Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner > London, England > Firm Profile

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner > The Legal 500 Rankings

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s broad client base includes major companies in the retail, leisure, hospitality and banking industries. The team is skilled in advising on licensing for large developments, new applications for gambling and alcohol licences, and regulatory enforcement matters, including reviews and prosecutions. Solicitor advocate Jeremy Bark, who has a strong track record of acting in judicial reviews and appeals, is the group’s practice head and is highlighted for providing ‘expert assistance‘ in licensing matters.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Water Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is called upon by both water companies and contractors on either side of the bidding process for major water infrastructure projects, providing advice in regard to planning, construction and financing challenges. Practice head Mark Richards advises on the financing of key water projects, including DPCs, and also oversees M&As in the sector. Questions of planning and environmental law fall under the remit of James Good , who acts for water and wastewater services and local authorities in relation to the development of key water infrastructure. Kimberly Roberts is the key contact for procurement and construction contracts, also advising on the sustainability of such agreements.

Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 1

Securing an impressive range of big-ticket engagements, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s department leverages its network of offices across the UK to advise on high-end commercial property and real estate matters. Engaged in asset management matters and high-value transactional work, the firm’s expertise extends to mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects, and often within the life sciences, logistics, and student accommodation sectors. The practice is jointly led by Nazir Dewji and Samant Narula. Industry veteran Alan Wight specialises in landlord and tenant matters and global corporate occupier transactions, while Juliet Thomas is noted for her expertise in commercial real estate matters, and Chris Rowe is recommended for his strengths in large-scale development and urban regeneration schemes. Emma Le Wita focuses on commercial property matters, primarily acting for institutional landlords and occupational tenants. Robert MacGregor retired in September 2023.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 1

‘A leader in their field’, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s expertise in real estate asset classes is diverse with experience in a range of alternative asset classes, including student accommodation, build-to-rent, logistics, and senior living. The firm is also well-versed in mixed-use developments, combining residential, office, retail, and leisure spaces. Nazir Dewji and Samant Narula oversee the practice, which contains Ruth Miller, a specialist in mixed-use development transactions advising developers and landowners. Chris Rowe is another noted name, whose recent experience includes assistance in regeneration schemes and pre-letting transactions. Liana Hewson has a particular focus on major developments and schemes relating to long-term infrastructure projects. Alan Twine advises his clients, which include developers, corporate occupiers, investors and joint venture partners, along the full life-cycle of their development projects. Mateen Khan is another key name, experienced in the development of large, high-end office spaces. Daniel Burnard and Janany Kathirgamanathan made partner in early 2024.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 1

Maintaining an ‘outstanding’ standard of individuals within the practice, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles complicated transactions and joint ventures, supplementing its investment expertise with its wider real estate capabilities, including construction, planning and real estate finance. The firm is well-versed in alternative asset classes, handling purpose-built student accommodation, build-to-rent, logistics, and life sciences asset transactions. Nazir Dewji and Samant Narula, who advises private equity real estate funds and international institutional investors, oversee the practice. Within the team, Chris de Pury advises on structured investments and disposals. Adam Bogdanor is an expert in the hotels sector. Celia Berg focuses on residential and student accommodation. Claire Milton is another key member of the practice, well-versed in real estate finance and site acquisitions. Daniel Burnard and Janany Kathirgamanathan made partner in January 2024.

Real estate > Planning Tier 1

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is geared to handle planning judicial reviews, for which Emma Perring is a key contact. Christian Drage leads the department and is noted for his strength in European urban regeneration projects, while Tim Hellier is proficient in compulsory purchases and environmental law. Tim Smith advises clients on regeneration projects and infrastructure agreements, James Good is skilled at development projects, and Giles Pink is knowledgeable in highway law. Other key members of the team include Sheridan Treger, who is particularly active in the energy sector.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 1

The Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner real estate finance team regularly advises both domestic and international clients, including real estate investment managers, asset managers, and global banks, on market-leading real estate financing transactions regarding complex real estate assets, such as commercial skyscrapers, residential towers, and park developments. The team is headed up by Naveen Vijh, a seasoned partner with over twenty-five years of experience in the real estate sector. A key choice for leading debt funds, recent engagements for Gordon McMillan and Benedict West, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, include refinancings on large-scale residential properties. Claire Watson brings high-level expertise in office towers and logistic developments, while Payam Yoseflavi has vast experience in a wide range of transactions secured on real estate assets, including senior, mezzanine, and Islamic finance transactions.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 1

