McDermott Will & Schulte, a global law firm

Over the course of the last ten years, the continent has experienced unprecedented levels of growth. According to the World Bank, six of the world’s ten fastest growing economies are in Africa. Nevertheless, the resources, culture, economy, legal system and geopolitical forces in each country combine to create a unique profile. Businesses and investors wishing to establish their presence on the continent and to expand beyond their borders, should avail themselves of sound legal advice by professionals having a vision from both a national and international perspective. McDermott Will & Schulte offers a seamlessly integrated team which, from our offices in London, Paris and the United States, is able to respond to challenges from jurisdictions right across/ the vast African continent.

Our experience extends to each of the key sectors of economic activity including infrastructure, natural resources, renewable energy, oil & gas, water, mining, transportation, telecommunications,/ICT, agriculture and banking & finance – including financing related to projects in these key areas. We advise in civil law as well as common law.

Our full range of experience allows us to counsel clients in both private law as well as public law, as we can rely, in particular on the experience gained in advising various Governments in undertaking sector reforms financed by international institutions.

Our Paris office offers a level of experience and know-how which rests on what is recognized as one of the historical legal practices serving the Continent. Our lawyers , boast over 40 years of experience and have had the opportunity to assist the Governments in defining their legal framework and in playing a key role in the development of such sectors as Petroleum, energy, mining and telecommunications as well as public law companies. The promulgation of the first privatization laws (Togo & Senegal), the reform of public enterprises and their access to private capital, (DCR, Togo), the holding by a foreign company of the majority of the capital of a mining company (Mali) and the drafting the first standard mining agreements and the restructuring of electricity concessions (Guinea and Niger), the establishment of the first cellular network "Telecel" in Africa (DRC) and the modification of legislation to open the Government monopoly over the fixed infrastructure to allow the installation of cellular networks by private operators and the introduction of ICTs.(DRC, Chad, Madagascar), are some examples of our lawyers’ involvement in the development of the legal framework in various African countries.

More specifically our experience covers:

Natural Resources & Energy Projects

Our lawyers have led in the negotiation of production sharing contracts, association contracts and other oil and gas contracts between more than fifteen African States, and have assisted several States in the revision of their petroleum codes. Examples include our advice on the establishment of a joint venture between Sonatrach and Sonelgas for the supply of electricity to Europe, advising a member of the Medgaz consortium on the construction of a gas pipeline between Algeria and Spain, advising on the restructuring of the downstream oil industry in the Republic of Congo and advising on the construction of the 1800 kilometre high voltage transmission line “Inga Shaba”.

Our team advises private developers in the establishment, construction and financing of power plants across Africa. Our lawyers are regularly involved in major projects in the renewable energies sector, particularly solar projects, in many African countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Angola, etc.).

Our experience in the mining and metals industry extends to exploration, mineral processing and transformation and the production of finished products. Our team has advised key players in the sector on mergers and acquisitions, creation of exploration partnerships and joint ventures, interpretation of mining codes and regulations, obtaining of mining permits, negotiation of mining agreements and establishment agreements as well as on preferential and stabilization regimes, financing and contractual arrangements necessary for exploration and production. Our lawyers have drawn up and negotiated mining agreements on behalf of investors in more than a dozen countries and on flagship projects such as Mifergui Nimba, Simandou (Guinea), Dikulushi, Tenke Fungurume , Kilo Moto (DRC), Syama (Mali). We drew up the Burundi Mining Code and advised on WB financed projects on the privatization of the Kalana gold mine (Mali). And on the renegotiation of the bauxite agreements (Guinea). On behalf of the Ministry of Mines of Togo we recently undertook the review of the existing mining agreements and submitted a report with a view to their renegotiation.

Telecommunications Projects

From 1986, the year that Telecel was launched in the DRC, and onwards our team has played a major role in the development of telecommunications in Africa. We advised States on harmonizing legislation in order to allow the allocation of radio frequencies, and have assisted in preparing the launch of competitive tenders for the allocation of licenses. We have advised private operators on obtaining cellular licenses in more than 16 African countries.

We have been very involved in projects financed by international institutions, for example, advising on the reorganization of telecommunications and advising the Ministry of PTT on revising the post office sector in Chad; we advised on the modification of the Malagasy regulatory framework in order to ensure access to ICTs, whilst working closely with the national operator OMERT. We also advised on the privatization of Onatel (Burkina Faso) Gabon Télécoms, Sotelma (Mali) and Benin Télécoms. We have assisted private operators in establishing and extending their networks and obtaining financing for their infrastructure. We also advised the governments of Algeria, Guinea and Togo in preparing the requests for proposal related to the award of the third GSM license.

Transport

Our experience spans across several sectors, including aviation and rail transport. Our team advises on the granting of air traffic rights, operating licenses, bilateral and regional agreements. We have advised private carriers in connection with their freight operations, charters and negotiations with State authorities. We have also advised national airlines, particularly in the DRC and Nigeria, on their day-to-day operations as well as on their long-term investments. We advised the DRC’s government on a privatization structure for the management of the national airline and on their participation in development projects, on the management of the national airline and engagement in negotiations with the FAA, and in the creation and implementation of safety regulations applicable to domestic civil airports and domestic air traffic. In the DRC and Senegal, we have assisted governments on negotiating airport management agreements. Recently, as part of the World Bank's Multi-Modal Program, we advised the DRC Ministry of Transport and the SNCC on the development of the SNCC management plan and the purchase of 20 locomotives.

Banking & Finance

We have advised international banking groups on the negotiation of bank loans, taking of collateral and mortgages, as well as assisting international financial institutions such as IFC, OPIC and AFD in granting guarantees, all in connection to the commissioning of mining and oil, infrastructure and hotel projects. We also have considerable experience in structured financing, examples including creating a complex contract for the supply of petroleum products in the Ivory Coast. We advised Ecobank on the creation and establishment of its constituting documents in accordance with ECOWAS regulations.

Mergers & Acquisitions

In addition to regularly advising private operators on the application of the Ohada Uniform Acts in matters relating to commercial and company law, we have represented clients in major undertakings, such as the privatization of Air Gabon, supporting the Ministry of Finance in the first bank privatization in Algeria (Crédit Populaire). We have represented the Algerian State in in the privatization process relating to the management of El Aurassi and El djazair Hotels. We advised Chevron, key player in the oil industry, on the divestment of its distribution networks in nine African countries. We advised Sider, Algeria’s national steel group, on the sale of its assets to Mittal. We are routinely involved in multiple mergers and acquisitions in Africa as well as handling of the African aspects of large international operations, such as for example the acquisition of the cocoa activity carried out by Olam from Archer Daniels Midland.

Dispute Resolution

Our lawyers are skilled litigators, and well-versed in arbitration, drawing on a wealth of experience dating back to the first disputes settled under the ICSID Rules, some of which are now established jurisprudence. Our team advises both private clients and governments in ad hoc international arbitrations. Our experience spans all types of international trade litigation, in particular government procurement, contracts, energy and natural resources. Our integrated arbitration practice boasts team members globally, headed by our London-based specialists. As part of a project coordinated by the African Development Bank, we recently advised on the creation on Gabon’s Arbitration Chamber and the related regulations.

