Baker McKenzie > London, England > Firm Profile

Baker McKenzie > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 1

Baker McKenzie has an extremely broad commercial contracts practice, acting for long-term clients in sectors ranging from banking to healthcare and retail, but is especially strong in heavily regulated sectors. The team’s workload spans specialist areas such as consumer protection, data protection, advertising and marketing, sponsorship, data privacy and e-commerce, as well as cyber-security. Helen Brown is notable for her work in the retail industry, and is a go-to team member for distribution arrangements. Brown leads the team alongside Julia Hemmings and Sue McLean, who both focus on the technology sector, and are instrumental in the group’s work on the full range of commercial agreements, including outsourcing agreements and joint ventures in the technology sector – a strength of the practice as a whole. Maulik Mittal is another key name.

Corporate and commercial > Customs and excise Tier 1

Drawing on the firm’s expertise in international trade, WTO, and tax, Baker McKenzie‘s market-leading customs and excise department offers full-service advice, including sanctions, export controls, foreign investment and anti-dumping/trade remedies. The group is well-versed in assisting companies with customs and excise investigations in connection to HMRC rulings and advises on supply chain customs issues in the context of trade disruption and geopolitical risks. The practice is headed by Jennifer Revis who covers international trade regulations, customs valuations and investigations. Ben Smith focuses on export controls, sanctions and customs advice, as well as anti-bribery/anti-money-laundering. Of counsel Jessica Mutton covers a range of issues including sanctions and export controls, anti-bribery and corruption, and tax evasion. .

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 1

The international trade group at Baker McKenzie LLP draws on its global reach to provide clients with expertise on a range of trade matters involving UK, EU and US sanctions.  Its ambit also covers export controls, foreign investment, customs, anti-dumping and trade remedies. Co-practice head Sunny Mann is noted for his considerable experience in UK and EU export controls sanctions and anti-bribery rules. He jointly heads the practice alongside Tristan Grimmer whose expertise lies in trade sanctions and export controls, as well as compliance matters. Other key figures include Jennifer Revis, who serves as the leading customs contact in the practice. Ben Smith is regularly called upon for his expertise by clients in the energy, technology, telecoms, healthcare and transport sectors. Sven Bates - noted for his sanctions and trade compliance expertise - is also recommended.

Corporate and commercial > International business reorganisations Tier 1

Baker McKenzie LLP is reputed for its depth of expertise in international business reorganisations projects and assists multi-national clients in post-acquisition integration, pre-transaction separation projects, legal entity rationalisation and group and supply chain reorganisations. The firm’s corporate reorganisations team in London is jointly led by Emily Carlisle, who advises on major reorganisation projects, including Brexit restructuring projects, and Jo Hewitt, who focuses on post-acquisition integration and subsidiary governance. The global head of the department, Kirsty Wilson, covers a range of projects and frequently leads significant post-acquisition integrations. With vast experience in the planning and implementation of cross-border business reorganizations and carve-out/spin off M&A transactions, the arrival of Richard Needham in December 2023 bolsters the firm’s offering. Rakesh Rathod is a key contact for various corporate transactions and reorganisations while Emma Smith has considerable experience navigating clients through the challenges that arise when coordinating cross-border reorganisations.  

Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 1

The VAT and indirect tax team at Baker McKenzie is ‘renowned for its deep industry knowledge.’ Its expertise spans contentious VAT investigations, disputes, advisory and structuring. Contentious VAT-expert David Jamieson heads up the practice and specialises in VAT disputes for clients in the financial services and e-commerce sectors. Key members of the practice include Mark Delaney, who oversees the firm’s tax group and boasts expertise in UK, EU, and global VAT and indirect tax law, and Mark Agnew, whose expertise lies in financial services VAT. Adam Peacock frequently handles VAT work relating to the real estate and financial sectors. Kathryn Sewell is adept at handling VAT planning and structuring, as well as HMRC indirect tax disputes.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 1

Baker McKenzie‘s ‘excellent litigators’ in London handle complex cross-border fraud investigations and litigation, in relation to conspiracy claims, economic torts, fraudulent misrepresentation and duress. Clients notably benefit from the firm’s enviable global reach (covering 74 offices in 45 countries), and the team is particularly experienced in assisting governments, sovereign wealth funds and international corporations with tracing, freezing and recovering misappropriated assets. It also fields experts in international preservation and disclosure orders, as well as fraud-related insolvency issues. The practice is co-led by ‘wonderful all-round litigator’ Charles Thomson, who additionally leads the business crime unit, and Hugh Lyons, whose wide-ranging caseload encompasses fraud and financial misconduct cases. The next line of experienced practitioners features Henry Garfield, whose career includes being seconded to the UK Serious Fraud Office, and Marc Florent, who acts for clients from the financial, commercial and industrial sectors in multi-party disputes. Other names to note are Kate Geale, whose experience includes representing an international science and chemicals company in an investigation into suspected bribery of foreign public officials; Ben Levitt, who is ‘a master of detail’; and Mark Banks, who is experienced in civil fraud, insolvency, sanctions and cross-border enforcements.

Employment > Employers Tier 1

Under the leadership of Carl Richards and Julia Wilson, Baker McKenzie LLP fields a team of ‘excellent lawyers’. It is known both domestically and internationally for its strategic employment law advice. In addition to its considerable industrial relations expertise, it is recognised for its skill across a broad range of other areas, such as advising on global workforce restructuring, and cross-border deals. It is sought after too for its advice on business change projects, and workplace redesign schemes. In addition, the group excels in advising on a range of diversity and inclusion matters, data privacy and modern slavery issues, as well as business change projects where there will disruption and transformation. The team is also highly regarded for its experience of handling complex disputes and investigations. Other areas of expertise lie in the financial services sector, and advising on a broad range of regulatory matters. Among the other names to note are Monica Kurnatowska and Annabel Mackay. Former practice head John Evason has retired from the firm.

