Cooley (UK) LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Cooley (UK) LLP
22 Bishopsgate
LONDON
EC2N 4BQ
England

Living Wage

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 2

Cooley (UK) LLP‘s broad PIL practice ranges from investment treaty and international trade disputes and advisory work, to Law of the Sea advice for coastal states, issues of state responsibility in highly contentious regional areas, and international asset recovery work. The London office also has notable investor-state arbitration strength. The practice is led by James Maton, whose PIL expertise spans investor-state arbitrations and treaty disputes; Laurence Harris‘ practice covers complex commercial, public law, and cross-border fraud and asset tracing disputes; and the ‘responsive, thorough and engaged‘ consultant John Brown is a Law of the Sea specialist. The second line of practitioners comprises Henry Stewart, whose PIL litigation expertise includes asset recovery and anti-corruption matters; and associate Juan Nascimbene, who focuses on international treaty arbitration, PIL work and international economic law. Former independent consultant Tim Daniel formally retired from the firm during 2022.

Practice head(s):

James Maton

Testimonials

‘Consultant John Brown is responsive, thorough and engaged, and with a good eye for pragmatism and strategy.’

Key clients

Maritime Heritage Foundation

Odyssey Marine Exploration

Government of the Republic of Maldives

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria

Government of Turks & Caicos Islands

Government of Qatar

Work highlights

  • Representing Odyssey Marine Exploration in an arbitration brought under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement against Mexico.
  • Acting for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in over 70 different civil claims to recover land and money from parties involved in corrupt practices.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 2

With ‘deep expertise in the sector’, Cooley (UK) LLP is highly regarded in the life sciences space for its corporate and commercial expertise, regularly acting for clients on M&A transactions, funding issues, IPOs, licensing work and collaboration agreements. The practice takes the active decision to not advise ‘big pharma’ companies, instead focusing on biotech and specialty pharmaceutical clients and innovators in the life sciences sector. Nicola Maguire and John Wilkinson jointly head up the group, which benefits from the firm’s close ties to its US network, including leveraging the expertise of several London-based US-qualified practitioners. Frances Stocks Allen joined the team from Latham & Watkins in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Maguire; John Wilkinson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I have been very impressed with the team, which is UK based with US expertise which works very well for European clients – being in the same time zone saves a lot of time. I am happy with the cross-functionality and feel like the firm gives us full back-up even if we are a new client.’

‘Deep expertise in this sector, understand the unique issues and excellent knowledge of current market practice.’

‘Excellent team with good understanding of life sciences.’

‘Nicola Maguire and her team have the perfect balance of broad experience and specialist knowledge of the life sciences industry.’

Key clients

AgomAb Therapeutics

Alvotech Holdings

Apollo Therapeutics

Artios Pharma

Baylis Medical Company Inc

Biote

BitBio

CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)

Dunad Therapeutics

Exscientia

Immunocore plc

PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Quell Therapeutics

Silence Therapeutics plc

Union Therapeutics

Valneva SE

VaxEquity

ZOLL Medical Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised CEPI on its partnership with VBI Vaccines Inc. to develop VBI’s vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the B.1.351 variant.
  • Advised Dunad Therapeutics on its strategic collaboration and license agreement with Novartis to generate orally bioavailable covalent and protein degrading small molecule drugs.
  • Advised PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals on its exclusive licensing agreement and supply agreement with Alfasigma S.p.A.

Insurance > Product liability: defendant Tier 2

The experts on Cooley (UK) LLP‘s product compliance & liability team offers support to clients across all product sectors. In particular, the team works heavily within the life sciences and technology sectors, working on complex domestic and international matters for major clients. Rod Freeman leads the team with over two decades of experience and a strong reputation in the technology sector. Sascha Grimm has experience spanning product liability litigation and regulatory investigations, as well as particular experience in crisis management.

Practice head(s):

Rod Freeman

Other key lawyers:

Elisabethann Wright; Sascha Grimm

Testimonials

‘The level of knowledge within Europe and US is extraordinary and is standing out compared to competitors. The team also has a great foundation of global understadning of the sector and is well informed on upcoming changes in regulations and enforcement praxis.’

‘Efficient in their communication, no over extensive responses. Knows more about enforcement and praxis and not just the regulations in themselves, which is very important.’

‘This practice is unique in that it offers global coverage unlike many other firms, it is a one stop shop and uniquely qualified to handle a global supply chain / product distribution in multiple countries. No need to hire and manage multiple different firms in multiple different countries for the same matter or product.’

‘The individuals I work with stand out because of their diligence, no task will slip through the cracks or be delayed with this team.’

‘The Product Liability team are specialists in their field. They have a sound understanding of the legal issues and work collaboratively with their clients to reach commercially viable solutions thinking more broadly about other considerations outside of just the legal aspects.’

‘Rod Freeman is a leader in the field of product liability. He and Jamie Humphreys are mindful of the commercial considerations a business faces and are innovative in strategizing and take a creative approach when advising to address the multiple considerations a business is facing. They can also be relied upon to be proactive in flagging key legal developments that may impact the client to allow businesses the time to consider and react.’

