Latham & Watkins > London, England > Firm Profile

Latham & Watkins > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and commercial > Equity capital markets – mid-large cap Tier 1

Latham & Watkins‘ UK-based ECM practice is recognised throughout the market for its expertise advising on cross-border deals, particularly complex fund raisings and transformative M&A, as well as large IPOs and direct listings on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). In addition to its strong UK presence, the team regularly lends its expertise to high-profile deals throughout the EMEA region. Technology-related transactions are also a core pillar of the group’s practice in the space, advising some of the world’s largest tech companies on critical transactions. James Inness  and Chris Horton jointly lead the team: Horton is a key name for advising listed companies, investment banks, and asset managers on a variety of complex ECM, M&A, and regulatory matters, while Inness is the go-to name in the department for listings on the LSE. The team was bolstered by the arrival of renowned ECM practitioner Mark Austin from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in June 2023. Other key figures include Anna Ngo, who acts on primary and secondary equity capital markets transactions and public M&A transactions.

Corporate and commercial > Private equity: transactions – high-value deals (£250m+) Tier 1

Many of the foremost private equity houses in the market – both domestic and international – turn to the sizeable team at Latham & Watkins for its expertise in high-value transactions across a range of sectors, ranging from multi-billion-dollar take-privates to corporate carve-outs. Practice co-chair David Walker is a highly experienced adviser who frequently handles big-ticket deals for major American and European PE firms. Fellow co-chair Kem Ihenacho, who serves as global co-chair of the firm’s PE practice group, has most recently advised on acquisitions and divestitures in the financial services, energy, and manufacturing sectors, to name a few. Paul Dolman regularly works with clients on leveraged acquisitions and investment transactions, while Tom Evans‘ recent highlights include multi-billion-pound buy and sell-side mandates across a range of industries. Other key figures include Farah O’Brien, a tech and life sciences specialist who also serves as co-chair of the firm’s London corporate department; Mike Bond, a key contact for various investors and portfolio companies; and Linzi Thomas, whose recent engagements span the life sciences and consumer goods sectors. Katie Peek and Maarten Overmars, both of whom were promoted to partner in January 2023, are also recommended.

Finance > Acquisition finance Tier 1

The versatile and balanced practice at Latham & Watkins has the strength-in-depth to handle a tremendous volume and range of work for creditors and debtors funding acquisitions utilising debt from the thriving private credit and the syndicated/institutional investor markets. Consequently, the firm, which also has broad international resources in Europe and its US headquarters, has an excellent perspective of market norms and “pinch points” from both sides of the table, and  in the recent volatile market has been a welcome ‘oasis of knowledge’ for lenders and sponsors. Stephen Kensell and Sam Hamilton are two of the most well-respected practitioners in the market, with Kensell providing succour to lenders providing debt to both corporates and sponsors on their M&A activity, and Hamilton drawing on a wealth of experience for sponsors across myriad finance products. Dominic Newcomb and Jayanthi Sadanandan  are also both highly skilled at handling borrower work, with both sponsors and corporates benefiting from their wealth of knowledge on funding solutions throughout the capital structure. On the creditor front, Dan Maze  has strong traction for banking and credit fund clients, as does Manoj Bhundia.  Tania Bedi , whose versatile client base includes banks, funds and corporates, co-heads the overarching finance team alongside Maze. Joseph Kimberling is also recommended. A four-strong team of lawyers including  Mohamed Nurmohamed  and Ross Anderson left for Paul Hastings LLP in summer 2022.

Finance > Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 1

Led from London by Bruce Bell and also able to leverage considerable resources across its global offices, Latham & Watkins is well-positioned to handle debtor and creditor work on large-scale international restructurings, often involving the unwinding of complex financial products, including UK and US law-governed debt. The firm’s detailed knowledge of European and US insolvency procedures is also a key strength, affording clients the comfort that the firm will be able to utilise the most appropriate technique available in a holistic manner alongside practitioners in key global financial centres. Yen Sum has deep familiarity of insolvency/restructuring procedures which she is able to rely on, should the need arise, on behalf of her core client base of investors/alternative capital providers seeking to realise value in special situations and distressed investments. Simon J Baskerville  and David Wallace are also very effective practitioners at the more transactional end of the market, with both regularly working with fund clients to pinpoint opportunities within the distressed market, including through debt-for-equity swaps. Jennifer Brennan is also a key member of the team who is noted for her skill at providing ‘extremely commercial and deeply technical advice’ to bondholders and alternative capital providers on large multi-jurisdictional transactions.

