Corporate and commercial: Nottingham and Derby Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's Nottingham team regularly acts for clients in private equity and capital markets transactions, in addition to M&A and other corporate deals. Jon Cox-Brown specialises in advising financial services companies on major acquisitions and disposals. In one such recent matter, he advised Pembroke Investments Limited on its sale to Prepaid Financial Services for £281m. Ian Moore undertakes a mix of domestic and cross-border M&A, as well as private equity transactions, and has particular expertise in the technology sector. Matthew Hussey, Tom Goff and Elizabeth Blackwell are also recommended.

Employment Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has an excellent employment law team in Nottingham, which frequently handles cross-border work and represents clients at the Employment Tribunal. The group acts for clients operating in sectors such as finance, education, energy and retail; key clients include WeWork, Capital One, De Montfort University. Mark Fletcher, who leads the Nottingham employment team, specialises in TUPE, outsourcings and reorganisations. Audrey Elliott in Birmingham leads the national immigration team.

Employment

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1

With particular expertise in the retail, energy, construction and financial services sectors, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's Nottingham team predominantly advises liquidators and administrators engaged in insolvency proceedings in the UK and overseas. The group also assists distressed companies with restructuring and refinancing procedures. Mark Wood remains very active in contentious and non-contentious insolvency and restructuring cases, where he tends to advise large creditors and accountancy firms. Ian Gill specialises in insolvency litigation. Principal associate Douglas Highet is also recommended.

Intellectual property Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a full-service specialist IP practice and the firm's offering is enhanced by its international reach. The team has a strong reputation for its contentious practice, where it advises clients on issues relating to patents, trade marks and copyrights. The team demonstrates strong expertise in domain name disputes, licensing matters, and company names tribunal disputes. Practice head Rupert Bent has an extensive background in litigation, with a strong track record in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Commercial litigation: Nottingham and Derby Tier 2

With sector specialisms including technology, transport and energy, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts for large international and national companies in high-value disputes, which often span multiple jurisdictions. 'Pragmatic and sensible' Nottingham-partner Louise Howarth handles high stakes regulatory disputes in the energy sector, which includes advising clients on public law judicial review challenges. Howarth is part of a larger Midlands team, which includes Birmingham-based partners Adam Fisher and Rich Lloyd. Partner Steve Dunseath left the firm in May 2019 to join Trowers & Hamlins LLP.

Private finance initiative (PFI) Tier 2

Leveraging its international reach, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP assists clients with major national and cross-border PFI and PPI projects, with a primary focus on energy and infrastructure. Names to note in Nottingham include principal associate William Spickett, who has over a decade of experience advising clients on transport and energy projects throughout the UK and overseas, such as working with the DfT on rail franchise issues and its recent franchise competition in the East Midlands.  Principal associate Mike Turner advises large corporates on global PPP and infrastructure projects.

Public sector Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts for a broad range of clients in the education sector, including higher and further education institutions, schools, academies and private education institutions. Noted for its national reach, the team offers clients a full range of services, including employment, student matters, health and safety, and regulatory issues. The main contact in Nottingham is Nicola Bennison, who co-heads the practice with Manchester-based partner Diane Gilhooley, and is known for her expertise in contentious employment work.

Banking and finance Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises on a range of financing matters, encompassing loan facilities, leveraged finance work and investment-grade lending matters for national clearing banks. The team also advises high-profile corporates and challenger banks in Yorkshire, and also leads on complex national and cross-border transactions for borrowers and lenders. Practice head Kathryn Walters is an established expert in asset-based financings, notably structured invoice discounting, while Paul Castle specialises in education finance work acting for banks, universities and other education providers. David Parry works closely with the firm's national banking clients.

Banking and finance Tier 1

Led by the 'very well respected' Joanne Canning, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's banking team advises a lender-focused client base across a range of financing mandates, including for corporate lending, acquisition, education and real estate purposes. Strong clearing bank ties and relationships with many challenger and local banks, combined with the ability to leverage the resources and know-how of practitioners throughout the UK, ensures that the team regularly handles work both locally and further afield. Associate Melissa Hellio is also recommended.

Banking and finance Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's position as a market-leader for banking and finance is reflected by its prominence in large and complex transactions, where it acts for private equity houses, banks and corporate clients. Practice head Patrick Davis is particularly active in leveraged finance and corporate lending transactions. In 2019, he acted for Viva Gym (backed by Bridges Fund Management) on the finance aspects of its bolt-on cross-border acquisition of Duet Fit. Ben Tumelty made partner in May 2020. Senior associate Kate Clarke leads the real estate finance practice in the Midlands.

Banking litigation Tier 1

Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1

The Cambridge office of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP houses significant expertise in key areas of law and plays a central role in the firm-wide charities practice. The firm acts for numerous entities in the education, research, health, regeneration, mental health and grant-giving sectors. Its work encompasses advice on governance, powers of trustees, trading subsidiaries, services agreements, employment law, compliance and contentious matters. Glynne Stanfield, who also works in the London office, handles complex charity and governance issues, joint ventures and mergers. Legal director Stephen O’Reilly and corporate education senior associate Martyn Robinson are also recommended.

Commercial litigation Tier 1

Commercial litigation: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's commercial dispute resolution practice is a strong choice for litigation and international arbitration. The group has an established reputation in product liability claims, public procurement disputes, public inquiries and regulatory investigations (particularly in the telecoms and energy sectors) and is growing its competition disputes expertise. Gary Pellow counts the logistics, energy, aerospace and defense industries among his sector specialisms and leads the practice alongside TMT sector expert James Hyde and Richard Matthews, who has notable product liability and contentious procurement expertise. Mark Howarth and principal associate Deborah Polden are names to note for energy sector and general commercial disputes respectively.

Commercial litigation: Manchester Tier 1

The commercial dispute resolution team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts for a combination of local, national and international corporates in a range of disputes, and counts the transport, sport, diversified industrial and e-commerce industries among its sector specialisms. Michael Clavell-Bate and Matthew Taylor jointly lead the team; both specialise in reputation management disputes. Other names of note include principal associates Phil Duignan, who focuses on procurement disputes; and Thomas Whitfield, who has been active in defending clients in SFO proceedings.

Commercial property Tier 1

Commercial property: Birmingham Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's distinguished practice continues to be at the forefront of the real estate sector, working on big-ticket developments in the region including the development, funding and sale of the Exchange Square 1000 unit PRS scheme in Masshouse, and the delivery of Paradise Circus LP.  Core members of the team include head of commercial development David Jones; Gurjit Atwal, who is a commercial development and investment specialist; Iftkhar Ahmed and Philip Medford, who leads on residential development work.

Commercial property: Cambridge Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a full-service real estate offering in Cambridge and it acts for national and international clients in high-value and strategically important local, regional, London-based and international matters. Key partner Clare Whitaker focuses on investment and occupier work with particular expertise in the hotels, leisure and education sectors. Among the recommended principal associates are Jamie Cawthorn for residential and mixed-use development work for national homebuilders and land promoters; and Geoff Street for acquisitions and disposals, infrastructure and redevelopment work, notably in the transport sector. Senior associate Megan D’Souza-Mathew stands out for development work in the private and public sectors. Dominic Morris moved to Gowling WLG in London.

Commercial property: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 1

Construction Tier 1

Led by Rob McNabb and Alison Short, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's three-partner team is best-known for its non-contentious construction expertise on the development of big-ticket domestic and international energy and infrastructure projects. McNabb has an excellent track record advising on the construction aspects of international renewables projects, often partnering up with practitioners from across the firm's network of offices. Short excels at handling the contractual aspects of construction and engineering projects throughout the UK, particularly on behalf of utilities companies. The team was also recently strengthened by the relocation of clean energy construction expert Richard Streeter, from the firm's London office.