Industry focus > Emerging markets Tier 1

Baker McKenzie has a deep bench of talent across multiple practice areas, and its London emerging markets group works hand-in-hand with teams across the firm’s vast international network, which includes offices in Asia, Europe, CIS, the Middle East, and Latin America. The firm has a long-established presence in four of the five BRICS countries, and nine of the ten largest developing economies. Trade, export and commodity financings are a mainstay of its work, with Luka Lightfoot one of the market’s leading advisers to financial institutions, multilaterals, commodity traders, exporters, producers, and corporate borrowers. The capital markets practice, in which Megan Schellinger is a standout partner, frequently acts for emerging markets issuers, while the energy, mining and finance group, which includes key partner Philip Thomson, often takes the lead on large-scale projects. Banking specialist Sarah Smith is advising a DFI as lender on a loan/repurchase programme established to improve the liquidity of sovereign bonds issued by African nations. Nick Tostivin departed the firm in April 2024.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 1

Covering complex disputes, regulatory issues, strategic M&A and commercial contracts, Baker McKenzie retains its powerful position, advising some of the largest names in social media, technology and AI. The team also remains at the forefront of trends in the market, working with major social media platforms on responses to government investigations concerning the use of generative AI. Ben Allgrove notably advises on digital media and intermediary platforms. Steve Holmes has significant experience in major life sciences, technology, outsourcing, telecommunications and digital transactions. Kate Alexander is an expert in cross-border tax structuring, while Will Holder focuses on M&A, leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, and private equity transactions within the TMT sector. Kim Sartin boasts HR and employment capabilities, while John Groom advises on copyright and digital regulation, including in high-stakes disputes. Sue McLean advises on cloud, outsourcing, digital transformation and development and licensing, and has a significant strength in AI issues.

Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 1

With a large network of offices around the UK, Baker McKenzie LLP offers a full service for clients seeking assistance at any stage of a product liability claim’s life cycle. The team is well known for its advice on product compliance and risk management, and often handles multi-jurisdictional product recalls, particularly for clients from the manufacturing and retail industries. Practice head Kate Corby is an experienced litigator and is described as ‘an excellent strategist with rigorous commercial sense’. Joanne Redmond, who has particular strength on the regulatory compliance side of product liability matters, is a further name to note in the team.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

Anthony Poulton, who has been described as ‘the pre-eminent offshore trusts litigator in London’, heads the practice at Baker McKenzie. It is ‘one of top teams in London-based private client disputes'. The group regularly acts in the most major and international trusts disputes with vast experience in co-ordinating actions across borders, and its familiarity with the main international offshore jurisdictions is key to its success. The practice continues to work with the private banks and trust companies operating in the leading offshore jurisdictions. Other important members of this ‘world-class’ team include Gemma Willingham, Yindi Gesinde, and Luke Richardson. In addition, the team works closely with lawyers in its wealth management group to advise on a whole host of other private client matters.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals Tier 1

Baker McKenzie LLP benefits in this sector from its strong cross-jurisdictional capabilities and draws its expert mining lawyers from its M&A, projects, project finance, regulatory and disputes teams. The team, with its ‘deep industry knowledge’, has extensive experience advising on a range of multi-billion dollar transactions and acting for some of the biggest mining houses. Richard Blunt heads the team focusing on clients in the EMEA region with expertise in M&A, joint ventures, private equity and project development. Mike Webster specialises in advising on the development of major energy, mining and infrastructure assets. Rhiannon Williams has extensive experience in construction and project development matters across the EMEA region and the Caribbean.

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

With a global reach, Baker McKenzie’s niche expertise encompasses interception and network security, procurements, and telecommunications matters. Steve Holmes co-leads the team and often handles digital transactions and outsourcing, while Sue McLean is vastly experienced in AI, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and technology projects. Ben Allgrove is well-versed in digital and consumer disputes as well as regulatory investigations, Robbie Downing is noted for his strength in data protection, and Maulik Mittal is focused on platform regulation. Another key member of the team is Jalil Karim.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Digital content & social Tier 1

The ‘highly experienced, fast and reliable’ team at Baker McKenzie LLP has a strong presence in the digital content and social media spaces, assisting major social media platforms, gaming clients, content companies and other global corporate entities with an array of contentious and non-contentious matters. Generative AI and online safety issues are key areas of expertise for the team, which is also proficient in compliance mandates concerning the Digital Services Act (DSA). Practice head and chief innovation officer Ben Allgrove focuses on advising digital media and intermediary platform clients on a host of matters, including regulatory issues, digital commerce as well as digital and consumer disputes. John Groom concentrates on copyright matters, online regulations and new technologies - such as AI and interactive content. Josh Boyden assists with matters relating to new technology regulation.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Artificial intelligence Tier 2

Counting global technology conglomerates and major AI research laboratories amongst its key clients, Baker McKenzie LLP has ‘in-depth knowledge’ in all aspects of AI-related governance, data acquisition, and IP matters. Headed by the trio of Sue McLean, Vinod Bange and chief innovation officer Ben Allgrove, the practice has experience in advising on dispute relating to the training of large language models. The ‘creative, strategic’ Allgrove is a specialist in the music industry, McLean is knowledgeable on complex technology and commercial deals, while Bange is an expert on data privacy and regulatory matters. John Groom primarily focuses on copyright and digital media issues, and Julia Hemmings concentrates on e-commerce and marketing affairs.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 2

Baker McKenzie covers the full gamut of trade mark, copyright, and design mandates, being active across a multitude of sectors from fashion and consumer goods to technology and financial services. The practice is steered by Ben Allgrove, who enjoys a strong grounding in copyright, AI, and intermediary liability, Jessica Le Gros, who is highly experienced at managing brand clearance and trade mark issues for a panoply of clients, and Rachael Wilkinson-Duffy, who strengthens the team with her contentious capabilities. Other names to note include John Groom, Julia Dickenson, and Natalie Ellerby.