Finance > High yield Tier 1

Latham & Watkins maintains the largest high yield bond practice in London, comprised of ‘smart, responsive and efficient experts who offer practical and timely advice and work tirelessly to help you achieve your goals‘. The firm had a role in almost 60% of the high yield issuances in Europe in 2022, though its work is not limited to new bond offerings. Practice head Brett Cassidy and newly promoted partner Pat Kwak recently acted for deal managers including Credit Suisse and BofA Securities on an £237m exchange offer – one of the first in Europe for several years – as part of its growing volume of liability management work. Jennifer Engelhardt and Matthew Schneider assisted IK Investment with obtaining committed bridge financing and the subsequent take-out via a €350m notes issuance in connection with its acquisition of Renta Group Oy. The highly regarded Francesco Lione handled a £475m offering for Zenith; and Scott Colwell handled STADA’s €1.38bn exchange offer on behalf of dealer managers. ‘The individuals are always available almost at any time, and come back quickly with professional answers to any question’, remarks one client.

Industry focus > TMT Tier 1

Latham & Watkins delivers expertise across complex transactions involving contractual issues, regulatory matters, data protection, privacy and litigation support. Global chair Gail Crawford advises on compliance and regulatory matters. He co-heads the team with Andrew Moyle who is experienced in handling high-value contracts and transactions. Christian McDermott has particular expertise in matters relating to NFTs and digital assets while Fiona Maclean advises on the regulatory implications of specific data-centric tech.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Infrastructure: M&A and acquisition financing Tier 1

Latham & Watkins fields a team of ‘infrastructure specialists’ possessing an ‘incredibly impressive breadth of experience across all major financings.’ The firm has a deep bench of transaction finance practitioners who can competently advise on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and co-investments, as well as advising funds and strategics on financing a range of infrastructure and energy deals.  The firm regularly advises leading PE investors through financing and refinancing infrastructure deals. Team head Conrad Andersen draws praise from clients as one of the most experienced figures in the infrastructure space, offering advice to lenders on complex infrastructure financing deals. Seonaid Todisco specialises in all aspects of infrastructure and energy acquisitions and financings across core and hybrid infrastructure . Co-practice head Simon Tysoe is an established M&A practitioner, with particular strength in oil & gas and energy, while corporate and PE partner Beatrice Lo is well regarded for her work in the energy transition sphere.  Rebecca Crowley is also praised by clients as being one of the ‘best in the business’ for acquisition finance expertise.  Well-regarded infrastructure M&A partner Brendan Moylan left for Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP in March 2023.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas Tier 1

Latham & Watkins‘ large-scale energy and infrastructure practice group is well-experienced throughout the oil and gas sectors, drawing on the firm’s global reach to act on multi-jurisdictional mandates with a particular emphasis on African and Middle Eastern markets. Core pillars of the multidisciplinary practice include M&A, leveraged buy-outs, project finance, litigation, environment and sanctions. Experienced practitioner Simon Tysoe leads the group, with his practice emphasising cross-border work including oil and gas M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, and project development.  Sam Newhouse is a go-to name for high-value public and private M&A transactions and joint ventures. Finance partner Craig Nethercott left for Clifford Chance in autumn 2023.

Real estate > Environment Tier 1

The team at Latham & Watkins is experienced advising its broad array of clients, including governments, companies, shareholders, and investors, on significant ESG matters, in particular. The team advises on the financial as well as the wider implications of implementing necessary changes therein and its work often international in scope, spanning numerous jurisdictions. Notably, it assists such key clients as Microsoft and American Airlines on potential their investments in new technologies and initiatives, with a view to offsetting their carbon usage. A key area of focus for the team has been advising on legislative initiatives such as the EU Green Deal and the EU’s Sustainable Finance Action Plan. ‘Thought-leader’ Paul Davies is at the helm of the team. Davies is supported by specialist counsel Michael Green, who ably advises namely corporate bodies on ESG and sustainability best practices, as well as providing more general strategic and contentious advice in these areas.