Key clients

Estee Lauder

Google/Fitbit

Meta

Nintendo

Nike

Polaris

Stanley Black & Decker

Uber

Whirlpool

Zoom

Work highlights

  • Acts as the sole legal representatives for Whirlpool in the Grenfell Public Inquiry which was instituted by the UK Government following the Grenfell Tower Fire
  • Represented IQVIA, the world’s largest provider of biopharmaceutical development services, in its dispute with Cardiorentis, a Swiss pharma company that engaged our client to conduct an enormous global clinical trial (excess of 23 countries) to test its primary product – a heart failure treatment.
  • Acted as international products counsel for this global cosmetics manufacturer for many years, providing strategic product liability focussed advice on a large portfolio of brands and products, across the entire product lifecycle.

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

Chris Coulter heads up the technology transactions practice at Cooley (UK) LLP, which works with its US offices for clients entering the UK market. The team is active on the full range of technology work, including transactions, licensings, collaborations, procurements, outsourcings and regulatory matters, especially in the fintech, medtech and AI industries. It also provides specialist general counselling to emerging companies in the market. Special counsel Amy Collins handles technology-related transactions and non-contentious mandates in the media, financial services and insurance sector. Associate Leo Spicer-Phelps is also a name of note and has strength in data privacy and software licensing mandates, as well as consumer law.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘The Cooley IT and telecoms team is collaborative, practical and have a wonderful approach to legal matters. They are very client-centric and really dive deep into understanding the business before they advise.’

‘The entire Cooley IT and Telecoms practice is run by a team of very knowledgeable, hard working and commercially astute lawyers who have a very good understanding of the client’s business and their key drivers. Their pragmatic approach is appreciated.’

‘Highly responsive, knowledgeable and easy to deal with. Lots of value added.’

‘Corina Demeter-Olive is a superstar! She came in at a crucial time and picked up everything incredibly quickly. She was extremely thorough as well as creative, and completely trustworthy. She is a life-saver! Her attention to detail and diligence are particularly appreciated.’

‘Chris Coulter speaks fluent client; he has an excellent approach to all matters, combining his acute attention to detail with his ability to grasp nuanced and gross commercial issues.’

‘Amy Collins is a very sharp lawyer who gives 110% in each matter she takes on. Not only is she technically strong, she has an excellent grasp on commercial issues and quickly becomes part of the client team.’

‘Amy Collins is an exceptional lawyer, commercially focused and quick to identify issues and provide workable solutions. She is great support during complex contractual negotiations, providing outstanding legal advice and fast responses.’

Key clients

Supergroup

Chegg

Humio

Snyk

Work highlights

  • Advised Super Group on its merger with Sports Entertainment Acquisition Corp.
  • Advised Chegg on the acquisition of online language learning platform Busuu for $436m.
  • Advised Humio in connection with its $400m sale to security company CrowdStrike.

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

The ‘incredibly business savvyCooley (UK) LLP ‘understands the market, the drivers and the movements’, particularly when it comes to advising UK and European companies on listings in the US. The firm combines its US securities expertise with experience in Amsterdam and Stockholm listings. Notable sector strengths for the practice include the technology and life sciences industries, especially advising founder-led disruptive businesses. Another area of activity for the team is SPACs and de-SPACs. Claire Keast-Butler leads the practice and assists issuers, investment banks and investors to handle their IPOs and secondary offerings. She can call on the expertise of David Boles, who focuses on capital markets and US securities regulation.

Practice head(s):

Claire Keast-Butler

Other key lawyers:

David Boles; Ryan Naftulin

Testimonials

‘The team is incredibly business savvy and understands the market, the drivers and the movements probably better than any other firm. This really allows the firm to be more than just a “legal adviser” and to truly enable its clients.’

‘Ryan Naftulin – extremely strong at breaking down even the most complex matters so everyone can understand them. He has built up a world class team of partners and it’s amazing to work with him and the team.’

‘David Boles I find one of the best SEC-lawyers ever. He really cares about getting to know you and your needs as a client, which allows him to provide the best advice ever.’

‘Claire Keast-Butler is amazing on so many levels and such a strong leader.’

‘Cooley is a relative newcomer to the market, having opened an office in London in 2015, but is already working on many of the largest and most complex deals in the market. Most importantly Cooley’s approach to the market is different: Lawyers focus on building long-term relationships with founder led businesses.’

‘I have primarily worked with David Boles whom I have known for more than ten years. David is one of the leading US securities lawyers based in London and has advised on more US IPOs than any other US lawyer based in London. For many capital markets matters across Europe, David is my go-to person and trusted adviser.’

‘A solid team that always comes up with pragmatic solutions and is always responsive.’

‘David Boles is the best US ECM lawyer I have worked with and in particular his prospectus skills stands out.’

