Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher > London, England > Firm Profile

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > VAT and indirect tax Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s client roster includes multinational corporations, public and private companies, investment funds, and sovereign wealth funds, as well as partnerships and joint ventures. The team provides assistance with day-to-day tax concerns, in addition to M&A-related matters, restructurings, and tax disputes. It also handles VAT work, stamp duties, and IPT mandates. Sandy Bhogal co-heads the firm’s global tax practice with significant expertise in VAT and indirect tax in the real estate and financial services sectors, and Ben Fryer is another notable name with strengths in domestic and cross-border mandates.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 2

With 'deep international arbitration experience across the board', Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is best known for large-scale, complex disputes. The London practice is jointly headed by 'superb advocate' Cyrus Benson, who regularly appears before commercial and investment treaty tribunals in telecoms, mining, infrastructure, and oil and gas claims; and 'superb arbitration practitioner' Penny Madden KC, an expert in shareholder, telecoms, energy, international trade, and insurance disputes. The next line of experienced practitioners comprises former UK Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer KC, who focuses on commercial litigation, international arbitration and investigations; Osma Hudda, who maintains a broad disputes practice; and Doug Watson, who conducts arbitrations under a range of rules and arbitral institutions. In late 2022, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, Robert Spano, was recruited, while Piers Plumptre, who 'takes a very commercial and practical approach', was made partner. Former partner Jeffrey Sullivan KC joined Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in July 2023.

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 2

‘Proactive and solutions-oriented’ US firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is adept in property acquisitions and disposals, development, financing, and joint ventures. ‘Trusted partner’ Alan Samson leads the team, and advises on the acquisition of real estate loan portfolios. Claibourne Harrison acts for private equity investors across a breadth of sectors, while Jeremy Kenley focuses on real estate private equity. Isabel Berger caters to management equity and leveraged buyouts, as well as minority and majority investments.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 2

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s London office regularly acts for US, and other foreign-based investors and lenders, in high-end transactional work across Europe. Team lead Alan Samson has more than 25 years’ experience in all aspects of real estate finance, and in particular, acquisition of real estate loan portfolios. Robert Carr is noted for advising private equity and other top tier sponsors on their borrowing transactions. Ben Myers and Claibourne Harrison are also recommended.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advises a broad client base on the full range of tax matters, with areas of expertise including corporate M&A, reorganisations and dispositions, capital markets offerings, and real estate acquisitions and dispositions. Department head Sandy Bhogal, who is co-chair of the firm’s global tax practice, has experience in the full range of transactions and general tax matters. Jeff Trinklein is a key contact for US and international taxation, while Ben Fryer advises on a wide range of domestic and cross-border matters.

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s ‘first class’ team is recognised in the marketplace for expertise in IPOs (including multi-track processes), rights issues, placings and other equity offerings on behalf issuers, selling shareholders and underwriters. The group has considerable sector-specific expertise in technology and e-commerce transactions, in addition to experience acting on the London listings and IPOs of SPACs and cash shells. The ‘effortlessly capable’ Steve Thierbach is renowned for his broad cross-border equity and debt capital markets transactions practice. He co-leads the team with Chris Haynes, who is an expert IPOs, rights issues and other equity offerings.

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s ‘first-rate public international law practice‘ is routinely sought out to act in heavyweight investment treaty claims. The team is jointly headed by Penny Madden KC, whose international arbitration  expertise covers shareholder, telecoms energy, international trade, and insurance disputes; and Cyrus Benson, who ‘argues points of public international law with great skill‘. In late 2022, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, Robert Spano, joined the practice, while Piers Plumptre, who ‘has wide experience in public international law issues‘, was elevated to partner. Former partner Jeffrey Sullivan KC joined Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in July 2023.

