Banking and finance Tier 1

Commercial litigation: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

Commercial property: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

The Milton Keynes team at Dentons is unique in the local market for its position in the mega-firm's vast global network, and the team regularly act in tandem with other offices on cross-border and international issues. The practice handles all types of commercial property matters, with high-value clients in areas such as telecoms infrastructure, retail, charities, and the public sector. Practice leader Roland Gray specialises in development work in key sectors, as well as landlord and tenant matters. Other names of note include Robert Wyatt and counsel Greg Rigby.

Corporate and commercial: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 1

The team at Dentons offers the full range of advice on employment matters, from complex cross-border international employment issues to day-to-day HR matters. Its clients are regularly drawn from the retail, transport, technology, and media sectors. Practice leader Sarah Beeby advises on large-scale restructuring and redundancy matters, as well as complex outsourcing arrangements. Michelle Lamb focuses on multijurisdictional transactional and outsourcing matters, while senior associate Verity Buckingham deals with senior exits.

Immigration Tier 1

Dentons provides complex advice on both contentious and non-contentious employment matters to commercial clients from a variety of sectors. Its work includes applications to join the Register of Sponsors, Leave to Remain and Leave to Enter applications, British citizenship applications, and appeals to the First Tier Tribunal. The team has also been working closely with clients on Brexit readiness projects, providing training to in-house legal and HR teams and workforce planning around the end of free movement. 'Exceptional' associate Verity Buckingham leads the Milton Keynes practice.

Professional negligence Tier 1

Dentons' professional negligence team has considerable expertise in the financial services and construction sector, undertaking claims for a wide roster of banking clients and international players. The claimantfocused practice is overseen by Tim Constable , who is noted for his strong claimant lender work and James Fairbairn. The group also includes senior associate Sarah Rutnah who is recommended for her experience of commercial disputes. While the team was previously divided across Milton Keynes and Watford, the Watford base was closed during 2020 after a successful shift to remote working during the coronavirus lockdown. Lawyers and staff who were previously based there will now work remotely with the option to use the Milton Keynes office when necessary.

Property litigation Tier 1

Dentons' property litigation department has considerable experience acting across the banking, finance, energy, development, retail, hotel and leisure sectors. The team handles all elements of landlord and tenant disputes, property contract disputes, leasehold enfranchisements and property trust work. Key clients are provided with use of the firm's Apperio software, an IT program allowing them to track and monitor legal spending on matters. Bryan Johnston leads the practice, while property contract expert David Payton is also a name to note.

Sport Tier 1

Milton Keynes-based senior associate Nick Harrison leads the sports team at Dentons, which handles work including partnership agreements and sponsorship matters for major sports teams. The practice is able to draw on the wider firm's vast international reach, benefiting from support from colleagues in the corporate, employment and construction disputes teams. Sports clients can benefit from the firm's capabilities in specialist areas such as tax, planning and specialist financing. James Fairbairn and Tim Constable are both recommended for their expertise in dispute resolution.

Construction Tier 2

Dentons' Milton Keynes based construction practice specialises in non-contentious work, advising clients on major developments in the commercial, retail, leisure, rail  and high-end residential sectors. Jane Miles leads the practice and has over 20 years' experience leading on complex transactions for household name developers, retailers, banks and rail entities. Shaun Tame acts as a project counsel for clients during the construction phase, advising on issues such as contractor/consultant non-performance and payment processes under the CDM regulations.

IT and telecoms Tier 2

Dentons' South East IT & telecoms offering is led by senior associate Nick Harrison in Milton Keynes. Providing assistance to domestic and international clients (notably the Middle East), the team has substantive experience in the media and retail sectors. Specifically, it has worked on behalf of Sainsbury's, John Lewis Partnership and Argos. Counsel Chris White is recommended for re-contracting issues.

Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 1

Dentons fields a 'very proactive, thoughtful' team, which is 'sensitive to business needs.' Team head Nick Graham is recognised for his expertise in adtech matters, data protection issues resulting from Brexit. and rights requests and the related litigation. Simon Elliott has advised on international data transfers and contentious data privacy matters. The practice recently gained Antonis Patrikios from Fieldfisher in late 2019; his expertise lies in cybersecurity breaches, contentious data subject requests and adtech mandates. Patrikios has also advised clients on regulatory investigations. Martin Fanning, who is a key contact for privacy law, assists global companies with their data requirements.

Emerging markets Tier 1

Dentons has a global emerging markets offering due to its vast network of offices around the world, among which London is a vital hub. The London group, which 'has excellent market knowledge and provides outstanding client attention', is experienced in transactions in Africa and is active in the Middle East, CEE, Russia and the CIS. Practice head Paul Holland excels in export credit finance and aircraft financing transactions in the CEE and CIS, India and Africa. Celia Gardiner, who handles commodity, trade and receivables finance, including invoice discounting transactions, is another standout partner. Also recommended are projects and project finance specialist Howard Barrie; head of debt capital markets David Cohen, whose work includes standout deals in Turkey and Ghana; Nick Hayday, who has expertise in bond issues on behalf of both underwriters and issuers; head of syndicated loans Isaac Felberbaum; Islamic finance partner Yusuf Battiwala, who handles shari'ah-compliant derivatives and structured finance; US securities partner Cameron Half; and counsel Lee McLernon, who specialises in asset finance.

