Akin > London, England > Firm Profile

Akin > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 1

Leveraging the expertise of ‘a very deep bench of outstanding lawyers’, the ‘highly commercial team’ at Akin has vast experience in the market and is ‘genuinely first-class in terms of highly complex restructuring situations‘. The team is recognised as ‘one of the leading creditor-side firms’, a reputation that it has been cemented over the years as a result of a key involvement for bondholder clients (both primary and secondary buy credit investors) in many of the largest global restructuring/insolvency situations. In this context, as well as having tremendous transactional restructuring knowledge and expertise of key insolvency tools, the firm’s industry knowledge in the energy and aviation sectors has also been key particularly in light of a rash of workouts in those industries in recent years. Barry Russell, who is now sole head of the practice following James Roome’s recent retirement, has ‘an impressive ability to broker compromises even in the most heated situations’, and consequently excels in acting for large noteholder groups attempting to extract value in major multi-jurisdictional matters. Combining ‘top level strategic nous with excellent legal advice’, James Terry  is an ‘effective operator for fund clients’, particularly as it relates to matters with a Scandinavian nexus, as well as restructurings in the offshore, oil and gas and shipping sectors. The ‘very hard working and super organised’ Liz Osborne is also a key member of the team and has been particularly active of late advising on situations involving Russia sanctions issues. Other key members of the team include Emma Simmonds, who ‘has great technical skills’; Tom Bannister, whose client base includes a broad range of institutional and distressed investors; and Sam Brodie, who returned to the firm in September 2022 following a brief period at Shearman & Sterling LLP.

Investment fund formation and management > Hedge funds Tier 2

Both established players and new entrants to the hedge fund manager market come to Akin for support with the launching of new funds, and the firm is also able to advise on regulatory and tax regimes in the UK, EU and US. The practice advises fund managers on seed capital arrangements, hybrid fund structures and the drafting of key documentation. Leading the team are private equity specialist Daniel Quinn, Ian Meade and Tim Pearce, who assist hedge fund managers with the foundation and structuring of funds in addition to regulatory obligations. Hamish Annandale, made partner in January 2023, and counsel Melissa Kinsmore-Ward advises on the establishment of alternative investment structures.

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

The international trade group at Akin has developed a strong reputation across a wide range of trade matters - from compliance advice and internal investigations, to representation before customs, export controls and sanctions regulators across the UK, EU, US and other jurisdictions. Practice co-chair Jasper Helder is a vastly experienced partner whose transactional work focuses on strategies to mitigate sanctions, corruption and AML risks in emerging markets and Russia. Fellow co-head Chiara Klaui has over 15 years of compliance experience, with a broad focus which spans anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and national security-related investment reviews.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 3

Noted for its broad coverage of emerging markets, Akin is engaged on a diverse range of both upper and middle-market work – particularly for clients (both sponsors and portfolio companies) involved in tech and natural resources. The practice is jointly chaired by a several partners: Shaun Lascelles, a prolific adviser who regularly handles PE transactions in the oil and gas sectors; Gavin Weir, whose focus includes tech and life sciences;  Stephen Brown, experienced in PE employment law and management equity matters; and Sebastian Rice, who oversees both the London and Hong Kong offices. Other names to note include David Sewell, whose recent engagements include acquisitions for sponsors engaged in the financial services sector. Weyinmi Popo left the firm to join Asafo & Co. in March 2023.

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 3

Akin is 'proactive in approach, giving clear concise advice but with an eye on commercialism', particularly in the niche area of US private placements. Tom O’Connor leads the London finance group and is 'one of the top lawyers in this sector', frequently advising institutional investors on the acquisition of privately placed debt and equity securities. He recently assisted institutional debt investors MetLife and PGIM with the purchase of €200m of senior unsecured notes in the debut private placement by Tritax Eurobox plc. Robert Aulsebrook leads the issuer practice and focuses predominantly on emerging markets debt. Barry Russell  focuses on financial restructuring and Mark Mansell frequently represents insurance companies and other financial institutions in cross-border private placements. Michael Gustafson handles debt finance work for non-bank lender clients, which included acting for PGIM Private Capital on the £350m debut private placement issuance by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc.

