Art Law The
of
Alonso Rivera Gaxiola continues to be highly involved in the bankruptcy sphere and commentators acknowledge his expanding workflow in this area. Sources say: “He’s dedicated to the practice area and clearly visible in a range of important matters - Alonso is a growing figure in bankruptcy.” Beyond his expertise in this ambit, he also advises in corporate litigation and international arbitration matters. Alonso Rivera Gaxiola, Rivera Gaxiola y Asociados, S.C. LEONHARDT Rechtsanwaelte rank amongst the leading law firms with regards to insolvency law in Germany. Their restructuring advice benefits from vast experience and ground-breaking insolvency cases that the firm has previously been involved in. Their experience in insolvency law and restructuring goes back about 90 years. The success of the restructuring practice is based on knowledge of the advantages of restructurings especially through insolvency plan procedures, which are still far from commonplace and in the use of which the firm, as pioneers have acquired an edge. LEONHARDT Rechtsanwaelte This challenging area of the law requires continual analysis and extension of defenses available to manufacturers and distributors of products, and the lawyers who practice in this area remain current in addressing all issues that arise in product liability case. Ulmer & Berne LLP Managing partner Laura Collada Salcido stands out as the driving force behind the firm’s growing presence in the market. She has a busy practice and also plays a key role in promoting the firm’s profile both at home and abroad. She is president of the trade mark committee of the AMPPI. Laura Collada Salcido, Dumont Bergman Bider & Co., S.C. Greg Joseph is widely recognized as one of the leading commercial litigators in the United States. “A leading treatise on litigation sanctions,” HARVARD LAW REVIEW says he “meticulously analyzes the decisions” and FORTUNE calls him “the leading treatise on RICO.” Communication Arts magazine describes him as “the authoritative text” on that subject. Gregory Joseph, GREGORY P. JOSEPH LAW OFFICES LLC Our constant presence in all the countries of Central Eastern Europe, allows us to provide our clients with immediate and simultaneous service in different countries of the region, by simply contacting one of our offices. That is why the services we provide are unique in the region. Zivko Mijatovic & Partners YOUR INTELLECTUAL Property CHOICE Gibraltar’s position as a rapidly growing jurisdiction for Funds has been well recognised and ISOLAS have been on the front of this development. Our position within the EU, and the advantage of working within a jurisdiction that is highly regulated, operating internationally recognised and EU standard anti-money laundering and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) conventions, makes Gibraltar a very attractive alternative funds jurisdiction within Europe. ISOLAS
Law 2012
CZECH REPUBLIC
WINNER
JL AWYER OF THE YEAR - RICHARD GÜRLICH, GÜRLICH & CO.
The law office GÜRLICH & Co was founded on
foreign lawyers. Still, this Law Firm remains a
1st February 2002. All members of the firm are
purely Czech legal office free of any financial or
experienced lawyers possessing outstanding
other influence exerted by foreign and/or local
professional expertise in various branches of law.
nationals. This allows the firm to provide its
Currently, the firm consists of four lawyers who are supported by a qualified office staff. Besides, on a case to case basis, we would invite for cooperation many other external specialists and free-lance lawyers. This law firm is fully capable of offering legal services to both individuals and legal entities in almost all fields of civil and commercial law, all over the territory of the Czech Republic. We are capable of providing legal services in the Czech and English languages. In the event of cross-border transactions
services in compliance with law, professionally and independently. Scope of Legal Services: • Commercial Transactions • Civil Law • Intellectual Property • Corporate Law and Business Law, Public
Procurement • Labour Law
and litigation, this office hires its cooperating
• Real Estate
international law offices as well as external
• Litigation Insolvency
Richard Gürlich, attorney at law GÜRLICH & Co Politických vězňů 19, 110 00 Prague, Czech republic T +420222101591 F +420222101590 E info@akrg.cz www.akrg.cz
Art Law The
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A W A R D S
T W E N T Y
T W E L V E
Success can only be achieved with a first-rate strategy that recognizes the interests at stake, and balances the potential outcomes and risks. A strategy for which a legal solution will only enjoy success if it meets the overall objectives. A strategy with an eye for detail, and an understanding of the bigger picture. An effective strategy of the highest legal standard based on a no-nonsense approach. With only one aim: an optimum result for the client. Law is a profession, and like any profession, there are times it is elevated to the level of art. That occurs when skills, experience, knowledge and training meld together with facts, arguments and strategies and flow as a seamless whole. Artists, at their best, capture those moments of awareness. We call this The Art of Law The ACQ Law Awards 2012 is our annual singling out of the foremost, the finest and the fantastic in law. Our annual recce of the sectors finest who are hitting the legal bullseye. In this latest issue we are once again handing out the law world’s most glittering of gongs. And again we have involved possibly the finest multi-skilled panel of extreme altitude high achievers to be our jury of the best. The industry itself! As the following pages make evident, this was no small ask. View our collection. Jake Robson, Editor At ACQ, we believe in building lasting and trusted relationships with you, understanding your business and your objectives, and supporting you in a way that optimises outcomes wherever possible. We are a commercial, solutions focused and relationships based publisher. We consistently and tenaciously focus on finding optimal solutions with you, eliminating any obstacles that might arise during any project. With experience comes the ability to take the lead, devise smart strategies and solve difficult problems. We have maintained a reputation for intellectual rigour, straight dealing and client responsiveness. We know that offering proactive suggestions to capitalise on emerging opportunities is much valued by our clients. Our team understand that relationships are at the heart of what we do. At ACQ, we are unrivalled in the value that our relationships deliver.