Commercial litigation: mid-market

Corporate restructuring & insolvency DELETE

Hospitality and leisure Tier 1

Dentons is 'excellent' in the hospitality and leisure industry, with strength in depth in handling landmark hotel transactions and international large-scale project work. The highly-rated Simon Masri in London is the standout practitioner in the team and handles a mixed caseload, advising hotel operations, investors, and representing lenders and developers. The practice has a reputable franchising sub-group led by Warsaw-based global head Babette Märzheuser-Wood, and has a strong track record advising hotel owners and investors on franchising and licensing agreements. On the hotel acquisition side, corporate partner Matthew Tinger focuses on corporate real estate transactions, purchases, and acquisitions of hotels. The partnership has been bolstered with the arrival of Chris Heath , who brings deep industry knowledge related to hospitality development and financing. He joined from an in-house position at the Hilton in 2019. Mark Daliere is the UK and Middle Eastern head of hotels while Rick Ross is the global chair of the practice; both are based in Arizona.

Islamic finance Tier 1

Dentons' London team works with partners based in the Middle East on a wide range of complex transactions. The firm strengthened its Islamic finance offering in 2019 by hiring Yusuf Battiwala from Allen & Overy LLP; he has particular expertise in Islamic derivatives and structured finance transactions. The group, which also includes Paul Holland and Matthew Sapte, advises clients on sukuk issuances, project and asset finance mandates and general lending matters. Reflective of the firm's first-rate reputation, it generates a significant amount of work from leading Islamic banks, bulge-bracket investment banks and other financial institutions. The firm is also one of two law firms to be regularly invited by the International Islamic Financial Market (the key industry body for Islamic finance) to discuss various initiatives.

IT and telecoms Tier 1

The ‘creative ’ practice at Dentons leverages its global capacity and international expertise in a range of technology and telecoms matters. The group has particular experience in providing data protection, telecoms regulatory advice and handling cybersecurity issues. The practice also has expertise in innovative areas including robotics, autonomous vehicles, AI and blockchain. Telecoms specialist Jan Willem van den Bos is the ‘go-to partner in TMT for complex regulatory queries and projects’. He co-leads the team with Dan Burge, whose broad experience covers telecoms and IT matters; and Andy Lucas, who is singled out for advising private sector companies on technology projects in emerging areas.

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

Dentons' strong international reach means that a substantial portion of the London corporate transactional work its M&A team undertakes is cross-border M&A on English law governed deals in geographies spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East,the  US, Asia and South America.  Its lawyers have expertise across a broad range of sectors including real estate, manufacturing, energy, technology, insurance, financial services, gaming and insurance. David Collins , who heads the UK corporate department and co-chairs the global M&A group, has experience in both public and private M&A, ECM, and corporate advisory work. Other key names in the practice include Neil Nicholson , who is particularly experienced in emerging markets matters and real estate specialist Matthew Tinger. Jeremy Cohen is  skilled in relation to public company transactions including IPOs, equity fundraisings, takeovers, mergers, demergers, and private M&A.

Oil and gas Tier 1

Dentons leverages expertise across the full-spectrum of oil and gas matters, with a strong ability to handle complex matters across several jurisdictions, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. Core areas of expertise include regulatory work as well as project developments, financings, corporate transactions and high-value contentious claims. Charles Wood is a renowned figure for commercial and regulatory advice pertaining to LNG projects. Danielle Beggs and David Tennant co-head the 'very well put together, cooperative and commercially minded' group, which recently recruited Greg Hammond (from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP) and Paul Doris (from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP), strengthening the group's transactional capabilities in Africa and Latin America.

Rail Tier 1

Dentons advises on a broad spread of work across the rail sector, such as freight and passenger rolling stock procurement, rail finance, environment, safety, as well as high-profile international projects. Head of rail Matthew Hanslip-Ward led the team on advising on the West Coast Partnership (HS2) franchise bid and related High Court litigation, and his work extends to projects in the US, Africa, and South America. Christopher McGee-Osborne has recently advised clients on franchise renegotiations with the UK Government and provided franchise advice on the Western Rail Link to Heathrow. Senior associate Jonathan Smith has continued to advise MTR Crossrail on concession management for further stage opening on the Elizabeth Line, while counsel Martin Watt - considered an 'exceptional lawyer' - is highly experienced in rolling stock, franchising and regulatory issues.