Key clients

Exscientia

Immunocore

WeRock (owner of WeTransfer)

Wizz Air

Valneva

Bicycle Therapeutics

Autolus Therapeutics

Silence Therapeutics

SimilarWeb

Goldman Sachs

Morgan Stanley

Jefferies

Berenberg Capital Markets

Alvotech Holdings

Biote

Mutares

Borussia Dortmund

Work highlights

  • Advised Exscientia on its $510.4m upsized Nasdaq IPO of American Depository Shares and concurrent private placements to Softbank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
  • Advised late-stage biotechnology company Immunocore on its $312.1m equity offering, which consisted of a $297.1m IPO of American Depository Shares.
  • Advised French vaccines company Valneva SE on its Nasdaq $107.6m IPO of American Depository Shares and a concurrent private placement of ordinary shares in Europe and other countries outside the US.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m Tier 3

Variously praised for their ‘incredible work ethic, broad capabilities, and deep bench‘, Cooley (UK) LLP is highly rated for a multifarious sector focus that includes tech, life sciences, consumer goods, education, and media. Stephen Rosen chairs the London team, handling the full gamut of corporate transactions for a host of spin-outs, VC-funded ventures, and life sciences investors. Recent M&A highlights for ‘go-to’ London managing partner Justin Stock include financial services and online gaming deals, while the ‘outstanding’  Michal Berkner ‘s expertise in cross-border deSPACs and reverse mergers sees her advising on numerous strategic transactions across the worlds of consumer tech, biotech, and healthcare. Ben Shribman draws superlative praise from clients for his VC-backed M&A credentials.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Rosen

Other key lawyers:

Michal Berkner; Ben Shribman; Justin Stock

Testimonials

‘Their relevant experience in cross-border de-SPAC merger deals was a major advantage for us.’

‘Incredible work ethic, broad capabilities, deep bench.’

‘Michal Berkner is outstanding. Smart, can-do and entrepreneurial attitude. Always available, very commercial, and a pleasure to work with.’

‘In our opinion Ben Shribman is unique at this end of the market for his ability to provide market analysis and commercial insight alongside rock-solid legal advice We’ve used ten law firms over the years; Ben and his team are by far the best, and we don’t go anywhere else if we can possibly avoid it. He will be one of the most sought after lawyers in this space in a few years. Just hoping he will still want to work with us when the time comes!’

‘Cooley has a great M&A practice and is willing to assist with jump in at any time. In the last year when legal demands were stretched, I could rely on the Cooley team to assist our in house team with our needs. The work product was high quality and responsive to our needs.’

‘Justin Stock is my go-to M&A attorney in the UK. I find him very responsive and happy to assist with custom solutions for our unique problems. He is creative and always willing to assist.’

‘They really make sure they understand our business and our needs. They focus on what is important to us in our business while making sure the relevant legal risks are covered. They really seem to be a true team working seamlessly across geographies.’

‘We have worked with Justin Stock for years and he is an invaluable part of our team and contribution to our success. Most of the partners we worked with at the firm were not only clearly experts in their fields, giving us immediate confidence, but were also nice people. This is really helpful when working long hours. The clear message we received from them is “we are here for you”. They want to be business partners of ours not just legal advisers.’

Key clients

Alvotech Holdings

Athenex Inc

Baylis Medical Company Inc

Biote

Brandwatch

Chegg

Decibel

Exscientia

General Catalyst

Humio

Management team of Calypso Technology, Inc

Primary Capital

Snyk

Super Group

Susquehanna Private Capital LLC

Thrasio Holdings Inc

Uber

ZOLL® Medical Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised Brandwatch on its sale to Cision for $450m.
  • Advised cloud log management start-up Humio in connection with its $400m sale to security company CrowdStrike.
  • A multi-disciplinary cross office Cooley team advised Super Group, a holding company for leading global online sports betting and gaming businesses Betway and Spin, on its merger with Sports Entertainment Acquisition Corp.

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

Cooley (UK) LLP is well-known for its work in the technology sector, with the firm’s London private equity group acting for management teams and tech-focused PE houses on a range of transactions. The practice has a particular niche in advising on matters at the intersection of venture capital and private equity, such as co-investments between VC and PE funds. Stephen Rosen leads the team, as well as the overall corporate practice. He works alongside Ben Shribman, who is ‘skilled, expert, calm and accommodating’ and advises sponsors and portfolio companies on deals.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Rosen

Other key lawyers:

Ben Shribman; Justin Stock; Michal Berkner

Testimonials

‘Expert, experienced in venture and growth equity investment rounds – they just know the business’

‘Ben Shribman – skilled, expert, calm and accommodating. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Very innovative and solution-focused’

‘Ben Shribman is excellent – very commercial, solution-focused and high attention to detail.’

Key clients

Primary Capital

Alcuin Capital

Susquehanna Private Capital LLC

Brainlabs (owned by Livingbridge)

ICS Learn (owned by Primary Capital)

Instructure (owned by Thoma Bravo)

Precisely (owned by Centrebridge)

Management team of Calypso

Insight Terra

Brandwatch

Work highlights

  • Advised the management team of Calypso Technology, a cloud-enabled provider of cross-asset front-to-back solutions and managed services for financial markets, on its USD3.7billion sale to Thoma Bravo.
  • Advised ICS Learn, an online professional education platform owned by private equity firm Primary Capital, on its sale to vocational e-learning provider Skill and You, a portfolio company of private equity firm IK Partners.
  • Advised Kpler, a leading provider of technology-led data, analytics and market insight, on its strategic growth investment of more than USD200 million from private equity firms Five Arrows and Insight Partners.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 3