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

Baker McKenzie is well positioned to advise social media and technology giants with music-related matters, covering both IP and contractual issues. The team also handles M&A, employment and litigation matters for music adjacent clients, and has recently assisted with music catalogue deals and AI-related issues. Department head Ben Allgrove – noted for his expertise across digital media – advises on a range of IP and technology issues, including digital music distribution and copyright disputes. William Holder focuses on corporate matters within the TMT sector, including acquisitions and sales in the music industry. John Groom is another name to note for non-contentious music mandates.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 2

The IP team at Baker McKenzie is well positioned to assist clients with their global portfolio management, with offices situated worldwide. The team also engages in the entire remit of trade mark-related mandates, including litigation, clearance, filing and prosecution, in addition to registration and disputes surrounding domain and company names. Additionally, it has substantial experience in representing clients before the High Court, IPEC, UKIPO, and the Appointed Persons. Jessica Le Gros leads the firm’s trade mark registration practice from London, with expertise in global prosecution proceedings, while Rachel Wilkinson-Duffy is sought after for her knowledge of global filing strategies and IP-related transactions. Nadine Archer is also a key member of the team.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 2

Baker McKenzie fields a large, multidisciplinary team, praised by clients for its ‘wide range of tax and legal expertise’. The group covers corporate transactions, wealth management, and alternate capital, in addition to providing standalone transfer pricing and tax planning support. Jessica Eden leads the team, which includes VAT specialist Mark Delaney, transfer pricing co-lead Richard Fletcher, and Alex Chadwick, who is the firm’s Chair of the EMEA region. Kate Alexander is well versed in international tax matters, with particular expertise in the taxation of financing and intangible property. Other key figures include Jukka Karjalainen, a leading name for transfer pricing; Natalie Dunne, who is experienced in transactional tax, and Matthew Legg, who advises on complex tax planning and structuring.

Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 2

Baker McKenzie‘s department houses lawyers, economists and accountants, delivering ‘strong technical expertise and awareness of commercial reality’. The group offers comprehensive support in contentious tax, covering indirect tax disputes, transfer pricing, state aid investigations, and corporation tax disputes. David Jamieson co-leads the team alongside Jessica Eden, with Jamieson focusing on contentious VAT matters, while Eden spearheads the corporate tax disputes offering. Jukka Karjalainen leads on transfer pricing, with varied prior experience, which includes working in-house at a multinational mining corporation.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 2

Baker McKenzie is a key name in the market for cross-jurisdictional transactions, handling the share plan related aspects of corporate work for a client roster of household name clients. Jeremy Edwards is at the group's helm and is well placed to advise on the array of employee incentive matters, from design and implementation issues, to advising on remuneration developments and taxation. Gillian Parnell has broad-ranging expertise, which includes advising on modern workforce and remote working issues, as well as preparing clients for IR35 changes. Executive remuneration work is also one of the key areas of focus for both Will Clifton and Victoria Kirsch.

Employment > Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 2

The ‘smart, astute and very experienced’ team at Baker McKenzie handles a wide spectrum of pensions disputes, often representing trustees, sponsoring employers, professional service providers, and public pensions bodies before the High Court and Court of Appeal, and in matters involving the pensions ombudsman and pensions regulator. Heading the practice is Arron Slocombe who regularly advises on matters concerning buyouts and liability management, together with regulatory clearance and corporate restructurings. Jonathan Sharp, meanwhile, regularly assists with the establishment and amendment of schemes, mergers, scheme members’ complaints, and investment issues. Jeanette Holland is a key name for anti-avoidance and clearance matters. Tom McNaughton covers de-risking, corporate transactions and re-organisations, with Hannah Moxon and Lauren Awoyinka bringing further breadth on liability management matters.

Employment > Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 2

Baker McKenzie‘s ‘experienced’ pensions team is engaged on a range of complex matters, drawing upon the firm’s wealth of expertise across other departments, providing a ‘very consistent’ approach for both international and domestic clients and trustees. The team is led by the highly experienced Arron Slocombe, who covers the full spectrum of mandates, including buyouts and liability management issues, scheme mergers and regulatory clearance work. He is supported by Jeanette Holland, who regularly manages large-scale restructurings and projects involving the mitigation of pensions risks. Jonathan Sharp is a key contact for pensions advice in a multijurisdictional context, while Tom McNaughton advises both pension scheme trustees and the sponsoring employers across a wide range of industries. Danielle Klinger routinely assists international clients with the pension aspects of acquisitions and divestitures.