Retail and consumer Tier 1

Dentons’ highly regarded retail and consumer practice acts on a national and global level for a client roster comprising retailers, brands, restaurants, landlords and franchises. The group is a key name for high-profile mandates, and recently assisted Sports Direct with its acquisition of House of Fraser. It also advised The Edinburgh Woollen Mill on the off-market acquisition of Bonmarche by Spectre Holdings. With capabilities across the full gamut of retail work and notable strength in real estate and corporate mandates, the practice also leverages the firm’s online portal, Legal Front Door, to provide clients with a single point of access to the firm’s legal services and specialists. Derek McCombe leads the group from Glasgow; other key practitioners include commercial expert Scott Singer, who counts Sainsbury’s and John Lewis Partnership as clients; Miriam Best, who focuses on real estate matters and mixed-use developments; real estate litigator Bryan Johnston, and Martin Fanning, who handles IT, IP and data protection mandates.

Trade finance Tier 1

The commodities, trade and upstream finance practice at Dentons is highly respected for its work on cross-border financings involving emerging markets. With a varied roster of work that includes high-value syndicated receivables financing in Ghana, reserve-based lending for banks and oil traders, and structured trades involving commodity derivatives, the firm calls upon a dedicated team of specialists who work closely with the firm's global banking group. Among its clients are Ghana Cocoa Board, ING and ED&F Man Group. Practice head Celia Gardiner is 'a real trade finance specialist and a good operator' whose work includes receivables financing and invoice discounting transactions. Howard Barrie splits his time between projects and project finance, principally in Africa, and structured trade and commodity finance. His recent work includes advising a major lender on distributions of receivables finance and trade finance. Mark Cheney specialises in physicals commodity trading and structured commodities transactions in the energy sector. Senior associate Ian Clements is recommended for his work in Europe, Latin America and Africa, and counsel Lee McLernon for his advice to major export finance banks.

Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 2

The 'dynamic' team at Dentons is acclaimed as ‘exceptionally thoughtful and diligent’. Its development and regeneration group, co-chaired by Richard Budge, supports clients at all stages of projects including acquisition, structure formation, project and development management agreements. Elsewhere, the firm’s broad international footprint is particularly key in the investment space where in addition to outbound work, the team represents numerous inbound investors from jurisdictions including India, South Korea, Canada, the US and Europe. Sectors including retail, built to rent, senior living, student accommodation and the private rented sector are integral to the practice which is also well-regarded for its corporate occupier work. Rob Thompson is ‘extremely attentive’ while Deepa Deb, whose strengths include residential-led mixed use schemes, is a ‘first-rate lawyer who excels at driving transactions’. Associate Carla Revelo is also a key member of the team and is carving out a strong reputation for large-scale portfolio investments.

Commercial property: development Tier 2

Commercial property: investment Tier 2

The 'dynamic' team at Dentons is acclaimed as ‘exceptionally thoughtful and diligent’. Its development and regeneration group, co-chaired by Richard Budge, supports clients at all stages of projects including acquisition, structure formation, project and development management agreements. Elsewhere, the firm’s broad international footprint is particularly key in the investment space where in addition to outbound work, the team represents numerous inbound investors from jurisdictions including India, South Korea, Canada, the US and Europe. Sectors including retail, built to rent, senior living, student accommodation and the private rented sector are integral to the practice which is also well-regarded for its corporate occupier work. Rob Thompson is ‘extremely attentive’ while Deepa Deb, whose strengths include residential-led mixed use schemes, is a ‘first-rate lawyer who excels at driving transactions’. Associate Carla Revelo is also a key member of the team and is carving out a strong reputation for large-scale portfolio investments.

Corporate governance Tier 2

Dentons advises clients across a variety of industries, including the public sector and financial services, on a range of issues, including Brexit, employment considerations, executive and non-executive compensation regimes, and regulatory compliance, with particular expertise in cross-jurisdictional compliance for US-based parent companies and their subsidiaries. The team is led by Martin Mankabady, who advises major corporates in highly regulated industries; alongside  Richard Barham, who primarily advises companies and governmental bodies on issues around mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and restructurings. Daren Allen handles contentious regulatory matters, including investigations and litigation, while newly-promoted partner Katharine Harle specialises in regulatory compliance work on behalf of FCA and SRA-regulated businesses and their senior leadership teams.

Environment Tier 2

Dentons’ multi-disciplinary team handles a mix of environment-related transactions and contentious regulatory issues for clients, with cross-border expertise across the oil and gas, manufacturing, power, food and beverage, waste, chemical, hotel, and real estate sectors. Practice head Stephen Shergold specialises in the environmental regulations concerning oil and gas extraction, waste issues and food production, and has considerable experience in contamination and water pollution issues, environmental and safety incidents, investigations and prosecutions, and ESG commitments. According to one client, he is considered a 'go-to ESG partner in Europe and a global leader in the field'. The department also handles the environmental aspects of M&A transactions.