Lauded by clients for its ‘experienced and dynamic’ property litigation team, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner demonstrates expertise in the full spectrum of disputes, including joint venture, leasing and asset management, and sale and purchase claims. Representing top national and global clients, the ‘extremely intelligent’ Akhil Markanday heads the group and handles high-value landlord and tenant matter disputes, high-profile injunctions to protect land interests, and construction cases. Roger Cohen, praised for being ‘technically brilliant’, frequently works on cases before the Supreme Court, and advises investors and occupiers on real estate disputes, while Rebecca Campbell, who has ‘exceptional attention to detail’, assists institutional tenants on complex development disputes. The ‘very well informed’ Victoria Blanchard is a specialist in the field of rights of light, whereas the ‘strong’ Edward Gardner  is a go-to for risk mitigation strategies arising from high-profile national developments.

Corporate and commercial > Commercial contracts Tier 2

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s team has long implemented a multidisciplinary structure which enables the group to work on large commercial mandates for household-name clients, particularly in the retail sector. The group handles a range of strategic arrangements, including outsourcing agreements and commercialisation agreements, for which Kate Jeffery  is a key contact for clients. Marcus Pearl and Richard Shaw head up the team and are go-to practitioners for strategic contracts, and the former is particularly active in the technology and media space. In addition, Carol Osborne is well placed to advise on transatlantic commercial contracts.

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

Situated within the firm’s corporate transactions practice, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s equity capital markets team is well-placed to advise on listings and fundraises, US securities matters, as well as on transactions between listed companies and funds, with a particularly strong reputation for handling public takeovers. The team has guided listed companies in the tech, real estate, and financial services sectors on inbound fundraisings and take-private transactions, including handling asset management mergers and buyouts, and it also advises AIM clients on a host of regulatory matters. The team is jointly headed by Richard Werner, who handles IPOs and secondary fundraises for AIM and Main Market clients, and Tom Bacon, who is noted for his takeovers expertise. Lara Rush is well-regarded for advice on fundraising as well as public M&A.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 2

Forming part of the broader litigation offering, and closely aligned to the advisory group, the ‘collegiate’ team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner combines a deep understanding of the black letter law with a strong sense of commerciality for investment banking clients, and individual members of senior management, in particular, across the full swathe of their contentious regulatory requirements. ‘Savvy and client-focused’ team head Polly James excels at handling sensitive whistleblower-initiated internal investigations and is very adept at assisting clients with their pre-contentious regulatory interactions with the PRA and FCA. The ‘exceptionally smart’ David Rundle continues to thrive since recently joining from Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP and is particularly skilled at assisting individuals and entities in market abuse cases before the FCA. UK head of banking litigation Oran Gelb handles disputes at all court levels as well as representing clients in market abuse-related enforcement actions before the FCA.

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

With a strong sector focus on agriculture, retail, sports, and entertainment, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner boasts a team of specialists capable of handling high-value, multijurisdictional work. Practice head Benjamin Lee is noted for his expertise in M&A, disposals, and public takeovers, particularly in the private equity and venture capital spaces. Real estate expert John Bennett is recommended for his capabilities in public and private M&A, joint ventures, and restructuring. The ‘responsive’ and ‘solutions driven’ Jinal Shah concentrates on cross-border transactions for clients from the retail, transport, and telecoms sectors, while Andrew Hart specialises in assisting clients from highly regulated sectors such as digital infrastructure and financial services. Russell Van Praagh  – noted for his PE focus – joined the team from Osborne Clarke LLP in November 2023.

Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 2

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner oversees a range of VAT and indirect tax matters in the context of real estate transactions, litigation, business acquisitions, and planning agreements. Other areas of focus include complex SDLT matters and customs duties disputes. Head of global tax Elizabeth Bradley and head of VAT Alan Sinyor  jointly oversee the tax advice and controversy practice. Sinyor’s expertise lies in VAT, SDLT and customs duties, while Bradley’s knowledge of tax relating to finance, corporate M&A, funds and real estate is strong. Key names include Kate Ison, who is highlighted for her skills in contentious matters, and Andy West, whose work largely comes from clients in a range of real estate sectors. Kyle O’Sullivan, previously of Slaughter and May, was welcomed to the firm in April 2024.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 2

With ‘real depth of experience across fraud issues’, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s litigation department leverages firm-wide specialisms in financial regulatory issues, investigations, white-collar crime cases and tax in relation to multi-jurisdictional civil fraud matters. The practice also houses sector experts in financial services, retail, leisure and sports. The civil fraud practice is co-led by Segun Osuntokun, an expert in matters relating to Africa and developing nations, who is regularly sought out by state governments and entities, energy and natural resources companies, international conglomerates, financial services institutions and HNW individuals, and Rachel Ziegler, who focuses on major disputes involving fraud, dishonesty and breach of trust allegations. Also highly regarded, Andrew Tuson is an investment fraud specialist, while Megan Smith is experienced in urgent injunctive relief, tracing assets, and co-ordinating claims across jurisdictions. Raised to partner in January 2024, Andrew Street acts in cross-border litigation involving freezing injunctions, alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, disputed offshore trust structures, and civil fraud claims that are subject to concurrent criminal investigations.

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 2

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s real experience of taking difficult cases to trial’ has enabled its recent activity on landmark cartel cases. A distinguishing factor of the practice is its capability in both claimant and defence-side mandates, advising on cases which span the utilities, technology, and financial sectors. Andrew Hockley’s broad practice encompasses cartel, abuse of dominance, and distribution matters. India Fahy is central to many of the firm’s high-profile competition cases. Other key figures include Ben Bolderson, who has had significant exposure to collective actions and complex litigation strategies.

Dispute resolution > Tax litigation and investigations Tier 2

The ‘good all round team with lots of practical experience’ at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner maintains strong coverage of civil and criminal tax matters, with a strong track record in high profile test cases of national significance. Elizabeth Bradley, who is the firm’s global head of tax, leads the department alongside Kate Ison, praised for her ability to ‘explain issues succinctly and effectively‘. Ison covers both direct tax and VAT, with experience handling HMRC enquiries and investigations. Alan Sinyor  is the resident indirect taxation expert, covering all contentious and non-contentious issues relating to VAT and Customs Duties. Kyle O’Sullivan joined the group from Slaughter and May in April 2024.

Employment > Employers Tier 2

‘A truly brilliant team with quality and flair at all levels’, at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is well-equipped to advise leading employers across the full array of employment matters. The group frequently provides litigation support, and strategic transactional advice to key clients. It is well-regarded for its work on managing senior terminations, internal disputes, and team moves. It acts for a substantial number of banks and financial services institutions, particularly on the contentious side, and continues to be busy supporting on key deals, and insolvency matters. Practice co-head Rebecca Harding-Hill has an excellent practice, and often deals with highly sensitive reputational issues for employers. Fellow co-head Catherine Turner has a particular focus on managing discrimination, whistleblowing claims and injunctions. Adam Lambert has left the practice, while James Anderson joined in May 2024.

Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 2

Praised for being ‘commercial and pragmatic’,  the hotel and hospitality team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner works with a host of clients across the UK, Europe and Middle East. The team leverages its global network to advise on the full lifecycle of large, multinational hotel projects projects, regularly demonstrating its capabilities in lease agreements, franchising, acquisitions and financing. The team is led by the ‘amazing’ Laura Wild, who advises on hotel acquisitions and disposals, developments, financings, and branding agreements. Real estate specialist Chris de Pury regularly handles structured investments and disposals, joint ventures and developments, while Nazir Dewji focuses on non-contentious construction work, including procurement strategy and implementation, including the drafting and negotiation of procurement contracts for construction, engineering and facilities management projects. Charlotte Tullis is also recommended.

Industry focus > Retail and consumer Tier 2

Specialalising in acquisition and real estate work, the ‘unparalleled’ team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s retail and consumer group nonetheless advises on a wide range of retail mandates. The team is especially noted for its client roster, comprising major supermarkets and large shopping centre companies, among others. London based practice chair Marie Johnson advises on a range of corporate finance transactions, including M&A, restructurings, and joint ventures, both domestic and cross-border in nature. The dual-qualified (UK and US) Carol Osborne is also a key name to note for complex cross-border corporate work. Richard Shaw is recommended for his work advising on strategic commercial and outsourcing contracts.