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

Praised for handling complex mandates ‘at the intersection of technology and regulation’, Latham & Watkins advises across the fintech spectrum, with market infrastructure, blockchain, consumer credit and insurtech among the group’s key areas of strength. The London-based Andrew Moyle, global co-chair of the firm’s fintech industry group, is equipped to handle complex cross-border technology deals for clients from a wide variety of sectors. Stuart Davis leads the London fintech team and is praised for combining ‘deep technical expertise’ with commercial sensibilities.  Payments and crypto specialist Christian McDermott is noted for his focus on the monetisation of assets via NFTs. Sam Maxson is particularly strong in the field of cryptoassets, while financial regulation expert Gabriel Lakeman is a key contact for banks, insurers and investment companies. Brett Carr‘s diverse practice extends to advising central banks on fintech regulatory regimes.

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

The data and technology transactions practice at Latham & Watkins delivers specialist advice to companies on all stages of their lifecycle covering contractual issues, outsourcing, procurement, data protection and privacy. The team, which is experienced in disruptive technologies and issues pertaining to IP and licensing, is jointly led by data privacy and security expert Gail Crawford and Andrew Moyle, who stands out for his expertise in outsourcing and fintech matters. Fiona Maclean handles the regulatory implications of data-centric technologies, while transactional lawyer Christian McDermott has been at the forefront of developments surrounding NFTs and digital assets. Elva Cullen, who focuses on IP-related matters and online platforms regulatory issues, is another key contact in the group.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 2

Latham & Watkins stands out for its capability in large-scale financial services-related transactions, with demonstrable experience advising on matters concerning ESG, consumer credit, conduct and culture, market abuse and SMCR, among others. Nicola Higgs leads the team and acts for global investment entities on the sale of derivative products, while Rob Moulton is noted for his expertise in European regulatory developments, such as MiFID and MAR. Other key contacts in the team include counsel Becky Critchley, who focuses on consumer protection, structured finance transactions and benchmark regulation, and associate Anne Mainwaring, who advises on UK and EU regulatory developments related to ESG. David Berman left in autumn 2023 to spearhead Covington's London financial services practice.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ Tier 2

The ‘high-quality and responsive’ corporate and M&A team at Latham & Watkins offers a complete and ‘excellent and attentive service’ to companies and financial sponsors, covering corporate transactional and advisory matters. In the past year, the practice has advised on an impressive array of combinations, joint ventures, sales, restructurings and carve outs, and takeovers including the £4.25 billion acquisition of Chelsea Football Club and the $10.5 billion acquisition by Adani Group of two of India’s leading cement companies. Known for its strong credentials in multiple sectors including technology, pharmaceutical and healthcare and leisure and hospitality, the team is increasingly acting in regulated public deals as well as listing rule deals. Co-heading the London practice is Richard Butterwick , who offers his expertise in Takeover Code law and cross-border M&A work, assisting LSE listed companies, and technology, ESM and life sciences specialist Farah O'Brien, who acts for corporates, growth investors, sponsors and portfolio companies. Corporate finance and M&A lawyer Douglas Abernethy has recently led on public takeovers and take private transactions, also offering a sophisticated understanding of the UK takeover regulatory environment. Assisting global companies on a range of M&A, corporate advisory and governance work is Ed Barnett, while Nick Cline engages in UK and international cross-border M&A and acts as counsel on many boards. Vice Chair of the firm’s global healthcare and life sciences practice, Robbie McLaren, also has experience in the technology industry, handling acquisitions, capital raises, asset swaps and carve outs. Acting in the UK, US and emerging markets such as India and Africa, Sam Newhouse, regularly assists a range of clients including multinational companies, financial investors and financial institutions on public and private M&A, reorganisations, divestments and joint ventures. The team is to be strengthened further by the addition of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP capital markets partner Mark Austin.