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 3

Akin provides a diverse offering covering a range of funds, including buyout, growth, venture, credit, infrastructure and real estate. The practice is particularly recommended for its expertise in advising sovereign wealth funds and debt credit funds. The team is headed by buyout and green energy funds specialist Daniel Quinn. John Daghlian is an expert in private equity funds, and Mary Lavelle  has broad knowledge spanning fund formations and secondary transactions. Associate Qasam Mahmood has deep expertise in ongoing fund management, as well as formation and structuring.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: Project finance and development Tier 3

In the wake of an impressive run which has seen the firm bolster its ranks through the addition of Matthew Hardwick and Daniel Giemajner from Norton Rose Fulbright and Alex Harrison from Hogan Lovells International LLP, Akin is geared up to act on a wide range of financing initiatives for large scale energy and transport projects nationally and globally. The team are a good port-of-call for independent infrastructure fund managers, banks and construction companies seeking advice on capital investment, design, and construction plans, as well as counsel regarding novel funding methods such as the government’s regulated asset base model. Hardwick, who leads the team, helms the firm’s most complex cross-border mandates, while also being noted for his proficiency handling the restructuring of finances. Giemajner has expanded the team’s understanding of the renewable and alternative energy sectors, with noteworthy activity in onshore windfarm, mineral extraction, and biofuel projects, while Harrison has close connections to large regulatory and governing energy bodies.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 3

Akin handles a broad range of work in the oil & gas industries, including major corporate transactions and joint ventures, restructurings, project financings, litigation, arbitration and disputes, and international trade, sanctions and public policy matters. The team is headed up by Shaun Lascelles , Alex Harrison, Justin Williams and Simon Rootsey.

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

Akin‘s practice has experience handling projects involving conventional and renewable generation of energy, namely involving offshore wind, carbon capture and EV charging matters in both cross-border and domestic contexts. The offering has also advised The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on matters surrounding the ongoing UK cost of living crisis. The team was bolstered in 2022 with the arrival of multiple partners, being Alex Harrison, who joined the energy and renewables team from Hogan Lovells International LLP in July and now leads it, followed by the September arrival from Norton Rose Fulbright of Matthew Hardwick and Daniel Giemajner, who offer extensive experience in the financing and delivering of international energy projects.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 4

Investigations conducted, and disciplinary action proposed by the FCA are the primary focus at Akin, which is instructed by a core client base of investment and hedge funds, as well as C-suite individuals. Helen Marshall leads the team with a ‘very strong track record‘, supported by seasoned practitioner Ezra Zahabi.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 4

Regarded as ‘premium quality’, Akin’s civil fraud practice represents a diverse roster of high-profile clients in a broad spectrum of matters, ranging from investment disputes on behalf of investment funds to international asset recovery and enforcement proceedings. The team’s deep strength in the energy sector is additionally bolstered by the expertise of finance lawyers spread across the firm’s vast international network. Practice head Kambiz Larizadeh  is a widely regarded litigator and arbitrator, praised for his ‘brilliant tactical mind’, particularly in regard to Russia and Middle East-related cases. Other names to note for civil fraud disputes include newly hired Graham Lovett  and Ing Loong Yang, who joined in March and April 2022 respectively.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4

The London team at Akin is described as ‘extremely adept for big-ticket litigation’. The group has significant experience in disputes in the energy, tech, and financial sectors, having acted on high-profile energy disputes, investment disputes on behalf of banks, and crypto-related disputes. ‘No-nonsense, pragmatic and commercially minded‘ Richard Hornshaw leads the London disputes team as well as the firm’s wider international disputes practice, acting frequently for financial institutions. Other noted practitioners include ‘stand-out partner’ Justin Williams, and Kambiz Larizadeh, commended for his ‘searing insight combined with an unassuming manner’ 

Finance > Securitisation Tier 4

Akin joins the ranking this year having built up a presence in the European CLO market as part of a broader structured finance and securitisation practice. To leverage the vast experience of the partners based in the US, the firm hired Dasha Sobornova from Mayer Brown International LLP in 2022, who brings extensive knowledge of the EU and UK securitisation regulation, on which she advises arrangers, investment managers, investors and corporate services providers. Her prime focus is on CLO transactions, though she has experience in RMBS, derivatives, and credit funds transactions. She is a key adviser to anchor clients, among them KKR Credit Advisors, on European transactions.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 5

Boasting a client base that includes large multinationals, investment funds and top financial institutions, the ‘highly collaborative, effective and pragmatic’ team at Akin is renowned for its extensive expertise advising on multi-jurisdictional merger control, behavioural investigations, state aid, and complex litigation matters. Praised for her ‘attention to detail’, practice head Davina Garrod advises numerous corporates and financial institutions on M&A, joint ventures, strategic alliances, restructuring and other forms of equity and debt investments. The ‘exceptional’ Scott Pettifor advises clients across a broad range of sectors, including telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, food, retail, media and insurance, on merger control matters and behavioural issues. Pettifor has also played an instrumental role in driving further growth within the London team.