Construction Tier 1

Corporate and commercial Tier 1

With two partners based out of Cardiff and also able to draw upon expertise from across the firm's UK and international network, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP excels at handling upper/mid-market M&A transactions, often without a Welsh nexus. Leveraging the firm's overarching subject matter industry expertise, the team is particularly focused on handling corporate/private equity transactions within the energy and financial services sectors. Paul Pugh excels at handling fintech M&A transactions and heads the overarching corporate team that also houses Michelle T Davies, whose combination of corporate nous and regulatory expertise has enabled her to develop a strong offering across the lifecycle of deals within the clean energy sector (including on acquisitions and exit strategies).

Corporate and commercial: Birmingham Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a strong profile among domestic and international clients, for whom it acts on their most complex mid-cap and large-cap transactions. Led by Mark Beardmore, the team undertakes a mix of private equity, M&A and equity capital markets work. Beardmore and Nigel Cooke were among the advisers to the shareholders of ALE Holdings Limited on the proposed disposal of the company to its main competitor Mammoet Holdings BV. Catherine Eley, Steven Hacking and Theresa-Marie Stodell are also recommended.

Corporate and commercial: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP fields a large team of experts, which advises on all avenues of corporate and commercial activity in the local, national and international markets. Practice head Robin Skelton has a strong private equity focus, while Alison Starr is a go-to name for equity capital markets takeovers and the associated corporate governance issues. As part of the firm’s sector-focused strategy, Amanda Partland specialises in deals in the food and drink sector, while David Milne handles M&A for premier names in the consumer sector. Principal associate Jonathan Pollard is also singled out. Further transactional highlights include advising clients in the engineering, financial services and animal feed sectors. On complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions, clients can take advantage of the firm's customisable DealMaster project management tool.

Corporate and commercial: Manchester Tier 1

Michael Birchall heads the practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP following his high-profile arrival from Addleshaw Goddard in late 2019; he arrives with extensive experience of advising both public and private companies on acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations and financing projects. Daniel Hall is a star name for public bids and fundraisings, while Alistair Cree focuses on M&A work in the aerospace, defence and indirect real estate sectors. Tom Bridgford handles commercial contracts and outsourcing, while legal director Jamie Partridge is recommended for corporate finance with Elizabeth Tindall actively working on private equity, an area of particular focus for the team. The team is routinely engaged for multi-jurisdictional matters and also counts real estate and chemicals among its core industries of expertise.

Debt recovery Tier 1

Using the lower regional cost base as a competitive advantage, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's two-partner Cardiff team is a "centre of excellence" for the firm's UK and Ireland-based debt recovery offering, and provides a cost-effective service to clients across the gamut of secured and unsecured debt collection. As well as its work for large corporate clients, including several utilities companies, the firm excels at advising financial services institutions on debt recovery matters; where it is able to draw upon the complementary regulatory expertise pivotal to work in the space. Nick Rundle leads the secured recoveries sub-group and has an excellent reputation in relation to mortgage-related work; as a function of his work he regularly assists the firm's London and Leeds-based restructuring teams on the repossession aspects of receivership matters. Made up to partner at the beginning of May 2020, Gareth Vowles is also a pivotal member of the team, particularly in light of his broader financial services regulatory expertise (including consumer credit-related issues).

Education Tier 1

The education team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides advice to schools, academy trusts, FE colleges, HE institutions and private education institutions. Areas of expertise include employment, charity law, litigation and dispute management, real estate, corporate and commercial, health and safety and regulatory advice. Diane Gilhooley heads the firm’s education group from the Manchester office, and is particularly known for her work in employment, governance and litigation. Siân Jones-Davies  is recommended for contentious and non-contentious student-related issues. Robert Gray was promoted to partner in May 2020 and has experience in higher and further education employment law.

Education Tier 1

Education: institutions Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is widely considered the market leader in the higher education field, with practice head Diane Gilhooley being singled out by one client for her 'unrivalled sector experience'. The team has a full-service offering for institutional clients; it advises on employment law, domestic and cross-border student matters, real estate and regulatory advice. Chris Mordue handles employment law issues for universities, and is also experienced in complex disputes. The group's international teams have a presence in the Asian and Middle Eastern markets, catering to clients seeking to establish operations abroad; Glynne Stanfield, who specialises in education sector mergers, is a key contact. Ben Wood is recommended for contentious employment matters.

Employment Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is one of the pre-eminent firms in the West Midlands that handles complex employment matters for a variety of high-profile clients including a number of FTSE 100 companies and a variety of public sector organisations. It does a lot of day-to-day tribunal work for a host of listed companies and also continues to provide employment advice for its strong US client base. David Beswick has extensive experience of acting for employers in employment tribunal litigation and Nick Jew also has considerable experience of employment tribunal matters as well as High Court litigation. Audrey Elliott leads the Birmingham office employment team and has a particular specialism in acting for companies across the energy and utilities sectors. Hannah Wilkins aids clients in the IT sector with international and cross-border issues.

Employment Tier 1

With four partners based out of Cardiff and also able to tap into the firm's broader UK and international resources, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has the strength-in-depth to handle a tremendous range of contentious and non-contentious work for major corporates, many of which are multinational and based outside of Wales. Team head Anthony Rees has a particular focus on contentious matters and regularly represents respondents in employment tribunal litigation, often handling the advocacy himself. Thomas Player  has a particular specialism in international labour law, including on cross-border restructuring and Works Council-related work. Although much of the work is based outside of the country, in the education sector the firm handles a range of employment  work for Wales-based universities and further education entities.

Employment Tier 1

The Cambridge office of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is part of a global network offering employment law services, which sees the practice handle high-value national and cross-border work. It handles the full range of advisory work, as well as complex Employment Tribunal litigation. Simon Tytherleigh leads the firm's human resources practice group in Cambridge, which comprises four partners. Elizabeth Graves acts predominantly for clients in the life sciences, technology and financial services sectors. Matthew Kelly is a leading adviser to clients in the education sector. Constanze Moorhouse, who is dual-qualified in England and Germany, leads the firm's international employment counsel team. Senior associate Rachel Bennett acts for the firm's key pharmaceutical, transport and water clients. Principal associate Sasha Willmott is also recommended.

Employment Tier 1

At Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP the team provides strategic HR advice to a wide variety of public sector clients in the local government, policing, education, and health industries, both regionally and nationally, as well as assisting commercial clients. The team is headed by equal pay and gender pay expert Shirley Hall, and also fields principal associate Jessie Uppal, who focuses on immigration. Other key names at the practice include principal associate Suzanne Caveney and senior associate David Williams, who specialise in providing pensions and financial services advice, respectively.

Employment Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP handles a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious employment matters, with particular expertise in sectors such as education, food and retail, aerospace and defence, nuclear, utilities, chemicals and healthcare. Headed by Michael Thompson, the department’s areas of strength include High Court litigation, TUPE, the employment aspects of M&A, restrictive covenant disputes, discrimination, and Employment Tribunal cases and appeals. The practice has seen an increase in work relating to immigration, GDPR and equal pay matters. Diane Gilhooley, the firm's global head of HR and pensions, is another key member of the team.