Finance > Trade finance Tier 2

The trade finance team at Baker McKenzie is 'always accessible and understands the commercial issues'. The firm combines expertise in traditional trade financing options with experience in highly structured deals, and frequently acts for financial institutions, corporates, and government entities in financings in the EMEA and CIS Regions, as well as Latin America. Much of its work focuses on commodities, oil and gas, and infrastructure projects, in which the London group handles multi-sourced export financings, including those backed by DFIs and export credit agencies. Practice head  Luka Lightfoot, who focuses heavily on cross-border export and project finance, and structured trade finance, is 'technically sound and a great negotiator'. He leads the practice with structured finance specialist Jeremy Levy. Lightfoot recently acted for a global financial institution on a deal in Tanzania backed by UK Export Finance. Nick Tostivin joined Pinsent Masons LLP.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 2

A key port of call for investors, real estate developers, hotel owners, operators, financiers and service providers, the hotels, resorts and tourism practice group at Baker McKenzie draws on the capabilities of various practices to advise on acquisitions, disposals, financing, construction, management and franchise agreements as well as tax. The team is chaired by Justin Salkeld, who advises on operational and investment real estate assets, including planning, acquisition and disposal, development, structuring, leasing and financing, and joint ventures. Sebastien Marcelin-Rice is noted for his expertise in real estate finance,  private equity, and distressed investing. Other key names to note include Susie Davies  and Ben Farnell , who focus on commercial property law, planning, development and real estate sustainability matters.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 2

‘The ‘skilled, multifaceted, and solution-orientated’ team at Baker McKenzie pulls together a strong offering combining transactional and regulatory expertise across the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Phelim O’Doherty heads up the team and is geared to handle work such as cross-border M&A, joint ventures and licensing arrangements. Jane Hobson’s transactional expertise is relied upon by the likes of Galapagos, among others. Industry code compliance and digital health applications are core areas of activity for Julia Gillert, while Alexander Gee is active across a range of transactional work and is noted for his ‘deep knowledge and experience’. Hiroshi Sheraton and Joanna Ludlam have left the firm.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 2

Often drawing on the expertise of the regulatory and real estate practices, the sizeable team at Baker McKenzie demonstrates strength in a diverse range of matters, including strategic M&A, supply chain innovation, and ESG issues. The team is spearheaded by trio David Scott , Helen Brown and Julia Hemmings. Scott shows significant expertise in corporate transactional matters, while Brown notably advises clients on technology issues ,particularly relating to data privacy for online and offline sales. Hemmings is recommended for her knowledge of e-commerce and privacy issues in the context of commercial transactions.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

The ‘calm, considered and very talented’ team at Baker McKenzie LLP is known for providing UK tax advice to some of the largest family offices for UK resident and non-UK domiciled families. It continues to provide advice to significant institutions and other private clients at the top end of the private wealth market globally. In addition, the team enjoys a significant inflow of work from the Middle East. The focus of the group’s Middle Eastern practice is centred around ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain. Ashley Crossley has particular experience in establishing private trust companies. Crossley is also skilled at advising on the establishment of international asset-holding structures, family offices, and tax efficient venture capital structures. Phyllis Townsend is also highly recommended.

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

Possessing a ‘great team composed of various experts’, Baker McKenzie LLP is recognised for its regulatory, development and commercial capabilities. Richard Blunt heads up the Energy, Mining and Infrastructure practice, which works with a host of international clients. Mike Webster has a wealth of experience advising project managers and sponsors on concession, procurement and EPC matters, and a growing body of work relating to gigaprojects in the Middle East. Andrew Hedges is praised for his ‘enviable energy industry knowledge’,  predominately focusing on clean energy and energy transition instructions. Philip Thomson has most recently advised on large-scale oil and gas and carbon capture projects, while Luka Lightfoot's financial acumen makes him key to a host of matters. Rhiannon Williams is also recommended.

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 2

Baker McKenzie has a broad practice that encompasses ESG-related litigation, commercial judicial review, public inquiries, and freedom of information matters. Yindi Gesinde is skilled at handling investigations; she also has experience acting on cases relating to child protection. Francesca Richmond frequently advises on regulatory investigations. William Jones and Joanne Redmond are noted for their capabilities with judicial reviews and public procurement work. Former practice head Joanna Ludlam left the firm in early 2025.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2

Leveraging its global network, Baker McKenzie is well positioned to advise its impressive clientele, which consists of major global corporations and blue-chip clients. The team’s portfolio of work spans real estate finance, complex lease restructurings, sales and acquisitions, high value headquarters lettings, and development projects. Justin Salkeld oversees the practice and is highly experienced in the field, advising banks and borrowers on operational and investment real estate assets. Ben Farnell concentrates on commercial property law, real estate sustainability and planning and development, while Stefanie Price covers the real estate elements of corporate transactions and commercial acquisitions for overseas investors. Jack Rubin is a key contact for real estate finance and construction matters, frequently assisting property investment companies and various corporate occupiers.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 2

The contentious construction team at Baker McKenzie is situated within the firm’s wider dispute resolution law practice, boasting an ‘extremely knowledgeable, experienced and professional’ bench. Chair of the dispute resolution practice Steve Abraham leads the team, with accredited experience in energy and infrastructure-related matters. Accredited construction specialist Kate Corby leads on major international disputes in the mining, manufacturing, and transportation industries, while Richard Molesworth assists with advising subcontractors in ICC arbitrations. Neil Donoghue retired in June 2023.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 2

Led by Mike Webster, the non-contentious team at Baker McKenzie is well equipped to advise lenders, financiers, and developers on the full range of refinancing, construction, and development matters. Webster leads on advising on the expansion of an energy project in the Middle East, while Andrew Hope advises international financial institutions on major project financings. Rhiannon Williams assists with advising on JCT construction contracts, while Tania Arora is another key contact in the team, advising on residential new build projects.