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

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is highly experienced advising on marquee projects across the globe, including large-scale transport, utility, energy and digital infrastructure builds. Whilst able to competently handle the finance piece, the team is most notably recognised for its construction, development, planning, regulatory and procurement expertise, and works for a number of premium strategics and developers. Team head Mark Richards has been highly active across a host of consequential projects, demonstrating wide capabilities and asset knowledge. Alexander Hadrill brings crucial finance and PPP/PFI proficiency to the fore on a number of projects – both domestically and abroad – and has a growing client base that includes multinational banks, sponsors, and institutional investors. Chiefly noted for his corporate practice, Jinal Shah often advises on complex commercial agreements and regulatory issues. Jinal Shah provides further project development expertise.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 2

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s non-contentious construction team is lauded for ‘excellent industry knowledge’, and it is active across a wide range of international mandates, providing very strong advice on cross-border real estate and infrastructure developments. The team is also well equipped to handle major commercial redevelopments.  Team head Gareth Stringer is advising the Crown Estate on procurement strategies and documentation for a portfolio of lands and holdings, while global practice head of real estate Nazir Dewji is active in advising international private equity firms on their UK real estate developments. Kimberly Roberts advises national public sector clients on major EPC contracts in the energy sector. Promoted to partner in January 2024, the ‘exceptionally capable’ Christopher Skone James is another key member of the team, handling cross-border developments in the retail sector.

Transport > Rail Tier 2

The ‘highly competent, responsive and proactive’ team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, is one of the UK’s leading rail financing and leasing law firms, notably in relation to rolling stock. The practice also advises some of the most prominent developers and investors on major rail-related projects. In addition, it is equally skilled at handling disputes in this sector. Jason Chamberlain continues to work on many important transactions in the UK rail market, including advising on railway passenger franchising. Practice head Russell Clifford is another leading figure who advises on rail financing and leasing transactions in the domestic and international markets. Jamie Wiseman-Clarke is highly regarded for his particular specialism in rolling stock leasing, procurement and financing work.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s practice covers corporate, commercial, real estate, and finance taxation, with a record of acting in numerous high value transactions. Elizabeth Bradley leads the London team, and is the firm’s global head of tax. Bradley is highly experienced in leading on large scale, cross-border tax transactions. Alan Sinyor  leads on VAT, and covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. Andy West focuses on real estate tax matters, with particular experience in working with REITs.

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

Advising across sanctions, exports, controls, customs and WTO rules, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s ‘professional skills and great pragmatism‘ makes it a key choice for a range of clients engaged in global trade. Chris Bryant, who sits at the head of the practice, is frequently involved in antidumping and anti-subsidy cases, as well as advising on sanctions, export controls and WTO matters. Kate Ison is a key name for tax disputes, as well as matters involving export controls and HMRC investigations.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner takes a comprehensive approach to the gaming and betting sector, integrating the firm’s broader capabilities to enhance its practice in this area. The team is highly regarded for its expertise in corporate transactions, data protection, litigation, regulatory matters, and licensing issues. The practice is co-led by Jeremy Bark, Benjamin Lee, and Marie Johnson. Bark is known for his adept handling of licensing applications, covering both alcohol and gambling, as well as regulatory enforcement, including reviews and prosecutions. Lee brings a wealth of experience in advising sector clients on both domestic and international M&A and public market opportunities. Johnson regularly advises on M&A, restructurings, joint ventures, and investments, showcasing a robust track record in these areas.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3

Working in tandem with the firm’s white-collar, antitrust, and regulatory practices, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner provides financial institutions with a full-service offering. Multi-party claims are a key focal point for the ‘excellent banking team’, along with litigation related to financial services, capital markets, and regulatory issues. ‘Fantastic partner’ Oran Gelb leads the practice, boasting a wealth of experience representing financial institutions in both litigation and investigations. Market abuse and manipulation are particular areas of expertise for Andrew Tuson, who represents retail and investment banks, trading houses, and corporate clients. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Rhys Corbett excels in multi-party litigation. Joseph Ninan is another key member of the team, along with Joanna Munro.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 3