Regulatory & Antitrust

Our team has assisted a number of major businesses in due diligence and filing notifications related to merger transactions with the relevant competition authorities. We regularly assist our clients in observing the regulations of the Regional Authorities, such as COMESA, UEMOA or CEMAC. Our lawyers also guide clients through the hazards of potential anti-competitive practices, and are able to perform compliance audits or provide onsite training, keeping antitrust a part of our clients’ strategic development on the continent.

We also advise clients on all other regulatory issues that may apply to their business, such as anti-corruption, banking and foreign exchange rules as well as industry regulations.

Commercial Law

We are involved in the drafting and negotiation of all commercial contracts necessary to carry out activities on the continent, whether they are relating to manufacturing, distribution, representation or subcontracting. Our lawyers assist investors and foreign operators in understanding local laws which frame or restrict their activities and assist in defining the most appropriate and effective commercial strategy.

Enterprises and investors with interests anywhere in Europe must comply with two levels of legal and regulatory challenges: those of the Member States in which they have operations and customers, and those of the European Union.

Operating at the heart of the EU, our Brussels team supports our global client base and provides sophisticated counsel in all aspects of competition and international trade law, including the following areas transaction counsel, merger control notification, state aid, public procurement, cartel investigations, technology licensing, pricing and distribution arrangements, EU and Member State litigation, arbitration and mediation, risk arbitrage, sector inquiries and agency complaints.

We are multi-legal, multinational and multilingual: we work closely with lawyers throughout the firm, including practitioners in our strong Milan and Paris offices; our lawyers are of many different nationalities and speak—literally—the languages of our clients; and we are admitted to practice across Europe and the United States. As specific examples of our broad reach, we have dealt with merger control clearances in more than 30 jurisdictions around the world, and anti-dumping cases in more than 20 countries outside of Europe. This international perspective enables us to balance different viewpoints, identify the most effective approach to each matter, and foster a broad network of key legal, regulatory and industry contacts around the world.

Our Brussels team and individual lawyers are recognized consistently by publications such as Legal 500 EMEA 2015 for providing high-quality counsel on EU regulatory and trade matters. Chambers Europe 2015 praises our “strong reputation for multi-jurisdictional competition work” and our “close links with colleagues across Europe and in the USA.” The publication further recognizes our “long-standing experience” in anti-dumping cases and EU trade defense law, as well as our “additional strength” in EU export sanctions and WTO disputes.

For any company operating on a global scale, working in China is a must. As China continues to evolve as a major player on the world stage in nearly every area of economic, political and cultural life, the country’s business and regulatory climate continues to shift. To maximize opportunities while ensuring compliance with complex regulatory requirements, companies must utilize legal counsel skilled at advising on matters critical to business success. We can help.

France is a key player on the global stage—economically, politically and culturally. It offers ample opportunities for both national and international businesses to innovate, expand and pursue their business vision. Whether you are seeking to strengthen your position in France or around the world, we are here to help.

We know that you face myriad challenges every day, which is why our purpose-built teams of multilingual lawyers deliver sophisticated yet practical advice to help you achieve your goals. Our 110-lawyer Paris team offers cross-disciplinary counsel in all key areas of law, including corporate transactions, EU competition, finance, labor and employment, litigation and dispute resolution, private equity, public law, tax and intellectual property. We partner with some of the region’s best-known companies as well as multinational investors, corporates and financial institutions seeking to enter the French marketplace.

Whatever industry your business operates in, we draw on our extensive sector knowledge to offer the legal insights you need to succeed. Our lawyers offer particularly deep experience in fields such as life sciences, construction and engineering, distribution, energy, oil and gas, telecommunications and transportation. We guide privately held, publicly traded and state-owned enterprises through the laws and regulations governing foreign investments in France, and deploy our thorough understanding of global business practices to negotiate common ground and close deals quickly.

Over the last ten years we have been privileged to fuel the missions of key market players in France; breaking down barriers to client success. Our thanks to our clients for your continued trust, and to our alumni for your continued engagement as we celebrate our ten year anniversary in Paris.

Year after year, respected industry publications and ratings agencies highlight the quality, consistency and creativity of our legal counsel. Global Competition Review has repeatedly included our Antitrust & Competition Practice Group among the top 20 firms on its GCR 100 Global Elite list, and M&A Today named us the 2015 Law Firm of the Year – Employment & Labour – France. Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, The Legal 500 EMEA, Décideurs Stratégie Finance Droit, Décideurs Juridiques, Option Droit & Affaires, Magazine des Affaires and the IFLR1000 Financial and Corporate Guide regularly include us in their listings of top practices in the French and global markets.

Areas of focus

Africa / Energy

When pursuing a strategic project or transaction in Africa, access to deep region- and sector-specific knowledge is vital for success. Our industry-leading team has helped companies tackle their most important initiatives across the continent for more than 30 years. We have extensive experience in the fields of energy, mining, climate change, telecommunications and transportation. We are also involved in matters relating to corporate/M&A, privatizations, sector restructuring, project and structured finance, public works and infrastructure. Our team partners with you to deliver high-quality, on-point legal advice and services at each stage of your investment project.

Banking & Finance

Strategic financing selection is the foundation of a company’s business strategy. Our team advises clients on a wide range of finance transactions, from acquisition finance and working capital loans, to equity and debt securities issuances, including convertible and eurobond issues, euro-commercial paper and medium term notes. We also counsel clients on the refinancing or restructuring of debt and the rescheduling of defaulted bonds. Our lawyers have played a key role in the negotiation, documentation and closing of credit-linked note issuances, asset-backed commercial paper transactions, exchange-traded fund transactions, credit derivatives and various types of securitizations.

Dispute Resolution

Our dispute resolution team represents multinational and national corporations in business disputes before the French courts. Our litigators work closely with our antitrust and competition, corporate, employment, intellectual property and tax lawyers to meet the needs of public and privately held companies in all types of civil, criminal and administrative matters. We also provide international trade advice and deploy our extensive experience in the enforcement of foreign judgments and awards in France.

EU Competition

Our Paris office plays an integral role in the firm’s industry-leading global Antitrust & Competition Practice Group. Our lawyers work with their colleagues across the United States and Europe to advise clients on the full range of competition issues. We provide seamless, sophisticated EU and national competition advice, and effective, results-oriented representation before the European Commission, other EU institutions and national competition authorities. In addition to our knowledge of European and national regulatory frameworks, we have a deep understanding of the industries in which our clients operate.

Global Privacy and Cybersecurity

McDermott Will & Schulte’s world-class Global Privacy and Cybersecurity team advises clients on the statutory, regulatory and enforcement regimes that govern the collection, use and disclosure of data in France, Europe and globally.

We have extensive experience advising on the full range of data privacy and protection laws, industry standards and issues. Our lawyers regularly counsel clients on national and international data-use issues, data transfers, and privacy compliance. We conduct data protection impact assessment (DPIA), in-depth privacy/cybersecurity risk assessments, often in the context of mergers, acquisitions and other domestic and cross-border transactions.