Benefitting from ‘a strong understanding of the life cycle of emerging companies’, Cooley (UK) LLP is well-placed to handle ‘matters very smoothly and appropriately’ for both investors and investees at any stage of the funding continuum. Able to draw from the resources and knowledge of the firm’s market-leading US offering and US capabilities on the ground in London, the team excels at handling cross-border deals and advising US-based investors. In this regard, US-qualified team head Ryan Naftulin ‘has an unparalleled understanding of the UK and US fundraising and company building process’. As well as his transactional work, Naftulin is also engaged in thought leadership and broader knowledge sharing, and is one of the British Venture Capital Association (BVCA)’s key advisers on its legal documentation and drafting committee which annually looks to review its standard documents. Aaron Archer is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Ryan Naftulin

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

The team has a strong understanding of the life cycle of emerging companies.’

They handle matters very smoothly and generally proportionately.’

The incredibly responsive Ryan Naftulin has an unparalleled understanding of the UK and US fundraising and company building process.’

Key clients

General Catalyst

Accel

GIC

Lightspeed Venture Partners

QED Investors

20VC

Snyk

Proximie

Exscientia

Quell Therapeutics

Artios Pharma

Bit Bio

Freetrade.io

Huboo

EyeBio (EyeBiotech Limited)

Elliptic

Ieso Digital Health

Work highlights

  • Represented General Catalyst and Accel in their investments in the USD475 million Series H financing of Monzo.
  • Represented Accel in its investment as part of the USD200 million Series C round in Genesis.
  • Assisted QED Investors as the co-lead investor in ecommerce merchants Wayflyer’s USD150 million Series B financing round.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 3

Highly rated for its ‘outstanding knowledge of share scheme market practices in  the US and UK’, Cooley (UK) LLP is regularly sought out to advise on share scheme and incentive aspects of cross-border M&A and IPOs. Practice head Paula Holland is a popular choice for innovative life sciences and tech companies seeking advice on incentives and executive compensation matters related to M&A,  private equity transactions and venture capital investment. She is supported by Nicola Squire, who is noted for her outside the box solutions’ and pragmatic and commercially focused advice’.

Practice head(s):

Paula Holland

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Nicola Squire is a trusted adviser to our business. Nicola has advised us on a range of complex issues, and we have been impressed with her ability to deliver outside the box solutions. Nicola is exceptionally responsive and has always made herself available to meet tight deadlines. We highly value her pragmatic and commercially focused advice.’ 

‘Our company has a presence in the UK and US, and Paula Holland and her team at Cooley LLP in London have always been there for us and provided great advice in helping us structure the UK elements of our share schemes. They have deep experience, which has helped us evaluate and deliver awards to UK staff. We use Cooley for a broad variety of matters in both the UK and US and having Paula and her team as a ready resource on share schemes leads to meaningful efficiencies in terms of integrating with other Cooley subject matter attorneys, beyond benefitting from her team’s knowledge and experience.’ 

‘Paula Holland has deep knowledge and experience in the technical and tax aspects of share schemes, as well as a good handle on current market practices. She is a pleasure to work with and is very accessible.’ 

‘Nicola Squire is all the things I would want from a lawyer – approachable, available, knowledgeable, commercial and able to have a sensible discussion on pricing. I was able to talk with Nicola at my level and she was able to engage me in a way that showed she understood the in-house obstacles that I had to work with.’ 

‘Nicola and the team have a true global outreach and have been able to support on complex cross border equity issues. They also have a very pragmatic ability to give advice tailored to the business, which in a highly regulated equity ecosystem I think stands them out from their peers.’ 

‘Paula Holland and Nicola Squire in the Cooley compensation and benefits team bring top-notch, cross-border perspective to sensitive and complicated topics on employee compensation matters. I know that I am getting the most sophisticated, up-to-date advice on market practice. Their detailed knowledge of the technology and biotechnology sectors, in particular, is superlative as is their ability to marshal Cooley’s cross-border capabilities for the client’s benefit.’ 

‘Paula Holland took the time to understand our needs, review our current practices, and provide advice on what changes were necessary to implement a new world-wide stock option programme for the company. She is well experienced and very responsive to our requests. When she did not have expertise on a specific justification, she was able to effectively use her network to get the right information. I found Paula to be an excellent business partner.’ 

‘Special mention for Nicola Squire. I am regularly impressed by her intimate knowledge of our company, recollections of decisions and events that took place months or years ago, and the integrity of her advice.’ 