Real estate > Environment Tier 2

The environment and climate team at Baker McKenzie regularly acts for global companies across all area of UK and EU environmental law, including contaminated land, waste, environmental permitting, and environmental reporting. The group particularly stands out for its work concerning the environmental regulation of products, services, and supply chains, as well as in relation to climate change law and emissions trading. Practice head Graham Stuart advises across product regulation and environmental, health, and safety law, particularly in the assessment and management of environmental risk in complex multi-jurisdictional projects. Andrew Hedges has expertise in the development of renewable energy projects, sustainable energy procurement, and carbon finance.

Risk advisory > Corporate governance Tier 2

Baker McKenzie LLP counts PLCs, large privately held companies and global organisations among its clients. It makes complete use of its full-service structure to provide clients with expertise in the regulatory, compliance, corporate, remuneration, reputation protection, crisis management and disputes spheres. Sitting at the head of the practice are Jo Hewitt, who is skilled at advising on private company governance and business transformation projects; James Thompson, who regularly advises listed clients on regulatory compliance matters; and Nick Bryans, who is knowledgeable about governance issues in the renewable energy, infrastructure, consumer goods, healthcare, and oil and gas sectors. In addition, Tom Quincey is highlighted for his advice to PLCs.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 2

The data protection, privacy and information security team at Baker McKenzie is recommended by clients as ‘terrific to work with‘ and is highly regarded for its ability to ‘provide risk-thoughtful advice‘. Vinod Bange helms the group, closely supported by Julia Wilson, who specialises in mandates straddling the employment and data spheres, and ‘subject matter expert‘ John McGovern. AI and other emerging technologies have been keeping the practice busy of late, as have cybersecurity incidents. On the contentious side, ICO investigations are a regular source of work.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 2

Baker McKenzie LLP fields an investigations, compliance, and ethics practice with a strong track record advising household names on the full gamut of corporate crime matters, including whistleblower issues, asset freezing orders, and bribery, corruption, and fraud investigations. Key individuals in London include Charles Thomson, who handles multijurisdictional fraud investigations; Jonathan Peddie, a key contact for financial institutions; and Sunny Mann, a key contact for sanctions, export control, and bribery compliance and investigations. Ludlam, Thomson, Peddie, and Mann jointly oversee the team. The team has recently seen an increase in instructions related to international sanctions and money laundering issues.

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

Baker McKenzie’s equity capital markets team boasts notable strengths in handling equity transactions in emerging markets and is also increasingly active in advising UK issuers and underwriters on high-value offerings and private placements. The team is particularly well-versed in handling transactions in the life sciences and biotech sectors and regularly guides public companies in this space through IPOs, accelerated bookbuild offerings, and share buybacks. Practice head Adam Farlow is dual US- and UK-qualified lawyer and accordingly handles a diverse caseload of European listings and offerings subject to US securities regulations. George Marshall is noted for his experience handling equity transactions in Middle Eastern markets.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 3

The ‘exceptional’ team at Baker McKenzie work with a diverse roster of clients, including a number of multinational companies hailing from the worlds of energy, manufacturing, retail and healthcare. The practice is well positioned to assist on both contentious and non-contentious matters, on a domestic and international scale. The team is jointly led by Samantha Mobley and Tristan Grimmer. A mix of blue-chip corporates turn to Mobley for her capabilities on transactional matters and her experience before regulatory authorities, while Grimmer is praised for his capabilities across the full scope of competition law matters. Other key figures include Keith Jones, noted for his work on international transactions, contentious and regulatory matters, and James Robinson, an antitrust investigations specialist.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 3

The ‘flexible and very client-focused’ team at Baker McKenzie provides ‘insightful and commercially minded advice’ to an eclectic mix of financial services clients, including banks and individuals facing complex and high-profile regulatory enforcement cases and internal and external investigations. Drawing upon a ‘wealth of experience and technical knowledge’, developed both in private practice and in-house at a leading bank, Jonathan Peddie is very sensitive to the commercial realities of clients in the space and is adept at advising on both civil and criminal matters. Philip Annett has ‘excellent regulatory insight’, in part due to his former work at the FCA, and is favoured by clients for his ‘very user-friendly and commercial’ advice for clients often involving cross-border issues.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3

Drawing on its global reach, Baker McKenzie represents financial institutions from various jurisdictions in high-profile litigation. It also advises its international clientele on regulatory investigations. Hugh Lyons and Jonathan Peddie lead the ‘commercially savvy’ team. Marc Florent demonstrates prowess in multi-party litigation, particularly in relation to structured products and financial derivatives. Praised by clients for his ‘excellent regulatory insights’ and ‘great judgement‘, Philip Annett boasts an active cross-border disputes practice. Mark Banks is an active member of the team., and Pete Chapman left the firm in July 2024.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 3

Drawing on the firm’s global reach, Baker McKenzie remains a go-to firm for multijurisdictional litigation. The ‘hugely hardworking, responsive and insightful’ dispute resolution team has specialised knowledge of key industries, with a diverse roster of clients spanning the full range of sectors. Praised by clients for its ‘technical sophistication’, the team also boasts expertise in fraud, financial crime and regulatory investigations. ‘Sophisticated and brilliantly strategic lawyer’ Hugh Lyons leads the team, representing corporates, financial institutions and insolvency practitioners, and boasts particular expertise in financial disputes. Marc Florent is active in multijurisdictional cases, while Francesca Richmond specialises in class actions and mass torts litigation. Carinne Kamdar is another name to note.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

Baker McKenzie‘s ‘international arbitration team is highly impressive’. The London team is notably experienced in arbitrations concerning finance, corporate and M&A disputes, as well as energy and construction-related conflicts. The practice also has notable investor-state expertise. Energy sector specialist Andy Moody routinely acts in commercial and investor-state arbitrations and Ed Poulton‘s international arbitration caseload includes investment treaty matters. Steve Abraham specialises in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors, while Kate Corby is a Middle East expert. Judith Mulholland is the ‘most hard-working person around‘. Also key to the international arbitration group are Richard Molesworth and Anjuli Patel.