In the event of data breaches or alleged improper use of data, we provide swift, effective cybersecurity incident response and represent clients in litigation and government investigations. Our practice includes lawyers with deep experience in health care data privacy and related litigation.

Intellectual Property

We know that your intellectual property is often your most valuable asset, and we stand ready to help you protect it. Our lawyers advise French and foreign companies across a wide variety of sectors, including chemicals, energy, fashion, food processing, media, perfume, pharmaceuticals and technology, on all IP-related matters.

We serve as dedicated advisors—and litigators when necessary—in protecting, exploiting and defending your intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, know-how, authors’ rights, designs and models. We also have significant experience in matters of unfair competition and parasitism, and advise on issues of misleading advertising, comparative advertising and image rights. We have a long track record of success in mediation in intellectual property matters before the Centre for Mediation and Arbitration of Paris (CMAP).

Labor, Employment & Benefits

In the context of national and transnational commercial and corporate transactions and international trade, employers inevitably face legal, business and regulatory issues related to attracting, hiring and retaining talent. Our Paris-based lawyers conduct due diligence investigations and audits, and provide advice on employment contracts and separation agreements, restructuring plans, reductions in force, workplace policies and other employment-related best practices. We also represent clients in ongoing matters, including terminations, discrimination, harassment, breaches of restrictive covenants, union negotiations, strikes and other collective conflicts.

Life Sciences

Whether you’re a cutting-edge medical device start-up or a global biopharma leader, we know it’s mission that drives you. Our industry-leading life sciences lawyers deliver innovative, fully integrated legal services to clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device and related health care industries. We partner with French, European and US life sciences companies in relation to acquisitions and divestitures, outsourcing projects, product development, cooperation and licensing agreements, regulatory issues, and general corporate and commercial law matters.

Mergers & Acquisitions

A defined, dynamic M&A strategy is critical to stay competitive in the global marketplace. Our corporate transactional lawyers, in collaboration with our colleagues across the United States and Europe, have successfully negotiated and closed myriad domestic and cross-border deals in France on behalf of businesses worldwide.

Our corporate lawyers provide end-to-end advice on mergers and acquisitions, including transactions involving distressed assets and those that require in-depth knowledge of corporate restructuring and bankruptcy law. We represent clients in a wide range of industry sectors, including energy, tourism and telecommunications.

Private Equity

In today’s hyper-competitive market, private equity firms face tremendous pressure—and abundant opportunity. We advise a diverse range of private equity funds, with a focus on funds active in the middle market. We are at our best when we work with clients as a business partner—in many cases, we lead the initial acquisition, then serve as trusted advisors for the portfolio company’s ongoing business activities, potential future add-on acquisitions and eventual disposition. We work closely with lawyers across the firm’s core practice groups to address day-to-day operational and tactical matters; ensure compliance with French, EU and international regulations; and respond to other strategic business and financial questions. We counsel clients on all aspects of private equity transactional activity, including buyouts that create new platforms, recapitalizations, investments for growth, non-control and minority positions, distressed acquisitions, exit strategies and initial public offerings.

Public Law

Our team advises both private entities and public bodies, including local governments and semi-publicly owned companies, on all aspects of public law, including administrative and regulatory law, competition law and constitutional law. We are deeply familiar with the challenges facing businesses operating in highly regulated industries, such as telecommunications, aerospace, energy, and oil and gas, and combine our extensive experience with nimble problem solving to offer fully realized solutions. We regularly represent clients:

• Before administrative and commercial courts
• Before EU and French competition and other regulatory authorities
• In dealings with the French government
• In litigation matters

Our team is highly regarded for the negotiation, completion and performance of public contracts, as well as the management of the public domain and civil servants.

Restructuring

Whether you are facing a business restructuring or insolvency proceeding—or are on the opposite end of the transaction and are considering acquiring distressed assets—we are here to help. Our team advises on the full range of financial and industrial restructuring cases, and assists debtors, buyers, creditors and shareholders within France and internationally.

We support distressed companies in assessing the situation and identifying appropriate countermeasures, whether in the form of preventive procedures, such as ad hoc mandate or conciliation, or collective proceedings, including safeguarding, receivership and judicial liquidation. Our lawyers guide clients through the procedure, acting as medium with judicial and supervisory authorities, and provide constant support, from commencement of restructuring operations, to negotiation with the principal creditors, through to the intervention of investors or purchasers. We also assist in drafting conciliation agreements, safeguarding plans and continuation plans.

We regularly advise private equity funds and industrial companies on the takeover of distressed companies. Our lawyers’ diverse skill-set allows us to intervene in the drafting of financial documentation and deeded agreements, as well as in all litigation ancillary to collective proceedings.

Tax

Amid increasing competition, legislative ambiguity and ever-shifting business models, tax strategy is more critical than ever. Our team of thought leaders go beyond technical requirements, adding a deep understanding of your company and your specific market dynamics. We advise French and international corporations, private equity houses, asset managers, entrepreneurs, investment banks and sovereigns on the full range of French and international tax issues, including matters arising in relation to corporate restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, and the creation of joint ventures. Our team provides ongoing guidance to multinational companies on the organization and operations of their tax departments, helps identify potential tax risks, and develops effective strategies to reduce the impact of taxation rates. Our lawyers are thoroughly versed in French and international tax law, as well as accounting and finance matters.

As one of the powerhouse countries in the European Union, Germany continues to solidify its position as a global economic leader. As part of the firm’s robust international practice, the lawyers in our Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich offices likewise provide top-quality, industry-leading legal counsel to privately held and publicly traded German clients doing business in Germany, as well as to non-German and German clients with operations and investments worldwide.

Clients value our approach to developing long-term relationships providing pragmatic counsel to solve legal issues and address business needs. These close relationships provide us with a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses and their specific economic and legal requirements, resulting in our ability to address local legal needs. At the same time, we also work closely with lawyers in our European locations for pan-European needs, along with our US and Asian offices for cross-border needs. Together, our familiarity with diverse cultures and in-depth knowledge of jurisdiction-specific legal systems enables us to provide the highest-quality legal counsel to domestic and international companies, investors, financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals.

We regularly advise clients on the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, including cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, establishment of subsidiaries (and related personnel and visa matters), cross-border financings and securities issues. We also have substantial experience in the areas of antitrust and competition, capital markets, corporate law, health services and life sciences, intellectual property, labor and employment, private equity and venture capital, restructuring and insolvency, real estate, taxation, and telecommunications, media and information technology.

Our Germany-based practice teams and individual lawyers have been recognized year after year for the quality, consistency and creativity of our legal counsel by respected industry publications and ratings agencies, including Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, JUVE Handbook, The Legal 500 EMEA, and Euromoney Legal Group.

Capital markets

Our German capital markets practice has extensive experience representing issuers, underwriters and other related parties on all types of equity issues, in cross-border matters and within the German market. We advise clients on transaction structuring, initial public offerings, private placements, registered underwritten offerings, high-yield debt, and more creative hybrid instruments involving multiple issuers, unique regulatory issues and evolving disclosure requirements. In conjunction with the firm’s experienced securities lawyers, we provide guidance on compliance, corporate governance and responsibility, and related issues arising out of mergers, acquisitions, tender and exchange offers, and private investments.