Key clients

Humio

Runtime Collective (Brandwatch)

RiskIQ

Sense Photonics

Babylon Health

SGHC (Super Group)

Enjoy Technology

Exscientia

Sprinklr

Reneo Pharmaceuticals

Work highlights

  • AdivsedHumio, cloud log management business, on its $400m sale to security company CrowdStrike, including complex EMI option vesting terms and compensation arrangements.
  • Acted for Babylon Health on its SPAC transaction which resulted in it becoming a public company in the United States through a merger with Alkuri Global Acquisition Corp, a SPAC, at an equity valuation of $4.2bn.
  • Advised RiskIQ on its proposed acquisition by Microsoft for approx. $600m, including matters related to the exercise of options qualifying as EMI and options granted under a CSOP.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 4

The ‘high-class bespoke team’ at Cooley (UK) LLP has standout cross-border capabilities in an array of white collar proceedings, representing individuals in cases ranging from internal and regulatory investigations through to criminal prosecutions for fraud, bribery, corruption, and money laundering, among others. The team represents senior executives, directors, high-net-worth individuals, and public sector officials based in the UK and globally, and has a strong record in helping clients avoid prosecution, as well as providing complementary risk and reputation management expertise. The team is led by the ‘outstandingTom Epps, who has a strong record across fraud and financial crime investigations and prosecutions, including a number of highly sensitive international proceedings, with litigator Sascha Grimm providing Bribery Act and asset recovery expertise. Senior associate Marie Kavanagh regularly represents clients against SFO and FCA investigations and prosecutions, including a number of complex cross-border cases.

Practice head(s):

Tom Epp

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Tom Epps is partner in charge of criminal and white collar work. We have worked together for many years and I welcome any case he instructs me in. He has a great reputation in London and has a wealth of experience.’

‘Marie Kavanagh is still an associate but it will be only a matter of time before she is made partner. She always has any case at her fingertips and her drafting skills leave nothing to be desired.’

‘Tom Epps has assembled a hand-picked, high-class, bespoke team, which is outstanding in this field.’

‘Tom Epps is the man you want to head your team. He thinks through every case, putting him three moves ahead of his adversaries. He is an excellent leader, being both approachable, wise and highly organised. Above all, he is one of the very best lawyers in London.’

‘An engaged, knowledgeable team that thinks strategically whilst acting tactically.’

‘Tom Epps is an outstanding advisor with a firm grasp of what it takes to achieve a successful outcome.’

‘Very friendly and affable team.’

‘Highly competent and thorough. Extensive knowledge of investigative processes and excellent follow thru.’

Insurance > Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 4

Cooley (UK) LLP‘s vast experience covers third-party liability insurance, professional indemnity, product liability, financial institutions and Bermuda Form, through to cyber risk, business interruption, marine, energy and property. Senior counsel David Kendall has extensive experience of Bermuda form arbitrations in London. For coverage disputes involving product liability or innovative insurance products, fellow senior counsel Richard Hopley is the go-to figure.

Other key lawyers:

David Kendall; Richard Hopley

Testimonials

‘Cooley’s insurance and reinsurance litigation team have vast experience and knowledge of insurance and reinsurance litigation and the markets, and real strength in depth. All of the members of the team whom I have worked with on cases have been first-rate and a pleasure to work with.’

‘David Kendall is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable insurance and reinsurance lawyers in London. What he doesn’t know about insurance and reinsurance isn’t worth knowing!’

‘Richard Hopley also stands out for his vast experience of insurance and reinsurance litigation and his ability to master complex and difficult cases.’

Key clients

Lloyd’s Market Association (the LMA)

MMI

Ambridge Partners

The Mediterranean Insurance & Reinsurance Company Limited (in Administration (Med Re)

Equitas

Hiscox

FM Global

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 5

Cooley (UK) LLP is particularly active in the capital markets and private equity space, in addition to working on both domestic and cross-border transactions. Practice head Natasha Kaye specialises in the life sciences and technology sectors, and has expertise in cross-border reorganisations and M&A. David Wilson‘s practice covers both advisory and transactional matters, which include tax structuring, debt financing and investments. Associate Jack Jones is a key name.

Practice head(s):

Natasha Kaye

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Practical, commercial advice’

‘Natasha Kaye – gets to the heart of the issue.’

‘Natasha Kaye is excellent – super responsive, easy to deal with, great technical and commercial knowledge.’

Key clients

Chegg

Snyk

Immunocore Holdings plc

Thrasio

Primary Capital Partners

Battery Ventures

Exscientia AI plc

Susquehanna Private Capital

Karo Pharma AB

Omaze

Morgan Stanley

Goldman Sachs

Bicycle Therapeutics plc

Brandwatch

Prothena

HitGen Inc

Eliem Therapeutics

Endava plc

Contentsquare

Autolus Therapeutics plc

Work highlights

  • Advised Exscientia on its Series D funding round, which closed in May 2021.
  • Advised the management team of Calypso Technology, Inc., on its $3.7 billion sale to Thoma Bravo.
  • Advised Snyk, a cybersecurity software company, on numerous matters including its $530 million Series F financing, which brings the company’s valuation to $8.5 billion.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 5

Instructed by private and public sector clients, the team at Cooley (UK) LLP acts in corruption, investigation, asset recovery and insurance matters on a regular basis. It has noteworthy connections to Asian, African and Caribbean jurisdictions. James Maton leads the practice, which also includes Laurence Harris and Henry Stewart as integral team members.

Practice head(s):

James Maton

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

The Governor and Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG)

Work highlights

  • Represented the TCI Government in its civil recovery efforts.
  • Acting for TCIG in a claim against a US developer arising out of his involvement in a failed development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5

Cooley (UK) LLP has an unparalleled reputation for representing companies operating in the life sciences and healthcare space, and is marked out by one client as ‘a clear leader in that critical and growing sector‘. The team’s recent work concerning clinical trials on behalf of IQVIA – led by respected litigators Laurence Harris and Henry Stewart – was just one such example. James Maton oversees the practice.

