Greenberg Traurig LLP

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has reinforced its commitment to growth in the London market by welcoming two lawyers, Restructuring & Insolvency Shareholder Aaron Harlow and International Arbitration Of Counsel Michael Cottrell. “Aaron and Michael are both highly skilled lawyers who strengthen the firm’s global capabilities in two key practice areas: our top-tier Restructuring & Bankruptcy Practice, which comprises over 120 lawyers across 20 markets, and our International Arbitration & Litigation Practice, which is supported by more than 800 litigators globally,” Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman Richard A. Rosenbaum said. “These strategic hires are central to building an unparalleled legal team in London in a focused manner and highlight our dedication to supporting clients in the UK and globally.” Harlow, who joins from Shoosmiths, is experienced in advising clients including banks, asset-based lenders, insolvency practitioners, and company directors in connection with all aspects of corporate insolvency. His sector-specific knowledge spans financial services, retail, and hospitality and leisure, with a strong track record of advising in high-profile administrations, company voluntary arrangements, and restructuring plans, including in relation to Wilko, Monsoon Accessorise, Cath Kidston, Coast, Karen Millen, Lendy, Wellesley Finance, ASA Resource Group Plc and the Great Annual Savings Company. Cottrell represents international clients and states in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. While his practice encompasses a range of sectors, he has a particular focus on disputes in the infrastructure and energy sectors, with experience as advocate in large-scale complex arbitration proceedings. A skilled arbitration practitioner, Cottrell advises clients at both the pre-dispute phase and at the outset of formal dispute proceedings, and is experienced in acting for clients under various institutional rules, including ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA, HKIAC, and ad hoc arbitrations, with seats and governing laws in both civil and common law jurisdictions. In addition to his commercial arbitration experience, Cottrell's practice encompasses investor-state dispute settlement, particularly where claims have arisen as a result of conflict and civil unrest. He also focuses on sanctions-related disputes and issues of state immunity. John Houghton, chair of the firm's London Finance & Restructuring Practice and co-vice chair of its Global Restructuring & Bankruptcy Practice, said, “Aaron’s extensive experience in corporate insolvency perfectly complements our existing capabilities, positioning us as a leading global advisor for complex distress situations. We now offer comprehensive services across distressed and special situation lending, mainstream restructuring, and formal insolvencies. Together with Luke Lado, who joined in 2023, bringing experience in direct lending and leverage finance, we are well-placed to deliver unparalleled support to clients navigating challenging financial situations.” Harlow added, “I look forward to working with my new London colleagues and those in Greenberg Traurig’s wider European and global network. The firm’s sustained growth trajectory and its platform of global resources create unique opportunities for my practice and our clients.” The addition of Cottrell also strengthens the firm’s International Arbitration team, following the recent arrival of three new shareholders, Jason Hambury, Gurmukh Riyat, and Clea Bigelow-Nuttall. “Michael’s skillset and experience further enhances our ability to represent clients involved in some of the world’s largest and most complex disputes, particularly in infrastructure and energy,” said Masoud Zabeti, co-chair of the Global Litigation Practice. “His appointment also underscores our commitment to serving our clients’ interests globally in top-tier international arbitration.”  

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has expanded its International Arbitration Practice in London with the appointment of three new shareholders, Jason Hambury, Gurmukh Riyat, and Clea Bigelow-Nuttall, from Pinsent Masons. “Jason, Gurmukh, and Clea are a heavyweight arbitration team with an exceptional track record in high-value disputes across a number of key industry sectors, including infrastructure, construction, and energy,” Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman Richard A. Rosenbaum said. “Their wealth of experience will be instrumental in helping us to execute our ambitious plans to develop our International Arbitration Practice in key regions. We are among the very largest U.S.-based firms, with 400 lawyers in New York and 34 offices across the country, as well as 14 offices internationally, and, unlike many other so-called global firms, we are both one unified firm and committed to empowering our local offices to be full-service competitors in their markets. This includes our commitment to being a major force in disputes, both litigation and arbitration, civil and criminal, with almost 30% of our London lawyers now practicing in disputes work.” Hambury, Pinsent Masons’ former global co-head of international arbitration, focuses on international arbitration, litigation, and strategic project advice in the energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors, acting for owners, operators, contractors, large corporations, and government bodies on high-value disputes. He has advised on major projects in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and South America, and has over 20 years' experience of international arbitration under the ICC, LCIA, SCC, and UNCITRAL Rules, in both civil law and common law jurisdictions. Riyat also focuses on international arbitration and strategic project advice, regularly representing clients in the construction, engineering, energy, and manufacturing sectors in complex litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. He has represented private companies, state-owned entities, and states in numerous international arbitrations including under the ICC, LCIA, SCC, and UNCITRAL Rules. Bigelow-Nuttall has broad experience representing private companies, state-owned entities, and states in numerous international arbitrations including under the ICC, LCIA, DIAC, HKIAC, SIAC, ICSID, and UNCITRAL Rules, particularly within the infrastructure, construction, mining, and energy sectors. In addition, she has acted as secretary to arbitral tribunals in contractual disputes in the energy and heavy infrastructure sectors, and sits as a board member of the global organization ArbitralWomen. “Jason, Gurmukh, and Clea bring with them vast experience and technical excellence, and are therefore great additions to our International Arbitration Practice. The infrastructure, construction, and energy sectors continue to produce some of the world’s largest disputes. The addition of these new colleagues will ensure we are well-positioned to continue to provide premium services in the international arbitration space to our global client base,” added Masoud Zabeti, co-chair of the Global Litigation Practice.  

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has added Sava Savov as a new Corporate shareholder to lead the Private Equity Practice in its London office,reinforcing the firm’s strategic commitment to further develop its global private equity capabilities. Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman Richard A. Rosenbaum said, “Sava will help us build on our global strength in private equity and special situations, and has excellent legal and business experience not only in the UK but across Europe and beyond. He brings a depth of industry knowledge, particularly within the technology, financial services, life sciences, and real estate sectors, that enhances our own. He is a valuable addition to the team and a great fit across the wider firm.” Savov is a highly experienced and sophisticated private equity lawyer whose broad practice encompasses all aspects of private equity and special situations, with specific experience in acquisitions and disposals, platform formations and investments, management equity, structured equity, corporate restructuring and distressed situations, and other special situations. He has previously been a partner in private equity ventures, as well as at several global law firms, after first becoming a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, and has also held a vice president role at Oaktree Capital Management. He is admitted to practice in England & Wales and New York. “We are pleased to welcome Sava to lead our London private equity team. This year marks the 15-year anniversary of our launch into the London market, where we now have over 130 lawyers and a multidisciplinary offering, and we have ambitious plans to continue our strategic growth. His unique skillset amplifies our existing capabilities and will greatly benefit our private capital offering in London and across the firm,” said Fiona Adams, London managing shareholder and co-chair of the Global Corporate Practice.  “I’m delighted to join Greenberg Traurig and work with my outstanding transactional colleagues in London and across the globe to bolster our private capital practice,” Savov said. “I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of the firm’s deeply experienced transactional practice and advising our clients on their most complex and high-stakes transactions.” Savov’s appointment follows the recent hires of Philip Cooke and Patrick Kassen in New York, Noah M. Mullin in Portland, Matthew Whited in Chicago, and Chadi Salloum and Pawel J. Szaja in the United Arab Emirates, all of whom have broad experience in mergers and acquisitions and private equity.