Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
6 CHEAPSIDE
LONDON
EC2V 6AF
England

Corporate and commercial > Venture capital Tier 1

Best-known for its investee offering but increasingly active for funds throughout the investment life cycle, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP provides ‘supremely knowledgeable and commercial’ advice and an ‘updated view on what is “market”‘, by dint of the sheer volume of transactions handled by the practice in the technology sector. Drawing upon the expertise of several US-qualified lawyers in its London office, as well as benefiting from a market-leading Silicon Valley offering in the US, the team has ‘a unique perspective in understanding US investor needs’ on their inbound investments and is also well-placed to represent investee companies seeking to scale up and to access the US capital markets as an exit strategy. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Jamie Moore excels in handing cross-border mandates for investors and high growth technology companies, and has ‘a unique ability to translate UK concepts for US investors’. Drawing upon strong connections within the venture capital ecosystem, including with venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry experts, Ylan Steiner remains pivotal to the firm’s increasingly well-established investor offering and ‘is well-versed in areas such as fundraising for companies at all stages’. A ‘very reassuring’ presence on deals, ‘given his market knowledge and reputation’, Jamie Moore combines deep sector knowledge in disruptive technologies, including fintech and AI, with a highly commercial mindset on transactional work, ensuring that he is a popular choice for investees in the space throughout the investment life cycle. Senior associate Christopher Perryis able to clearly explain concepts/changes and proposed amendments in an effort to keep things moving’, and is gaining market recognition among technology and life sciences companies, as well as those investing in them. Christopher Grew heads the team.

Practice head(s):

Chris Grew

Other key lawyers:

Ylan Steiner; Jamie Moore; Shawn Atkinson; Stephen Tallon; Christopher Perry

Testimonials

Very knowledgeable and smart – their experience shines through in all our conversations, and they balance protecting our interests with being “market” and pragmatic.’

The practice has a unique perspective in understanding US investor needs and what’s most important in the UK/European market.’ 

Given the velocity of deals, has an updated view on “market” which can help streamline the back and forth.’

‘Brilliant commercial knowledge and quick execution.’

Ylan Steiner is a standout venture lawyer who possesses deep understanding of the startup ecosystem. With extensive knowledge of the unique legal challenges faced by startups, Ylan is well-versed in areas such as fundraising for companies at all stages.’

Shawn Atkinson is a pleasure to work with – he is extremely knowledgeable, fast and easy to communicate with.’

‘Shawn Atkinson: Responsiveness is incredible. Has a unique ability to translate UK concepts for US investors and why/why not it matters…or what we should care about most.’

Jamie Moore is very reassuring given his market knowledge and reputation.’

Key clients

9fin

Butternut Box

Secondmind Limited

BMW I Ventures

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

Lilium

Vitruvian Partners

Graphcore

Kinnevik

Darsana Capital Partners

Oxx Ltd.

Vostok Emerging Finance

ABN AMRO Digital Impact Fund

Atomico Management Ltd.

WealthKernel

Amadeus Capital Partners

EQT Ventures

Goodwater Capital

Coatue Management

Griffin Financial

Signal Media Ltd

Connexin

Scooch

Systemiq Capital

EDF Pulse Holding

Spill App

C-Capture Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised GIC and Princeville Capital on their investments in EcoVadis’ €500m funding round and GIC on its investment in the $120m Series C financing of Factorial.
  • Advised Onto, an electric car subscription platform intended to offer ownership of electric vehicles without having to purchase them, on its $60m Series C financing.
  • Advised Foodics, a cloud-based technology and payments platform for restaurants in the MENA region, on its $170m Series C funding round – the largest SaaS Series C round in the MENA region.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 2

The ‘well-organised team of great listeners’ at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP has a strong reputation for its abilities advising on the full scope of power matters of significant complexity and consistently high-value and international in scope. Its areas of focus include advising on the acquisition, disposal and restructuring of assets related to key renewable energy projects, namely offshore windfarms, as well as advising on solar PV and battery storage projects. Wind energy work is an area of specialism for Ravinder Sandhu. The team is also well-equipped to assist its impressive client portfolio in financings and corporate PPAs; financing is a particular area of expertise for Adam Smith, who is noted as being ‘practical and easy to work with’. Simon Alsey‘s area of expertise is in M&A, development and commercial contract work in the energy sector. The team is led by Evan Stergoulis.