Employment: Leeds and West Yorkshire; North Yorkshire Tier 1

The employment practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP fields an extensive team comprised of experts in the full range of contentious and non-contentious issues. Practice head Paul Cotton is a go-to figure for corporate TUPE engagements, multijurisdictional reorganisations and senior executive terminations. Simon Rice-Birchall leads on National Minimum Wage investigations, while Christopher Mordue has a focus on strategic employment issues in the education sector, and Louise Lightfoot is an expert in business immigration and outsourcing matters. The team also regularly represents employers in whistleblowing claims concerning workplace harassment and misconduct.

EU and competition Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's competition, EU and trade practice excels in complex merger control applications including Phase 2 inquiries. Recent stand-out matters include handling high-value public takeovers for corporate clients in the food and drink, retail and recycling fields. The team is also instructed by numerous utilities companies to provide strategic competition advice; practice head Kate Newman regularly handles critical abuse of dominance investigations by Ofwat.

Fintech Tier 1

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises banks and financial services companies engaged in the fintech sector on cloud projects, blockchain and cryptocurrency developments, data protection matters, M&A, investments, regulatory enforcement and disputes. Matthew Gough has a wealth of experience in fintech-related commercial arrangements, including supply and purchase agreements, and IT and outsourcing agreements. Simon Gamlin has expertise in outsourcing projects and tech transactions, while Craig Rogers often advises financial institutions on joint ventures and collaborative projects established to develop new fintech products, including blockchain trading platforms. Senior associate James Burnie advises financial institutions on all aspects of EU and UK financial regulation, including MiFID II and the FCA Handbook. Fintech regulation specialist Andrew Henderson left for Macfarlanes LLP in January 2020.

Employment: Hull and East Yorkshire

Employment: Sheffield and South Yorkshire

Education: individuals

Employment

Transport

Health and safety Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP handles regulatory defence work for clients in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, energy, leisure and education. Areas of expertise include manslaughter offences (including corporate manslaughter), criminal and regulatory investigations, inquests, fire safety offences and Office of Rail and Road investigations.  Tim Hill has extensive experience with energy, chemical and high risk manufacturing clients; he jointly heads the team with Kevin Elliott, who provides strategic advice and developed the firm's Compliance Review product. The department offers a growing proactive consultancy service, which includes policy development, behavioural review and general compliance appraisal. Principal associate Amy Sadro and senior associate Sarah Valentine are also recommended.

Health and safety Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a proven track record of representing large global and national clients on all aspects of major prosecutions and investigations. The team is also well thought of for its consultancy advice to clients on the development of policies and in assisting with behavioural reviews. In addition the group is active in conducting general appraisals. Nationally Kevin Elliott specialises in representing both individuals and organisations following workplace fatalities and serious incidents.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's market-leading credentials are evidenced by its heavy involvement in high-profile domestic and cross-border assignments. Co-led by Andrew Jordan and Jenna Poulton, the Birmingham team is active in matters spanning a wide range of sectors, such as retail, automotive, energy, life sciences and financial services. Jordan, Poulton and others are advising FRP Advisory on the administration of Shaylor Construction. Another notable individual is principal associate Anne-Louise Lawrence, who has significant real estate restructuring and insolvency experience.

IT and telecoms Tier 1

Led by the 'excellent' Matthew Gough, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a strong reputation advising customers and suppliers on IT commercial contracts relating to software development, cloud and outsourcing. Both Gough and Eve England  are well-versed in consumer law and this underpins much of the work handled by the team, particularly in light of the increasing use of online sales channels. Combining the firm's expertise within the financial services sector - including in relation to regulatory matters - with its overarching TMT prowess, the team has a particular niche handling IT-related work for financial services companies, including on software licensing issues, e-commerce and outsourcing projects.

VAT and indirect tax

M&A: lower mid-market deals, £50m-£500m Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's M&A practice is particularly experienced across the financial services, energy, infrastructure, real estate and TMT sectors. The firm's broad practice spread means it can call on lawyers working in antitrust, tax and finance to assist on transactions domestically and internationally. Cross-border work is a large part of the group's work and it recently launched DealMaster, an intelligent digital knowledge and project management tool for cross border transactions. Robin Johnson jointly co-chairs the cross-border M&A team, working across 30 jurisdictions. The private equity practice sits within the wider corporate group, advising more than 25 private equity houses, and is an area in which Richard Moulton, who co-heads the global corporate and M&A practice, is particularly experienced. Chris Halliday is another name to note and is particularly experienced in the insurance market, advising warranty and indemnity underwriters.

Pensions Tier 1

Acting on its own and alongside lawyers throughout the firm's broad UK-wide and international network of offices, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's 'responsive, experienced and well-connected' team advises a varied mix of trustees, employers and providers. Team head Stuart Earle  has 'impressive industry knowledge', which he puts to good use across a range of work in the space, particularly as it relates to issues in regulated sectors, including electricity, water and nuclear. Ian Davies is the other partner within the six-strong team that also includes senior associate Collette Davies, who has developed a particularly strong reputation among education clients and on pensions-related matters within the public sector.

Pensions Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has one of the largest pensions teams in the Midlands. The practice advises the trustees of many of the Midlands’ most prominent pension schemes as well as many local employers on their pension obligations. The first-rate team also advises a number of Midlands-based LGPS pension funds in addition to many well-known clients that are based further afield. Names to note include Liz Fallon who is responsible for the pensions team internationally. Gary Delderfield heads the national public sector pensions offering and Emma King leads the Midlands pensions team. Sarah Franklin is adept at advising trustees and scheme sponsors on all aspects of their occupational pension schemes. Principal associate Gavin Paul has significant experience of advising trustees and sponsoring employers operating in the private sector on the full range of pension issues.

Pensions Tier 1

Clients of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s Leeds pensions practice benefit from the broad talents of co-heads Richard Shelton and Anthea Whitton. The team advises on major pension schemes for clients in the defence, telecoms, higher education and financial services sectors, handling bulk transfers, asset-backed funding arrangements, GMP equalisation, scheme mergers, wind-ups and corporate due diligence. Whitton is retained by £1bn-plus master trusts for the full scope of administrative, regulatory and strategic investment advice; associate Gemma Hanley is another key member of the team, with extensive expertise in buyouts, corporate restructurings and funding strategy for clients in the utilities sector.

Pensions Tier 1

The Manchester team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has an enviable track record in the pensions space, advising on defined benefit consolidations, master trusts and cross-border scheme mergers. De-risking deals, debt and liability management, scheme funding solutions, and scheme closures are other areas of expertise. Ele Lovering heads the team, which also includes Charmian Johnson, who specialises in international work and advising employers and trustees on compromise deals with the Pension Protection Fund and the Pensions Regulator. Simon Daniel, Jon Walters, legal director Sarah Lown and principal associate Amanda Small are other names to note.

Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 1

Francois Barker and Jeremy Goodwin lead the pensions practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, with Barker heading up the overall team and Goodwin leading in London. Providing clients with assistance at the cutting-edge of industry developments, it has particular expertise in DB consolidation, master trusts and cross-border mergers. The team has recently been advising the Tesco Pension Scheme on groundbreaking new structures to make independent financial advisers available to advise scheme members. In addition, the team has assisted with the sector implications of global restructuring as well as concerns surrounding major de-risking deals. Mark Latimour leads the pensions investment practice while Sarah Swift, recognised for her 'depth of understanding', coordinates relations with multibillion-pound DC schemes. For disputes, Claire Carroll steers clients through professional negligence claims (representing both trustees and employers), rectification proceedings and various technical aspects of ombudsman complaints. In recent years, the firm has been acting for the Trustee of the Airways Pensions Scheme (a British Airways pension scheme) against the high-profile claim brought by BA.

Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 1

Francois Barker and Jeremy Goodwin lead the pensions practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, with Barker heading up the overall team and Goodwin leading in London. Providing clients with assistance at the cutting-edge of industry developments, it has particular expertise in DB consolidation, master trusts and cross-border mergers. The team has recently been advising the Tesco Pension Scheme on groundbreaking new structures to make independent financial advisers available to advise scheme members. In addition, the team has assisted with the sector implications of global restructuring as well as concerns surrounding major de-risking deals. Mark Latimour leads the pensions investment practice while Sarah Swift, recognised for her 'depth of understanding', coordinates relations with multibillion-pound DC schemes. For disputes, Claire Carroll steers clients through professional negligence claims (representing both trustees and employers), rectification proceedings and various technical aspects of ombudsman complaints. In recent years, the firm has been acting for the Trustee of the Airways Pensions Scheme (a British Airways pension scheme) against the high-profile claim brought by BA.

Personal injury and clinical negligence: defendant Tier 1

Planning and environment Tier 1

Led by principal associate Kee Evans, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's 'practical and proactive' Cardiff team handles matters on its own - as well as alongside other practitioners from throughout the firm's UK-wide network of offices - on behalf of private sector entities seeking planning and environmental advice, including as it relates to compulsory purchase matters and contaminated land issues. The team also handles a significant amount of planning work for the firm's transportation and energy clients, including involvement at a policy level regarding planning issues to facilitate potential future renewables projects in Wales.

Planning and environment Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's planning practice acts on residential schemes, regeneration and CPO-based schemes. Team head Richard Lloyd possesses a wide range of experience, particularly in relation to regeneration schemes involving compulsory purchases. Michelle Moss is noted for her expertise in CPO compensation matters. On the environment side, group head Jane Southworth has two decades of experience, notably in relation to the chemicals sector. She is particularly knowledgeable about plastic packaging and waste. Principal associate Catherine Manning acts on non-contentious environmental matters. Senior associate Fiona Barker advises on the planning aspects of infrastructure projects.

Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts on a significant volume of mid-market transactions for an extensive client list that includes a number of major buyout houses. The team benefits from offices across the UK and the firm's global platform, enabling it to act on both regional domestic deals and cross-border buyouts, exits, and investments. Areas of expertise include education, technology, financial services, and renewable energy. The team is led by James Trevis, who is highly active in transactions, advising a number of the firm's key relationship clients. Richard Moulton heads up the firm's international corporate team and advises on cross-border transactions. The firm's regional strength is reflected in the contributions of newly-promoted partner Lizzy Tindall in the Manchester office, and Louise Finnie, who acts prolifically for funds and management teams in both London and Birmingham.

Professional negligence Tier 1

Now solely headed by Nick Rundle, following former co-head Anthony Davies' move to the firm's consultancy arm, Konexo, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP represents financial institution clients (including traditional and challenger banks) in professional negligence claims, arising primarily from secured commercial and residential lending. As well as expertise across core professional negligence issues, the team also has broader financial services litigation knowledge, enabling it to advise on related fraud matters, title rectification and enforcement of directors' guarantees. At associate level, Wayne Davies has developed a particular specialism handling commercial professional negligence cases and claims arising from large portfolios. As well as representing lenders in professional negligence disputes, both in relation to retail and commercial lending, associate James Coleman also has experience advising commercial and investment banks as defendants in regulatory investigations.

Property litigation Tier 1

As one of the Midlands' pre-eminent practices, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP fields a highly respected team of litigators who represent leading landlords and commercial developers, retailers and banks in complex High Court cases and arbitration proceedings. The practice undertakes the full span of litigation including nuisance claims, dilapidations and development disputes, with a particularly strong focus on energy, utilities and agricultural work. Paul Moorcroft acts as head of the firm’s consumer sector group, and is accompanied by Lisa Barge and David Feist, who lead the international and Birmingham real estate disputes teams, respectfully. Principal associates Arren Thornton and Rob Holloway are also highly recommended.

Property litigation Tier 1

Led by Kathryn Cook, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's seven-strong team provides 'direct and effective advice' across a range of strategic risk management and contentious matters, for corporates, developers and public sector entities. As well as cultivating its own work, the team also forms a vital part of the firm's UK-wide offering servicing the strategic needs of institutional infrastructure and transport clients (including Thames Water Utilities and The Forestry Commission) in relation to their extensive property portfolios. The team also excels at handling property-related matters in the financial services space, including for SIPP providers.

Property litigation Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP significantly increased its bench strength in the telecoms sector, where it predominantly acts for landowners, by hiring Thekla Fellas from Fladgate LLP in March 2019. Its team's many areas of experience include rent review disputes and development-related rights of light instructions, both of which are regularly handled by team head Will Densham. In addition, the practice is strong in service charge disputes, vacant possession cases, lease disputes and dilapidations. Tenant insolvency matters are also another area of activity. Clients of the firm include institutional investors, such as pension funds and banks, and property developers. Stuart Wortley has a niche capability in obtaining injunctions to protect high-profile properties against the risk of trespass by urban explorers.

Property litigation Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP represents a high-profile client roster including retailers, investors, rail operators and energy suppliers, in high-value and business critical proceedings. Key areas of industry focus for the group include the transport, education, telecoms and retails sectors. Practice head Damian Hyndman specialises in telecoms and service disputes, while Alison Oldfield handles reputationally-sensitive litigation and corporate campaigns; and Andrew Todd represents developers and landlords in development and high-value transactional disputes. Senior associate Charlotte Miller takes the lead on portfolio management issues for institutional landlords, and also acts in education sector disputes.

Property litigation Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP handles property litigation for clients across a broad range of sectors, including telecoms, financial services, chemicals and transport, covering matters relating to lease renewals, dilapidations and insolvency. David McGuirk leads the team; he has expertise in acting on disputes arising out of residential and commercial property development. James Batham is active on landlord and tenant disputes while senior associate Alex Wright has a record of work on development and investment disputes.

Public sector Tier 1

The Cambridge office of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP plays a central role in the firm's national education sector group. It is a leading adviser to schools, academies, FE and HE colleges, and  private education institutions on employment, student matters, charity law, litigation, real estate, corporate and commercial, intellectual property, health and safety, constitutional issues and regulatory matters. Glynne Stanfield is head of international education and corporate governance. Clare Whitaker leads on property matters in the education sector, Matthew Kelly on employment law and Jon Baskerville on corporate transactions. Legal director Stephen O’Reilly and senior associate Martyn Robinson stand out for governance and compliance matters.

Rail Tier 1

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has particularly strengths in rail concessions, franchises, infrastructure projects, and rolling stock, as well as disputes, real estate, and planning and finance matters in the rail sector. The firm is a tier 1 member of the UK Government's Crown Commercial Services rail panel, and recent work highlights have included advising the Department for Transport on the acquisition of 40 class 365 units. During 2019 the firm was also reappointed to the Network Rail Legal Panel. Practice co-leader Mark Brunton focuses on commercial contracts, including rail infrastructure, rolling stock-related contracts, and rail franchise agreements, while practice co-leader Anne Harris focuses on rail franchise agreements and rail project procurement matters. Agnes Koko advises on complex rail infrastructure projects, particularly brown and greenfield railways, and advising on PPP structures in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Retail and consumer Tier 1

As one of the firm’s five priority sectors, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s retail group is divided into three distinct parts, with Manchester-based James Batham leading the retail and leisure department, Paul Moorcroft in Birmingham heading up the consumer group, and Amanda Partland leading the food and beverage practice from Leeds. With the ability to utilise the firm’s wider national and international network, the group’s work also regularly involves global offices, particularly those across the US. The team takes a cross-practice approach to advising clients operating in this sector, able to call in expertise across a broad range of areas including M&A, employment, real estate, insolvency, data and compliance work. The practice’s position in the market is also exemplified by its recent work for Morrisons, in which the group defended the supermarket in more than 2,100 high-profile equal pay claims brought by customer assistant employees.