Equity capital markets - low-mid cap Tier 2

Complementing its strong UK position, Dentons combines in-house US expertise in London with a sizeable global footprint, making it a major player in cross-border ECM transactions. On the mid to high-cap side of the practice, the firm's strength in emerging markets ECM work was highlighted in 2019, when global practice leader Nik Colbridge advised FTSE 100 mining company Polymetal International Plc on its admission to the official list of the AIX and to trading on the Astana International Exchange (AIX). The firm also handles large transactions involving markets such as Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Russia. On the low to mid-cap side, Neil Nicholson, US securities law expert Cameron Half and associate Verity Kent advised Stifel Nicolaus Europe, as sole bookrunner, on Techniplas Inc's AIM IPO and placing of shares. David Collins is experienced in ECM transactions involving sectors such as technology, betting and gaming, financial services and healthcare, among others.

Franchising Tier 2

At Dentons, the franchising team is noted for advising clients in the retail sector in particular, with additional expertise in the restaurant, hotel, leisure, education, and healthcare industries. As well as acting for established franchisors whose entire business model is based on franchising, the group also advises corporations who use elements of franchising strategically. Splitting her time between London and Warsaw, the team is headed by Babette Märzheuser-Wood, who specialises in international franchise and concession agreements, as well as IP-driven joint ventures. Tim Constable, who is the franchise disputes head, handles complex multi-jurisdictional franchise issues. The team also advises on IP protection and data privacy matters.

Listed funds Tier 2

Dentons provides a full-service offering to its listed funds clients, which include longstanding institutional managers including Aberdeen Standard, and several major REITs; the group advises on fund formations, launches, IPOs and a variety of corporate governance advisory matters. The team is divided between the firm's London and Edinburgh offices, with expertise in the Scottish market alongside strong cross-border capabilities. The team is jointly led by Guy Norfolk, who has notable relationships with Aberdeen Standard and Bailie Gifford; and Edinburgh-based Claire Armstrong, who advises funds on all aspects of formations and operations, with a particular specialism in closed-ended funds.

Planning Tier 2

With a client base that includes impressive names in both the public and private sectors, Dentons' planning team handles the full range of large-scale matters. Stephen Ashworth advises clients on strategies for major housing and retail schemes, as well as promoting CIL. He jointly leads the practice with Roy Pinnock, who advises developers, funds, lenders and planning authorities on strategies for large-scale development and major urban regeneration schemes. Notable ongoing work covers complex major section 106 agreements on new settlements as well as significant CPO applications. Both Michele Vas and Rachael Herbert stand out from a strong bench of senior associates; Vas advising on the delivery of urban extensions, new towns and CPO regeneration projects, while Herbert is an expert on extra care projects, appropriation and CIL, and advises on a range of complex brownfield schemes.

Power (including electricity, nuclear and renewables) Tier 2

Dentons utilises its global network of offices, depth of resources and cross-border experience to advise on energy corporate and project financing transactions and large-scale development work across the globe, with particular expertise in Africa and the Middle East. Charles July chairs the energy, infrastructure and project finance group, and is currently acting for an equity investor on the development and financing of the 117MW Guanizul 2A solar project in Argentina. Solar power specialist Lucille De Silva and Mark Cheney, whose practice focuses on thermal and renewable power generation assets, are also key partners.

Private equity: transactions - mid-market deals (up to £250m) Tier 2

Property litigation Tier 2

Dentons' property litigation team sits within the firm's wider property department and is noted for its knowledge of various sectors, including retail, commercial, industrial, hotels and leisure, transport and energy. Recent work included advice to clients on business rate matters, property disputes arising from insolvency and liquidation, landlord and tenant issues and dilapidations. Practice head Bryan Johnston is experienced in acting for telecommunications operators and landowners in Electronic Communications Code disputes. Construction-related cladding matters are another driver of activity.

Securitisation Tier 2

Dentons is highly regarded for its mortgage loan expertise and its work in securitisations involving trade receivables, trade finance and auto loans. Clients note that the 'the team shows experience and is focused on delivering the best possible outcome for the client'. For residential mortgage finance, including RMBS, covered bonds and warehousing transactions, the firm regularly advises some of the most active originators and arrangers in the market. The practice continues to be involved in cutting-edge deals and in 2019 it handled a first-of-its-kind Spanish SME securitisation. The vastly experienced Peter Voisey (who has 'exceptional knowledge of the ABS market') and leading adviser on NPL transactions Edward Hickman jointly lead the practice. Martin Sharkey (who can 'quickly get on top of new issues and present his thinking in a logical and considered way') leads the firm's European CLO practice. He has more than 15 years' experience and specialises in acting for asset managers and investors in CLO, repackaging and fund finance transactions, as well as advising arrangers on private CLOs. Catriona ’Kitty’ Lloyd leads the UK corporate trust practice and her recent work includes advising global banks on new RMBS deals and post-transaction matters.