Practice head(s):

Evan Stergoulis

Other key lawyers:

Simon Alsey; Adam Smith; Oliver Sikora; Ravinder Sandhu; Rebecca Downes; Rebecca Grevitt; April Lord

Testimonials

‘An extremely agile and responsive team with strong and granular renewable energy project finance experience.’

‘We are very satisfied and impressed by the work performed by Adam Smith, Oliver Sikora and Evan Stergoulis. They are a well-organised team of great listeners.’

‘Adam Smith is very responsive and has excellent product expertise.’

‘Adam Smith is a partner with the expertise to interpret and resolve disputes among counterparties.’

‘Simon Alsey and Evan Stergoulis are very experienced in the renewables space. Legal advice the provide always includes commercial and tactical support aspects of a situation.’

‘Adam Smith is practical and easy to work with – he is able to explain legal concepts and how to appropriately allocate risks between parties and has good legal market knowledge. Associates Rebecca Downes and April Lord are both quick, accurate and very capable of stepping in.’

‘Ravinder Sandhu has extensive experience in the OFTO transaction sphere. She is not only legal, but very commercially astute and provides a fantastic sparring platform. She is very trusted by us and we would highly recommend her.’

‘Simon Alsey is a very strong contact with who we are confident to immediately discuss certain topics and workstreams as they arise. Rebecca Grevitt’s experience and knowledge is strong and we very much trust and value her input to our transactions.’

Key clients

Aker

Atradius (The Netherland’s Export Credit Agency)

AXA

BlackRock Renewable Power Group

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Corio

Credit Agricole

CTBC

EDF

Eksfin

Engie

Equinor

Glennmont Partners

ING

JERA

Macquarie

Microsoft Corporation

Mizuho

MUFG

NextEnergy Solar Fund

Octopus Energy

Ørsted

OX2

PKA AIP Direct II K/S

RockRose Energy plc

Santander

SMBC

SSE

Sustainable Development Capital

Taiwan Cooperative Bank

Total

TSK

UK Export Finance

Vedera Partners

Vinci

Work highlights

  • Advising Ørsted A/S, AXA Real Estate Investment Managers S.A and Crédit Agricole Assurances through their joint venture vehicles on the disposal of the Hornsea Two offshore wind farm transmission assets.
  • Advised the lenders and hedge providers on the approximately $1.6bn project financing of the 298MW Zhong Neng offshore wind farm.
  • Advised OX2 on the sale of a 49% stake in three offshore wind projects in Sweden to Ingka Investments.

Corporate and commercial > M&A: Lower Mid-Market Deals, £100m-£750m Tier 3

Working with several leading companies and investors and widely lauded for its experience in cross-border technology M&A transactions across the UK, Europe and the US, the highly praised team of lawyers at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP is ‘incredibly knowledgeable, diligent and personable’ and always willing to ‘go the extra mile.’  The ‘outstanding’ Shawn Atkinson leads the team. Noted as ‘second to none’ and for her ‘attitude, demeanour and pragmatism,’ Katie Cotton - a specialist in the technology, energy and infrastructure sectors - regularly assists corporates and investors on an array of transactions. The ‘excellent’ James Connor regularly handles public company takeovers and private M&A, while Daniel Wayte has a breadth of experience in private equity transactions as well as M&A, joint ventures and corporate governance work. Other key lawyers include Katrina Walsingham and Charles Sheldon.

Practice head(s):

Shawn Atkinson

Testimonials

‘Orrick has handled multiple deals for us. What clearly differentiates this team from others is the collaboration within the firm and across different countries, the people, who are clearly competent, good with reacting to issues and time management, and their ability to apply international standards.’