Employment > Immigration Tier 3

Praised by clients as ‘completely on top of difficult legal issues‘, Baker McKenzie LLP has particular expertise servicing multinational companies with all aspects of business immigration. Led by Tony Haque, who assists a broad range of corporates, entrepreneurs and HNW clients with solutions to international transfers, the team has full capabilities with matters that involve immigration support on transactions, multijurisdictional immigration projects and cross-border strategy, as well as applications for board directors, senior executives and specialist staff. Richard Mills is a key contact for a broad range of immigration and nationality law matters, especially relating to EU regulations, and Ying Li is particularly knowledgeable in the consumer electronics, information tech and engineering sectors. The group also has Japan practice that is led by immigration specialist Tomoko Sasaki.

Finance > Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 3

Baker McKenzie LLP provides a versatile offering to lenders and a growing roster of corporates across the full scope of debt finance products, including those governed under New York and UK law, which ensures it is well positioned to handle big-ticket syndicated corporate lending work and event-driven financings. Nick O’Grady regularly advises large banking syndicates on cross-border acquisition finance and corporate lending transactions and excels in structuring deals in a manner which melds both English and New York law style covenants and documentation. The team also handles emerging markets work, including within Africa, with Luka Lightfoot particularly skilled at advising banks and export credit agencies on providing financing to corporate borrowers and sovereigns across an array of trade and project finance mandates. Former team head Nick Tostivin departed for Pinsent Masons LLP in March 2024.

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 3

Baker McKenzie acts as both issuer and underwriter counsel in cross-border transactions, frequently involving emerging markets. Its work in Africa, Turkey and Eastern Europe stands out. Chair of the global capital markets group Adam Farlow provides 'clear advice on challenging and complex situations'. He recently acted for a Polish bank in the establishment of a €5bn EMTN programme. Megan Schellinger, who focuses on US private placements, trustee specialist Simon Porter, and US-qualified Charles Farnsworth, who 'fights the client's corner when other lawyers have different views', are key members of the practice. Roy Pearce left the firm in late 2023.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Baker McKenzie ‘provides first-class advice on both regulatory matters and transactions‘. Global chair of banking and finance Matthew Dening is ‘not an ivory tower lawyer, but a great technician‘. He is ably supported by ‘excellent lawyer, draftsperson and team collaborator‘ Iolie Calochristos. Together, they recently advised a Canadian insurance group on complex settlement arrangements for OTC derivatives positions as part of a large M&A transaction. Head of structured capital markets Simon Porter is a key adviser to corporate trustees on capital markets transactions. Structured finance and derivatives partner Jeremy Levy‘s work includes advice on structured notes programmes.

Finance > High yield Tier 3

Baker McKenzie is 'an emerging franchise in high yield and leveraged finance, and it is very dedicated to clients'. Long known for its work for trustees and securities agents, the firm continues to build out a full-service high yield practice that counts top-tier investment banks, private equity sponsors and FTSE-500 global corporates among its clients. High yield specialist Rob Mathews leads the 'client-focused and commercial' team. He works with the promising Benjamin Bierwirth, who exhibits 'great client focus and enthusiasm', on million-euro financings, acting for the initial purchasers and agents. Global chair of capital markets Adam Farlow and leveraged finance specialist David Becker also stand out.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 3

Baker McKenzie's London securitisation group has a 'strong, well-staffed team providing excellent client service', and clients report that the lawyers are 'approachable, easy to work with, and can describe complex structures simply'. Simon Porter leads the structured capital markets group and the corporate trust practice, in which Sarah Porter and Jeremy Levy are highly recommended. Levy recently advised a European e-bikes and bicycle parts company on a €100m trade receivables securitisation. Global chair of derivatives Matthew Dening and emerging talent James Tanner also play crucial roles in the practice.

Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 3

Noted for its working relationship with a host of sovereign wealth fund investors, Baker McKenzie LLP‘s real estate offering supports well-known sponsors, investors, and financial institutions with respect to various fund structures. Secondary transactions, real estate fund interests, portfolio and GP-led buyouts are all regular features of James Burdett‘s practice. Mark Simpson provides key regulatory expertise, as does Caitlin McErlane, who helps major asset managers navigate the UK and EU regulatory arenas. Private equity and sovereign wealth funds regularly call upon Matthew Legg for critical corporate tax advice.

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

Baker McKenzie advises on the full range of energy and infrastructure assets, spanning high-end strategic investments, takeovers, disposals and novel debt facilities. The firm demonstrates a broad geographical reach, with a proven ability to handle transactions in jurisdictions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Practice co-chair Nick Rainsford regularly works with private equity groups and funds on an array of infrastructure-related M&A transactions, while fellow co-chair Susannah Davies advises real estate, energy and infrastructure companies on domestic and international M&A. Charles Whitefoord has extensive private equity experience, advising on large-scale digital infrastructure deals. James Heller is another key name for financial sponsors and funds, boasting especially close ties to the firm’s Japanese clients.