HOW TO REACH ACQ ACQ welcomes news and views from its readers. Correspondence should be sent to customerservice@acqmagazine.com For more information about ACQ visit www.acqmagazine.com. ACQ Copyright Š 2013 ACQ is published under licence from Metropolis International Group Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without permission. SAFE HARBOR The interviews in this publication may contain certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations of the businesses profiled. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements and forecasts. The statements may have been made with reference to forecast price changes, economic conditions and the current regulatory environment. Nothing in these announcements should be construed as a profit forecast.
AR
AMERICAS BRONS & SALAS ABOGADOS - ARGENTINA
COUZIN TAYLOR LLP - CANADA
• TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DELANEY PARTNERS - BAHAMAS
PALIARE ROLAND BARRISTERS - CANADA - TORONTO
• INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PEDRO MIGUEL AND ASSOCIATED ATTORNEYS - BRAZIL
MAPLES AND CALDER - CAYMAN ISLANDS
• BUSINESS FORMATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DANTAS LEE BROCK & CAMARGO ADVOGADOS - BRAZIL
SOLOMON HARRIS ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW - CAYMAN ISLANDSCORPORATE •
• FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LUIZ FREDERICO BATTENDIERI, NEVES,
• PRIVATE FUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SOARES & BATTENDIERI ADVOGADOS - BRAZIL • LAWYER OF THE YEAR
APPLEBY (CAYMAN) LTD. - CAYMAN ISLANDS • INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PROMARE ADVOCACIA E CONSULTORIA - BRAZIL • SHIPPING & MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
FLORES & ASOCIADOS - CHILE • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
TAUIL & CHEQUER ADVOGADOS ASSOCIADO A MAYER BROWN LLP - BRAZIL • TAX ADVISORY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SARGENT & KRAHN - CHILE • PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
NEVES, SOARES & BATTENDIERI ADVOGADOS - BRAZIL • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ESTUDIOS PALACIOS LLERAS S.A. - COLOMBIA
• CORPORATE AND CONTRACTUAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
UNO - TRADE STRATEGY ADVISORS - BRAZIL
EDIFICIO PACHECO COTO - COSTA RICA
• TRADE AND CUSTOMS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
OSLER, HOSKIN & HARCOURT LLP - CANADA
CONSORTIUM CENTRO AMÉRICA ABOGADOS - EL SALVADOR
• BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CAPITAL MARKET LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VALDÉS ABASCAL Y BRITO ANDERSON, S.C, - MEXICO
• ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ADMINISTRATIVE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VÁZQUEZ ALDANA, HERNÁNDEZ GÓMEZ & ASOCIADOS - MEXICO
• INTERNET AND E-COMMERCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• BANKING AND FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OIL AND GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PRIVATE FUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RIVERA GAXIOLA Y ASOCIADOS, S.C. - MEXICO
• PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• BANKRUPTCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - MEXICO
• TRADE AND CUSTOMS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OIL AND GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BENNETT JONES LLP - CANADA
• PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ADVISORY OF THE YEAR BARRERA SIQUEIROS Y TORRES LANDA - MEXICO HICKS MORLEY HAMILTON STEWART STORIE LLP - CANADA
• COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR VAZQUEZ, SIERRA & GARCIA, S.C. - MEXICO TRACEY L MOSLEY - BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP - CANADA
• CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR AVAHLEGAL, S.C., AGUSTÍN VELÁZQUEZ G.L. - MEXICO MONIQUE COUTURE - GOWLING LAFLEUR HENDERSON LLP - CANADA
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR JAT ABOGADOS, L.L.C. - MEXICO MCCULLOUGH O’CONNOR IRWIN LLP - CANADA
• INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR C&L ATTORNEYS S.C. - MEXICO THE PROCUREMENT OFFICE - CANADA
• IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR JALIFE, CABALLERO Y ASOCIADOS - MEXICO • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LAURA COLLADA SALCIDO - DUMONT BERGMAN BIDER & CO SC - MEXICO
GREGORY P. JOSEPH LAW OFFICES LLC - USA
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INTERNATIONAL - LITIGATION LAWYER OF THE YEAR - GREGORY P JOSEPH,
AVAHLEGAL, S.C., ALBERTO HUERTA BLECK - MEXICO
• GREGORY P. JOSEPH LAW OFFICES LLC
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - USA BIENVENIDO A RIVERA GAXIOLA Y ASOCIADOS, S.C. - MEXICO
• DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
• LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TRADE & CUSTOMS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
FERNANDO HERNÁNDEZ, VÁZQUEZ ALDANA,
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP - USA
HERNÁNDEZ GÓMEZ & ASOCIADOS - MEXICO
• ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAWYER OF THE YEAR GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - USA - FLORIDA SÁNCHEZ-MEJORADA, VELASCO Y RIBÉ - MEXICO
• AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• MINING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• BUSINESS CRIME DEFENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PORTILLA, RUY-DÍAZ & AGUILAR S.C. ABOGADOS - MEXICO
• CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PRODUCT LIABILITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
FRANCISCO ORTEGA & ASOCIADOS - FRANCISCO ORTEGA - NICARAGUA