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 2

Leveraging 'excellent market understanding and a great grasp of market developments', as well as being able to tap into a huge European and US network of offices, and full-service expertise across many complementary practice areas, including capital markets, Latham & Watkins provides 'highly commercial advice' on the company side, as well as for investor clients. The team is particularly adept at advising on complex and sophisticated transactions, with a degree of flexibility and insight into what is market in Europe and the US, which is, according to one client: 'particularly useful in the current challenging climate'.  'Incredibly responsive and engaged, whilst at the same time remaining commercial and clear on the bigger picture', Shing Lo has a richly deserved market-leading reputation and 'makes incredibly complex and stressful transactions much easier'. Lo co-heads the emerging companies team alongside Mike Turner and Robbie McLaren , who are also industry stalwarts and adept at guiding companies from their seed financing through to late stage financing, IPO and beyond. The team has also developed a strong roster of 'responsive and reliable associates', including Samantha Peacock, who displays a 'great attention to detail' and Samantha Si , who has a   'good commercial understanding'.   

Dispute resolution > Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 2

At Latham & Watkins, the banking litigation practice frequently defends leading financial institutions in shareholder class actions and collective claims under s90 and s90 FSMA, as well as claims related to fraud and misrepresentation. The group, led by Andrea Monks, represents clients in complex, cross-jurisdictional disputes, as well as a range of domestic matters in the Supreme Court. Global vice chair of the practice Martin Davies is a key partner in the team, acting for claimants and defendants in collective actions work in the country. Nell Perks has a practice advising clients across the spectrum of financial services litigation, including complex and structured products disputes. Oliver Middleton is also recommended at partner level. At associate level, Alex Cox frequently represents banks in large-scale investigations.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 2

'With great knowledge of international arbitration law', Latham & Watkins' London practice consistently acts for states, governments, oil majors and financial institutions in heavyweight, business-critical claims. The group is particularly well known for oil and gas industry disputes involving joint ventures, post-M&A conflicts, and complex oil and gas installations. It additionally represents investors and respondent states in investment arbitrations. Philip Clifford KC has 'deep knowledge of the law and international arbitration practice'; and Sophie Lamb KC assists corporate, financial and sovereign entities with complex international disputes. Also integral to the team, Charles Claypoole is an investment treaty arbitration specialist; Oliver Browne's practice incorporates arbitration-related litigation; and Robert Price focuses on commercial and investment treaty arbitration. Samuel Pape was raised to partner in November 2022, while Charles Rae, Isuru Devendra, Stephanie Forrest and Rebecca Angelini are active associates. Former partner Sebastian Seelmann-Eggebert joined international dispute resolution boutique HANEFELD in April 2023.

Dispute resolution > Public international law Tier 2

'Without doubt one of the top firms for PIL work', Latham & Watkins houses specialists in international boundary law disputes, investment treaty law, and international trade (including WTO law). Other areas of expertise include international trade sanctions, sovereign immunity, and international humanitarian law. The London office also has a strong market reputation for investment arbitrations. PIL team leader Charles Claypoole 'lives and breathes public international law'; Sophie Lamb KC regularly acts in investment treaty disputes; Robert Price's wide-ranging practice incorporates international trade issues, in addition to investment treaty arbitrations; and Samuel Pape represents companies and sovereigns in high-value disputes. At associate level, Thomas Lane advises on international trade sanctions and export controls, while Isuru Devendra acts in investor-state matters. Former partner Sebastian Seelmann-Eggebert joined international dispute resolution boutique HANEFELD in April 2023.

Finance > Debt capital markets Tier 2

In London, Latham & Watkins provides a powerful combination of US law expertise and deep experience in emerging markets debt, sovereign issuance, liability management and debt restructuring, sustainable finance, and private placements. The firm has 'great knowledge and experience across the board' and clients note that 'the general level of the partners and associates is top-level'. Practice head David Stewart focuses predominantly on debt offerings by businesses and industries operating in the emerging markets including CEE, MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa. He has extensive experience in US securities law and disclosure matters.  Stewart and Vladimir Mikhailovsky, who has extensive knowledge of international regulatory regimes, assisted JP Morgan Chase as lead managers with the combined issuance of $485.5m by JSC Silknet, the telecommunications operator in Georgia. Up-and-coming partner Manoj Tulsiani and the 'exceptional' Jennifer Engelhardt led a team that assisted Swedish private equity firm EQT Partners with the issuance of a total of €1.5bn in sustainability-linked notes as part of the financing for its merger with Baring Private Equity Asia.