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

Praised for its ‘stellar all-round service’, Akin advises investment managers on regulatory commitments and requirements, including the full spectrum of related UK and EU financial services legislation, with demonstrable experience in handling ESG initiatives. Practice leader Ezra Zahabi has ‘impeccable knowledge’ in matters concerning regulatory compliance, fund structuring, market abuse and market conduct, in addition to structuring investment management and advisory platforms.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 5

Akin has ‘exceptional breadth and the ability to work across practice areas’, excelling at disputes in the financial services sector. Investment disputes are a mainstay of the practice, with particular expertise relating to the distressed debt space, sovereign debt disputes, and intra-creditor disputes. Richard Hornshaw ‘leads an effective and responsive team‘. He is well versed in securities law matters, insolvency, and restructuring.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

Fielding 'a team that delivers great results', Akin‘s international arbitration practice in London routinely draws upon the firm's sector specialisms in energy, construction and technology. The 'terrific' commercial and treaty disputes expert Justin Williams, who leads the firm's worldwide international arbitration practice from the London office, acts in international arbitrations all over the world (and under most of the major arbitral rules). At counsel level, Jenny Arlington represents a range of clients in high-stakes international arbitrations.

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

While it has limited traction among conventional banking clients, Akin continues to grow its private credit-focused new money and special situations expertise, an area that was further enhanced by the arrival in January 2023 of Fergus Wheeler  from White & Case LLP. Other niche areas areas of focus include team head Tom O’Connor's representation to institutional investors on privately placed debt and equity securities, and on cross-border financing transactions. Robert Aulsebrook  has a focus on emerging markets work.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 6

Akin fields an ‘exceptional’ team with key strength in the financial services sector. Team lead Stephen Brown has expertise in the private equity sector, and works with both domestic and international clients. Serena Lee covers a broad range of corporate and finance transactions, including reorganisations and restructurings. Matthew Durward-Thomas made partner in January 2023.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 6

The ‘professional, responsive and business orientated’ team at Akin has a client roster that features global corporates and financial institutions. Known for its presence in emerging markets, the team is well-versed in advising on investment portfolio matters for fund clients including complex and high-value multi-jurisdictional transactions. Leading the team are a trio of lawyers including Sebastian Rice, whose practice involves M&A, equity capital markets and private equity, the ‘very commercial’ Shaun Lascelles, also co-head of the firm’s project and energy transition practice, and the ‘excellent’ Gavin Weir, who has ‘deep knowledge of the market’ particularly in relation to financial services, technology and life sciences M&A. Focusing on both private equity and M&A transactions is Simon Rootsey, particularly across the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, while public and private M&A practitioner Harry Keegan, who is an expert in takeovers, is highly knowledgeable about corporate transactions from a financial advisor’s perspective. Weyinmi Popo left the firm in March 2023 to join ASAFO & Co.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals

Finance > Acquisition finance

India > Foreign firms Tier 5

Switzerland > WTO

Akin regularly provide advice to governments and private sector clients on leveraging WTO rules to overcome market access barriers as well as providing support in designing frameworks that are WTO-compliant. The team not only handles WTO dispute settlement and trade policy and trade negotiations, but also has expertise in trade remedies, trade compliance, and national security and investment screening, Alan Yanovich, who heads the practice, is an ‘experienced lawyer’ with extensive knowledge of international trade and investment matters at the multilateral, regional, and bilateral levels. Jasper Helder’s clients rely on him to assist with developing and executing mitigation strategies for trade compliance. Other key team members include Stephen Kho, who handles matters related to trade policy and international dispute resolution, and Chiara Klaui, who advises clients on EU, Swiss and UK trade compliance and drafts and supports the implementation of policies and procedures.

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A

Akin acts for an impressive array of sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and the market's most active investors on premium, multibillion-dollar M&A, joint venture and commercial mandates. The firm has an 'excellent team that works seamlessly across various jurisdictions’, leveraging vast expertise across the Middle East and abroad to handle complex transactions in the energy and infrastructure, healthcare, defence, hospitality and retail sectors - among others. On the ground in the UAE, Wael Jabsheh heads the group and handles the practice's most consequential transactions, utilising his leading expertise in digital assets and cryptocurrency to competently advise on tech-related aspects of deals. Simon Rootsey - who relocated from London in 2023 - largely focuses on cross-border M&A and private equity, with extensive experience in joint ventures and public takeovers. Associate Mazen Baddar is quickly building an impressive portfolio of deals due to high levels of activity across a range of sectors.

Latin America: International firms > Capital markets

Akin has a niche practice driven by its institutional-investor debt finance practice, which represents a variety of insurance companies and other institutional investors in private placements and other debt financings. The firm has worked on a range of deals in the region, both in major markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia, alnd smaller markets including El Salvador and Costa Rica. More recently, much of the practice group's activity has centred on Mexico, including its representation of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, as lenders and investors, in the financing of Medios Cattri. London partner Thomas O’Connor has represented institutional investors and institutional lenders in connection with private placement transactions over many years, often along with Margaret Parker-Yavuz in Washington DC.