• MANAGEMENT LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR NEAL R. SONNETT, P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW - USA - FLORIDA OGIER - OFFSHORE
• BUSINESS CRIME DEFENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• FIDUCIARY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - USA - FLORIDA CAMPBELLS - OFFSHORE
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - USA - FLORIDA / TEXAS KRYS GLOBAL - OFFSHORE
• LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OVERALL CORPORATE RECOVERY & INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - USA - GEORGIA BULLARD FALLA EZCURRA - PERU
• LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PRODUCT LIABILITY DEFENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LITWAK & PARTNERS - URUGUAY
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP - USA - ILLINOIS
• PRIVATE FUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - USA - MASSACHUSETTS
• BUSINESS CRIME DEFENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ENVIRONMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENVIRONMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LAW OFFICE OF NIALENA CARAVASOS, LLC - USA - PENNSYLVANIA
• MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CRIMINAL DEFENCE ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR
• PATENTS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - USA - VIRGINIA - TEXAS
LOWIS & GELLEN LLP, GERALD HABERKORN - USA - ILLINOIS
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• GENERAL CORPORATE PRACTICE LAWYER OF THE YEAR
MRW ADVISORY, LLC. - USA
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - USA - ILLINOIS
• ARBITRATION EXPERT WITNESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ULMER & BERNE LLP - USA
MAALOUF ASHFORD & TALBOT, LLP - USA
• BIOSCIENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TRADE & FINANCE LAWYER OF THE YEAR (John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner -
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP - USA - CALIFORNIA • INSURANCE & REINSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Maalouf Ashford & Talbot) • IPO LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SECURITIES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - USA - CALIFORNIA
• BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INTERNET & E-COMMERCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OIL & GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ASSET FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
KNOBBE MARTENS - USA - CALIFORNIA
• CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PATENTS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM OF THE YEAR • ISLAMIC FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CARMEN D. CARUSO LAW FIRM - USA - CHICAGO • FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (NEW YORK) • NICHE LAW SERVICE OF THE YEAR - (Space & Satellite)
FRIESEN LAMB, LLP - USA - COLORADO
• ENTREPRENEURIAL SERVICES PRACTICE OF THE YEAR (Editors Award)
• LABOR & EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR
• MIDDLE EAST PRACTICE OF THE YEAR (Editors Award) • CHINA PRACTICE OF THE YEAR (Editors Award)
DLA PIPER LLP - USA - DELAWARE • INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BAKER & MCKENZIE GLOBAL SERVICES, LLC - USA • INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AMERICAS MITCHELL SILBERBERG & KNUPP LLP - USA
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - USA - NORTH CAROLINA
• LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CAPITAL MARKET LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SUSAN OKIN GOLDSMITH - SORINRAND LLC - USA
LAW OFFICES OF DAYNA KELLY - USA - NORTH CAROLINA
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MONTGOMERY BARNETT, LLP - USA - LOUISIANA
DREITLER TRUE LLC - USA - OHIO
• CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PERINI-HEGARTY & ASSOCIATES, P.C. - USA
DUNLAP CODDING - USA
• MASSACHUSETTS CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OVERALL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PERINI-HEGARTY & ASSOCIATES, P.C. GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - USA - PHILADELPHIA KUTAK ROCK LLP - USA
• ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• MEDIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR QUATTLEBAUM, GROOMS, TULL & BURROW PLLC - USA THOMAS M MAYERLE LAW PLLC - USA - MINNESOTA
• PRODUCT LIABILITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BOULWARE & VALOIR - USA - TEXAS WINSTON & STRAWN LLP - USA - NEW YORK
• TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - USA - VIRGINIA
• CORPORATE TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TRADE & CUSTOMS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MCKOOL SMITH - USA - NEW YORK
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP - USA - WASHINGTON
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VENABLE LLP - USA - WASHINGTON • INTERNET AND E-COMMERCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP - USA - NEW YORK • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - USA - WASHINGTON / NORTH CAROLINA / NEW
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
YORK
• MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DLA PIPER LLP - USA - NEW YORK
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - USA - WASHINGTON / VIRGINIA
• INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - USA - NEW YORK
SORINRAND LLP - USA (NEW YORK)
• INTERNET AND E-COMMERCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TRADEMARK AND LICENSING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BOLET & TERRERO - VENEZUELA SEYFARTH SHAW LLP - USA - NEW YORK
• IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ASIA PACIFIC ALLENS - AUSTRALIA