Finance > Securitisation Tier 2

Latham & Watkins has a broad-ranging structured finance practice that encompasses the full range of securitisation transactions and which is seen as taking an increasingly prominent role at the top end of the market. Sanjev Warna-Kula-Suriya, who leads the global structured finance and securitisation practice, is a key adviser to private equity sponsors, hedge funds, commercial and investment banks, and corporates on a broad range of innovative capital raising and investment transactions, including CMBS deals and CLOs. Jeremiah Wagner is widely recognised as one of the market's leading practitioners, and he represents sponsors, originators, issuers, lenders, underwriters, and arrangers in deals backed by residential mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans, credit card receivables, small and big ticket equipment leases, auto loans and leases, dealer floorplan loans, insurance products, and more. He recently worked with Thomas Cochran to assist Barclays Bank as arranger of an innovative £794m deal backed by Supplier of Last Resort receivables originated by EDF and Octopus Energy. Stephen Curtis specialises in structured debt and securitisation financings across all major asset classes, including infrastructure, regulated utilities, commercial real estate, and operating assets. Alex Martin's recent work includes a €337m in CLO issuance by Carlyle, which included new ESG-screening features.

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

Latham & Watkins provides 'experience across all sub sectors, with great industry knowledge', boasting an ability to be at 'the cutting edge of financing technology'. Trusted by some of the industry's largest players, the firm has a clear command of the entire financing and development piece for major projects, including advising Saudi Aramco on its carbon capture infrastructure in the Middle East, as well as counselling international executive bodies on a variety of energy builds - such as green hydrogen and ammonia. Industry veteran Conrad Andersen heads the practice and, although his practice is largely concentrated on debt and acquisition financing, is able to lend expert counsel across the full gamut of financing issues. Tom Bartlett is a go-to for energy developments, with a strong focus on North Africa and the Middle East, while Clement N Fondufe oversees the financings of a number of large-scale projects across Africa. JP Sweny and David J. Ziyambi also come recommended for their project finance and project development proficiency.  

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 2

Latham & Watkins has an active privacy and cyber practice that runs the gamut of contentious and non-contentious data work, including compliance, regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters. The team leverages the firm’s international network and cross-departmental tech expertise to provide a full-service data protection and cybersecurity offering, acting for a range of companies, including start-ups and global technology corporations. Practice head Gail Crawford is recommended for her expertise in global data privacy compliance issues, while Ian Felstead takes point on data-related litigation and regulatory disputes, both in the UK and globally. Other key names include Fiona Maclean and James Lloyd, whose practices focus on regulatory investigations and enforcement. The team is supported by a strong group of associates and counsel, including counsel Danielle van der Merwe, senior associate Calum Docherty, and associate Hayley Pizzey.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media: Film & TV Tier 2

Renowned practitioner Lisbeth Savill is co-chair of Latham & Watkins' entertainment, sports and media industry group, which handles an array of work in the film and television space, encompassing major commercial and corporate transactions, disputes and IP issues. Savill and the team are a regular port of call for producers and distributors (including major studios), broadcasters, platforms and digital-first companies, financiers and investment funds. Other recommended individuals include Patrick Mitchell, an expert on sponsorship and media rights arrangements, and counsel Rachael Astin, a go-to in transactional and regulatory matters with a focus on digital media and content distribution.

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

Lisbeth Savill heads up Latham & Watkins entertainment, sports and media team and is an expert in media finance; her work in this space includes the creation and financing of audio-visual content, licensing and other exploitation arrangements, funds and co-financing arrangements, as well as commercial advice on the financing of entertainment and media companies. Patrick Mitchell is a regular fixture on premium commercial transactions, while Farah O’Brien specialises in cross-border private M&A deals. Clients include film and television producers and distributors (including major studios), broadcasters, platforms and digital-first companies, financiers (debt and equity) and investment funds.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate tax Tier 3

Latham & Watkins advises premier multinational clients on the full range of corporate tax matters, and is noted for its strength in working across jurisdictions. The department is jointly led by M&A and private equity expert Sean Finn, structured finance and real estate specialist Karl Mah, and Helen Lethaby, who is highly experienced in advising on transactional matters for corporates, financial investors and asset managers. Counsel James Leslie is a key contact for equity capital markets transactions.