Health & life sciences

Our health care lawyers provide comprehensive advice in the health services, medical devices and pharmaceutical sectors. We advise on corporate, regulatory and competition law, and have managed numerous investment projects in the outpatient and inpatient health care sectors. Our lawyers have handled the founding and approval of the first German medical health care center in the legal form of a GmbH (LLC under German law) and the emergence of the largest European clinical lab established as a joint venture between a medical school and the largest public hospital carrier. We represent companies and investors with respect to participation and approval procedures, product liability, statutory health insurance law, public procurement industry codes of conduct, data protection, intellectual property, and promotions and advertising. We draft and negotiate company and shareholding agreements, ensure compliance with tax laws and other requirements, and represent the interests of bidders in contract award procedures (i.e., public tenders) of public payers.

International arbitration

Our international arbitration team represents German and non-German clients in domestic arbitrations and in mediation, arbitration and negotiated settlements worldwide. We are particularly skilled at forging creative and efficient solutions to all types of transnational commercial disputes, and have extensive experience under the rules of all of the major international arbitration institutions. We regularly assist clients in drafting practical, enforceable arbitration clauses in contracts, prosecute and defend against litigation in relation to international arbitration, and represent States and private entities in proceedings under bilateral investment treaties, multilateral investment treaties and free trade agreements. Chambers Global and The Legal 500 EMEA have ranked our international arbitration practice and individual lawyers as top practitioners in this area.

Litigation & dispute resolution

The firm counsels and represents clients in out-of-court settlements, before the courts, and in mediation and arbitration proceedings. We cover a broad range of civil law sectors, with a focus on real estate, investment, joint ventures and other cooperation agreements, mergers and acquisitions (including disputes involving corporate law and transactions, rescission from company purchases and warranties), product liability and distribution. Our lawyers often are brought in to handle complex case facts or legal questions, many of which are international in scope or involve issues, operations and investments in several jurisdictions. Our primary goal is to identify and implement commercially useful solutions that allow our clients to refocus on achieving their business goals.

Mergers & acquisitions

Our lawyers have extensive experience consulting on complex national and international transactions ranging from public takeovers of listed companies to mergers and acquisitions from private sources, and joint ventures. We advise clients in all stages of such transactions, from the determination of appropriate legal and tax structures to the negotiation and preparation of contracts and the conduct of due diligence. To serve clients most effectively, we create effective, transaction-specific teams, working closely with firm colleagues with deep experience in tax, antitrust, capital markets and labor law. We have advised companies in many sectors, including plant engineering, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical, health care, steel, logistics, energy, e-commerce, tourism, retail, information technology, publication, media and telecommunication.

Private equity

We advise leading private equity and venture capital firms, entrepreneurs and emerging young entrepreneurs in management buyouts (MBOs) and leveraged buyouts (LBOs), venture capital investments, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, refinancings, recapitalizations and restructurings. Private equity investments do not occur in a vacuum, and we regularly advise clients on management participation programs, disclosure obligations in security and stock exchange laws, fund set-up, early and late-stage investments, and intellectual property and licensing. We provide counsel in all phases of a transaction, from corporate law and tax law structuring, design of acquisition financing and due diligence, to drafting and negotiating contracts, transaction implementation and post-implementation transitions.

Real estate

Our real estate law team provides advice on the full spectrum of real estate transactions (including asset and share deals), joint ventures, financings, project development, leasing and inventory management in all of the top markets in Germany, including Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich. In addition to our German clients, we have counseled real estate companies (including owner-operated companies), institutional investors, private equity funds, asset managers, insurers, pension funds, real estate consulting companies, family offices, and financial institutions from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Austria, and other countries. Regularly named as a top practice in JUVE Handbook, The Legal 500 Deutschland, and Chambers Europe, our lawyers are also praised for our “legal and commercial know-how” and our “quick, clear and practically oriented legal advice.”

Restructuring & insolvency

We advise businesses extensively on all areas of law related to restructuring, reorganization, refinancing, and insolvency, including matters with an international or cross-border component. We also help shareholders, creditors and business partners of companies in crisis secure, pursue and enforce their interests. We have in-depth experience representing investors in the acquisition of companies before or out of insolvency, and assisting insolvency administrators in the handling of their fiduciary duties, particularly with respect to M&A processes and insolvency plan procedures and in disputed enforcements of claims in Germany and internationally. We have advised clients in numerous industries, including the automotive, energy, health care, retail, sports, telecommunications, transport and logistics sectors.

Tax

As international leaders in tax law, our tax advisors work across disciplines to provide legal tax advice independent of auditing services, which is mandatory not only in the United States (Sarbanes-Oxley Act), but also for listed companies in Germany (Accounting Control Act – Bilanzrechtskontrollgesetz) and other European countries. Through our network of tax lawyers across offices, we work closely with top tax advisors in other countries to provide “best in field” tax and transactional services in major business and financial markets worldwide. Our tax lawyers are also highly regarded in court representation and regularly enforce our clients’ interests and rights vis-à-vis tax authorities and tax courts, the Federal Finance Court and the European Court of Justice.

Telecommunication, media & technology

We provide comprehensive legal counsel to companies and financial institutions with interests in a broad range of TMT-related sectors, including mobile and fixed-line telephony and internet services, cable and satellite TV, entertainment, film production and financing, software, hardware, outsourcing and telematics. Our lawyers have extensive experience in copyright, patent, data protection, telecommunications, broadcasting, antitrust and competition law, as well as general commercial law. We advise on mergers, acquisitions and other major transactions, negotiate and draft licensing, end-user and e-commerce agreements, consult on IT and BPO outsourcing projects, and provide guidance on regulatory compliance and government lobbying. When disputes arise, we offer full-spectrum litigation and alternative dispute resolution advice on all regulatory and strategic questions relating to this constantly evolving market.

India has become a global hub for transactional activity and innovation, making it a vital business center for stakeholders around the world. To help you navigate the India market landscape to achieve your business goals, we draw on our long history of delivering strategic solutions to Indian companies and high-net-worth individuals, along with international companies, private equity firms and financial institutions doing business in India.

Our highly skilled, cross-practice team combines global experience and knowledge of Indian markets to provide you with relevant insights that propel your success.

As a global law firm with deep local connections and experience, we are well positioned to serve as international counsel on your most complex cross-border transactions, investments, and compliance and disputes matters involving India. Our team’s broad understanding and knowledge, with particular insights in the areas of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, energy and natural resources, automotive and logistics, infrastructure, technology and data, and financial services, gives you a strategic edge as you make assessments and plan next steps. You also benefit from our decades-long history of acting on significant matters, helping clients mitigate risk and navigate the complex regulatory environment for projects in India. We regularly work with companies to review local partners, conduct thorough commercial due diligence and evaluate market conditions, all while engaging effectively and sensitively with local cultural and business norms.

As an international law firm, we do not practice Indian law, but we partner with and rely on longstanding relationships with trusted, market-leading law firms in India to deliver the best local legal advice for your needs.