Crime: general

Administrative and public law Tier 2

Central and local government bodies retain Cardiff-based Huw Jones, who is co-head of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s public sector group, to handle large-scale transformation projects, governance matters and the public and administrative issues relating to procurement projects and pension schemes. The Birmingham-based public inquiries and investigations team (which features practice co-head Sarah Jones, Peter Jones and principle associate Isabelle Mitchell) represents core participants, interested parties and foundation trusts in high-profile statutory and non-statutory investigations. Leveraging the firm’s public inquiries profile, the team also provides audit services into the decision-making policies of national regulators, notably in the transport and aerospace fields.

Banking litigation Tier 2

The financial services disputes and investigations practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP counts misselling claims, investment management disputes, professional negligence litigation and contentious regulatory matters among its areas of expertise. Manchester-based James Southworth leads the firm's Northern practice, which includes individuals across Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. The practice functions as part of a national team with frequent collaboration with regional offices including those in Cardiff and Nottingham. Financial crime and investigations expert Zia Ullah is another name to note in the North West. Sarah Naylor moved in-house to Sesame Bankhall Group.

Commercial litigation: Birmingham Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has impressive local, national and international disputes expertise and frequently works cross-office particularly with its national and wider European network. Adam Fisher is highlighted for automotive, IT and outsourcing, and fraud disputes, while Rich Lloyd focuses on the industrial engineering, energy and utilities sectors. Other areas of specialism include media and sport sector disputes, reputation management issues and public inquiries and investigations; for the latter Sarah Jones is a name to note. Fisher, Lloyd and Jones jointly lead the Midlands team alongside Nottingham-based Louise Howarth.

Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2

Commercial property: Manchester Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's commercial property practice is active across a wide range of sectors with team head Nancy Brown prominent in financial services, healthcare and retail, handling the full spectrum of corporate real estate matters. Phillip Tunney represents industrial clients in relation to their property work, while Michael Buchanan is another key practitioner, and is noted for his experience in the structuring and delivery of annuity lease development transactions. Legal director Joanna Sowerby has a track record of work on regeneration and development projects.

Construction Tier 2

Jo Hatton-Jones leads the team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, which acts on contentious and transactional construction matters. The group advises national clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors alongside retailers, property developers, and education providers, and also has notable expertise in work for international clients. Process sector matters are handled by practice head Jo Hatton-Jones, who has engineering qualifications, and Simon Chamberlain and new hire Sarah Maylor handle built environment work on the transactional side. Maylor, who arrived from Kennedys in early 2020, also works on construction disputes in tandem with Gregory Buckley.

Construction Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's practice is active in contentious and non-contentious construction matters, including construction disputes and advisory work relating to industrial and infrastructure projects. Team head Simon Chamberlain is experienced in litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation. Chris Pickens is active in transactional matters and advises clients on procurement strategies. Gregory Buckley has a specialism in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors.

Construction Tier 2

At Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, Peter Scurlock specialises in non-contentious construction and engineering work, advising clients on procurement strategies and contract issues. Scurlock is experienced in all major contract forms, including the FIDIC, JCT, NEC, MF/1 and IChemE forms as well as bespoke framework and alliance agreements. David Jones stands out for his work on the procurement of major energy, transport, water, utilities construction and engineering projects.

Corporate tax Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP covers the breadth of corporate tax matters under the leadership of the firm’s global tax co-head David Jervis. Recently promoted partner Colin Askew handles complex tax structuring mandates, with a focus on advising private equity clients, while Amanda Dodsworth leads on employment tax issues relating to flexible benefits, pensions and employee share incentives. The team also has expertise in tax litigation under Matthew Cummings, who also provides advice on HMRC investigations, leveraging his previous experience as an in-house litigator.

Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 2

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a 'very good knowledge of what’s going on in industry' and is led by the 'extremely knowledgeable' Paula Barrett, who advises clients domestically and internationally on cybersecurity, record retention and privacy matters. Barrett is supported by Liz Fitzsimons, who goes the 'extra mile for clients' and assists with the contentious and non-contentious aspects of the data arena including providing information regulation and freedom of information advice.

Education Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is a key choice for higher and further education institutions, academies and private schools, fielding a full-service multi-disciplinary practice, which handles corporate and commercial work, constitutional and regulatory advice, real estate issues and employment mandates. Department head Mark Taylor focuses on corporate and governance work, and works closely with Gary Delderfield on the employment elements. Principal associates Rachel Soundy and Morag Roddick are experienced in corporate mandates and regularly act for private clients on M&A transactions, collaboration issues, joint ventures and charity law work.

Education: schools Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides an 'excellent full-service' to a wide array of clients, including multi-academy-trusts, academies and independent schools. Jointly led by Diane Gilhooley and Ben Wood, the team excels in assisting sixth form colleges with converting into academies. It also has a student-focused sub-group that addresses crucial areas of SEN, admissions and exclusions; this is led by Nicola Bennison in Nottingham. On the employment side, senior associate Helena Tattersall is highlighted for her contentious litigation expertise and she advises education clients on employment law issues. Data protection advice is another key part of the workload. Glynne Stanfield leads the international education practice.

Equity capital markets – small-mid cap Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is among the leading firms in the market for AIM client representations and it also acts for a sizeable number of broker clients. In addition to being a major player in the AIM arena, the practice is also sought out for Main Market work. Stephen Nash leads the team, which has vast experience in IPOs, secondary offerings, reverse takeovers and public and private M&A. In 2019, Steven Hacking acted for AIM-listed company Escape Hunt Plc on a £4m cash placing by way of an accelerated bookbuild. Richard Moulton is another key contact.

EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 2

Health and safety Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s national environment, health and safety practice includes Leeds-based Paul Verrico and new senior associate recruit Eddy Steele, who joined from DLA Piper. The team has expertise in providing extensive training programmes for a large corporate client base of energy, manufacturing and education clients. The team regularly represents clients in investigations initiated by the Health and Safety Executive and other authorities into workplace fatalities and fire safety offences. National infrastructure clients also engage the team to handle appeals against improvement notices.

Hedge funds Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides a full-service offering to funds established and managed across all key jurisdictions, including the Cayman Islands, US, Singapore and Luxembourg. The team, led by Ben Watford, supports existing funds and new managers with fund launches, management issues, trading documentation and regulatory concerns, acting for high-profile clients including Kimura across the full spectrum of matters. Financial services-related advice is a particular strength alongside the firm's broad jurisdictional expertise. Watford has global fund managers and investors as clients, and is supported by financial services expert Pamela Thompson and alternative investments and closed-ended funds specialist Ronald Paterson.

Immigration Tier 2

At Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, principal associate Nerys Ireland is the principal Cardiff-based contact for immigration work. She has a particular focus on issues arising within the education sector, including providing strategic advice to numerous major universities and further education institutions. The team was bolstered by the arrival in April 2020 of senior associate Jennifer Pinder  from Capital Law Limited .