‘The team are precise, competent and have the ability to understand the negotiation context and proceed with good negotiation techniques to achieve good results.’

‘A combination of deep market knowledge and experience, phenomenal client service and support and a willingness to always go the extra mile when required. I have worked with Katie Cotton for the last 11 years, sometimes through challenging times and I cannot fault her attitude, demeanour and pragmatism. She is one of the few people in this world that whom I trust completely.’

‘The Orrick team is very reputable and experienced in their field. They give prompt replies. Orrick’s team always acts fast and provides to-the-point detailed advice. Their UK/US footprint helps us with our international queries.’

‘An incredibly knowledgeable, diligent and personable team that are straight talking and great to have in your corner. Shawn Atkinson is simply outstanding. Katie Cotton is also good.’

‘Excellent and collaborative team with particular strength in technology sector transactions. They are very good at providing a seamless service on cross border transactions and take care to understand their client’s business needs and objectives. We have worked with James Connor. He is highly impressive with intellectual flair, excellent communication and dedication in taking transactions through to closing.’

‘Orrick provides a unique service compared to other law firms with detailed and fast replies when we require the assistance. They are both excellent at sell and buy side on M&A work. James Connor and Emma Cameron were both excellent on leading M&A projects and they are capable to lead a couple of projects at same time.’

‘This is a team of very strong negotiators with excellent client management. Katie Cotton, Kirsty Hart and Shaun Malone are second to none. They are absolutely great.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO Ventures (client since 2015)

Aptean, Inc. (global client since 2015)

Busuu Online SL (client since 2021)

Cuckoo Internet Ltd (client since 2021)

Finimize (client since 2021)

Gates Industrial Corporation plc (client since 2018)

Goldman Sachs

Greycroft Partners LLC (client since 2011)

Hadi Games (client since 2022)

Information Grid Ltd. (client since 2022)

Invisio AB (client since 2020)

Keyless Technologies Ltd

Kinnevik (client since 2018)

Kognitiv Corporation (client since 2021)

Lilium GmbH (client since 2019)

Magic Games (client since 2022)

Motork plc (client since 2022)

Pancreta Bank S.A. (client since 2022)

Phrasee Limited (client since 2021)

Property Partner (client since 2017)

Re:infer (client since 2015)

VEF (GREY: VKEMF) (client since 2015)

Vero Labs (client since 2022)

VNV Global (client since 2015)

Work highlights

  • Advised Re:Infer, a United Kingdom based communications intelligence platform, in its acquisition by UiPath, a New York based company that provides an end-to-end automation platform that offers a range of robotic process automation solutions.
  • Advised Phrasee Limited, a London based developer of a natural language generation system designed to generate optimised marketing copy, in its acquisition by Capital D Management LLP, a private equity firm based in London.
  • Advised Vitruvian, a UK private equity fund on its acquisition via a traditional private equity buyout structure of Twinkl Limited and related companies from their founders Jon and Susie Seaton.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 3

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP 'has the resources to conduct heavy litigation effectively'. The London disputes group routinely acts in high-stakes matters involving the finance, technology and innovation, and energy and infrastructure sectors. London practice leader Simon Willis is a commercial disputes specialist, who is 'exceptionally good at managing cases and advising on strategy'; and Mark Beeley predominantly focuses on international arbitration, yet also maintains a significant cross-border disputes practice in the English courts. The next line of key practitioners includes commercial litigation partners Amanda VossAdam Rizzo and recently-promoted Sarah Stockley, as well as experienced senior associate  Marcus Holmstroem.

Practice head(s):

Simon Willis

Testimonials

‘Orrick’s lawyers provide an unusually thorough service and have enviable legal expertise.’

‘Simon Willis is an exceptional partner. He has a fantastic understanding of the law and is exceptionally good at managing cases and advising on strategy.’

‘Simon Willis is an experienced litigator who conducts cases calmly, methodically and very effectively.’