Commercial contracts & Outsourcing

As one of the recognized leading destinations for outsourcing transactions across a wide range of sectors, India is essential to your company’s success.

To help you accomplish your objectives, our global team delivers effective, full-service solutions to your most complex technology, IT and business process outsourcing transactions. We are adept at handling transactions involving technology development, hardware and software implementations, licensing, cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS) arrangements, technology maintenance and services, technology development/customization, wireless infrastructure, strategic alliances, e-commerce, strategic sourcing, and data security and privacy.

Data privacy & cybersecurity

In an increasingly virtual world, protecting your company’s data and your customers’ privacy is more vital and complex than ever. Our top-ranked team is equipped to help you navigate the myriad—and constantly evolving—statutory, regulatory and enforcement regimes that govern the collection, use and disclosure of data in India and Asia, the United States and across Europe.

Our lawyers provide sophisticated privacy advice to domestic and multinational companies and vendors on a wide spectrum of data protection matters, including global privacy policies, data transfer mechanisms, Privacy Shield assessments, notifications to in-country data protection authorities, compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), reviews of new data laws and other compliance steps.

Dispute resolution

We recognize that dispute resolution requires strategies not only for winning at trial, but for reducing risk and managing uncertainty along the way. To that end, we make it a priority to explain the strategies available to you, outline the potential costs of pursing those strategies and clarify the key distinctions between short-term victory and long-term success.

Our team includes well-known trial lawyers and litigators with skill and familiarity in handling the issues you face, such as international arbitration, consumer class actions, international trade disputes and product liability claims. With clients and experience in most industries, we have earned a particularly strong reputation for helping major multinational clients win big-ticket cases. We can also draw on our extensive experience in white-collar and regulatory matters to help you defend and navigate complex cross-border disputes that involve both commercial and regulatory threats.

To protect your interests, our lawyers resolve international commercial disputes under all major international arbitration institutions and rules.

Employment

Our global team provides creative, tailored solutions to tackle any employment challenge, partnering with you to identify and address the potential legal implications of workplace issues, provide cutting-edge counsel in the context of transactions and defend you in litigation. We advise on the full range of day-to-day employment issues, including employment contracts, termination packages and procedures, business reorganizations, international secondment arrangements, redundancy programs, workforce disputes, disciplinary and grievance procedures, discrimination and harassment issues, protection of trade secrets, and the enforcement of non-competes and other restrictive covenants.

We also provide pragmatic industrial relations advice, whether in relation to trade unions, employee works councils, or other representative and regulatory bodies.

Energy & infrastructure

To help you manage legal, reputational and political risks and seize opportunities in a constantly changing industry, our team tracks trends and provides forward-thinking counsel for India and other markets.

We align our seasoned lawyers’ skills with your needs, drawing on experience representing a broad range of clients in complex inbound and outbound India transactions that span power, renewables, oil and gas, LNG, metals, mining and commodities, and social and economic infrastructure across the value chain. We have been involved in many of the largest and most significant transactions in the industry. Our integrated multidisciplinary approach to every aspect of a deal, including project development and financing, M&A and joint ventures, commodities and trading, regulatory, environmental, real estate and tax, allows us to work efficiently and effectively on your behalf to exceed expectations.

Finance

Whether you are an individual or a business leader operating or intending to operate in India, our finance team is equipped to provide you with tailored, practical counsel. We have experience advising banks, financial institutions, venture capitalists, private equity funds and their portfolio companies, hedge funds, corporate borrowers and issuers, multinational corporations, industrial groups and other sophisticated capital providers. We also regularly act for corporate trustees, facility agents, security agents and custodians in relation to complex structured finance and banking transactions.

Banking & real estate finance

Having advised on some of the largest syndicated loan transactions in India, our team is well prepared to counsel you on external commercial borrowing transactions from the bank or borrower side. We also work on a variety of financings, including secured and unsecured lending, leveraged buyouts, domestic and cross-border syndicated senior, second lien and mezzanine lending, distressed debt trading, trade finance, structured export-credit financing and acquisition financing.

Our real estate team can provide you with comprehensive service on real estate acquisition, operation, leasing, financing and development. The team covers the full range of real estate mandates, from the structuring of large, complex acquisitions to development and ultimate disposition. Our lawyers advise a diverse group of clients, including developers, lenders, operators and private owners, and we frequently represent landlords and tenants in all aspects of office, commercial and retail industrial leasing transactions.

Structured finance

Through our extensive work with a range of financial institutions and corporations, we have developed a deep understanding of the finance industry and skills we deploy to help fuel your success. We advise on capital markets transactions, including complex structure finance solutions, medium term note issues, fixed rate note issues, high yield issues, equity offerings, debentures, foreign currency convertible bonds, external commercial borrowings and global depository receipts. In addition, we have a wealth of experience in advising on restructurings, workouts and bond defaults. We are one of the leading teams for sustainable finance targeting environmental and social interventions.

Health & life sciences

As you pursue innovative partnerships and transactions in a rapidly evolving health and life sciences industry, you can turn to our top-ranked health and life sciences lawyers for strategic legal, business and regulatory advice.

Our clients include leading hospitals and health systems; medical and provider groups; health private equity funds and their management companies; insurers; health technology companies; medical device, pharmaceutical and medical supply manufacturers and distributors; and life sciences companies at every stage of development. We are trusted, knowledgeable and innovative advisors committed to engaging with all types of healthcare organizations.

Intellectual property

When it comes to your business, your intellectual property should help drive growth. These days, however, a return on your IP investment is hardly guaranteed. Product lifecycles are short, competition is fierce, and reputations can be won or lost at the push of a social media button. An increasingly complex web of international laws and regulations, judicial decisions and new legislation also pose a constant challenge.

Whether you’re building the next iconic brand, protecting game-changing new technology or creating new revenue streams from your established IP assets, our team can help you achieve your business goals at every stage of the IP lifecycle—in India and around the world . Beyond our legal skill, our business-first perspective uniquely equips us to support all aspects of your company’s growth. From global trademark registration to enforcement and everything in between, including global portfolio management, licensing of brand assets, due diligence in transactions and litigation, we are deeply invested in your success.

Private client

We partner with you, as either a closely held business owner or a high-net-worth individual, to deliver creative, customized solutions that meet your most sensitive and pressing needs. Our first priority is to earn your trust, providing nuanced, multidimensional advice that will guide you through critical decisions in achieving your personal, business, tax, civic, and charitable goals.

We serve Indian and international business owners, executives, families, family offices, fiduciaries, private trust companies, public charities, private charities, closely held businesses, private equity fund partners, investment managers, and publicly traded family-controlled companies. On behalf of our clients’ diverse
interests, we marshal and deploy the full resources of our global firm to develop and implement effective financial, business and legal strategies.

Private equity

For your global investment needs as a private equity firm, we are at your side through the complete lifecycle of an investment, from initial acquisition to eventual sale. We counsel sponsors and management teams on all aspects of private equity transactional activity, from buyouts that create new platforms to recapitalizations, investments for growth, non-control and minority positions and distressed acquisitions.