Transport finance and leasing Tier 2

Benefiting from 'many years' experience in the field of asset finance and leasing', and able to leverage vast resources across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US, Dentons' five-strong team is particularly accomplished at handling significant cross-border aviation finance mandates. Led by the 'excellent' Nick Chandler, the scope of the work handled by the team is broad, reflective of the varied needs of an eclectic client base which includes airlines, lessors, banks and manufacturers. Having spent many years working in the Middle East, Paul Holland has a strong connection to the region and regularly advises Middle East-based carriers on their financing requirements, both from a pure commercial debt perspective, as well as as when underpinned by an export credit facility. Serge Sergiou is also a key member of the team and is well-versed across the myriad of structures - include tax-based leasing arrangements - to facilitate the financing of commercial airlines. The 'very practical' Greg Kahn heads up the shipping finance limb of the practice that is gaining increased traction among lenders, in particular, which are appreciative of its ability to provide 'specialised guidance on complex, cross-border financings'.  

Bank lending: investment grade debt and syndicated loans Tier 3

Dentons is well-versed at handling cross-border syndicated lending transactions, governed by UK law, for borrowers (including investment grade corporates) and commercial banks, where it is also aided by practitioner spread across the firm’s huge international network of offices. Isaac Felberbaum heads up the syndicated loans team and excels at representing lending syndicates providing liquidity to other financial institutions in the emerging markets. The team was strengthened by the arrival in August 2019 of the ‘exceptional’ Simon Middleton  from Simmons & Simmons, particularly in light of his ‘broad-ranging banking prowess’ and niche Nordic expertise.

Banking litigation: investment and retail Tier 3

The financial and commercial disputes group at Dentons offers 'a wealth of experience of banking litigation', spanning the investment and retail sectors. Practice head Felicity Ewing (who handles banking litigation and contentious regulatory matters) heads up the team. Key contacts to note in London include the 'highly experienced' Richard Caird, who attracts praise for his 'excellent judgement', white-collar crime and investigations expert Daren Allen and recently promoted Natalia Fludra who is recommended for multi-jurisdictional finance disputes, civil fraud and contentious insolvency matters. Thomas Leyland moved to Walkers in Dublin.

Construction: contentious Tier 3

Dentons' 'first class' contentious construction team acts for housebuilders, retailers, developers and PPP stakeholders. The practice is led by Akin Akinbode who is 'an excellent strategist' and by Gurbinder Grewal, 'one of the sharpest minds in construction disputes.' Akinbode has a broad construction and engineering disputes practice but focuses particularly on PFI-related disputes. Grewal has been active on UK and international disputes work including energy matters and issues relating to defects in infrastructure projects. Esther McDermott is noted for her arbitration practice as well as her litigation experience  in the TCC.

Construction: non-contentious DELETE Tier 3

The team at Dentons has broad expertise of advising on UK infrastructure and international mining and energy projects, as well major housebuilding matters. The non-contentious practice is led by Mark Macaulay, who is highly experienced in the field as a construction procurement expert. He also has a noted international presence, having advised clients across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Transport is key sector for the practice group.

Corporate tax Tier 3

The London team at Dentons, which is integrated into a global network of offices, is well-placed to advise multinational corporates, private equity funds and financial institutions on their cross-border transactions. The group has a strong advisory practice, where it often assists with structuring issues. It also has a niche in advising tax risk insurers. Alex Thomas, who is a co-chair of the global tax practice (and also heads up the London team), leads on the insurance-related work. James Meakin is experienced in corporate and real estate transactional tax, while Alex Tostevin focuses on private equity deals.

Debt capital markets Tier 3

The debt capital markets group at Dentons is 'always on hand and provides excellent advice'. The practitioners are 'all thoroughly pleasant people, which really makes working with them enjoyable'. The firm is best known for its emerging markets DCM work, which is where it leverages its extensive global footprint. The London office has a strong track record in international bond issues with a nexus to Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, CEE, Russia and the CIS. Its sector expertise continues to expand, with aviation increasingly prominent. Clients of the firm include financial institution issuers and sovereigns. Practice head David Cohen works with Nick Hayday, US securities partner Cameron Half and corporate trustee specialist Catriona Lloyd . Associate Moeen Qayum is also recommended.

Derivatives and structured products Tier 3

Dentons 'punches above its weight and is solid across the derivatives and structured products area, with demonstrated expertise in the developing and emerging markets'. Its work spans OTC derivatives, structured products, financings and CLOs. Within this, it has carved out a leading position in the field of Islamic derivatives. In fact, its understanding of emerging markets has led it to be involved in the reform of derivatives law in jurisdictions such as Egypt, Kazakhstan and Oman. Head of derivatives Matthew Sapte and head of the European CLO practice Martin Sharkey are the lead partners. Sapte's broad capital markets practice covers structured bonds, asset backed securitisations, receivables financings and derivative transactions in many asset classes. Sharkey handles CLOs, repackagings, fund finance, secured asset-backed lending and other types of structured finance. Yusuf Battiwala handles both conventional and Islamic derivatives on behalf of financial institutions, corporates and funds. Derivatives specialist Luke Whitmore, who joined from Fieldfisher in 2019, has experience in acting for broker-dealers and end users in the prime brokerage and futures markets.