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner regularly handles high-stakes litigation, from large-scale contractual disputes to multi-party claims. Practice head Graham Shear represents banks, corporates, governments and high-net-worth individuals, as well as leaders in the sports and entertainment industries. Joby Davies leads on large-scale commercial disputes, from damages claims to cases concerning the misuse of personal data. Rachel Ziegler – ‘very astute, commercially switched on and very clever’ – bolsters the team’s cross-border offering, focusing on multijurisdictional disputes. A ‘phenomenally intelligent and hardworking litigator’, Oran Gelb is active in the sports and telecoms sectors. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Andrew Street excels in shareholder, civil fraud and trust disputes.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 3

‘Committed to excellence’, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s London group acts on the full range of arbitration work, while routinely leveraging its firm-wide strengths in construction, insurance and energy. It also houses specialists in disputes involving Africa, Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, as well as Israel, India and Pakistan. Co-head of the global arbitration group, George Burn has longstanding experience in commercial and investor-state arbitrations. Corporate, shareholder, reinsurance and energy disputes expert, Roman Khodykin, and international commercial arbitration practitioner Nadia Hubbuck are ‘excellent technical lawyers and fantastic strategists’. Claire Morel De Westgaver practices international arbitration as counsel, advocate and arbitrator.

Finance > Asset based lending Tier 3

Within Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s broad-based commercial lending team, which is led by Emma Howdle-Fuller, the firm advises on a significant and growing volume of ABL work, often handling hybrid matters where the ABL piece sits alongside other debt in the capital stack. Shanan Dunstan is key to this work, regularly advising lenders and sponsors on cross-border deals involving sophisticated ABL structures which feature complex inter-creditor arrangements.

Finance > Transport finance and leasing Tier 3

Composed of ‘forward-thinking, solutions-driven and vibrant legal practitioners’, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is best-known for its work in the rail sector, where it combines ‘deep industry knowledge’ with a strong understanding of ‘the needs of key stakeholders’. Russell Clifford is the lynchpin of the team’s work for rolling stock lessors, which are appreciative of his ‘strategic and pragmatic advice’ on procurement projects. The ‘very detail-oriented’ Jamie Wiseman-Clarke is also key to this rolling stock leasing work and ‘will not leave any stone unturned for his clients’. The smaller aviation finance offering is headed up by Anton Chambers, whose broad-ranging offering includes expertise on aircraft leasing and acquisition matters, commercial arrangements and aircraft portfolio financing facilities.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 3

Commended for its ‘in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry‘, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is a trusted advisor to clients seeking assistance with a range of insurance-related transactions and restructurings. Specific areas of focus for the group include reinsurance M&A and W&I insurance matters. Practice head Geraldine Quirk enjoys a strong reputation in Part VII transfer schemes, reinsurance arrangements and schemes of arrangement. Adam Bogdanor is a key contact for clients in the hotel and financial services sectors, while Andrew Hart focuses his practice on US clients’ international transactions and ongoing EU operations.

Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 3

Maintaining relationships with leading investment and asset managers, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises on high-profile, billion-dollar transactions. The team is noted for its strength in alternative asset classes, such as real estate debt, student accommodation, and build-to-rent. Antony Grossman is well respected in the real estate fund space, acting for numerous high-profile clients and sovereign wealth funds in their role as cornerstone investors. Practice head Kieran Saunders boasts specialist knowledge of unlisted funds, joint ventures, club structures, and alternative asset classes. Chris Beaumont-McQuillan joined the practice in February 2023 from Reed Smith LLP, bringing extensive corporate real estate expertise.

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

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is well regarded for its skill in major infrastructure transactions, spanning renewables, energy transition, digital and social infrastructure, and transport assets. With an extensive international footprint and a diverse roster of clients, the firm is instructed on both domestic and international buy-outs and disposals, as well as PE investments and debt financings. Practice head Mark Richards takes on a range of financing, M&A and commercial law instructions for manufacturers, developers, sponsors and public sector bodies. Latterly, he has advised on a number of transport-related transactions alongside fellow M&A specialist Jinal Shah. Other key figures include Christian Drage, who largely focuses on renewables, digital infrastructure, and transport mandates in the domestic market, and Kimberly Roberts, who regularly works on some of the UK’s most consequential energy and transport projects.