Immigration Tier 2

The human resources practice group at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a national immigration practice, in which one associate, Elisa Elston, is based in East Anglia. Elston, who works from the Cambridge office, predominantly acts for clients in the financial services, retail and transport sectors. Her broad employment law practice includes advising businesses on obtaining permission for applicants to live and work in the UK, sponsor obligations and right to work matters.

Immigration Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's immigration team in Manchester is led by principal associate Simon Kenny, whose practice includes Tier 2 applications, Tier 1 Investor applications, Overseas Business applications, and advice on both the immigration and the employment issues arising from right to work checks. Immigration risk issues posed by Brexit continue to create new strands of work for the firm.

Infrastructure (parliamentary) Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a track record of work promoting and opposing private and hybrid bills relating to infrastructure projects in Parliament, as well as legislative drafting. Recent work has included advising on hybrid bills regarding major rail projects, the ports industry, and green energy projects. Both practice leaders Stephen Collings and James O’Connor promote and oppose hybrid and private bills in Parliament. 'Superbly insightful' parliamentary agent Monica Peto acts for clients on key rail, port, and energy projects. Planning lawyer Stuart Andrews is also highly recommended.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's insolvency and corporate recovery practice is active in various matters including the restructuring of debt and high-profile administrations; the firm is also noted for its expertise in benefit pension schemes and employer restructurings. Department head David Gray has experience advising lenders, corporate clients and directors, and has assisted with complex restructurings and debt portfolio sales. Principal associate Sarah Duignan is noted for her expertise advising lenders on loan portfolio sales.

Intellectual property Tier 2

Led by Matthew Gough, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a non-contentious focus to its work in the IP space. Marrying up the office's strength in relation to consumer law and fintech, the team provides a compelling proposition to clients within the financial services space and with consumer facing businesses, particularly in relation to their commercial contracts work. Eve England is also a core member of the team and excels in handling IP-related work within the digital space.

Intellectual property Tier 2

The Cambridge office of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is a key hub in the firm's national IP practice. Simon Crossley is the key partner and he has more than 20 years' experience in areas such as open source software and open innovation, establishing licence models for app stores, and the use of technology in healthcare. Adrian Toutoungi joined Taylor Wessing LLP but the firm retains a strong associate team handling national and cross-border matters.

IT and telecoms Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP' practice is headed up by Charlotte Walker-Osborn, who leads the firm's nationwide TMT department. Her work spans the full breadth of non-contentious IT law, covering outsourcing projects, software and hardware agreements, licensing issues, cloud deals, service agreements, data protection mandates and security work.

IT and telecoms Tier 2

Licensing Tier 2

The licensing team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP acts for an extensive portfolio of clients across the hospitality, leisure, gambling and retail sectors. The team advises hotel operating and owners; works with developers, landlords and occupiers; and has broad experience in both the retail and online gambling sectors, having advised on the acquisition of several business in those areas. Principal associate David Roberts, who has significant expertise in gambling law, heads the team.

Local government Tier 2

Possessing 'unrivalled knowledge, expertise and experience' in local goverment issues, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP regularly advises local authorities and central government on transformational projects. With a long history of collaboration with the private sector, the team frequently works on a wide range of matters, covering regeneration developments, procurement, investigations, and public sector pensions. In 2019, the team began advising the Cabinet Office on redrafting and updating the pension provisions in the Model Contract used in all government outsourcing contracts. Head of the public inquiries and investigations team Sarah Jones is 'very impressive' and works on high-profile public inquiries and non-statutory investigations. She is currently representing key participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Based in Cardiff, Huw Jones, Bridgette Wilcox, and Paul Pugh are also recommended.

Planning Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's planning practice provides advice on a range of residential developments, as well as major commercial, retail and leisure developments. Large-scale housing projects have been a recent area of growth for Stuart Andrews and his team, while the group's reliably strong offering in the field of transport and energy infrastructure includes the complex management and delivery of interconnector projects and DCO applications on significant rail freight interchanges, handled by the highly rated Morag Thomson. Recent highlights for the team have included environmental impact assessments for energy infrastructure projects of national importance as well housing developments for regeneration at new town sites.

Planning Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises on a range of national projects for major clients across multiple industries, including property developers, high-profile retailers and national infrastructure providers. The Leeds team operates as a centre of excellence for infrastructure planning matters. Practice head Peter Nesbit focuses on energy, mining and minerals-related infrastructure work, with an increase in mandates from the renewable energy sector; while senior associate Katie Moffatt has notable expertise in transport infrastructure matters, most notably in the rail sector. Principal associate Roddy Macdonald leads on retail planning and housing development matters, including site acquisitions, contractual issues and funding work.

Planning Tier 2

Paul Maile leads the Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP Midlands planning group and is he experienced in infrastructure work and compulsory purchase orders, especially regarding energy, infrastructure and residential projects; he is also an experienced advocate in high-profile public inquiries. Duncan Williams is instructed by housebuilders to advise on promoting schemes through the planning system, s106 agreements, infrastructure agreements and appeals.

Planning and environment Tier 2

The environment, health and safety department at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP places a particular emphasis on contentious environmental matters. While the team's recent work testifies to its strength in handling investigations by the Environment Agency, the practice has extensive experience acting on the sides of both prosecution and defence. Led by Tim Hill, the Newcastle-based team forms part of the single national group, and often collaborates with its Manchester-based counterpart (with Jane Southworth in particular) on non-contentious environmental matters.

Property finance Tier 2

Property litigation Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a small team in Cambridge that, as part of the national practice, handles heavyweight disputes for clients across the UK. Stuart Wortley, who splits his time between London and Cambridge, is a former chair of the Property Litigation Association. Cambridge-based principal associate Samuel Maw leads real estate litigation work for the National Grid and Cadent Gas. He also deals with extensive development work, leading on the vacant possession and rights to light strategies for developers.

Public sector Tier 2

Drawing on the expertise of lawyers from across the firm's corporate, real estate, employment and litigation departments, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's multi-disciplinary team advises central government, local authorities and other public bodies across a range of matters, including on transformational projects, outsourcing, governance and regeneration developments. The Cardiff office, however, remains perhaps best-known for its expertise at advising clients as interested parties in high-profile inquiries and investigations  - where it is often involved as a key part of a nationwide cross-office effort. Principal associate Angharad Haf Hurle  is a key member of this team, and has a core role for Ecclesiastical Insurance Office Plc, as a participant in the ongoing Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. Bridgette Wilcox heads up the office's overarching public sector offering and has particular expertise in relation to procurement matters.  

Real estate funds Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is particularly well-known for its capabilities in open-ended real estate funds, and has grown its strength in closed-ended real estate funds. Michaela Walker leads the London team, which has increasingly made a name for itself in international real estate funds (particularly closed-ended private market real estate funds), where it works closely with groups based in Luxembourg, Dublin, the US and Hong Kong on cross-border mandates. On the domestic front, the firm is involved in real estate funds work connected with the build-to-rent and shared ownership sectors of the domestic housing market. Pamela Thompson is particularly noted for her open-ended funds expertise, which includes property authorised investment funds (PAIFs) and authorised contractual schemes (ACSs). She was part of a team led by Richard Batchelor, which advised Local Pensions Partnership on the establishment of a £1.3bn real estate ACS. Funds taxation expert Camilla Spielman is another key figure in the group.