Equity capital markets - mid-high cap Tier 3

Complementing its strong UK position, Dentons combines in-house US expertise in London with a sizeable global footprint, making it a key player in cross-border ECM transactions. On the mid to high-cap side of the practice, the firm's strength in emerging markets ECM work was highlighted in 2019, when highly regarded global practice leader Nik Colbridge advised FTSE 100 mining company Polymetal International Plc on its admission to the official list of the AIX and to trading on the Astana International Exchange (AIX). The firm also handles large transactions involving markets such as Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Russia. On the low to mid-cap side, Neil Nicholson, US securities law expert Cameron Half and associate Verity Kent advised Stifel Nicolaus Europe as sole bookrunner on Techniplas Inc's AIM IPO and placing of shares. David Collins is experienced in ECM transactions involving the technology, betting and gaming, financial services and healthcare sectors, among others.

EU and competition: trade, WTO anti-dumping and customs Tier 3

The ‘exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable’ team at Dentons often works with counterparts based in the US, Canada, Germany and Belgium. The department focuses on trade and economic sanctions; a name to note in this space is Roger Matthews, who has honed his sanctions-related expertise at the HM Treasury and the European Commission. Matthews, who joined from Dechert LLP in 2019, is the head of the practice. The team is also well-positioned to advise on export controls, customs and Brexit-related issues.

Fintech Tier 3

Health and safety Tier 3

The health and safety group at Dentons assists clients with regulatory advice, enforcement and prosecution defence and transactional support, especially with relation to insolvency situations. Stephen Shergold has particular expertise in relation to chemical safety and equipment safety. Malcolm Gunnyeon is known for advising clients in the food and beverage, oil and gas and rail sectors. Other key industries for the department include healthcare and care homes, manufacturing, power, waste, insurance, chemicals and real estate development.

Infrastructure (PFI and PPP) Tier 3

Insurance: corporate and regulatory Tier 3

Dentons' corporate insurance and regulatory team was strengthened in 2019 with the addition of Adriana Cotter from Sidley Austin LLP. Cotter brings experience in corporate and regulatory insurance work to the team, which is led by Martin Mankabady. The practice recently assisted insurers and brokers on a range of insurance issues, including providing advice on cutting-edge insurtech matters. In addition to serving as team head, Mankabady is global head of the firm’s insurance practice, and the team frequently collaborates with the firm’s offices around the world. Katharine Harle is another key contact; having previously worked for the Financial Services Authority, she has expertise in regulatory matters.

Local government Tier 3

The team at Dentons has 'a good understanding of client requirements' and is experienced in all matter of large-scale regeneration projects, including planning, outsourcing, development, construction, and procurement. It also has a record of work on major housing schemes and complex litigation. Stephen Ashworth focuses on housing developments, including new towns and garden settlements. Since 2015, he has advised North Essex Authorities on key matters relating to promoting new town development corporations. Roland Gray advises local authorities on large portfolios regarding development regeneration work, while Miriam Best specialises in real estate and development transactions. In February 2020, Jennifer Robinson joined as counsel from Pinsent Masons LLP.

Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 3

The media and entertainment practice at Dentons is a popular choice for clients involved in cross-border transactions in the sector. Jointly led by corporate partner Darren Acres, IP expert Anna Copeman and commercial technology specialist Andy Lucas, the team leverages its full-service capability and international reach to advise clients from traditional media and entertainment companies (including in the film, TV and music industries) to digital sector clients including e-sports and gaming companies. For privacy and cybersecurity issues, of counsel Tatiana Kruse and Antonis Patrikios, who recently joined from Fieldfisher, are names to note.

PATMA: Patent attorneys Tier 3

Dentons specialises in the development and implementation of sophisticated patent portfolio strategies, with a focus on tech sector clients, including numerous Cambridge-based technology players and, increasingly, direct overseas clients. The group has particular strength in software and AI patents and a successful track record in the prosecution of patents for space sector clients. As part of the wider firm's global IP platform, the team has cross-border expertise and provides comprehensive IP services. Justin Hill directs the practice. Counsel Alison Gallafent, an expert in the life sciences, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, joined from HGF Limited in January 2020.

Pensions (non-contentious) Tier 3

The pensions practice at Dentons is part of the overall people, reward and mobility team, which is led by Virginia Allen and Eleanor Hart - who joined from Slaughter and May in early 2019 - and features the 'hugely experienced' insolvency expert Elmer Doonan. The London partners are supported by associates in Milton Keynes and Scotland to provide a joined-up, cost-effective offering across the UK. Key recent cases have seen the firm advise on complex issues concerning liability, excepted life policies, death in service arrangements and age discrimination, working with clients across sectors including travel, government and publishing. On the non-contentious side, the team regularly provides support on the pensions aspects of major corporate transactions.