DOULAH & DOULAH - BANGLADESH
• BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MINTER ELLISON LAWYERS - AUSTRALIA
NYGT (HONG KONG) LIMITED - CHINA
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ASSET MANAGEMENT FIRM OF THE YEAR
FCB GROUP - AUSTRALIA
FRAGOMEN - CHINA
• EMPLOYMENT & WORKPLACE RELATIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
NICHOLAS WESTON, NICHOLAS WESTON LAWYERS & TRADE MARKS
MIKE J CHEN - KANGXIN PARTNERS PC - CHINA
ATTORNEYS - AUSTRALIA
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR CLIFFORD CHANCE LLP - HONG KONG RUSSELL WATERS - PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK - AUSTRALIA
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR SLAUGHTER AND MAY - HONG KONG MCCULLOUGH ROBERTSON LAWYERS - AUSTRALIA
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MIDDLETONS - AUSTRALIA
LARACY & CO. - HONG KONG
• SHIPPING AND MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ASIA PACIFIC DEACONS - HONG KONG • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DESAI & DIWANJI - INDIA
• PRIVATE FUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
EAGLE IP LIMITED - HONG KONG
LUBIS GANIE SUROWIDJOJO - INDONESIA
• IP & TRADEMARKS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WILKINSON & GRIST - YVONNE CHUA - HONG KONG
LUBIS GANIE SUROWIDJOJO - INDONESIA
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SMITH & PARTNERS IN AFFILIATION WITH CBM INTERNATIONAL
HERMAWAN JUNIARTO - INDONESIA
LAWYERS LLP - HONG KONG
• ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE & PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR INDOCHINE COUNSEL - INDONESIA ELLA CHEONG - HONG KONG
• FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PATENT & TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LUBIS GANIE SUROWIDJOJO - INDONESIA NYGT (HONG KONG) LIMITED - HONG KONG
• OVERALL LAWYER OF THE YEAR (DR. MOHAMED IDWAN GANIE, LGS PARTNERS)
• PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE CLIENT ADVISORY OF THE YEAR
NISHIMURA & ASAHI - JAPAN • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
STONE CHAMBERS - HONG KONG
• BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• SHIPPING & MARITIME BARRISTER OF THE YEAR, COLIN WRIGHT -
• CAPITAL MARKET LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
STONE CHAMBERS
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
GAGRATS - INDIA
• MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
KHAITAN & CO - INDIA
• TRADE AND CUSTOMS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year • Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
MORI HAMADA & MATSUMOTO - JAPAN
• M&A Law Firm of the Year
• BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year • Patent and Trademark Law Firm of the Year
HANOL LAW OFFICES - KOREA
• Projects & Energy Law Firm of the Year
• IP & TRADEMARKS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• Real Estate Law Firm of the Year • Shipping Law Firm of the Year
CW LEE, JIPYONG & JISUNG - KOREA
• TMT Law Firm of the Year
• LEADING SHIPPING & TRANSPORT LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• Tax Law Firm of the Year LORENZ INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS - KYRGYZ REPUBLIC JURIS CORP ADVOCATES & SOLICITORS - INDIA
• MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LEE TATT BOON, SKRINE - MALAYSIA LAWQUEST - INDIA
• LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR U MYA THEIN & LEGAL GROUP - MYANMAR MULLA & MULLA & CRAIGIE BLUNT & CAROE - INDIA
• LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PRADHAN & ASSOCIATES - NEPAL M. V. KINI & CO., - INDIA
• AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• PFI/PPP PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• TRADEMARKS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MULLA & MULLA & CRAIGIE BLUNT & CAROE - INDIA
BELL GULLY - NEW ZEALAND
• INSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ANAND AND ANAND - INDIA
• CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VISHWANG DESAI, DESAI & DIWANJI - INDIA
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MANAGEMENT LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RAVI KINI, M.V. KINI & CO. - INDIA
• MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• PATENTS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
APARAJIT BHATTACHARYA, HSA ADVOCATES - INDIA
• PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• REGULATORY COMMUNICATIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
M S MISHRA ASSOCIATES - INDIA
THOMPSON BLACKIE BIDDLES LIMITED - NEW ZEALAND
• LAWYER OF THE YEAR - MANU SHANKER MISHRA, MS MISHRA
• COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ASIA PACIFIC CHRIS MOORE - MEREDITH CONNELL - NEW ZEALAND
CHO & PARTNERS - SOUTH KOREA
• COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR
• LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR - IK HYUN SEO CHO & PARTNERS
RUSSELL MCVEAGH - NEW ZEALAND • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JULIUS & CREASY - SRI LANKA • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LOWNDES ASSOCIATES - NEW ZEALAND • INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DEEP & FAR - TAIWAN • FULL SERVICE IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SYCIP SALAZAR HERNANDEZ & GATMAITAN - PHILIPPINES • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LCT LAWYERS - VIETNAM • CONTRACT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
STAMFORD LAW CORPORATION - SINGAPORE • BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LEGAL ADVISOR TO DEAL OF THE YEAR (F&N PROPOSED S$5.59 BILLION SALE OF ITS 39.7% STAKE IN APB TO HEINEKEN INTERNATIONAL B.V.)