We use our extensive international footprint to advise on deals in established business centers and emerging markets across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including India. Our full-service teams include market-leading lawyers in the areas of leveraged finance, high-yield bonds, tax and employment, among other practice areas. We have deep cross-sector experience, with particular strength in energy, consumer goods, technology, industrials, life sciences and healthcare.

Tax

To ensure that our tax planning advice aligns with your commercial goals and enhances your return on investment, we work closely with you to understand your priorities and deliver innovative advice quickly and effectively. Partnering with our full-service global team, including a network of trusted advisors in locations where we do not have a local office, equips you to handle strategic international tax planning, covering all direct and indirect taxes. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling sophisticated international and domestic transactions, and we provide India-focused tax advice in relation to offerings of technology, digital goods and services in India; sporting and entertainment events; and, restructurings of Indian companies.

With a global footprint, an established on-the-ground presence in Israel and strong relationships with local law firms, our team is well-positioned to represent Israeli companies of all sizes, along with investors looking to acquire or invest in Israeli companies. For years, we have ranked number one in volume of capital markets transactions in Israel, and you can rely on our experience and respected reputation for both inbound and outbound work in capital markets and securities, as well as M&A. We also collaborate with top-ranked colleagues across practices and offices worldwide—including our world-class healthcare practice, as the only law firm to be ranked #1 in healthcare by all the leading industry rankings—to handle any of your most pressing legal needs.

When you hire us, you gain access to a full-service global network of skilled lawyers spanning corporate and M&A, tax, healthcare and life sciences, private equity, litigation, employment and beyond. Many of our lawyers are native Hebrew speakers, and because we do not practice Israeli law, we have developed trusted, longstanding partnerships with local law firms. Our ability to navigate the local language and culture, along with Delaware law and complex securities laws both internationally and in the United States, gives you an edge in securing financing, completing transactions in and outside of Israel, establishing your company’s presence overseas and achieving your other business objectives.

We take a sophisticated and efficient approach to transactions and other matters across a variety of industries, drawing on our long history of counseling Israeli public companies and investment banks in IPOs, follow-on public offering transactions and other corporate and commercial matters. We also help foreign investors, family offices and private equity funds identify and capitalize on opportunities in the region. Above all, we are responsive, attentive and committed to providing outstanding client service.

For Italian-based companies and multinational corporations active in the local market, the firm provides effective, coordinated legal counsel on cross-border and domestic transactions and on a broad range of legal issues, including EU competition and government regulatory compliance, energy, tax, insurance, health, private equity and capital markets, banking and finance, intellectual property, real estate, restructuring and employment law, as well as litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution.

Our clients include public and privately owned companies in many industries and of all sizes and geographic reach, from small and family-owned businesses to medium-sized companies and large multinational corporations. We emphasize the delivery of sophisticated, practical advice that combines high levels of legal knowledge with effective engagement management and seamless teamwork. We avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, preferring to focus our resources and attention on those areas where we believe we can serve clients best and add value to a transaction.

Our practice is local, regional and international. We help Italian clients expand their operations and investments outside national borders and work with international companies seeking to enter the Italian market. Our lawyers are highly experienced professionals capable of delivering legal services in English, German, French and Italian to better serve clients worldwide. No matter the size or scope of the engagement, we emphasize the development of longstanding client relationships that enable us to provide client-centered guidance well into the future.

Our practices and individual lawyers have been recognized by Chambers Europe, The Legal 500 EMEA and other respected industry publications and ratings agencies for the quality, consistency and creativity of our legal counsel.

EU competition

Our offices in Italy are integral to the firm’s industry-leading, global Antitrust & Competition practice. Our lawyers work with colleagues across all of our US and European offices to represent clients before Italian, EC, and other national regulatory authorities on the full range of competition issues.

We have significant experience assisting with the management of distribution networks, cartels, abuse of dominance, state aid and issues related to regulated markets, antitrust audits and risk assessments of potential antitrust liabilities within judicial and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. We also assist clients on consumer protection, unfair competition, and misleading advertising, including any potential criminal aspects.

Insurance

Our lawyers advise Italian and foreign clients in all areas of Italian and European insurance and reinsurance regulation. We work closely with clients and regulators to establish insurance companies as well as subsidiaries and branches of EU and non-EU insurance and reinsurance undertakings, handle authorization procedures, and advise on day-to-day compliance and extraordinary transactions. We also counsel insurance clients on domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures, private equity investments, restructurings, transfers of businesses, portfolios and run-offs, claim handling, creation of distribution channels and other arrangements, and litigation and arbitration.

Litigation & dispute resolution

Our lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in domestic and international litigation and arbitration, and regularly assist with enforcing foreign judgments and awards in Italy. When appropriate, we work closely with the firm’s well-established International Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Group to help clients understand and take full advantage of alternative dispute resolution methodologies, from negotiated settlements to mediation and arbitration. Our litigators regularly represent multinational corporations in Italian courts with regard to business disputes in Italy, including various kinds of contractual disputes involving employment litigation. Our diverse range of capabilities enables us to provide our clients with advice tailored to their specific needs.

Tax

As part of our internationally recognized tax team, our Italy-based tax advisors provide professional advice in all areas of taxation for major companies doing business in Italy and for Italian enterprises doing business internationally. Named 2014 “Law Firm of the Year for Transfer Pricing” by Legalcommunity.it, we deliver industry-focused solutions to large corporations in the food and beverage, consumer products, fashion and apparel, automotive, life sciences and medical devices, private equity, banking and financial services sectors. We counsel clients on tax planning and strategies, corporate income tax and indirect taxes, tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions, tax audits and investigations, and tax controversies, including settlement procedures and representation before tax courts.

Mergers & acquisitions

Our Milan-based corporate transactional lawyers, in conjunction with lawyers from the firm’s offices throughout the United States and Europe, have successfully negotiated and closed numerous domestic and cross-border deals in Italy on behalf of businesses worldwide. Our corporate lawyers provide industry-focused advice on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including friendly and hostile public tender offers, negotiated share and asset acquisitions, joint ventures and spin-offs. We counsel clients at all phases of a transaction, including coordinating auction sale procedures, negotiating and drafting letters of intent and final agreements, and providing closing and post-closing assistance. We have extensive experience structuring intra-group relationships, corporate governance systems, and compliance and control schemes.

Trade and investment relationships between Japan and the United States, Europe and the rest of the world are deep and longstanding. The strength and duration of these relationships should not, however, obscure the speed with which economic, regulatory and technological development can transform the business landscape. Businesses and investors require legal counsel that understands the history and traditions of Japanese commerce and has the geographic coverage, resources and flexibility to help clients adapt to a changing environment.

For half a century, the firm has represented Japanese companies doing business across the globe. A number of our lawyers in the United States and Europe have worked, studied and trained extensively in Japan, including working as in-house counsel at major technology companies. Others have held senior positions in government regulatory agencies such as the US Patent and Trademark Office, where they have been responsible for intellectual property issues related to technologies developed in and distributed from Japan.