Pensions: dispute resolution Tier 3

The pensions practice at Dentons is part of the overall people, reward and mobility team, which is led by Virginia Allen and Eleanor Hart - who joined from Slaughter and May in early 2019 - and features the 'hugely experienced' insolvency expert Elmer Doonan. The London partners are supported by associates in Milton Keynes and Scotland to provide a joined-up, cost-effective offering across the UK. Key recent cases have seen the firm advise on complex issues concerning liability, excepted life policies, death in service arrangements and age discrimination, working with clients across sectors including travel, government and publishing. On the non-contentious side, the team regularly provides support on the pensions aspects of major corporate transactions.

Property finance Tier 3

Dentons has a very broad offering in acquisition and development finance, acting for traditional banks as well as niche student housing specialists and commercial lending experts. Simon Tweedle leads the team and has extensive experience in advising lenders on all asset classes, often in matters involving multiple European jurisdictions. Other key individuals are James Irvine and Simon Masri, who are both particularly active in the hotels sector. Notable properties the team advised on recently include the former US Embassy on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair and 30 Gresham Street in the City of London.

TMT Tier 3

Dentons ' broad practice offers experience in emerging and innovative technologies, including robotics, AI, the cloud and Fintech, as well as TMT work relating to the public sector and cybersecurity. The team is led by Andy Lucas, who has expertise advising UK Government departments on a variety of matters. He works with Martin Fanning, who focuses on commercial transactions, projects and procurement; and Scott Singer, who specialises in data issues. Also notable is senior associate Sarah Lima, whose strengths include blockchain and outsourcing projects

Aviation Tier 4

Dentons advises airlines, charter companies, private operators, manufacturers, aircraft leasing companies, financial institutions, airports and governmental agencies on a range of aviation work, including matters relating to asset-based financings, M&A, aircraft leasings, regulatory issues, litigation, commercial work and intellectual property mandates. The practice is headed in London by Nick Chandler.

Commercial litigation: premium Tier 4

Dentons' 'highly efficient and commercially savvy group of litigators' advises corporate clients on issues ranging from post-M&A disputes to corporate control issues, joint venture and shareholder disputes. Practice head Liz Tout counts energy, engineering and construction, rail and IT sector disputes among her specialisms. Other names to note include Simon Colledge, who specialises in professional negligence, fraud and contentious insolvency matters; Adrian Giles who frequently works with the firm's global network in cross-border disputes and Craig Neilson , who is 'always able to keep on top of a fast-moving piece of fraud litigation' and has particular expertise in financial crime and freezing injunctions.

Corporate restructuring & insolvency Tier 4

The 'highly experienced' team at Dentons 'combines intellect with commerciality', and is 'focused on getting the job done and achieving the best result for the client', across a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious mandates. The firm is well connected to numerous banking clients and IPs, ensuring that it handles a considerable volume of deals in the domestic mid-market. Led by the 'very experienced' Neil Griffiths, the team is perhaps best-known for its formal insolvency work and any commercial disputes (including fraud and asset tracing) that may subsequently arise. The 'effective and efficient' Tessa Blank is a 'force of nature' and is particularly recommended for contentious matters. Counsel Luci Mitchell-Fry is also recommended.

Energy and infrastructure Tier 4

EU and competition Tier 4

Dentons is well-versed in multi-jurisdictional matters in the areas of merger control and competition investigations. Its successful performance is enhanced through the firm’s extensive global presence and its cooperation with firms participating in its NextLaw Network. Also worthy of note, the group utilises online resources to provide competition compliance training. Adrian Magnus leads the practice, which routinely acts alongside the firm’s corporate group for clients in the real estate, energy, transport and financial services sectors. Christopher Graf is also noted.

Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 4

The international financial services practice at Dentons has broad expertise covering  areas such as banking regulation, Fintech, payments and Brexit work. The firm is increasingly active in the insurance and asset management space. Michael Wainwright leads the team and is known for regulatory capital, client asset protection, insurance, savings and investment work. Also recommended are Katherine Harle, who has experience advising on the financial services compensation scheme; and Jonathan Garforth, who focuses on consumer finance and payments law.

Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) Tier 4

The patent group at Dentons  maintains a solid reputation for patent litigation under practice head Campbell Forsyth. With assistance from associates Jennifer Cass and James Marsden, Forsyth is handling High Court proceedings concerning patent infringement and validity, SPC licensing and Arrow declarations for technology and pharmaceuticals companies. A team led by European patent head Justin Hill offers the full scope of commercial, advisory, transactional and prosecution services (registered patent attorneys sit within the team). High-growth technology clients are a focus.

Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4

Dentons' dedicated trade mark and soft IP practice is led by practice head Anna Copeman. Transactional IP is a point of focus; private equity houses engage the team on portfolio acquisitions, disposals and investments in IP-rich companies. Copeman and Campbell Forsyth, who co-heads the Europe patent litigation practice, have substantial litigation experience involving unlawful streaming, digital copyright and pass-off disputes for online gambling, telecoms, sports, automotive and FMCG clients. Licensing and brand protection strategy is also routinely handled by the team, with assistance from associates James Marsden and Anna Brown.