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

A firm lauded by clients for being ‘commercial, proactive and dependable’, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher's ‘dedicated and highly responsive‘ infrastructure team provides counsel to a number of blue-chip clients and major industry players on M&A, joint ventures and debt investments across a wide array of asset types. Digital infrastructure continues to be a strong area of focus for the group, with largescale tower deals forming part of an impressive portfolio of mandates over the past twelve months. Furthermore, the team has been highly involved in utilities work, most notably overseeing investments and disposals in water companies. The ‘efficient, hard working and well connected’ Federico Fruhbeck is singled out for his M&A work in Europe and Latin America, handling both soft and hard infrastructure transactions with an understanding of ESG concerns, while Robert Dixon is praised for his tower sector work. Alice Brogi has been highly active on a wide array of matters, from geothermal heating to electricity network acquisitions.

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

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts for major oil & gas clients on complex, large-scale transactions and projects, with a particular emphasis on decomissioning structuring and advising clients exiting the UK North Sea. The team is also strong in commercial arbitration and litigation focusing on energy, natural resources and related infrastructure. Practice head Anna Howell is a specialist in complex oil, gas and LNG matters, whilst Mitasha Chandok handles M&A, joint ventures, project development and financing work.

Risk advisory > Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 3

Boasting substantial experience in advising major banks and financial service providers in global investigations regarding financial fraud, the London-based Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher team works closely with its colleagues in the US, Europe, and Asia. This international network enables the practice to offer comprehensive advice on corporate criminal matters, including bribery and corruption, fraud, and tax evasion, along with demonstrating expertise in dealing with investigations brought by the SFO, FCA, and US DOJ. Philip Rocher leads the department, whilst Sacha Harber-Kelly specialises in global white-collar proceedings. Patrick Doris is an expert on sanctions and tax evasion matters, and Allan Neil represents clients within the finance sector. The ‘excellent’ Matthew Nunan is knowledgeable on financial services regulation, and of counsel Christopher Loudon is also noted.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 4

With a diverse roster of blue-chip multinational clients on its books, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher continues to gain significant traction in the London competition market. Advising on complex Phase II merger control cases before the CMA is a defining characteristic of the practice group, attracting clients who specifically seek the firm’s assistance in these matters. Co-chair of the firm’s Antitrust and Competition Group, Ali Nikpay, is highly regarded in the market and focuses on economically complex mergers, multi-jurisdictional cartels and market investigations. Deirdre Taylor handles the full range of antitrust issues, with a focus on the technology, retail, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors.

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

The ‘highly skilled professionals’ at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher have a diverse client roster that features financial institutions, global private equity funds, UK plcs and US conglomerates. With a comprehensive sector focus across the infrastructure, financial services, technology, healthcare, life sciences, energy and real estate industries, the highly experienced firm-wide corporate bench is led by Robert Little and Saee Muzumdar , who are based in Dallas and New York respectively. In London, Wim De Vlieger offers significant experience in strategic cross-border M&A and capital market transactions, while Federico Fruhbeck focuses on M&A across Europe and Latin America, particularly in the ESG, infrastructure and real assets space. Mark Sperotto has a broad practice covering all aspects of corporate, private equity and investments work, with expertise in the UK and Italian markets and across the retail, leisure, gaming and e-commerce sectors. Dual qualified as a barrister and solicitor, Selina Sagayam is well-versed in corporate matters involving the City Code, joint ventures, and corporate governance. Private equity M&A lawyers Alice Brogi and Amar Madhani are also noted.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+) Tier 4

Able to draw on close ties with its US offices, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher continues to build its position in the London market, regularly working on multibillion-dollar transactions for sponsors and companies operating across a number of sectors. Noted for its sector focused approach, the European private equity practice is jointly chaired by Wim De Vlieger, a life sciences specialist, and Federico Fruhbeck, who is recommended for his diverse European coverage - particularly in the infrastructure, ESG and real assets sectors. Nick Tomlinson's recent engagements include high-value investment transactions and divestitures with strong cross-border aspects, while Alice Brogi's expertise spans the telecoms, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Other key figures include Nick Tomlinson, who specialises in digital infrastructure deals; Mark Sperotto, whose experience covers both the UK and Italian markets; and Till Lefranc, who is noted for his focus on technology and life sciences. Isabel Berger is also recommended.