‘Simon Willis has a wealth of experience and expertise, especially in relation to issues of company law and shareholder litigation.’

‘Simon Willis and Amanda Voss make a formidable team.’

‘This is a large firm, which as a result has the resources to conduct heavy litigation effectively.’

Key clients

Connexin

Ernst & Young

Global Processing Services (UK)

KPMG

MetalNRG

Optimares

Petroserv Marine

Sunset Financials

Work highlights

  • Acting for KPMG in relation to the insolvency of Carillion, which collapsed in January 2018 and entered into liquidation with debts of £1.5bn.
  • Acting for Ernst & Young in a claim by HMRC for alleged misrepresentations made, which was in relation to a settlement agreement entered into within the framework of HMRC’s Employee Benefit Trust Settlement Opportunity.
  • Representing listed company Metal NRG in relation to a web of of interrelated claims against a former director, who engaged in self-interested dealing.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 4

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP acts for a diverse range of clients in the tech, gaming, and entertainment industries, handling high-profile data breaches, regulatory investigations, and cyber and data protection-related litigation matters. Kelly Hagedorn now leads the team after former practice head Keily Blair left for an in-house position in April 2022. Hagerdorn has extensive enforcement background and handles compliance risk and data protection regulatory matters for multinational clients. On the cybersecurity front, ‘super knowledgeableCameron Carr is recommended for his expertise across cyber incident response and risk management.

Practice head(s):

Kelly Hagedorn

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Availability, empathy, kindness and professionalism.’

‘Exceptionally talented lawyers!’

‘Cameron Carr really understands the commercial side of a breach. He’s super knowledgeable and really comes across like a business partner to his clients.’

Key clients

Baidu, Inc

Deltek, Inc.

Dream Games

Fenix International Limited (d/b/a OnlyFans)

Juniper Networks

Legends International, LLC

Louis Dreyfus Company

NerdWallet, Inc

Nina Lakhani

Technologies of Voice Interface Limited

W. W. Grainger, Inc

Workday, Inc.

Xiaomi

Zynga, Inc

Work highlights

  • Advised Deltek with its privacy and cyber security programme including dealing with specific queries surrounding direct marketing, compliance with PECR, international data transfers, intra-group data sharing arrangements, implementation of standard contractual clauses and cyber security preparedness.
  • Advising Fenix International Limited (OnlyFans) on an ongoing basis in connection with all UK regulatory and compliance matters, including those related to online safety, anti money laundering, financial regulatory matters, and organisational strategy for compliance with UK, EU and US consumer and privacy laws.
  • Advised Legends International, LLC on its data use and data protection strategy, as well as on data collection and sharing in connection with key strategic transactions.

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

Practice strengths at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP include domestic and cross-border payments, EMI applications, and regulated transactions. Dan Jones, who joined the firm in November 2022 from Baker Botts (UK) LLP, replaced Jacqui Hatfield  as head of the London practice following her retirement in January 2023. Jones is especially well placed to advise on EMI applications. Marco Boldini, who splits his time between Orrick’s Milan and London offices, has regulatory experience encompassing PSD2, AIFMD and Brexit-related topics, while Guy Stevenson frequently advises on the sale of financial services products through applications. Rebecca James is another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Dan Jones

Testimonials

‘Strong expertise in the team in fintech related laws and regulations.’

‘A pragmatic approach and coherent yet eloquent solution for our specific request was provided by Guy Stevenson.’

Key clients

Adiona Technologies Limited

BlueSnap Inc

CashDash

Demonstrable Labs

Floww (Fomtech Limited)

Glorious Digital Limited

Griffin Financial Technology Limited

Jacobi Asset Management Limited

Koia Global Limited

Ledgercomm Ltd.