Practice head(s):

James Maton

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very responsive and specialists in their field. Work in a collaborative way with their clients and have a commercial perspective on matters.’

‘Proper specialists in life sciences. A clear leader in that critical and growing sector.’

‘Sascha Grimm has the expertise and commercial insights to work collaboratively with the in-house legal teams to manage litigation, mitigating the risks for the business and identifying commercially viable solutions.’

‘Laurence Harris – a brilliant, seasoned litigator. Fantastic judgment. Knows what is important and what is not and makes sure to deliver the important.’

‘The team has strong knowledge of the pharmaceuticals/life science sector.’

‘Laurence Harris – very intelligent partner, quick to make judgments.’

‘Sascha Grimm – very clever, good scientific and industry understanding.’

Key clients

IQVIA Healthcare

GIC Private Limited

Municipal Mutual Insurance Limited

Odyssey Marine Exploration Limited

Redx Anti-Infectives Limited

Swindon Town Community Mutual Limited

Tata Steel UK Limited

Whirlpool UK Limited

Hiscox

Ambridge Partners

Work highlights

  • Represented IQVIA, a provider of biopharmaceutical development services, in its dispute with Cardiorentis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company which engaged the client to conduct an enormous global clinical trial to test its primary product.
  • Represented Tata Steel in proceedings against Motherwell Bridge for the defective construction of a large gasholder at the Port Talbot Steelworks, which causes intermittent operating issues requiring the gasholder to be taken out of service.
  • Acting for GIC in commercial court proceedings brought against it and Green Dragon Gas by Nordic Trust.

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

Cooley (UK) LLP handles the full gamut of issues that arise within the fintech sector, with a specific focus on private equity and venture capital investments. The practice, fronted by Stephen Rosen, is also recommend for handling data protection and cybersecurity issues for fintech clients. Other key names within the team include Guadalupe Sampedro, Chris Coulter and Ryan Naftulin.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Rosen

Other key lawyers:

Guadalupe Sampedro; Chris Coulter; Ryan Naftulin; Yulia Makarova; Aaron Archer

Testimonials

‘Super experienced and knowledgeable, extremely well connected in the market, business focused, and super flexible to organise support.’

‘Yulia Makarova in particular had very in-depth regulatory and fintech knowledge that helped shape our corporate strategy.’

‘Not only does Yulia Makarova provide informed, nuanced, and practical advice, but she does so with little notice on tight timelines.’

Key clients

Accel

Dapple

eBay Inc

Elliptic

Freetrade io

General Catalyst and Accel

iProov Limited

Recharge Inc.

QED Investors

Work highlights

  • Advised eBay on a wide range of data protection and ecommerce-related matters related to its payments business globally (EU, UK, US, Australia).
  • Represented General Catalyst and Accel in its investments on the Series H in Monzo.
  • Advised Recharge, Inc. in all aspects of cybersecurity, data protection, privacy and e-commerce.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6

Cooley (UK) LLP‘s London practice handles both commercial and investor-state disputes. It is particularly experienced in life sciences and technology-related matters, but the group also has a strong track record in energy, oil and gas, construction, financial services, infrastructure development, defence/aerospace and insurance/reinsurance-related arbitrations. UK disputes head James Maton defends clients against commercial, contractual, product liability, and public international law disputes, while Laurence Harris is experienced in international arbitration proceedings.

Practice head(s):

James Maton

Other key lawyers:

Laurence Harris; Sascha Grimm; Juan Nascimbene

Key clients

Odyssey Marine Exploration

Work highlights

  • Represented Odyssey Marine Exploration in an arbitration brought under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement against Mexico (UNCITRAL Rules).

Employment > Employers Tier 7

Cooley (UK) LLP's employment expertise ranges from complex corporate transactions to reputational risk issues and other litigation, as well as employee data protection issues - a niche specialty of the practice. The firm is also active on global corporate transactions and restructuring exercises, owing to its global presence. Ann Bevitt is the key partner.

Practice head(s):

Ann Bevitt

Testimonials

‘Cooley offers very practical advice.’

‘The level of responsiveness and the implied care resulting from the immediacy of the response creates a sense of importance that’s reassuring and valuable.’

‘The smooth connectivity between the different members of the team and the strong client service culture that underpins their collaborative approach means that there is never a sense of being passed off between individuals.’

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition

Cooley (UK) LLP made a notable hire for its London base in March 2022, with well-regarded practitioner Caroline Hobson joining from CMS.

Industry focus > TMT

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory

Cooley (UK) LLP provides regulatory advice to insurers, brokers, policyholders, and trade bodies, on issues relating to restructuring, business conduct and insurance contract wordings. Senior counsel Richard Hopley is instructed on matters relating to the restructuring of insurance and reinsurance portfolios, while fellow senior counsel David Kendall handles the full gamut of insurance work, including coverage, delegated authorities, run-off and insolvency issues.