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

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s energy, environmental, and infrastructure team advises a diverse range of clients on complex independent power producer (IPP) projects, power generation initiatives, and nuclear power matters. Practice chair Mark Richards focuses on finance transactions and M&A in the energy and infrastructure sectors, while Adam Dann concentrates on complex nuclear power projects as well as commercial contracts, joint ventures, and M&A in the electricity space. Noted for his Africa focus, Matthew Daffurn regularly advises on transmission and distribution systems, while Kevin Atkins brings expertise in corporate and financing transactions, particularly in complex cross-border acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, and project financing for energy and infrastructure assets. Helen Miller is another key contact in the team. Kiran Arora left the firm to join Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.

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

Noted for its knowledge of regulatory financial services and technology matters, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is proficient in high-growth start-up technology projects, IT and outsourcing mandates, as well as Saas. With over two decades of experience, Marcus Pearl oversees the practice and is well-versed in corporate transactions. Lauded as a ‘a brilliant transactional lead’, Guy Swillingham is often engaged in cloud platform license matters.

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

With experience of representing clients in the Court of Arbitration of Sport, before the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber, and in FA disciplinary proceedings, the Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner practice is renowned for its ‘unrivalled attention to detail’. The team leverages the expertise of its offices across the globe, with sports head Graham Shear being a specialist in supporting entertainment and EPL clubs in M&A transactions and regulatory matters, while Marcus Pearl is a tech and IP expert. Marc Trottier focuses on finance and investment work in the sports, media, and entertainment sectors, and both Andrew Street and Kate Jeffery  are also recommended.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 4

Lauded for its ‘commercial and technical’ approach, the team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is adept at providing extensive strategic competition advice to its diverse roster of clients. The ‘exceptional’ Andrew Hockley – currently based in Sydney – leads the global antitrust practice, and brings vast experience in the regulated utilities and energy sectors. The UK antitrust practice is led by Edward Coulson , who is noted for his focus on competition litigation and class actions.

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

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner showcases ‘impressive expertise’ in the retail and wholesale sectors, counting banks, asset managers, insurance and reinsurance companies, payment services and currency exchange platforms among its key roster of clients. Praised for his ‘thorough and detailed knowledge’, Matthew Baker handles investment management mandates, in addition to the financial services regulatory aspects of M&A transactions. Providing ‘rigour and depth in her technical legal advice’, practice leader Polly James is another key contact in the team, alongside Joanna Munro.

Employment > Health and safety Tier 4

The ‘exceptional’ group at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is overseen by Jeremy Bark and has capabilities in inquest and prosecution matters in particular, advising on cases with enforcement issues, as well as advising on the impact of reputational damage which may result from prosecutions. The team has particular regulatory expertise, which is leveraged when handling the health and safety and fire safety aspects of various transactions.

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

Led by Emma Howdle-Fuller, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s flexible and nimble commercial lending team has strong credentials among lenders and borrowers for its work across a broad range of secured and unsecured debt finance products. Derek Hrydziuszko is particularly effective at assisting corporates (including those of investment-grade quality) with their financing requirements, including for general corporate lending and acquisition finance transactions. Shanan Dunstan rounds out the team at a partner level, and as part of her broad finance offering regularly advises banks and borrowers on hybrid ABL/cash-flow structures.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is a key adviser to credit funds, which play an increasingly prominent role in the securitisation market. ‘Client-focused, thoughtful and hardworking‘ structured and asset-backed finance specialist Will Trotman and real estate finance partner Eleanor Hunwicks are the standout practitioners. They frequently handle commercial real estate securitisations, as well as transactions linked to the issuance of securities backed by accounts receivable. Hunwicks recently acted for the special servicer on a £280m CMBS deal.

Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s insurance and reinsurance disputes team is jointly led by reinsurance experts Jonathan Sacher and Anthony Lennox. The team focuses on reinsurance mandates and advises on domestic and international insurance coverage disputes. It is also known for its work in the legacy sector. James Fairburn, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, handles reinsurance litigation and arbitrations as well as professional defence matters. Richard Jennings and Kelly Jones are also key members of the practice.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Mining and minerals Tier 4

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

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is recommended for its experience in handling joint ventures and M&A in the oil and gas sector, in addition to disputes. Adam Dann leads the practice, boasting considerable experience in the energy, energy transition and oil and gas industries, while multinational clients from the traditional energy arena turn to Kevin Atkins for his knowledge of cross-border corporate transactions and financing mandates.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Renewables Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s energy, environmental, and infrastructure group advises on a range of renewable energy projects, with a particular emphasis on wind and solar energy. Practice head Mark Richards is a key contact for project financing and M&A across solar, wind, and battery storage sectors, while Kevin Atkins advises multinational clients in the energy transition sector, managing cross-border acquisitions, joint ventures, and project financing for renewable energy assets.

Real estate > Construction: contentious Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s contentious construction team is noted for its strong international and cross-border practice, advising significant clients in the power, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. Shy Jackson leads the team, with extensive experience in major engineering projects. James Clarke is a highly active member of the team, regularly leading on building safety disputes and cross-border claims. Marcus Birch assists with major real estate investment property matters, while Jennifer Varley and Charlotte Mears assist with cladding and other fire safety-related issues.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s data privacy and security group provides ‘professional and insightful advice‘ to well-known players from a range of sectors, including financial services, media, real estate and technology. The practice is highly regarded for its expertise in assisting with data subject access requests, and has lately been involved with a large number of cross-border breach responses. Data compliance specialist Geraldine Scali further boosts the team. Former practice head Kate Brimsted has left the firm.

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

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises individuals and corporates on mandates concerning crisis management and reputational risk, leveraging its strong dispute resolution capabilities. The group is led by Graham Shear, who has extensive experience acting for banks, corporates, governments and HNWIs in a breadth of reputational management issues, often with multijurisdictional considerations.

Transport > Aviation Tier 4

Lessors and airlines come to Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner for advice regarding the financing provisions for aircraft, including, sale-and-leaseback and JOLCO structures. Practice head Anton Chambers is instructed on cross-border asset finance and restructuring mandates, acting for financiers, lessors and aircraft operators. Ricardo de Oliveira provides further finance and leasing capabilities in addition to leveraging his in-house airline experience to advise on regulatory challenges.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 5

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s group is overseen by David Dennison, who harnesses significant experience in advising on the full array of share plan-related issues. The team assists with the design and establishment of share plans for its company clients, as well assisting with the operation of plans.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 5

While it does handle some lender transactions, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is best known for its borrower work, including on behalf of core institutional corporate clients, both on new money deals as well as on refinancings and amendments to the original documentation. As part of his broad-ranging commercial lending expertise, Derek Hrydziuszko regularly advises investment-grade corporates on acquisition finance mandates, as does team head Emma Howdle-Fuller.  Shanan Dunstan is adept at delivering innovative solutions for both banks and borrowers utilising a myriad of financial products, including ABL, which regularly forms part of the underlying finance package in relation to mandates handled by her.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 5

The ‘fantastic’ team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner provides ‘cost-effective, commercial and responsive advice’ to creditors, investors and debtors across a myriad of restructuring and insolvency mandates, often working alongside complementary practice area experts, including in the finance and corporate groups, to very good effect. Team head Richard Obank has very good connections with IPs and excels in guiding them through often complex multi-stakeholder restructurings. Obank is also adept at advising fund clients investing in distressed situations, as is Marc Trottier, who ‘helps deliver solutions to complex and challenging situations’. Colin Ashford is also a key member of the team, particularly for contentious insolvency matters.

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

Real estate > Property litigation

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is notably active on real estate-related matters, including overseeing occupational leases, site surveys, commercial agreements, and reviewing and advising on regulations. The firm also helps clients with market entry issues in the UAE. Team head Oliver Hallsworth is praised for his ‘ability to grasp complex issues quickly and offer pragmatic, insightful solutions’. David Nunn assists clients with transactions, real estate developments, and commercial agreements. Chris Beaumont-McQuillan is also active in the hospitality space. Flora Haidar advises multinationals, government entities, and family offices on corporate and commercial mandates.

North West > Real estate > Property litigation