and disclosure rules, Prospectus rules, AIM rules and the Takeover Code; and head of the private equity and financial sponsors group, Lucie Cawood. Richard Spedding operates a domestic and cross border practice and assists a range of clients in the listed environment and is reputed for his Takeover Code expertise. Adrian West heads up the retail sector group and is known for his advice on IPOs, equity capital markets and M&A. Tom Coulter is well-versed in mergers, disposals and equity fundraisings. Former private equity head Ian Shawyer  joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton  in London.

Employment > Immigration Tier 4

The business immigration team of Travers Smith LLP is couched within the wider offering, providing an integrated global mobility offering for the firm’s high-profile financial service clients; able to draw on the tax and regulatory offering of the firm, the team is well-placed to assist in global business structuring and relocation mandates. Ed Mills heads the practice, drawing on his immigration and employment expertise primarily in advising US-based companies setting up London offices. Siân Keall, Tim Gilbert, and Adam Wyman similarly bring combined immigration and employment expertise, while senior associate Moji Oyediran focusses solely on immigration matters.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 4

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 4

With particular strength in corporate and commercial advice, the cross-departmental retail team at Travers Smith LLP is instructed by a roster of domestic and international retail clients across multiple industries, including food and beverage, automotive, and fashion. The ‘wonderful‘ Adrian West oversees the group and advises on domestic and cross-border M&A, demergers, and joint ventures, as well as offering strategic corporate advice.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4

Noted for its expertise in development and investment projects in alternative real estate, Travers Smith LLP often assists law firms with their headquarters moves. Practice leader Emma Pereira acts for real estate funds and real estate private equity funds on investments, lettings and developments, while Alex Millar focuses on development and regeneration projects. Sarah Walker is often engaged in the development and investment of non-core real estate assets, while Emma Sykes is noted for her expertise in property financing.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 4

Travers Smith LLP is best known for its work handling development disputes, particularly those surrounding rights of light, rights of way and restrictive covenants within the retail and hospitality sectors. The team is led by Andrew Ross, who has substantial experience acting for developers, landowners and insolvency practitioners. Ross is supported by Lucy Thomas who is experienced in restrictive covenants and service charge matters.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4

Travers Smith LLP advises clients in the financial services, tech, mobility, and health sectors on the full range of data protection and cybersecurity matters. The team is overseen by Dan Reavill, whose practice covers both contentious and non-contentious data and cyber matters for major IT vendors and buyers. Also in the core team is the ‘technically sound‘ James Longster, who takes point on data breaches and data exploitation matters, and the ‘comprehensive and pragmatic‘ Louisa Chambers, recommended for her expertise in the tech and fintech sectors.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 5

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 5

Noted for its expertise in development and investment projects in alternative real estate, Travers Smith LLP often assists law firms with their headquarters moves. Practice leader Emma Pereira acts for real estate funds and real estate private equity funds on investments, lettings and developments, while Alex Millar focuses on development and regeneration projects. Sarah Walker is often engaged in the development and investment of non-core real estate assets, while Emma Sykes is noted for her expertise in property financing.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 5

Noted for its expertise in development and investment projects in alternative real estate, Travers Smith LLP often assists law firms with their headquarters moves. Practice leader Emma Pereira acts for real estate funds and real estate private equity funds on investments, lettings and developments, while Alex Millar focuses on development and regeneration projects. Sarah Walker is often engaged in the development and investment of non-core real estate assets, while Emma Sykes is noted for her expertise in property financing.

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

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+)