Retail funds Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises funds, managers and a growing portfolio of institutional investors on open-ended fund listings, structurings and regulatory compliance work, regularly working with funds on issues relating to Brexit, non-resident CGT and EMIR. The team also has notable expertise in fund tax work. Pamela Thompson is a key name in the area, advising on product structuring, investment distribution and regulatory issues, with a particular niche in acting for local government pension funds. Senior associate Phil Spyropoulos is also noted for his industry experience and work with a number of bespoke fund types, including charity and corporate funds.

Banking and finance Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's banking and finance practice is active in education, corporate and real estate finance matters for major private companies in the North West. Team head Jason Wurzal handles issues at a regional and national level, working on leveraged finance matters. Leading on the real estate finance front is Taslima Salam, who acts for banks and alternative lenders.

Commercial litigation: premium Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's 'excellent litigation team' acts for large corporates in a range of disputes and is developing a strong technology sector presence. Global head of international disputes Mark Davenport counts financial services, pharmaceutical, transport and IT among his sector specialisms; 'excellent litigator' Neville Byford's experience includes civil fraud and sports sectors disputes, within which he advises well-known show jumpers , while Richard Little 'is able to turn his hand to wide range of disputes' including civil fraud, public law and franchising litigation. Claire Stockford, who joined from Shepherd and Wedderburn, adds cross-border and competition disputes expertise, while recently promoted legal director Lucy Webster 'has a great sense of litigation tactics and strategy' in intellectual property and media disputes.

Construction: contentious Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a strong international arbitration practice and handles contentious matters across the Middle East, Europe and East Asia. Jonathan Douglas and Simon Oats lead the team; Douglas acts on a range of construction and engineering disputes, with experience in various sectors such as retail, logistics and clean energy. Oats is the global head of the practice and works across multiple jurisdictions. Jessica Neuberger is active in the built environment, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors with nearly two decades of experience in the field. The well-regarded Nick Pinder also acts on international matters with a specialism in energy work.

Construction: non-contentious Tier 3

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is 'highly experienced across all aspects of their areas of expertise', advising on a wide range of energy, transport and infrastructure matters, including renewable energy projects. Simon Oats leads the global construction team; Jonathan Douglas , who heads up the UK team, has a strong track record of work on major construction developments

Employee share schemes Tier 3

Mathew Gorringe heads the employee incentives group at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP out of Leeds and has particular expertise in relation to implementing and advising upon employee incentive schemes in multiple jurisdictions and has a network of advisors in its own overseas offices to deliver this service to its multinational clients. The team does a blend of transactional and advisory work offering a full service to numerous quoted companies, but also advise private equity backed companies, private companies, main board directors, employee benefit trustees and management teams on incentive/reward structures and in relation to transactions.

Employers Tier 3

Energy and infrastructure Tier 3

Energy, project finance and PFI Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has specialist knowledge of projects in the health, energy, waste, accommodation, regeneration, housing and transport sectors. Transactions procured via joint ventures, PFI, PPP and PF2 are particular strengths.

Financial services: contentious Tier 3

The ‘pragmatic, commercial and available' Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP ‘layers its support very well' and is 'led by a strong partner team’. The firm is experienced in financial crime matters, including anti-money laundering regulations, and is appointed to the FCA/PRA Skilled Person’s panel. Notable in the team are Matthew Allen, who is international head of the financial services sector group and co-head of financial services disputes and investigations globally; ‘stand out practitioner’ Gregory Brandman, who specialises in regulatory investigations and representing financial institutions, senior managers and approved persons in FCA and PRA enforcement proceedings; and Jake McQuitty, who provides ‘outstanding client service', particularly in corporate investigations and regulatory enforcement.

Infrastructure Tier 3

With 'profound knowledge of the energy sector', Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has gained recognition for its ability to handle a broad range of infrastructure work across the energy, transport and social infrastructure sectors. The practice is involved in key matters in emerging markets and high-value transactions in Europe. PPP/PFI work continues to make up a strong portion of the workload. The firm's strength in this sector is demonstrated through its recent appointment to the National Grid panel. Robert Pitcher, who is praised by clients for showing 'exceptional commitment', co-heads the global energy and infrastructure group, while Michelle Davis heads the international clean energy practice.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Insurance and reinsurance litigation Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's insurance practice spans the full gamut of insurance litigation, from broker negligence claims to property damage disputes. The London practice is led by Simon Brooks, who is also global head of the firm's insurance practice and has 25 years' experience in the field. Principal associate Naz Gauri is another key member of the team.

Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 3

Led by Hugo Laing in London, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s insurance team also includes partners from the firm’s offices in Manchester, Cardiff and Nottingham. Laing’s practice focuses on insurance transactions, in addition to advising on regulatory matters. The firm’s recent work spans the gamut of non-contentious insurance work, including M&A, all-risks buy-outs and longevity insurance and reinsurance transactions. Simon Brooks serves as co-head of the firm's global insurance practice.

Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 3

IT and telecoms Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has particular expertise in fintech and infrastructure mandates, advising data centre providers, and acting in contentious technology and telecoms matters. The team is co-led by Simon Cloke, who focuses on communication industry clients; James Hyde, who is a key name for telecoms-related disputes; telecoms code specialist Thekla Fellas; international IT head Simon Gamlin; and Craig Rogers, who advises on complex IT and outsourcing arrangements. The team was bolstered in 2019 by the arrival of Simon Lightman from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP, who brings expertise in commercial, technology and data transactions.

IT and telecoms Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP draws on an experienced team of corporate, IT and IP lawyers to handle complex projects for both national businesses, including financial institutions, and high-growth companies based in the technology hub of Cambridge. Led from London, the practice has a highly skilled partner in Cambridge, Simon Crossley, who is a key member of the firm's national life sciences practice and an expert in regulatory matters and IT commercialisation projects.

Listed funds Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises fund managers and investment trusts on a variety of matters including fund formations and listings, investment strategies, financings and regulatory compliance work, with expertise across key fund domiciles including Hong Kong, Luxembourg, Singapore and Ireland. Ronald Paterson leads the team and has extensive experience advising fund managers on strategy and management issues, regulatory regimes and considerations, and the establishment of alternative fund types and structures across various asset classes. Principal associate Sarah Burnside heads up the Edinburgh financial services team, specialising in investment fund launches and restructurings for asset managers and institutional investors.

Local government Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's team advises on public procurement, transport and education matters, as well as disputes arising from the process of procuring goods and services. Other key areas of work include advising on governance and public sector pensions. The team advises local authorities on projects, judicial review and public sector senior executive severances. Jackie Heeds and Kuljeet Gill are the key contacts in Manchester.

Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 3

Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has a notable presence in emerging markets and leads on big-ticket developments in clean and renewable energy; recent highlights include advising on cross-border subsea interconnectors across Europe, corporate activity in MENA and Latin America, and nuclear energy project work. Michelle Davies leads the group from Cardiff, and is supported by members of the London-based team, including Stephen Hill, who handles M&A transactions for funds and major corporates in the renewable sector; project finance partner Indraj Mangat, and nuclear energy group head Robert Pitcher.

Product liability: defendant Tier 3

The Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP team is involved in a variety of industry sectors encompassing the aerospace, chemicals, food, consumer products, pharmaceuticals and medical device industries, with specific expertise in the automotive arena. It is skilled in handling high-volume product liability claims as well as advising on product safety compliance issues, recalls and withdrawals. The group also regularly works across offices; key contact Richard Matthews heads up the firm's pan-European product liability practice from the Leeds office, which also includes principal associate Peter Shervington.