Lunu

MFS Africa

Nayms

Onto

Payler

Plim

PNC Bank

Pollen

PurpleDot

Rally Ventures Management, LLC

Splyt

Terra Payments Services (TerraPay)

TheBuildingBlocks

True Potential

Wirex

Ziglu

Work highlights

  • Advised Wirex as lead counsel, providing advice on both payments and crypto regulations.
  • Advised Ziglu as their lead regulatory counsel on the application of UK payment regulations on their business structure, capital requirements, and financial crime controls.
  • Advising Griffin on regulatory issues connected with establishing a UK bank.

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

The ‘collaborative’ team at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP stands out for its transatlantic payments offering, with additional experience advising on the financial services regulatory aspects of IPOs, asset purchases and sale purchases. Following the retirement of Jacqui Hatfield, Dan Jones, who joined from Baker Botts (UK) LLP in September 2022, leads the team and focuses on large-scale payments and fintech projects. Managing associate Rebecca James is another key contact in the team.

Practice head(s):

Dan Jones

Other key lawyers:

Rebecca James; Guy Stevenson

Testimonials

‘The Orrick team works to know our business and to think creatively to offer advice that furthers our business goals. It is a collaborative relationship that is aligned with the business’s mission.’

‘They have a detailed practical knowledge and anticipate well in advance the opinion to be taken by regulators on the products and services and what kind of questions can be expected.’

‘Guy Stevenson provided a pragmatic approach and coherent yet eloquent solution for our specific request.’

Key clients

Adiona Technologies Limited

BlueSnap Inc

CashDash

Demonstrable Labs

Floww (Fomtech Limited0

Glorious Digital Limited (client since February 2022)

Griffin Financial Technology Limited

Jacobi Asset Management Limited

Koia Global Limited (client since 2021)

Ledgercomm Ltd.

Lunu

MFS Africa

Nayms

Onto

Payler

Plim

PNC Bank

Pollen

PurpleDot

Rally Ventures Management, LLC

Splyt

Terra Payments Services (TerraPay)

TheBuildingBlocks

True Potential

Wirex

Ziglu

Work highlights

  • Acting for Wirex on both payments and crypto regulations, such as advising on the application of UK payments law to its innovative new payment and lending products involving crypto assets.
  • Advised Ziglu as lead regulatory counsel on the application UK payment regulations on its business structure, capital requirements, and financial crime controls.
  • Advising Griffin on regulatory issues connected with establishing a UK bank.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 5

Delivering 'specialist arbitration knowledge for international cases', Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP‘s London practice is particularly active in disputes involving technology, finance, and energy and infrastructure. A 'market leader for high-value, complex disputes, Mark Beeley is an energy sector arbitration expert, while recently-promoted partner Sarah Stockley acts in a broad range of both commercial and treaty arbitrations, especially in relation to India and the UAE.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

Orrick is highly successful at taking a joined-up approach between departments and offices. As a result, clients always feel that Orrick’s advice is tailored specifically to the needs of the companies represented.’

‘Consistently impresses with the responsiveness and availability of all the individuals that act.’

‘Despite competing client commitments, travel arrangements and time differences, clients are always able to get quick and clear responses to instructions. The teamwork that goes on behind the scenes is impressive.’

‘Mark Beeley is a market leader for high-value, complex disputes in the energy sector. He is commercially astute and a keen strategist.’

‘Mark Beeley is a leading figure in the field – someone other experienced practitioners go to for advice. He understands the arbitration process and knows all the main arbitrators. He is a problem solver, who takes on difficult cases and finds a way to get to a result.’

‘The advice from Mark Beeley and Sarah Stockley is pragmatic and commercially focused.’

‘Orrick’s energy litigation team is hugely experienced and very capable.’

‘Specialist arbitration knowledge for international cases, especially with an energy or oil and gas content.’

Key clients

ExxonMobil

TSK

Oryx

DNO ASA

Capricorn Energy

Marubeni

Louis Dreyfus Company

Tecnicas Reunidas

Khaitan Holding (Mauritius)

BB Energy

Work highlights

  • Representing KHML in its long-running, $1bn bilateral investment treaty claim against India, arising out of India’s cancellation of its 2G Mobile telephone provider licences.
  • Continuing to represent joint venture parties in their 14-year dispute with the Government of India over the allocation of profits from the Ravva oil and gas field (offshore India).
  • Successfully defending a longstanding client in a $2.7bn arbitration relating to the construction of an infrastructure project.