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 4

‘Top tier firm’ Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher boasts a banking litigation practice acting for leading financial institutions across the UK and internationally, with expertise in foreign exchange and Libor-related issues. Clients commend the ‘profound know-how’ of the practice, as well as the ‘way the partners of the law firm are globally connected in a way that provides a significant value-add for clients’. Philip Rocher leads the team. He has extensive experience in the financial services sectors, and regulatory and internal investigations. Lord Charles Falconer KC  ‘remains one of the absolute leading litigators and barristers in London’ and is highly active in the practice.

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 4

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher houses a broad team, which acts in a number of collective proceedings and allegations of collusion and anticompetitive practices. Practice head Philip Rocher regularly conducts regulatory investigations; whilst Patrick Doris has extensive expertise in acting for public bodies. Having had previous experience working in the CMA, Ali Nikpay frequently handles bet-the-company matters for corporations. Deirdre Taylor is adept at advising on cartel investigations and merger control issues arising in the aviation, pharmaceutical, and engineering industries.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 4

'Incredibly hard working and a real pleasure to engage with' Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher's cross-disciplinary capabilities span transactional, regulatory, and disputes-based matters. Joel Harrison's tech sector acumen ranges from regulatory reviews to data protection and cybersecurity matters, with recent highlights including advice on global licensing and security incidents. Alison Beal's expertise is concentrated in commercial transactions, while Robert Dixon is praised for his 'exceptional' work for private equity and corporate clients - particularly related to digital infrastructure transactions.

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

Commended for its ‘deep technical expertise in financial services regulation’, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advises on the regulatory aspects of M&A and private equity transactions, equity and debt capital markets matters, as well as outsourcing deals. Michelle Kirschner leads the team and focuses on market abuse issues, conduct of business and regulatory change management, including MiFID II, MAR and SM&CR, in addition to Brexit-related mandates.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 5

The litigation practice at ‘top tier firm’ Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher handles the full gamut of commercial litigation, including complex-cross border disputes. Group litigation is a particular strength of the team, with Osma Hudda and Doug Watson both key names in this area, along with team head Philip Rocher. Rocher, along with Allan Neil and Susy Bullock all have extensive experience in offshore disputes. The in-house trial advocacy ability of the team is a key differentiator, led by Lord Charles Falconer KC, ‘absolutely one of the best litigators and counsel in London.’

Public sector > Administrative and public law Tier 5

As well as a broad spread of core advisory and contentious administrative and public law areas, the team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has established significant expertise in the fields of commercial judicial review, constitutional law, public international law challenges, and public and parliamentary inquiries. Philip Rocher is a commercial litigator with significant experience handling regulatory disputes, particularly in the financial sector, while Patrick Doris acts for and against sovereign entities, UK public authorities and major NGOs.

Employment > Employers Tier 6

US firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is recommended for advising on the employment issues arising from major M&A transactions. Sensitive investigations into senior executives’ conduct are also handled by the firm, as well as high level terminations and post-termination settlement agreements. The firm’s roster of large corporate clients includes Amazon, Asda and KKR & Co. James Cox, a cross-border employment matters expert, leads the team, supported by experienced associate Heather Gibbons.

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

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration Tier 3

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has an exceptional record in bulge-bracket investment and commercial arbitrations, and is further recognised for its expertise in the global enforcement of arbitration awards. It has represented multinationals in a long list of cases against Latin American states, including cases involving expropriation, particularly the Government of Venezuela and Venezuelan state-entities. More recently, it has also launched cases on behalf of clients against the Republic of Colombia and the United Mexican States. New York partner Rahim Moloo has emerged as a prominent name in Latin America arbitration, acting for a range of US-based, European and Asian multinationals, along with a number of Latin American businesses. Lindsey Schmidt is also an active lead on Latin America cases, and Charline Yim is increasingly co-leading relevant cases with Moloo.