Professional negligence Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP works as one team across Birmingham and Nottingham and handles a substantial portfolio of professional negligence claims. The team is led by Chris Busby with the support of Nottingham-based Sarah Langham and Birmingham-based Neville Gray. It advises on claims for major banks covering both residential and commercial lending. In addition the group is adept at acting for pension trustees and major corporates on pensions-related professional negligence claims against actuarial firms and solicitors.

Professional negligence Tier 3

Supported by the firm's wide regional network of offices, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s London team utilises its financial services sector expertise to advise on claims against insurance brokers, pension advisers and accountants. Simon Brooks is co-head of global insurance; he is experienced in a broad spectrum of commercial disputes and advises on the both claimant and defendant side of negligence claims. Claire Carroll defends claims brought against pensions professionals, trustees and advisers, and advised on a claim granted permission to appeal to the Supreme Court in 2019. In early 2020 the team aas been boosted by the arrival of Kari McCormick from Burges Salmon LLP.

Public international law Tier 3

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP 'has a rich tradition in carrying out PIL work for various states'. The firm has a substantial investor-state arbitration practice, while clients also benefit from the UK team's access to local expertise from its network of offices across a range of global jurisdictions. Acting in both investor-state arbitration proceedings and PIL matters, Jonathan Leach leads the UK international arbitration group and Greg Falkof focuses on disputes in the oil and gas, construction and infrastructure sectors, primarily in Africa and the Middle East. Further support is provided by principal associate Cameron Forsaith and senior associate Ahmed Abdel-Hakam. Barrister Claire Stockford joined as a partner from Shepherd and Wedderburn.

Tax litigation and investigations Tier 3

Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 4

The financial services disputes and investigations practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP includes 'personable and down to earth experienced lawyers' who offer 'pragmatic and user-friendly' representation. With a full service, cross-border offering, the team fields 'a range of specialist practitioners who are able to work together'. The 'highly client-centric' David Flack - who is highlighted by one client as 'a doyen of the legal banking world' - leads the team alongside contentious regulatory expert Gregory Brandman. Andrew Legg 'is highly experienced with great judgement', Jennifer Miles is noted for her specialisms in pensions litigation and financial services disputes involving offshore jurisdictions and trusts-relates aspects, while Jamie Leader focuses on contentious insolvency issues and recently promoted partner Mark Cooper has experience in a breadth of disputes in the sector.

Commercial property: development Tier 4

Commercial property: investment Tier 4

Corporate tax Tier 4

Investment funds taxation is a core area of strength at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, with the team being particularly strong in issues concerning real estate funds. The group is also well-versed in cross-border M&A and real estate investment structuring, as well as tax risk insurance and financial tax. Team head Ben Jones specialises in cross-border M&A, investments and reorganisations. Camilla Spielman leads on funds tax matters, while Paul Beausang has an excellent real estate tax and structured finance practice. In 2019, Cathryn Vanderspar retired from the firm and joined Travers Smith LLP as a consultant.

Derivatives and structured products Tier 4

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP focuses on assisting buy-side clients with derivatives transactions and regulation. The firm assists investment funds and their managers, as well as pension schemes, with derivatives entered into to generate investment performance and hedge risk. It also has experience advising retail banks on balance sheet management and treasury products offered to their customers. The London team, working as part of a global practice, is also seeing more work for sell-side clients such as Deutsche Bank. Michaela Walker is head of financial services and Jonathan Master is head of the derivatives group. Master assists asset managers, banks and corporates with derivatives transactions and regulatory compliance. Richard Batchelor, Jamie Dunlop and senior associate Paul Denham also play key roles in the practice.

EU and competition Tier 4

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP prides itself on rendering a full range of state aid services. The practice is prominent in the merger control realm; it is currently handling multiple Phase II investigations before the CMA. The team’s strong suit on the abuse of dominance and cartel investigations front also stands out, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector; with practice head Ros Kellaway and Julia Woodward-Carlton noted for this work. State aid specialist Totis Kotsonis departed to Pinsent Masons LLP.

Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's broad practice ranges from funds and asset management, to MiFID, consumer credit and the payment services directive. The department has expertise in the areas of cryptoassets and blockchain, as well as Section 166 skilled person and financial services consulting. Michaela Walker advises fund management clients and depositary banks on establishment, regulation and related corporate issues. She co-leads the team with David Saunders, who is head of the firm’s global legal and compliance alternative service provider. Andrew Henderson left the firm for Macfarlanes LLP in 2020.

Fraud: civil Tier 4

Intellectual property Tier 4

At Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, Rupert Bent handles IP litigation relating to patents, trade marks, designs and copyright, and also acts in passing off and domain name disputes. He also assists with non-contentious work including advising clients on licensing, branding and R&D agreements.

IT and telecoms Tier 4

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP offers capabilities in outsourcing, licensing, procurement, software contracts and data security expertise, among others. Sectors of expertise include energy, financial services and industrial.

Oil and gas Tier 4

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP assists oil and gas clients across the full supply chain with issues ranging from upstream exploration and production mandates and oilfield services issues to midstream transportation work, trading and marketing matters and downstream distribution work. Robert Pitcher and Jubilee Easo co-head the team, specialising in corporate transactions, flotations, projects and joint ventures. Greg Hammond departed to Dentons.

Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 4

TMT Tier 4

The ‘first rate team’ at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is a ‘leader in the field’ of TMT, particularly in relation to telecoms work. Acting for suppliers and customers, the firm handles issues arising from the telecoms code and the roll-out of small cell networks and services. Another areas of expertise is data centre and network infrastructure advice. Communication industry specialist Simon Cloke co-leads the practice with James Hyde, who focuses on IT matters; and Thekla Fellas, who joined from Fladgate LLP in 2019 and brings experience in telecoms disputes.

Charities and not-for-profit Tier 5

Environment Tier 5

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's 'big firm mentality, in a compact specialist team', allows it to specialise in contentious environmental work. The group regularly deals with Environment Agency investigations and prosecutions across the chemical, energy, pharmaceuticals, waste and manufacturing sectors. It is particularly active in challenges to Environment Agency enforcement and suspension notices. Names to note are Newcastle-based Tim Hill - a 'go-to lawyer' for water companies including Thames Water - and Kevin Elliott, who splits his time between London and Birmingham.

International arbitration Tier 5

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is experienced in both ad hoc and institutional arbitrations, and fields experts in ancillary proceedings. The team has particular experience in the energy, infrastructure, industrials, and trade sectors, and in disputes involving joint ventures, shareholders and M&A. Jonathan Leach is UK international arbitration head; Greg Falkof is another key London arbitration partner; and Leeds-based Mark Howarth leads the UK energy sector commercial and regulatory disputes team. Providing support are principal associate Cameron Forsaith and senior associate Ahmed Abdel-Hakam. Barrister Claire Stockford joined as partner from Shepherd and Wedderburn.

Acquisition finance Tier 6

The arrival in July 2019 of the 'very engaged, helpful and commercial' Christopher Akinrele  from Addleshaw Goddard, enhances  Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's capabilities on the acquisition finance front, adding further resources with which to handle a growing volume of mid-market sponsor-led financings. Nick Swiss heads the wider banking and finance team, which is geographically well-placed to handle work for UK-based private equity sponsors, with its Birmingham office particularly accomplished at handling borrower side mandates.

Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 8

Led from London by Simon Waller, and also able to tap into the expertise of lawyers from across the firm's regional network of offices, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is well-positioned to advise administrators, banks and corporates across a range of primarily domestic mid-market restructuring and insolvency work. Although it is sector agnostic, the team has built up a particularly strong track record handling mandates within the financial services, retail and energy sectors.