Corporate and commercial > EU and competition Tier 3

Leveraging its extensive global network, the competition team at Latham & Watkins earns high praise from clients for its ‘proactive approach’. Boasting a formidable team of partners and associates, the practice is adeptly positioned to assist on both contentious and non-contentious matters. In recent months, the team has advised on a host of big-ticket multi-jurisdictional mergers and has showcased its expertise before the European Commission and CMA on a series of in-depth Phase II investigations. The team is jointly steered by Jonathan Parker and David Little; Parker has an impressive track record working on high-profile and complex matters, and Little is lauded for his ‘enormous depth of regulatory experience’. The firm’s competition offering has been bolstered by the hire of merger control expert Simon Pritchard, who joined from Linklaters LLP.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious Tier 3

The broad practice at Latham & Watkins spans investigations, senior management responsibility, market abuse and financial crime. The firm’s global reach ensures that cross-border mandates are a regular part of the workload, with the firm leveraging its knowledge of regulators and law enforcement agencies in key financial centres to handle complex matters which cover multiple jurisdictions. Andrea Monks is the key name to note at leadership level. In team news, Nell Perks was promoted to partner in January 2023, while former practice co-head Jon Holland retired in March 2023.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: premium Tier 3

Described by one client as a ‘top outfit for international commercial litigation’, Latham & Watkins is frequently handling ‘bet the company’ disputes regarding ownership and viability of several companies. The practice notably represents Meta in a number of complex, cross-jurisdictional investigations, related to data protection, competition, and consumer laws, showcasing the strength of the team in data privacy and cybersecurity issues. Head of the team Martin Davies is ‘not only one of the very best competition litigators in the market, but also one of the very nicest’. At associate level, ‘great to work with’ Hayley Pizzey is noted.

Dispute resolution > Competition litigation Tier 3

The team at Latham & Watkins regularly appears before the CMA and the CAT, and represents clients in antitrust investigations and group actions. ‘Enthusiastic and experienced litigator‘ Martin Davies leads the team, having longstanding expertise in acting for private equity firms, high-net worth individuals, and portfolio companies in both collective and class actions, supported by Oliver Browne who has broad experience in handling follow-on damages claims. Promoted to partner in January 2023, Greg Bonné is noted for his knowledge of obtaining antitrust clearance in transactions, in addition to merger investigations. ‘Standout competition lawyer' Simon Pritchard joined the team from Linklaters LLP in March 2023, contributing his vast expertise in merger control matters within the life sciences, financial services, and entertainment sectors.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 3

The ‘super smart’ team at Latham & Watkins is geared to advise on a broad range of employee share scheme and incentives matters on IPOs,  acquisitions and public company takeovers. The firm also stands out for its US listing expertise and wide-ranging incentives work with emerging companies. Sarah Gadd leads the practice and is well placed to advise on executive renumeration mandates. Kendall Burnett has broad expertise in cross-border M&A.

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

Finance heavyweight Latham & Watkins has the strength-in-depth to handle a tremendous volume and range of work for a fairly balanced lender and borrower client base. Outside of its core leveraged expertise, the team also regularly handles large corporate-led M&A financing mandates, with Jayanthi Sadanandan  handling a series of sizeable deals involving publicly-listed companies. The vastly experienced Stephen Kensell also remains very active in the space and regularly advises banks providing the financing to facilitate investment grade M&A, IPO-related finance and for working capital facilities.

Finance > Derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Latham & Watkins climbs the ranking due its continuing role in complex and bespoke transactions, particularly in the strategic equity space. The firm also stands out for its work on credit derivatives in corporate debt restructurings and M&A transactions. It advises clients, among them some the world’s largest investment banks, on the full range of OTC and exchange-traded derivatives, and regulatory matters, as well as complex investigations and litigation matters involving derivatives. Jeremy Green, who handles corporate equity derivatives and structured equity financing, and Dean Naumowicz, who works on credit, equity, and commodity transactions, are the key practitioners. Naumowicz, who is ‘one of the best lawyers, spot on, technically excellent, able to exactly understand clients’ needs‘, acted for EIG, a leading institutional investor to the global energy and infrastructure sectors, on hedging and finance arrangements for its definitive agreement to acquire a 25% stake in Repsol Upstream, a newly-formed global exploration and production company.