EUROPE DRAKOPOULOS LAW FIRM - ALBANIA • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DR. UWE RAUTNER - RAUTNER HUBER RECHTSANWÄLTE OG - AUSTRIA • BANKING & FINANCE LAWYER OF THE YEAR DORDA BRUGGER JORDIS RECHTSANWÄLTE GMBH - AUSTRIA • CAPITAL MARKET LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DORALT SEIST CSOKLICH RECHTSANWALTS-PARTNERSCHAFT - AUSTRIA • COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR VOLKER WEISS, PARTNER AT SCHOENHERR ATTORNEYS AT LAW - AUSTRIA • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DR. FELIX MICHAEL KLEMENT, WILDMOSER/KOCH & PARTNER RECHTSANWÄLTE GMBH - AUSTRIA • MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAWYER OF THE YEAR GRAF & PITKOWITZ RECHTSANWÄLTE GMBH - AUSTRIA • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WILLHEIM MÜLLER RECHTSANWÄLTE - AUSTRIA • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SAXINGER, CHALUPSKY & PARTNER RECHTSANWÄLTE GMBH - AUSTRIA • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING AND FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE AND M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LINKLATERS LLP - BELGIUM • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR STIBBE - BELGIUM • COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR O’MELVENY & MYERS LLP - BELGIUM • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LORENZ - BELGIUM • SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR AFSCHRIFT G.E.I.E. - BELGIUM • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR TOMOV & TOMOV - BULGARIA • ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BOYANOV & CO. - BULGARIA • MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PENEV LLP - BULGARIA • TELECOMS AND MEDIA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PATRIKIOS PAVLOU & ASSOCIATES LLC - CYPRUS • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CROSS-BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PAMBORIDIS LLC - CYPRUS • CROSS-BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PROTOPAPA, DEMETRIOU & CO LLC - CYPRUS • DEBT RECOVERY AND COLLECTIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR L. PAPAPHILIPPOU & CO LLC - CYPRUS • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR A. G. PAPHITIS & CO LLC - CYPRUS • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR NIEDERER KRAFT & FREY AG - CZECH REPUBLIC • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ATTORNEY-AT-LAW OFFICE GÜRLICH & CO. - CZECH REPUBLIC • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR PRAGER DREIFUSS LTD - CZECH REPUBLIC • INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DE BROECK VAN LAERE - BELGIUM • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW OFFICE GÜRLICH & CO. - CZECH REPUBLIC • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP - BELGIUM • ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW OFFICE GÜRLICH & CO., RICHARD GÜRLICH - CZECH REPUBLIC • LAWYER OF THE YEAR
WILLKIE FARR & GALLAGHER LLP - BELGIUM • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CERMAK A SPOL. LAW AND PATENT OFFICE - CZECH REPUBLIC • PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
EUROPE KONECNA & ZACHA - CZECH REPUBLIC • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR KAREL CERMAK, CERMAK A SPOL. LAW AND PATENT OFFICE - CZECH REPUBLIC • TMT LAWYER OF THE YEAR ACCURA ADVOKATPARTNERSELSKAB - DENMARK • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE EQUITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR STAMPE, HAUME & HASSELRIIS ADVOKATER - DENMARK • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR HORTEN ADVOKATPARTNERSELSKAB - DENMARK • LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MIKA J. LEHTIMÄKI - ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW TRUST - FINLAND • BANKING & FINANCE LAWYER OF THE YEAR NORDIC LAW ASIANAJOTOIMISTO - ADVOKATBYRÅ ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW OY AB - FINLAND • CORPORATE • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LEONHARDT RECHTSANWÄLTE - INSOLVENZVERWALTER - NOTARE IN BERLIN - GERMANY • INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LADM LIESEGANG AYMANS DECKER MITTELSTAEDT PARTNER - GERMANY • INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR RAINER A. KUHNEN, KUHNEN & WACKER - GERMANY • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR CARROLL, BURDICK & MCDONOUGH LLP - GERMANY • IP & BRAND PROTECTION LAWYER OF THE YEAR ARNOLD RUESS RECHTSANWÄLTE - PETER RUESS - GERMANY • LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR ZWANZIG HACKE MEILKE & PARTNER - GERMANY • MEDIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SANDRA POHLMAN - DF-MP - GERMANY • PATENT LAWYER OF THE YEAR / PHARMACEUTICALS LAWYER OF THE YEAR DR. MAXIMILIAN KOCH, MÜTZE KORSCH RECHTSANWALTSGESELLSCHAFT MBH - GERMANY • PRIVATE EQUITY LAWYER OF THE YEAR
KALLIOLAW ASIANAJOTOIMISTO OY - ATTORNEYS AT LAW - JUKKA KALLIO FINLAND • LAWYER OF THE YEAR
MÜTZE KORSCH RECHTSANWALTSGESELLSCHAFT MBH - GERMANY • PUBLIC LAW / PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
KALLIOLAW ASIANAJOTOIMISTO OY - ATTORNEYS AT LAW - FINLAND • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HASSANS - INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM - GIBRALTAR • GAMING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SATELLITIS - FRANCE • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ISOLAS - GIBRALTAR • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
NOMOS - SOCIÉTÉ D’AVOCATS - FRANCE • MEDIA COPYRIGHT’S LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DR HELEN G PAPACONSTANTINOU, JOHN V FILIAS AND ASSOCIATES - GREECE • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LACOURTE BALAS RAQUIN - FRANCE • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DRAKOPOULOS LAW FIRM - GREECE • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HAMBACH & HAMBACH RECHTSANWÄLTE - GERMANY • ADVERTISING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ALEXIOU & KOSMOPOULOS LAW FIRM - GREECE • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PPR & PARTNER - GERMANY • ANGLO-AMERICAN BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BABBÉ - CHRIS RIDDELL - GUERNSEY • COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR
FRESHFIELDS - GERMANY • COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BABBÉ - GUERNSEY • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VOIGT WUNSCH HOLLER - GERMANY • CORPORATE & INVESTMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE RESTRUCTURINGS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BABBÉ - MARTYN BAUDAINS - GUERNSEY • PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR
SIMMONS & SIMMONS LLP - GERMANY • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR P+P PÖLLATH + PARTNERS - GERMANY • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LUTHER RECHTSANWALTSGESELLSCHAFT MBH - GERMANY • DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BÁN, S. SZABÓ & PARTNERS - HUNGARY • COMPETITION & ANTITRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SZECSKAY ATTORNEYS AT LAW - HUNGARY • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BWSP GOBERT & PARTNERS - HUNGARY • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MEYER-KÖRING - GERMANY • FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MAPLES AND CALDER - IRELAND • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DR. WULF HAMBACH, HAMBACH & HAMBACH RECHTSANWÄLTE - GERMANY • GAMING LAWYER OF THE YEAR
MCEVOY PARTNERS - IRELAND • CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
EUROPE MICHAEL J. STAINES & COMPANY - IRELAND • CRIMINAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DILLON EUSTACE - IRELAND • FINANCIAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WILLIAM FRY - IRELAND • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DFMG SOLICITORS - IRELAND • TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR STUDIO LEGALE PIERALLINI E ASSOCIATI - ITALY • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR GIANNI, ORIGONI, GRIPPO, CAPPELLI & PARTNERS - ITALY • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • OIL AND GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRODUCT LIABILITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR TREVISAN & CUONZO - ITALY • COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BONN & SCHMITT - LUXEMBOURG • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LEGAL ADVISOR TO THE DEAL OF THE YEAR (US$4.5 BILLION SALE OF THE GERMAN GROUP KABEL BW) LEXENCE N.V. ADVOCATEN & NOTARISSEN - NETHERLANDS • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR VISSERS ADVOCATUUR B.V. - NETHERLANDS • GAMING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BANNING NV - NETHERLANDS • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BERGAMIN & GIELINK PENSIONS LAW - NETHERLANDS • PENSION FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MILLS SELIG - NORTHERN IRELAND • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WEREMCZUK BOBEŁ & PARTNERS - POLAND • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DMP DERRA, MEYER, R. LEWANDOWSKI SP.K. - POLAND • BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
VALENTE ASSOCIATI GEB PARTNERS - ITALY • INTERNATIONAL TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TRANSFER PRICING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DOMAŃSKI ZAKRZEWSKI PALINKA SP.K. - POLAND • CAPITAL MARKET LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CBA STUDIO LEGALE E TRIBUTARIO - ITALY • SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BIEDECKI BIEDECKI & PARTNERZY - POLAND • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
STUDIO LEGALE SIB - ITALY • TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RAPOSO BERNARDO & ASSOCIADOS, SOCIEDADE DE ADVOGADOS, RL - PORTUGAL • BANKING AND FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE & M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SHIPPING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TMT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RAIDLA LEJINS & NORCOUS - LITHUANIA • CAPITAL MARKET LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REGULATORY COMMUNICATIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MOTIEKA & AUDZEVICIUS - LITHUANIA • DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SORAINEN - LITHUANIA • INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ELVINGER HOSS ET PRUSSEN - LUXEMBOURG • ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ASSET MANAGEMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INVESTMENT FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WILDGEN - LUXEMBOURG • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ISLAMIC FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BONN STEICHEN & PARTNERS - LUXEMBOURG • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR AMMC LAW – AVOCATS À LA COUR - LUXEMBOURG • FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LEXFIELD AVOCATS À LA COUR - LUXEMBOURG • INVESTMENT FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ALEX SCHMITT, BONN & SCHMITT - LUXEMBOURG • LAWYER OF THE YEAR
CAIADO GUERREIRO & ASSOCIADOS, SOCIEDADE DE ADVOGADOS, R.L. - PORTUGAL • CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SRS ADVOGADOS - PORTUGAL • DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MGRA - PORTUGAL • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PUBLIC & PRIVATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ALBUQUERQUE & ASSOCIADOS SOCIEDADE DE ADVOGADOS RL - PORTUGAL • PHARMACEUTICAL ANTITRUST LAWYER OF THE YEAR - GONÇALO PINTO FERREIRA, PARTNER - ALBUQUERQUE & ASSOCIADOS DRAKOPOULOS LAW FIRM - ROMANIA • COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR TAXHOUSE SRL - ROMANIA • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR EGOROV PUGINSKY AFANASIEV & PARTNERS - RUSSIA • ANTITRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INDEPENDENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EDAS LAW BUREAU - RUSSIA • ANTITRUST LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR INMAR LEGAL LTD - RUSSIA • CORPORATE / M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BANKRUPTCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ANTITRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR GOWLINGS - RUSSIA • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
INTELS - RUSSIA • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BAKER & MCKENZIE - CIS, LIMITED - RUSSIA • LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SERGEY TRESHCHEV, SQUIRE SANDERS - RUSSIA • LAWYER OF THE YEAR ASTAPOV LAWYERS INTERNATIONAL LAW GROUP - RUSSIA & CIS • ARBITRATION & LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
• CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • INTERNET AND E-COMMERCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE FUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ID EST AVOCATS SÀRL - SWITZERLAND • MEDIA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TECHNOLOGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CPV PARTNERS - SWITZERLAND • SMALL COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ASTAPOV LAWYERS INTERNATIONAL LAW GROUP, ANDREY ASTAPOV RUSSIA & CIS • LAWYER OF THE YEAR
DAVUTOGLU ATTORNEYS AT LAW - TURKEY • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MURANOV, CHERNYAKOV & PARTNERS LAW FIRM - RUSSIA & THE CIS • DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
UYSAL & TOLAN LAW OFFICE - TURKEY • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ZIVKO MIJATOVIC AND PARTNERS - SERBIA • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ISMEN - TURKEY • M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PETOŠEVIĆ - SERBIA • TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
PEKIN & BAYAR LAW FIRM - TURKEY • MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HAMALA KLUCH VÍGLASKÝ S.R.O., MARTIN KLUCH - SLOVAK REPUBLIC • LAWYER OF THE YEAR
PEKIN & PEKIN - TURKEY • MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ALEŠ ROJS, LAW FIRM ROJS, PELJHAN, PRELESNIK & PARTNERJI - SLOVENIA • FULL SERVICE LAWYER OF THE YEAR ROUSAUD COSTAS DURAN SLP - SPAIN • BUSINESS CRIME DEFENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR GÓMEZ ACEBO & POMBO ABOGADOS, EDUARDO CASTILLO SAN MARTÍN - SPAIN • LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR BLAS DE LEZO ABOGADOS - SPAIN • NICHE LAWYER OF THE YEAR (MIQUEL ROCA, PARTNER - BLAS DE LEZO) CARBRAY ABOGADOS - SPAIN • REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR URÍA MENÉNDEZ - SPAIN • REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BLAS DE LEZO ABOGADOS - SPAIN • SHIPPING & MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR JUAN DE DIOS CRESPO PÉREZ, LL.M., RUIZ HUERTA & CRESPO SPORTS LAWYERS - SPAIN • SPORTS LAWYER OF THE YEAR MANNHEIMER SWARTLING ADVOKATBYRÅ AB - SWEDEN • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CAPITAL MARKET LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PRIVATE FUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR AF PETERSENS LAWFIRM - SWEDEN • INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DGE ATTORNEYS AT LAW - SWITZERLAND • FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • BOUTIQUE BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ADDLESHAW GODDARD LLP - UK • ASSET BASED LENDING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR NORTON ROSE LLP - UK • AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BRYAN CAVE - UK • BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR GUNNERCOOKE LLP - UK • BOUTIQUE CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR FULCRUM CHAMBERS LLP - UK • COMMERCIAL FRAUD LAW FIRM (CHAMBERS) OF THE YEAR • BRIBERY & CORRUPTION LAW FIRM (CHAMBERS) OF THE YEAR BARGATE MURRAY SOLICITORS - UK • COMMERCIAL LAWYER OF THE YEAR - BARGATE MURRAY SOLICITORS QUENTIN BARGATE AMC ECONOMICS LLP - UK • COMPETITION ECONOMICS CONSULTING FIRM OF THE YEAR PINSENT MASONS LLP - UK • CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ENYO LAW LLP - UK • DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CLIFFORD CHANCE LLP - UK • ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CONNELL ASSOCIATES SOLICITORS - UK • FACTORING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • DEBT RECOVERY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RENTSCH PARTNER LTD - SWITZERLAND • ADVERTISING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
TRAVERS SMITH LLP - UK • FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
TAVERNIER TSCHANZ - SWITZERLAND • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TECHNOLOGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CHARLES RUSSELL LLP - UK • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AFSCHRIFT G.E.I.E. - SWITZERLAND • BUSINESS CRIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LENZ STAEHELIN - SWITZERLAND • COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
RGC JENKINS & CO. - UK • IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
EUROPE KERMAN & CO LLP - UK • LAWYER OF THE YEAR (CORPORATE)DANIEL O’CONNELL, MANAGING PARTNER - KERMAN & CO • AIM LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SPORT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR CEDR CHAMBERS - UK • MEDIATION CHAMBERS OF THE YEAR CLYDE & CO - UK • MEDIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR DIALES - DRIVER GROUP - UK • NICHE ARBITRATION EXPERT WITNESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR POWELL GILBERT LLP - UK • PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR WINSTON & STRAWN LLP - UK • PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MACKRELL TURNER GARRETT - UK • REGIONAL FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WIGGIN LLP - UK • SPORTS & MEDIA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR D YOUNG & CO - UK • TRADEMARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BARK & CO SOLICITORS - UK • WHITE COLLAR CRIME LAWYER OF THE YEAR - GILES BARK-JONES, BARK & CO NEUMANS LLP - UK • WHITE COLLAR LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • FRAUD & REGULATORY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR LAVRYNOVYCH & PARTNERS LAW FIRM - UKRAINE • BANKRUPTCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ASTAPOV LAWYERS INTERNATIONAL LAW GROUP, OLEH MALSKYY - UKRAINE • COMPETITION LAWYER OF THE YEAR STANISLAV SKRYPNYCK, LAVRYNOVYCH & PARTNERS LAW FIRM - UKRAINE • LAWYER OF THE YEAR (BANKRUPTCY) ASTAPOV LAWYERS INTERNATIONAL LAW GROUP - UKRAINE • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MILLBANK EDGE LLP - UK • SMALL CORPORATE/COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA ABRAHAMS, DAVIDSON & CO. - BRUNEI DARUSSALAM • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
G. ELIAS & CO. - NIGERIA • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
HADEF & PARTNERS - DUBAI • PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
JACKSON, ETTI & EDU - NIGERIA • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FIRM OF THE YEAR
CLYDE & CO - DUBAI, UAE • MEDIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • SHIPPING AND MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LIAQUAT MERCHANT ASSOCIATES - PAKISTAN • BANKING AND FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