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

Baker McKenzie's expertise covers every stage of the investment life cycle, from project structuring and development, and operating agreements to financing, joint ventures, acquisitions, disposals and disputes. The team is also well placed to advise on oil and gas transactions linked to energy transition. Richard Blunt represents a spread of national and international clients in M&A, joint ventures and project developments, while Andy Moody leads on multi-jurisdictional litigation. Philip Thomson is recommended for his work in the midstream and downstream oil and gas arena, where he regularly assists clients with project development and financing.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Renewables Tier 3

Led by energy, mining, and infrastructure specialist Richard Blunt, Baker McKenzie LLP‘s London office boasts a solid team of renewable energy experts who regularly advise clients on a wide array of transactional, regulatory, and contentious matters. The team's focus spans a host of renewable energy sectors, including green hydrogen, wind and solar, energy from waste, renewable carbon capture, and renewable emissions trading structures. The team includes climate change and clean energy expert Andrew Hedges, whose broad practice spans the development of renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, sustainable energy procurement, and carbon finance. David Duncan adds to the team’s transactional expertise, covering mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures in the renewables space.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 3

Baker McKenzie advises clients across the spectrum of investment work, including assisting with sales, leasebacks, and joint ventures. The firm has seen recent activity in the hotel, office, and logistics sectors, advising on portfolio and individual site transactions. Justin Salkeld leads the practice, advising on transactional and development aspects of investments. Ben Farnell supports a range of clients, such as individuals, multinational corporations, and foreign governments. Stefanie Price is a retail specialist within the team. Jack Rubin focuses on real estate finance and construction.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 3

The real estate finance team at Baker McKenzie advises on financing work concerning a diverse range of logistics and hospitality assets. Practice head Sebastien Marcelin-Rice regularly handles lender-side mandates, advising on portfolio refinancings in the hotel sector with significant cross-border aspects. Oliver Jefferies frequently acts for real estate developers, investors, and asset managers concerning acquisitions in Europe and the Middle East. In August 2023, Luke Murphy joined the firm from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Murphy recently led the refinancing of an acquisition of a UK logistics portfolio.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 3

Drawing on its experience across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors, Baker McKenzie is highly capable of handling patents relating to heavy machinery, vaccines, and a litany of other technologies. Natalie Ellerby, who joined from Linklaters in June 2023, covers the full spectrum of IP rights, particularly across the sectors of life sciences, consumer, and technology. Tanvi Shah departed in February 2024, while former practice head Hiroshi Sheraton left in September 2024.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Video games Tier 3

Combining expertise in social media, interactive content and gaming, Baker McKenzie is a popular choice for multinational media players seeking advice on video gaming-related matters. Digital media specialist Ben Allgrove has assisted video gaming publishers with complex regulatory matters, and is adept in IP-related issues such as third party rights and in-bound content licensing.

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

Underpinned by the firm’s technological expertise, Baker McKenzie‘s fintech offering is notably strong in areas involving new technologies such as AI and blockchain. The cross-practice team is co-chaired by technology lawyer Sue McLean and financial services regulatory lawyer Mark Simpson. McLean is an AI expert who frequently leads on responsible AI governance and AI-related transactional projects, while Simpson advises clients - including payment institutions, banks and cryptoasset firms - on issues ranging from business launches to regulatory authorisations. Sarah Williams is equipped to assist major fintech clients with their expansion strategies.

Risk advisory > ESG Tier 3

Praised for its embrace of the ‘ intersectionality of inclusion, diversity and equity’, Baker McKenzie is equipped to assist a range of multinational clients with issues such as sustainable governance structures, ESG transactions, tax reporting requirements and commercially sensitive supply chain due diligence and investigations. The team is jointly overseen by corporate governance and reporting specialist Jo Hewitt and dispute resolution partner Francesca Richmond, who is equipped to assist major corporates with reputationally sensitive ESG investigations. Graham Stuart is well-placed to help clients to navigate regulatory enforcement risk and new UK climate reporting obligations. Sustainable energy procurement is a key area of activity for Andrew Hedges.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4

Noted for its expertise in the fintech arena, Baker McKenzie handles M&A involving financial institutions, in addition to mandates concerning derivatives, ESG and post-Brexit, and is well-placed to leverage the firm’s global footprint on cross-border matters. Mark Simpson leads the team and acts for payment and e-money institutions, asset and wealth managers, cryptoasset enterprises, consumer lenders, banks and insurers, with considerable experience in handling fintech mandates. Caitlin McErlane advises on regulatory implementation projects, day-to-day compliance issues, and the financial services regulatory aspects of transactions.

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

Noted for its ‘unrivalled global reach’, Baker McKenzie LLP fields a ‘very commercially minded’ team that is well-positioned to handle a range of high-value and multijurisdictional M&A transactions. The practice is jointly chaired by Jannan Crozier and David Scott. Crozier, ‘a very motivated and highly talented commercial lawyer’, regularly advises clients on cross-border M&A and carve-out transactions, while Scott is noted for his focus on the consumer, healthcare and tech sectors. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Richard Needham, who joined from KPMG in November 2023. Former practice head Helen Bradley has retired.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 4

Instructed by a fairly balanced mix of sponsors, corporates and lenders, Baker McKenzie has developed excellent awareness of the commercial drivers and what is “market” on both the creditor and debtor sides. As well as being skilled at advising on big-ticket bank and bond financings, the team is also very well-versed at advising on private credit funded deals where it is adept at handling a myriad of products including super senior, unitranche and first out/last out. Nick O’Grady has a versatile lender-side practice that includes work for banking syndicates as well as direct lenders, while for borrower instructions Matthew Cox is a popular choice among private equity sponsors on cross-border mid-market deals. Ben Wilkinson co-heads the team alongside O'Grady and Cox.