Insurance > Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 3

Latham & Watkins works on some of the most complex and high-profile deals in the insurance market, advising on M&A, private equity, capital raisings, and pension de-risking. The firm also has developing capabilities in a number of emerging sectors, including insurtech, pension superfunds, and insurance regulation. Victoria Sander leads the practice, specialising in insurance transactional mandates such as M&A, reinsurance, and distribution agreements. She draws upon the wider corporate transactional strengths of the team, working alongside Kem Ihenacho, Neil Campbell, Mike Turner, Shing Lo, and Beatrice Lo with their experience in cross-border M&A and private equity transactions.

Investment fund formation and management > Private funds Tier 3

Latham & Watkins is recommended for fund formation, JVs & strategic partnerships, secondaries and investor representation, acting for a host of high-profile international clients. The practice notably includes tech sector funds specialist James McCrory, and Nick Benson, who has experience across the buyout, venture, technology, infrastructure, and credit spaces. Counsel Clare Scott is also highly recommended, offering particular expertise in sovereign wealth funds and green and climate investment funds. Mateja Maher and Adrian Grocock joined the team from Sidley Austin LLP in July 2023.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 3

Latham & Watkins‘ practice is led by Jeremy Trinder, who is an expert in commercial mortgage loan transactions, including the servicing and restructuring of mortgage debt. With a balanced equity and debt practice, Quentin Gwyer handles acquisitions, and sale and leaseback transactions across Europe, particularly on portfolio acquisitions and data centres, and acting for sponsors and lenders on the origination of loans. Counsel James Beeson concentrates on cross-border acquisition and development financings.

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

Counting publicly listed companies, global investment firms, and foreign governments amongst its key clients, the ‘very pragmatic’ team at Latham & Watkins is highly regarded for its handling of multi-jurisdictional investigations involving broad corruption issues. The practice has developed strong relationships with domestic and international enforcement agencies, ranging from the SFO and FCA to the US DOJ, with co-head Nathan Seltzer regularly representing recognisable brands in the US and globally in high-stakes proceedings. Fellow co-head Stuart Alford KC, is an expert on financial crime and regulatory matters, whilst Clare Nida focuses on allegations of anti-bribery and corruption laws.

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

Steered by Patrick Mitchell - regarded as a ‘leading lawyer for international sport and media deals’ - Latham & Watkins regularly advises on sponsorship, media rights and commercial deals involving football clubs, social media companies, broadcasters, as well as a number of high-value sponsors. The team, which includes vice-chair of the global M&A practice Edward Barnett and corporate practitioners Sam Newhouse and Farah O’Brien, is also known for its work on investments and M&A deals in the industry, regularly working with internationally renowned football clubs and rugby teams. Counsel Rachael Astin is a key figure for competition hosting arrangements and media rights acquisitions. Stewart Robinson is also recommended.

Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare Tier 4

Led by Robbie McLaren, the team at Latham & Watkins is noted for its ‘great sector knowledge‘ and strength in handling the full spectrum of corporate matters, including IPOs, licensing transactions, and financing issues. McLaren primarily handles cross-border M&A, in addition to venture and growth capital investments. Senior associate Oliver Mobasser primarily focuses on assisting biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical companies with strategic transactions and divestments.

Investment fund formation and management > Fund finance Tier 4

The cross-departmental fund finance team at Latham & Watkins, described by one client as the ‘preeminent lender counsel,’ is well versed to advise on the structuring and drafting of NAV facilities and credit funds, capital call financings and hybrid facilities. The team is jointly headed by Jeremiah Wagner, who specialises in advising banks on NAV facilities and credit funds in the European market, offering ‘strong technical expertise,’ and ‘standout lawyer’ Alex Martin, who advises fund sponsors and credit funds on NAV-based facilities and asset-backed lending arrangements, from regulatory matters to the structuring of transactions. Noted by the market, ‘rigorous and clever’ senior associate Daniel Marcus is ‘responsive, has excellent experience and is always on top of his brief’, and is heavily involved in managing fund financing transactions involving banks and lending funds across various asset classes.

Investment fund formation and management > Real estate funds Tier 4

Featuring both James McCrory and Nick Benson, the funds team at Latham & Watkins advises high-profile clients on fund formations, joint ventures and strategic partnerships, acting for investors in relation to their investments into private funds. Counsel Clare Scott is a key name to note for global fundraising, capital deployment, operational matters and secondary transactions.