Other key lawyers:

David Kendall; Richard Hopley

Testimonials

‘Cooley LLP’s London insurance team stands out from its competitors due to the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, and familiarity with the insurance market, across the whole team.’

‘David Kendall is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable insurance and reinsurance lawyers in London. What he doesn’t know about insurance and reinsurance isn’t worth knowing!’

‘Richard Hopley stands out for his vast experience of insurance and reinsurance litigation and his ability to master complex and difficult cases.’

Key clients

Ambridge Partners

FM Global

Municipal Mutual Insurance (MMI)

The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA)

The Mediterranean Insurance and Reinsurance Company Limited (Med Re)

Work highlights

  • Advised Municipal Mutual Insurance Limited (MMI)  on its ability to recover UK employers’ liability claims on its reinsurance programme covering the period 1950-1990, and the way in which it should seek to recover these claims.
  • Advised the Lloyd’s Market Association on the £800m government-backed “UK live events reinsurance scheme”, protecting forthcoming live events across the country that were at risk of being halted or delayed due to the inability to obtain COVID-19 event cancellation insurance.
  • Advised Ambridge, a leading underwriter of transaction insurance, on over 20 transactions involving warranty and indemnity and tax indemnity insurance during 2021.

The firm

Cooley’s lawyers solve legal issues for entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions and established companies. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high stakes litigation, often where innovation meets the law. Cooley’s UK practice has strengths across many of its core practice areas, among them corporate/M&A, complex high-stakes litigation, private equity and venture capital, capital markets, tax, technology transactions, IP, insurance and reinsurance, product compliance, competition and privacy.

Cooley has over 1,500 lawyers across 18 offices in the United States, Asia and Europe, and a total workforce of 3,300.

Principal areas of work

Antitrust/EU Competition: The firm advises clients on the full range of EU and UK competition law issues, including competition litigation, merger control, agency investigations, licensing and distribution issues, pricing, abuse of dominance, joint ventures and strategic alliances, market and sector investigations and compliance.

Banking & Finance: The firm represents lenders, borrowers, trustees, and distressed debt investors in connection with cross-border and domestic financing transactions, acquisitions and restructurings.

Capital Markets: Cooley is a global market leader for equity capital markets, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors. The London practice is led by partners with extensive experience acting on some of the largest equity capital markets transactions in London and across Europe. The firm regularly represents foreign private issuers (FPI) in both transactional and day-to-day legal matters, enabling it to be a strategic advisor to both seasoned and newly public companies in the US and throughout the globe.

Compensation & Benefits: The firm advises clients on the operation of UK, US and international incentive arrangements and remuneration strategies for their employees, directors and consultants and structure and establish a wide variety of equity and cash plans.

Corporate/M&A: Cooley acts on a range of transactions including M&A, corporate finance and private equity and venture growth capital transactions. The team advises trade buyers and multinational corporations on acquisitions and disposals (primarily cross border) of both controlling and non-controlling interests.

Cyber/Data/Privacy: The firm provides multi-disciplinary depth and breadth of experience across a variety of sectors in data protection, privacy and data security compliance, privacy by design, cyber security, data breach management, incident response, breach preparedness, and related litigation, especially in large breaches and those with multi-national issues.

Dispute Resolution: Cooley has a leading general commercial litigation and international arbitration practice. The firm advises companies, governments, state entities and foreign lawyers on the full range of commercial disputes, many of which have a cross-border element. Its lawyers are expert in all forms of dispute resolution and the team includes a specialist white collar crime partner.

Emerging Companies & Venture Capital: Cooley works with startups to launch dynamic new ventures and take them forward. The firm has been at it since the venture industry began, having formed America’s first venture fund in Silicon Valley and advise on 1,000+ VC financings annually, with an equal split between investor and company representation.

Employment: The firm advise clients on a range of employment issues such as employee contracts and benefits, service agreements, discrimination, employee intellectual property considerations, and confidentiality and noncompete agreements. It offers capabilities in contentious employment matters, advising on High Court restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, as well as statutory and contractual claims before employment tribunals.

Insurance, Reinsurance & Insurtech: Providing a full range of legal services to the global insurance and reinsurance industry. Cooley offers full insurance and reinsurance services across the firm’s broad client base, from advice regarding the negotiation and placement of policies, to assisting with claim presentation, negotiation and settlement, to litigating coverage and rescission claims for policyholders, insurers and reinsurers. The firm also has market-leading experience advising companies on insurtech matters.

Intellectual Property: The firm’s patent practice offers clients, particularly in the life sciences sector, on the full range of patent drafting and prosecution services in Europe, EPO opposition work and general patent-related advice including freedom to operate analyses, infringement and validity opinions, due diligence and management of global technology. The trade mark team advises individuals through to multi-national companies, on selection, acquisition, exploitation and enforcement of trade marks, brands and designs.

Life Sciences: The London team works with pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology companies on collaborations, M&A, equity fundings, public offerings and other negotiated transactions, as well as on a wide range of transactional, IP, licensing, regulatory and competition matters within the sector.