Members of our Japan practice are capable of creating documents in Japanese, English or the local language where the investment or initiative is taking place. Our lawyers from all of the firm’s practice areas advise large multinational corporations, mid-sized businesses, start-up companies and entrepreneurs in a broad range of industries. To help clients avoid risks and take advantage of opportunities related to international investments, we regularly create and sponsor international events in Japan that review the latest developments in Japanese law.

Antitrust & competition

Our Antitrust & Competition team provide the a full range of business counsel to our Japanese clients, including transactional representation, defense of government investigations and litigation, and antitrust training. We provide effective, coordinated counsel on antitrust and competition laws worldwide. Regulators around the world are increasing their scrutiny of business transactions, relationships and practices that affect their local markets. Our Antitrust & Competition group is recognized as one of the world’s leading antitrust/competition practices by Chambers USA, U.S. News–Best Lawyers and Global Competition Review. A significant number of our lawyers served previously as former federal prosecutors and regulatory officials with primary responsibility for antitrust matters.

Government regulatory

Regulators around the world are increasing their scrutiny of business transactions, relationships and practices that affect their local markets. Our Antitrust & Competition group is recognized as one of the world’s leading antitrust/competition practices by Chambers USA, U.S. News–Best Lawyers and Global Competition Review. A significant number of our lawyers served previously as former federal prosecutors and regulatory officials with primary responsibility for antitrust matters. We provide a full range of antitrust counsel, including transactional representation, defense of government investigations and litigation, and antitrust training.

Intellectual property

Our Japan team includes lawyers with extensive experience in patent, design and trademark prosecution in the US Patent and Trademark Office, the European Patent Office and the China Patent and Trademark Office, as well as in providing intellectual property counseling, licensing and litigation. We regularly represent large multinational corporations, mid-sized businesses, start-up companies and entrepreneurs in a broad range of industries such as electronics, computers, software, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices, mechanical devices, biotechnology, energy and finance.

Litigation & dispute resolution

We represent Japanese clients in civil and criminal litigation before US federal and state courts, agencies such as the International Trade Commission (ITC), and the patent courts of the United States, Germany, France and other jurisdictions. We understand that a trial often represents the end point of a dispute, and regularly work with clients to achieve their goals through alternative dispute resolution methods, including arbitration, mediation and negotiated settlements. When the best course of action is to mount an aggressive defense of our clients’ interests in court, we draw on our lawyers’ extensive courtroom experience and the full resources of the firm’s e-discovery and other trial-support services.

Mergers & acquisitions

Our corporate transactional lawyers in the United States and Europe have successfully negotiated and closed numerous deals on behalf of Japanese businesses worldwide. Ranked nationally for M&A, health and life sciences by Chambers USA and The Legal 500, we counsel clients whose product ranges are as broad as their operations, business interests and affiliations. We represent start-ups, large multinationals, and venture capital, private equity and large public investor funds with equal skill and dedication.

Privacy & cybersecurity

Our premier Global Privacy & Cybersecurity team leads our Japanese clients through complex—and often unanticipated—regulatory, compliance and transactional challenges. Combining deep experience operating within regulated environments with a practical business-focused approach to navigating the rapidly evolving data privacy environment, we help develop creative solutions to regulatory obstacles and leverage their valuable data assets to drive change and innovation. Our team regularly advises our clients on compliance with international privacy and data protection regimes, including Japanese data protection laws, the EU GDPR, South Korean data protection laws and China’s cybersecurity law.

Tax

Our tax group is recognized as one of the largest and leading practices in the legal profession. Skilled at advising clients on their international tax needs, we often represent Japanese companies on tax-free and taxable acquisitions of other businesses, joint ventures with unrelated businesses and foreign affiliates, spin-offs, and restructuring existing operations to eliminate tax inefficiencies. We also provide tax counsel on day-to-day operations such as in-licensing and out-licensing of intangibles, product sales and other transactions with foreign affiliates, repatriation of earnings from foreign affiliates, and employee compensation and benefits. Our tax litigators represent life sciences companies in controversies at the administrative level and in the courts.

As a global law firm with offices across three continents, including a dedicated location in Singapore, we are well equipped to provide you with cutting-edge solutions for multinational legal issues. We draw on decades of experience working closely with high-profile Korean companies, along with strong partnerships with top local law firms and professional services firms, to serve your needs in the region. And we have a nuanced understanding of business and cultural practices that will help you achieve success in working with Korean and international companies.

Members of our Korea practice are also well versed in the legal and business practices and traditions that prevail in New York, London, Paris and other commercial centers around the world. Drawing on our global training, experience and background, our professionals span the divide that too often separates Korean and non-Korean companies, and better smooth the path of complex transactions.

We provide counsel on a broad range of legal issues, including antitrust and competition, corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property prosecution and litigation, commercial litigation and arbitration, international trade, white-collar criminal defense, and compliance with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other relevant regulations. We advise businesses in numerous industries and have developed significant experience representing clients in the energy and life sciences sectors, in particular.

Latin America is a region rich in complexity: Each country is distinguished by its own mix of industries, political and legal systems, natural resources, and economic and social forces. Drawing on our experience in every country in the region, we can help you identify and address rapidly changing legal and market developments, take swift, comprehensive action to protect your investments and optimize your long-term market position.

Members of our Latin America Practice bring decades of experience counseling multinational corporations, private equity funds, financial service firms and high-net-worth individuals. With your most important domestic and cross-border business and investment objectives in mind, we keep a close eye on legal, regulatory and business developments across the hemisphere, including those resulting from the recent global economic downturn. Our ongoing analysis of situations on the ground provide you with critical insights and creative solutions for navigating tax regimes, trade policies, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement, privacy and data security concerns, private equity and venture capital opportunities, employment issues and more.

We tap diverse perspectives across our practices and offices to bring you a multinational perspective on each opportunity and challenge, ensuring that no nuances get lost in translation. Our team is fluent in the region’s languages, laws, politics and customs, ―and includes numerous native Spanish and Portuguese speakers. One of the co-leads of our Latin America Practice is admitted to practice in Mexico, and several of our partners are certified translators in both Spanish and Portuguese. With a significant portion of our team based in Miami, our group is located across the United States and in Europe, including in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris and Washington, DC.

From real estate to manufacturing, technology to retail, and aviation to gaming, we are highly attuned to industry-specific concerns―with the ability to handle all aspects of inbound and outbound investments. Because of the varied experience of our group, we’re able to provide broad-ranging guidance, including with respect to international corporate tax planning, cross-border transactions and related regulatory hurdles, international estate planning, foreign trust administration, corporate governance, bankruptcies and restructurings, debt and equity financings, securities regulation, labor and employment issues, business immigration issues and pre-immigration planning for individuals, data privacy concerns, and dispute resolution.

Members of our Latin America practice have been ranked in many of the top global legal and industry guides, including Latin Lawyer, Latinvex, Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Chambers High Net Worth, The Legal 500 and Daily Business Review, among other publications.

As a nexus of international trade and finance, London is a focal point for businesses launching strategic initiatives and investments around the world. Parties to international commercial and financial transactions often choose English law and jurisdiction to govern deals and disputes.