PATMA: Trade mark attorneys Tier 4

Dentons' trade mark prosecution practice is one of the cornerstones of its full-service worldwide trade mark offering. Given the firm's international set-up, the group focuses on complex cross-border work, particularly the management and structuring of large trade mark portfolios and their commercialisation through licensing. The retail, technology, finance and public sectors account for the majority of instructions. Solicitor Anna Copeman directs the UK trade marks practice. Litigator Campbell Forsyth heads the UK IP group and co-chairs the global IP group.

Public international law Tier 4

Dentons' practice, which is headed up by Liz Tout, advises states and private entities on investment treaty arbitration proceedings, treaty interpretations, investment structuring and protection matters, and sovereign immunity issues. Other key areas are state responsibility, state succession, sanction, export control, human rights, free trade agreement and WTO issues. Additional names to note are Roger Matthews, James Langley and senior associate Catherine Gilfedder.

Venture capital Tier 4

Under the leadership of the 'proactive and attentive' Joseph Altendorff and David McGrory  (based in London and Edinburgh respectively), Dentons is 'increasingly visible in the market' for a balanced mix of founders, funds and corporate venturers. The group is also able to leverage complementary practice areas including the IP, tax and corporate departments, and also utilises the expertise of venture capital practitioners in strategic locations globally including the US, Singapore, France and Germany.

Employers Tier 5

The people, reward and mobility department at Dentons has particular expertise in the financial services, retail, transport, TMT, travel and energy sectors. Another area of strength is its handling of cross-border employment matters, given the resources offered by the wider firm's huge international network. The team's client base includes major household names, for which it advises on transactional work and Employment Tribunal litigation. Virginia Allen heads up the national practice. Purvis Ghani recently joined from Stephenson Harwood in November 2019, bringing his strong international practice to the team

Financial services: contentious Tier 5

The regulatory disputes practice at Dentons has ‘real strength in depth' and is 'able to find the right individual for the right job'. The firm acts for foreign-owned banks operating in the UK, banking clients facing cross-border regulatory and compliance issues, asset management and foreign exchange clients. In addition, the department is instructed by the FCA, Financial Services Compensation Scheme and various financial institutions, particularly in relation to multijurisdictional matters. Practice head Celyn Armstrong advises on a range of contentious regulatory issues, including FCA and PRA enforcement investigations, section 166 skilled person reviews, internal investigations and remediation exercises.

International arbitration Tier 5

Dentons' 'very professional and meticulous international arbitration specialists' are recognised for their expertise in emerging markets including Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, and the CIS. The team is particularly noted for energy and infrastructure arbitrations, and has experienced an increased volume of banking disputes. Other sector specialisms include the hotels, gaming, media, telecoms and mining industries. Liz Tout heads up the London group, which includes Dan Bodle, James Langley and London and Moscow-based Dominic Pellew, along with counsel Matthew Vinall and senior associate Catherine Gilfedder.

Mining and minerals Tier 5

Dentons' department leverages its offices in many of the key mining jurisdictions across the globe to provides clients with high-quality insight into the mining sector. The practice handles mining financings and transactions, litigation, and issues relating to mining operations. Darren Acres, Helen Bowdren, Dan Bodle and Joseph Altendorff are the London-based contacts.

Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) Tier 5

Dentons handles FCA, SFO and local law enforcement and investigations. Its main focus in London is financial crime, including money laundering, corruption, insider dealing, market abuse and financial sanctions. Daren Allen heads the regulatory, trade and investigations group, and counts large international banks among his clients. Katharine Harle was promoted to partner.

Sport Tier 5

Focusing primarily on corporate and commercial work, Dentons has been involved in newsworthy deals such as advising Saracens on its use of the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium, as well as advising Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley on the potential sale of Newcastle United. Practice head Richard Barham, who worked on those particular matters, is known for his work on M&A, financing and bidding for major sports events. Senior associate Nick Harrison, who focuses on commercial contracts in both sport and retail, is also recommended - he is based in the firm's Milton Keynes office and is able to draw on experience gained from a number of previous in-house stints.

Acquisition finance Tier 6

While Dentons may lack the market share and regular flow of leveraged finance work of some of its higher ranked peers, under the leadership of the versatile Catherine Astruc, it has a solid pedigree in the market for banks, corporates and sponsors. The arrival of Simon Middleton  from Simmons & Simmons in September 2019 also enhances the firm's capabilities, particularly in light of his knowledge and experience of the UK and international markets.

Immigration

The business immigration offering at Dentons is led by immigration head Jessica Pattinson, who works in tandem with UK and Middle East people, reward and mobility head Virginia Allen. The team is particularly strong on handling the immigration implications of corporate transactions, including the impact of TUPE and Tier 2 sponsor licence reporting. Other areas of expertise include Brexit readiness advice, due diligence work and dealing with disciplinary procedures following illegal working activities. Key sectors for the practice - which also includes lawyers in Milton Keynes, Glasgow and Edinburgh - include financial services, technology and energy.