Employment > Employee share schemes Tier 5

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP's team provides 'highly relevant and timely' share schemes and incentives advice on a range of UK, European and US transactions, in addition to assisting private and public companies with the structuring and implementation of equity incentive arrangements. Practice head Anna Humphrey regularly advises clients from the technology and life sciences sectors.

Practice head(s):

Anna Humphrey

Other key lawyers:

David Walder

Testimonials

‘Highly relevant and timely advice. Personable.’

‘Responsive and they understand our needs.’

‘A competent and helpful team that maintains its flexibility despite the law firm’s size.’

‘David Walder is a top performer, eager to help with any issues practically anytime.’

‘Anna Humphrey is the experienced leader behind the team, ready to step in anytime, even when a very hands-on approach is needed.’

Key clients

Conjecture

Dream Games

EVRYTHNG

Fidel

Foodics

Let’s Do This

National World

Onto

Outverse Limited

Phrasee Limited

Re:infer

Rossum Ltd

Scoro Software

Shipamax

Sonantic

Uberall

Unbiased EC1

Wirex

Ziglu

Work highlights

  • Advised Sonantic Limited on the employee share scheme aspects of its acquisition by Spotify, a Stockholm based music streaming service provider.
  • Advised Ziglu Limited, on the employee share scheme aspects of the company’s acquisition by Robinhood.
  • Advised Re:Infer on the employee share scheme aspects of the company’s acquisition by UiPath.

Employment > Employers Tier 7

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP advises on the employment aspects of transactions, particularly in the online technology and sciences sectors. Nicola Whiteley, who focuses on strategic advice, TUPE issues, team moves and restructuring exercises, leads the team. She is supported by associates Emma Zarb and Charlotte Oliver.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Whiteley

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A great team very tech and founder focused, down to earth and extremely knowledgeable, led by the fantastic Nicola Whitely’

‘Nicola Whitely is tenacious, commercial and utterly down to earth.’

‘Orrick are highly responsive, practical, and provide pragmatic advice in my view.’

‘We have a strong relationship with Orrick globally. I appreciate the value the firm puts on treating our company as one global client as opposed to handling each matter in each geography entirely independently.’

‘Nicola Whiteley’s expertise, demeanour and especially her practical and patient advice has helped us navigate some difficult and complicated issues. I very much appreciate Nicola’s approach and ability to fully understand our goals and how to achieve them.’

‘It is the pragmatic and business focus approach that sets Nicola Whiteley and her team apart from other legal teams I have worked with. Their ability to work quickly with creative and innovative solutions to solve critical business problems makes them an invaluable extension of the business’.

The global network gives you confidence to be able to deal with matters wherever they come up.’

‘I have had the benefit of working with Nicola Whitely in the past. It is her approach and style that had me connect my current company to work with Nicola and Orrick’s when I joined this year. She is always pragmatic with a clear business eye which makes her an invaluable trusted business partner.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO

ADM Investor Services International

Aptean, Inc.

Cambridge Glycoscience

Cisco International

Conjecture

GFT Financial Ltd

Graphcore

Hudson RPO Limited

Instil Bio, Inc

Kognitiv Corporation

Lilium GmbH

Mashreqbank

NVIDIA

One Media IP Group plc

Ørsted Onshore A/S

RingCentral

Sabre Corporation

SEB

Shopify

Trident Energy

Underdog Sports LLC

Workday Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised Ford Next, LLC, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) on employment law aspects related to the creation of Canopy, a joint venture with ADT Inc.
  • Advised Sonantic Limited on employment law aspects of its acquisition by Spotify.
  • Advised Shipamax on employment law aspects of its acquisition by WiseTech Global.

Projects, energy and natural resources > Oil and gas