Product Compliance & Product Liability: Working within highly regulated industries, including technology, life sciences, cosmetics and consumer products, the team has market-leading experience in managing regulatory investigations, litigation, product recalls, risk assessments and international compliance and liability needs.

Public International Law: The firm provides governments and other clients with advice, assistance and research on a range of subjects that includes sovereign immunity, international boundaries, anti-corruption issues and state asset recovery.

Tax: The firm has a broad corporate advisory and transactional tax practice, advising on UK and international direct and indirect tax issues in relation to corporate, financing, outsourcing and IP transactions and planning.

Technology Transactions: The firm helps clients put together commercial transactions, especially involving technology, digital content and IP. It advises on a wide variety of commercial matters such as: outsourcing projects, technology licensing, distribution, mobile and online commerce, technology JVs, IP asset exploitation, social media and complex services agreements.

White Collar Crime: The practice is best known for providing entrepreneurial fast growth corporate and senior individual clients with seamless white collar advice in joint UK/US investigations. The team acts for business executives in connection with high profile and sensitive white collar crime global investigations instituted by the UK Serious Fraud Office, the UK Financial Conduct Authority and all the primary UK, as well as overseas, enforcement agencies.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
CEO (firmwide) Joe Conroy
Managing partner (London) Justin Stock
Antitrust / EU competition Alexander Israel
Banking & finance John Clark
Business/corporate Justin Stock
Capital Markets David Boles and Claire-Keast Butler
Commercial litigation & arbitration James Maton
Compensation & benefits Paula Holland
Cyber/Data/Protection Patrick Van Eecke
Employment Ann Bevitt
Dispute resolution James Maton
Intellectual Property Colm Murphy
Insurance & reinsurance Mark Everiss
Life Sciences Nicola Maguire and John Wilkinson
Product compliance and product liability Rod Freeman
Technology transactions Chris Coulter
Tax Natasha Kaye
White Collar Crime Tom Epps
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Aaron Archer photo Aaron ArcherAaron Archer is a partner in the emerging companies and venture practice…
Michal Berkner photo Michal BerknerMichal Berkner is a partner in Cooley’s London office, where she leads…
Ann Bevitt photo Ann BevittAnn Bevitt is a partner in Cooley’s London office, where her employment…
David Bresnick photo David BresnickDavid Bresnick is a partner in Cooley’s London office, where he focuses…
John Clark photo John ClarkJohn Clark is a partner in Cooley’s London office where he represents lenders,…
Chris Coulter photo Chris CoulterChris Coulter is a partner in Cooley’s London office and a member…
Tim Daniel photo Tim DanielTim Daniel is an independant consultant at Cooley’s London office. He has acted for…
Tom Epps photo Tom EppsTom is a partner in our White Collar Defense & Investigations team.…
Mark Everiss photo Mark EverissMark Everiss is a partner in Cooley’s London office and focuses on…
Rod Freeman photo Rod FreemanRod Freeman is a partner in Cooley’s London office and an international products lawyer. He…
Sascha Grimm photo Sascha GrimmSascha Grimm is a partner in Cooley’s Commercial Litigation department in the…
Laurence Harris photo Laurence HarrisLaurence Harris is partner in Cooley’s London office and vice chair of the firm’s litigation department.…
Tanya Heare-Rowlands photo Tanya Heare-RowlandsTanya Heare-Rowlands is special counsel in Cooley’s London office. She has extensive…
Paula Holland photo Paula HollandPaula Holland has over 20 years of experience in executive compensation and equity…
Richard Hopley photo Richard HopleyRichard Hopley is a partner in Cooley’s London office and is a…
Natasha Kaye photo Natasha KayeNatasha Kaye is a partner in Cooley’s London office. Natasha has a broad corporate…
Claire Keast-Butler photo Claire Keast-ButlerClaire Keast-Butler is a partner in Cooley’s London office. Her practice focuses…
David Kendall photo David KendallDavid Kendall is a partner in Cooley’s London office and focuses on…
Nicola Maguire photo Nicola MaguireNicola Maguire is a partner in Cooley’s Life Sciences practice and is…
James Maton photo James MatonJames Maton is a partner in Cooley’s London office and heads Cooley’s…
Colm Murphy photo Colm MurphyColm Murphy is a partner in Cooley’s London office. He is an European…
Ryan Naftulin photo Ryan NaftulinRyan Naftulin is partner and vice chair of Cooley’s business department. He…
Kevin Perry photo Kevin PerryKevin is a partner in Cooley’s London office and has a broad…
Stephen Rosen photo Stephen RosenStephen Rosen is a partner in our London office. Stephen’s experience is…
Henry Stewart photo Henry StewartHenry Stewart is a partner in the commercial litigation group in London…
Justin Stock photo Justin StockJustin Stock is a partner in Cooley’s corporate practice and is managing…
John Wilkinson photo John WilkinsonJohn Wilkinson is partner in Cooley’s London office and his practice focuses primarily on the…
David Wilson photo David WilsonDavid Wilson is a partner in Cooley’s London office and advises on…
David Wraige photo David WraigeDavid Wraige is a special counsel in the Cooley’s London office and focuses…
Number of UK partners : 33
Number of other UK fee-earners : 80
Total staff figures in London : 225
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