Germany > Information technology > Data protection

Latham & Watkins LLP's data protection practice is among the top German players for data privacy litigation, which the team routinely demonstrates in major disputes as well as fines and civil proceedings, including GDPR fines, before the ECJ. Tim Wybitul is a key contact here, he is among Germany's leading data protection experts. Further focus areas include the advice on transactions, financing and IPOs as well as the support to companies in connection with possible data breaches and subsequent official proceedings. The practice routinely cooperates with locations in the US, the United Kingdom, France, Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea, thereby covering cross-border matters. This expertise is a strength of Ulrich Wuermeling, who advises on European, English and German data protection law.

United States > Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate

Latham & Watkins LLP’s broad and multidisciplinary restructuring and special situations practice has a well-established reputation for its senior secured lending expertise as well as significant debtor- and creditor-side experience. With extensive experience representing creditor groups and investors in relation to in- and out-of-court restructurings, George Davis in New York is global chair of the group, with vice chair Jeff Bjork based in Los Angeles. The practice has been involved in several recent high-profile mass tort bankruptcies, with Davis having led teams representing major biopharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in connection with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy involving several billion dollars of asserted tort, regulatory, and antitrust liabilities, a case which also saw a key role for New York-based Anupama Yerramalli. Notably, Keith Simon in New York has recently led a team representing Citi, as agent and subrogated lender, in connection with the chapter 11 reorganization of cosmetics company Revlon, and specifically its $500 million mistaken payment. Caroline Reckler in Chicago also stands out for her bankruptcy litigation work.

India > Foreign firms

With notable expertise in handling transactions covered by US and English law, the India practice at Latham & Watkins LLP acts for local, regional, and international clients on the full range of high-value capital markets, M&A, private equity, and finance matters. Leveraged financing transactions are a key focus for the team, as are public offerings and foreign investments. Rajiv Gupta heads the team from Singapore and is a seasoned commercial transactions, spin-offs, and joint ventures expert. Another key name on the corporate side is Sidharth Bhasin, also in Singapore, as well as London-based Sam Newhouse, global vice chair of the firm’s M&A practice.

Latin America: International firms > International arbitration

Latham & Watkins LLP continues to impress the market with its notable experience in representing both Latin American states and private parties in investment treaty arbitrations; this includes a series of cases for the Republic of Colombia involving ICSID arbitrations brought by claimants relating to legislative, administrative and judicial measures introduced by the government – particularly as regards environmental and community matters. The firm is also noted for commercial arbitrations and enforcement proceedings with Paris-based global co-chair of the international arbitration practice, Fernando Mantilla-Serrano, who ‘stands out for his quick grasp of the essence of the matters’ and has long been a senior name in the region, leading on the vast majority of the firm’s Latin America cases. The hire of John V H Pierce as global co-head of the arbitration practice -from WilmerHale– in mid-2022, gives the practice considerable additional heft; and while not solely focused on the region, he does handle Latin America-related mandates. Pierce is based in New York, as is dual qualified (Colombia/New York) counsel Santiago Bejarano (‘always up-to-speed on the advice and willing to answer questions’) who is a key team member on many of the practice’s Latin America arbitration engagements; as is London-based Samuel Pape, who was elected to the partnership in January 2023. Paris associates Esperanza Barrón-Baratech (a Spanish national), Hugo Varenne and Diego Romero (who is qualified in Colombia, New York and Paris) are also key members of the team. Eugenie Caroit moved to Campos Mello Advogados in cooperation with DLA Piper as Of Counsel in mid-2023.

United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending)

Fielding a dedicated UAE team that works with a host of financial institutions, Latham & Watkins LLP demonstrates wide-ranging capabilities pertaining to the financing of brownfield and greenfield developments, fund acquisitions, and a variety of restructurings. Islamic financing continues to be a cornerstone of the practice; the team regularly advises on first-of-its-kind deals across the region, including corporate restructurings and digital infrastructure matters. Practice head Christian Adams is noted for his proficiency in cross-border transactions, especially in the real estate, hospitality and infrastructure sectors. Chirag Sanghrajka  has a strong track record of working with both public and private sector clients on a broad array of financing mandates, with notable experience counselling on project bonds and Islamic financing.