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 4

Baker McKenzie maintains long-standing relationships with sovereign wealth clients who often act as cornerstone investors. The team is also noted for its experience with ESG and sustainable finance expertise, which is key to its offering concerning fund regulation matters. James Burdett is skilled in the formation of private equity structures, fund reviews, and due diligence. Carl Richards focuses on the employment aspects of substantial financial transactions. Mark Simpson helps clients to navigate challenging financial regulatory regimes.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 4

Baker McKenzie assists clients across the gamut of property development, including financing, planning, construction and disposals support. The firm is experienced in a range of asset classes, seeing recent activity in the office space. Justin Salkeld oversees the practice, and has a specialisation in hotel asset developments. Ben Farnell is a key name, knowledgeable in planning matters, as is Stefanie Price, a real estate transaction expert. Jack Rubin and Hugo Jay contribute real estate finance expertise.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV Tier 4

Baker McKenzie advises a host of clients, including major streamers and digital platforms, on TV production and distribution issues. Showcasing particular strength in digital content matters, the team is also retained to advise on IP, regulatory and AI-related issues. Ben Allgrove leads the practice, and advises major technology companies on content and regulatory matters.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£500m+) Tier 5

‘A global team with deep expertise in many sectors’, Baker McKenzie LLP works with a range of sponsor clients on corporate, finance,and  regulatory work. A key contact for financial sponsors, funds and management teams, practice head David Allen maintains a global transactional offering. Karen Guch is a highly active adviser on cross-border deals, who is well-placed to advise on high-value leveraged buyouts, minority investments and disposals. Boasting a solid track record in IT and software-driven mandates, Justin Hutchinson has a growing client base of mid- and large-cap private equity outfits, while the ‘incredible’ Alex Lewis is noted for his private M&A, joint venture, and exit work. Nick Rainsford is noted for his strength in infrastructure and telecoms deals.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Fintech: corporate and commercial Tier 5

Baker McKenzie‘s regular workload spans B2B agreements, a range of corporate tax matters involving fintechs, as well as commercial mandates. Financial services regulatory lawyer Mark Simpson leads the team along side technology lawyer Sue McLean. Sarah Williams advises on anti-money laundering compliance issues.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 7

With a core restructuring team led from London by the 'super-smart' Sarah Smith and Priyanka Usmani, and also able to harness the support of global restructuring, finance and M&A practitioners spread across the network, Baker McKenzie is well-positioned to advise debtors, creditors and investors across a range of cross-border restructuring/insolvency mandates. This fluid approach ensures the team is particularly effective on more transactional work in the space, with the arrival of 'first-rate' of counsel William Swan from Citibank in June 2023 enhancing its ability to handle distressed investment work in particular.

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 5

Bahrain > Banking and finance (including Islamic finance)

Baker & McKenzie Limited is noted for proficiency across the full spectrum of finance-related matters, including real estate and construction financing for major local and international clients in various jurisdictions. Practice head Ian Siddell holds extensive experience in Islamic finance-related matters and major and complex project financing mandates. He is ably assisted by the finance expertise of Fatima Alhasan, whose experience extends to both Islamic and financial banking, along with financial restructuring matters. Delwar Hossain specialises in Islamic finance, and is particularly active in project finance matters requiring expertise in Saudi Arabian law. In addition, Soheir Elbanna and Victoria Long are both highly active members of the team.

Bahrain > Commercial, corporate and M&A

Baker & McKenzie Limited‘s corporate and commercial department has a strong track record in the financial and real estate industries, advising some of the largest actors in the local market, along with various multinationals, in M&A, restructuring, insolvency, and joint ventures. Praised by clients as an ‘excellent lawyer’, Fatima Alhasan covers the full range of transactions, private equity and capital markets matters as well as advice on investment funds, and co-heads the team alongside David Monnier, both splitting their time between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Bahrain > Projects and energy

Baker & McKenzie Limited‘s projects and energy department is a port of call for matters involving project financing in Bahrain, advising leading local and regional banks on various multijurisdictional projects with particular experience in the water and petrochemical industries. Ian Siddell heads the team, and is a key contact for projects with Islamic finance elements. Fatima Alhasan is broadly experienced in both conventional and Islamic project financing, and is often active in project-related transactions, along with Delwar Hossain.

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A

Baker McKenzie LLP leverages a deep bench of experienced advisers to deliver high-quality corporate and M&A counsel, praised for their understanding of ‘the complexities of doing business in the UAE.’ The firm acts for a diverse client base, including corporates, investors, start-ups, and family offices, across a wide array of sectors and jurisdictions. Osama Audi fronts the practice and handles an array of M&A, PE and venture capital transactions. James Burdett relocated from London in April 2024 and leads the firm’s Middle East and Africa funds group. Adnan Doha is a key figure behind the team’s strong work in the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, while Abeer Jarrar, who is widely praised for her ‘quality, professionalism and  expertise in M&A transactions’, has recently led on marquee deals in the healthcare space. Hani Naja is active across M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. Grace Ong continues to be a key supporting presence.