From our office in the heart of the City, we offer broad-based legal services tailored to London’s role as an international centre. We are unique among US law firms in London, as virtually all of our lawyers are UK-qualified. Many of our clients’ businesses and interests are global in scope, and they rely on our ability to handle English law matters in Africa, Asia and other international markets. We also work seamlessly with the firm’s European offices on pan-European matters.

We know that in today’s global market, you need innovative and actionable solutions to give you an edge. Our lawyers draw on deep experience to advise public and privately owned companies, financial institutions, trading houses, funds, and high-net-worth individuals and family offices on the full spectrum of law, including:

• Banking & Finance
• Corporate/M&A
• Dispute Resolution (Litigation and Arbitration)
• Energy
• Healthcare & Life sciences
• Labour & Employment
• Private Client & Wealth Management
• Private Equity
• Tax & Transfer Pricing

We are consistently recognised for our high-quality counsel and dedication to our clients. Legal directories and trade publications such as Chambers UK, The Legal 500 UK, IFLR1000 and Citywealth praise us for providing “responsive and pragmatic advice” and “solutions that work for business,” combined with a “sensitivity to cost issues.”

Corporate / mergers & acquisitions

A defined, dynamic M&A strategy is critical to stay competitive in the global marketplace. You need trusted counsel who know your business needs and your market realities. Our seasoned M&A lawyers represent a wide range of public and privately held businesses, from large multinational companies to venture-backed start-ups, as well as private equity funds, family offices and financial institutions. We conduct buy-side and sell-side due diligence and manage complex transactions with multijurisdictional components, all while drawing on our extensive knowledge of specific industry sectors and markets, as well as the commercial contexts in which our clients operate. We advise clients on public company takeovers, domestic and cross-border private company and assets transactions, regulatory analysis and execution, and competitive auction processes.

Dispute resolution

Our dispute resolution lawyers are always ready to roll up their sleeves and deliver the sound, practical legal strategies necessary for success in commercial and financial disputes and international arbitration across all sectors and geographies. Wherever you conduct business, we’ll be there to help. As trusted advisers to leading financial institutions, corporations, contractors, investors and family offices, we have deep knowledge of our clients’ industries, including finance, energy, insurance, commodities, shipping, construction and IT. We deliver commercially viable solutions to resolve contentious situations effectively and timely in jurisdictions around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Our team is adept at handling cases both in court and through alternative resolution proceedings such as arbitration. Our wealth of experience encompasses a range of circumstances from insolvency, liquidation, contractual disputes and claims, to fraud, joint ventures and art theft.

Energy

Businesses across the energy sector rely on us for our ability to address the unique legal issues associated with operating in this highly specialised market. As part of a global team, we represent commodity traders, investment banks, hedge funds, energy companies and government agencies. We have extensive experience in upstream advice for oil and gas majors and independents, and advice in energy commodities trading, including structured deals involving power, gas, emissions, coal, metals, LNG and biomass, and all other commodities and downstream projects. Our experienced energy project lawyers advise on all aspects of financing, developing, off-taking and contracting for energy and infrastructure projects, while our corporate energy and trading lawyers represent clients in mergers, acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. We have a long track-record advising clients in infrastructure projects such as new-build energy capacity, transmission lines and terminals, including all aspects of project documentation and financing, with a particular emphasis on conventional power and renewables.

Health & life sciences

Today’s global healthcare marketplace is marked by unprecedented transformation and opportunity. Our market-leading team partners with stakeholders at the forefront of health innovation to foster the unique partnerships and ventures that are transforming healthcare today. We offer comprehensive service across a broad spectrum of business challenges, including corporate and commercial advice, M&A, private equity, finance, restructuring, employment law and tax. We serve as counsel to hospitals, nursing homes, health technology companies and agencies, as well as tech companies and other businesses looking to invest in health interests. We also counsel public healthcare institutions on procurement, regulatory and contractual matters. Our multidisciplinary offering encompasses digital health, healthcare litigation, life sciences, insurance, regulatory diligence and healthcare real estate.

Labour, employment & benefits

In today’s fast-paced marketplace, employers face challenges on every front. Our UK employment team partners with employers across a broad range of industries to identify the potential legal implications of workplace issues develop comprehensive programmes that will limit legal exposure, and provide effective representation in litigation. We offer practical advice at every step in the employment process, from recruiting and hiring through retention and training, to termination and retirement. Our lawyers have in-depth experience managing employers’ most sensitive and confidential employee relations issues, including guidance throughout disciplinary, grievance and sickness absence processes. The team is equally adept at handling employment and benefits issues that arise in the context of complex corporate transactions and business reorganisations, and European data privacy matters.

Private equity

Private equity firms face tremendous pressure to deploy capital, all in the current market of hypercompetition. Our lawyers are committed to helping sponsors and their portfolio companies tackle all types of private equity transactions, including buyouts, buy-ins and add-ons, restructurings, refinancings and exits. We work seamlessly with our European competition, regulatory, international dispute avoidance and resolution, intellectual property, media and technology, tax and employment practices to advise clients on how to maximise after-tax investment returns at all stages of fund formation, buyouts, and early- and late-stage investments.

Tax & transfer pricing

Taxpayers worldwide are facing increasing scrutiny of longstanding tax structures. Our highly ranked tax practice provides cutting-edge advice in all areas of taxation for major companies doing business in Europe and around the world. Combining our London lawyers’ talent and innovation with close working relationships with revenue authorities in Europe, the United States and throughout the world, we offer strategic European and international tax planning services, covering all direct and indirect taxes, and deliver innovative advice quickly and effectively. Major multinational enterprises rely on us to handle transfer pricing planning, advance pricing agreement (APA) and controversy matters, including controversy cases that other professional advisors have not been able to resolve. We routinely handle some of the largest transfer pricing cases around the world.

Business is local and global at once. No multinational entity is too large to be affected by state laws and municipal ordinances. Likewise, no individual, high-net-worth family or closely held company—no matter how focused its financial and business interests—is immune from international competition and geopolitical events.

With hundreds of lawyers located in business and financial centers across the United States, we provide clients with legal advisors who are as familiar with local and national laws and regulations as they are with domestic and global economic conditions and market forces. Our US lawyers are a core component of our integrated, international law firm and have recognized strength in tax, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, health care, high-stakes litigation, antitrust, intellectual property, international trade, labor and employment, wealth management, and many other key areas of transactional and regulatory law.

We provide industry-focused counsel to multinational companies, rising entrepreneurial firms, investors and capital providers, as well as many of the world’s wealthiest families and individuals. We emphasize and foster long-term relationships with business leaders and have developed an extensive network of professional colleagues and experienced outside advisors from many sectors. Taken together, these strengths help us deliver stellar legal and business results for our clients, time and time again.

Our US-based practice teams and individual lawyers have been recognized for the quality, consistency and creativity of our legal counsel by respected industry publications and ratings agencies such as Acritas, The American College of Tax Counsel, Benchmark Litigation, The Best Lawyers in America, BTI Consulting Group, Chambers Global, Chambers USA, Global Arbitration Review, Global Competition Review, IFLR1000 Financial and Corporate Guide, International Tax Review, The Legal 500, The National Law Journal and many more.