EILC EGYPTIAN INTERNATIONAL LEGAL CONSULTANCY - EGYPT • CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR MOTAZ ELDRENY - SARIE-ELDIN & PARTNERS - EGYPT • SECURITIES LAWYER OF THE YEAR CENTURION LAW FIRM - EQUATORIAL GUINEA • OIL AND GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR EPSTEIN, CHOMSKY, OSNAT & CO. LAW OFFICES - ISRAEL • COMPETITION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR YEHUDA RAVEH & CO. - ISRAEL • CORPORATE / M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR AFIK TURGEMAN - ISRAEL • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ABOU JAOUDE & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM - LEBANON • LAWYER OF THE YEAR - CARLOS ABOU JAOUDE, MANAGING PARTNER OF ABOU JAOUDE & ASSOCIATES LAW FIRM G.O.SODIPO & CO. - NIGERIA • OIL & GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR / CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
NORTON ROSE LLP - SOUTH AFRICA • BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR KNOWLES HUSAIN LINDSAY INC - SOUTH AFRICA • DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR ADAMS & ADAMS - SOUTH AFRICA • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • LIFE SCIENCES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • TRADE MARK LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR • COMPETITION AND ANTI-TRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR GLYN MARAIS INC. - SOUTH AFRICA • LAW FIRM TO DEAL OF THE YEAR – (VICTORIA & ALFRED (V&A) WATERFRONT) • LAWYER OF THE YEAR - SOUTH AFRICA (FRANCOIS MARAIS, DIRECTOR, PRACTICE LEADER - GLYN MARAIS) ENS - SOUTH AFRICA • OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (IN RECOGNITION OF ENGAGED DEAL VOLUME) • LEGAL ADVISOR TO DEAL OF THE YEAR (GOLD REEF RESORTS LTD MERGER WITH TSOGO SUN HOLDINGS PTY LTD) • PRACTICE LEADER OF THE YEAR – (PIET FABER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER EDWARD NATHAN SONNENBERGS) LUQMAN LEGAL - ABDULLA FAROUK LUQMAN - YEMEN • CORPORATE LAWYER OF THE YEAR
BAHAMAS
WINNER
J INSOLVENCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DELANEY PARTNERS is a group of leading
services include guiding strategy development,
commercial lawyers in The Bahamas advising
liaising with local and foreign regulators,
financial, business and private clients.
instructing foreign counsel, facilitating
John K F Delaney QC heads DELANEY
recognition in foreign jurisdictions, advising on
PARTNERS’ insolvency practice and brings
complex issues arising in the course of cross
leading counsel experience and know-how.
border investigations, and representing joint
John has been counsel to liquidators, receivers,
official liquidators in various court applications.
creditors, shareholders and boards of directors
The team’s extensive insolvency practice
in corporate insolvencies, as well as instructing
experience includes:
counsel on behalf of creditors, liquidators and receivers in cross-border insolvencies. John previously led the insolvency practice
• Counsel to court appointed liquidations of investment funds;
of a major Bahamian firm for more than 15
• Counsel to court appointed liquidators
years before leaving in 2009 to undertake a
of private banks and trust companies;
stint of public service as the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs. During his Attorney-Generalship, John led comprehensive legislative action in support of the financial services industry. Moreover, his strong command of this area of practice made him well suited to spearhead during 2011 a modernization of the laws of The Bahamas on corporate insolvencies resulting in a state-ofthe-art regime which came into force on 30 April 2012. John returned to private practice early 2012 where he now leads a commercial team of lawyers at DELANEY PARTNERS. During 2012 DELANEY PARTNERS were retained in major cross border insolvency engagements that included advising the liquidator in liquidation proceedings of a financial institution in another Commonwealth Caribbean jurisdiction; representation of a Receiver appointed by the United States District Court for recognition in The Bahamas; and representation of joint official liquidators appointed by the Supreme Court of The Bahamas over foreign entities which conducted business from The Bahamas. The firm’s
• Counsel to petitioners for the liquidation of private banks, funds, and trading concerns; • Bahamian counsel to Receivers appointed by the United States District Court; • Advising liquidators of a financial institution in a Commonwealth Caribbean jurisdiction; • Advising parent banks in the voluntary (out of court) liquidation of subsidiaries; • Advising creditors in the liquidation of a major international fund; • Advising on issues arising in proposed pre-packaged receiverships or liquidations; • Representing former directors in proceedings brought by liquidators of a major international computer company;
John K F Delaney QC Head of the firm’s Insolvency Practice DELANEY PARTNERS Lyford Manor, West Building, Lyford Cay, P O Box CB-13007, Nassau, The Bahamas T +242-702-4500 F +242-702-4524 E info@delaneypartners.com www.delaneypartners.com
• Examining former directors in proceedings brought by liquidators; • Instructing foreign attorneys on behalf of a major creditor in initiating liquidation proceedings of a major regional trading concern in the Caribbean.
insolvency practice currently advises in the
With a culture of personal service,
liquidations of entities that are members of an
professionalism and responsiveness, as trusted
international group alleged to have perpetrated
advisors DELANEY PARTNERS provide legal
a Ponzi scheme in multiple jurisdictions.
solutions for business.
In these engagements the firm’s advisory
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
BRAZIL
WINNER
J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
contact@dlbca.com.br www.dlbca.com.br
Brazil Full Service Law Firm of the Year – 2010
Consumer & Retail Life Sciences & Healthcare Infrastructure Real Estate Banking & Finance Oil & Gas Insurance Heavy Industry Production & Manufacturing Technology & E-commerce Sports & Entertainment
International Law Office (ILO) Client Choice 2011 Award
• • • •
São Paulo/SP Rio de Janeiro/RJ 400 professionals (220 lawyers) 1,800 correspondents lawyers all over Brazil
Member of
• Top 3 in Consumer Law • Top 6 in the Best Law Firms • Top 20 in the Largest Law Firms Ranked in the best full service offices in Corporate, Tax, Consumer/Litigation in Brazil Source: “Análise Advocacia 500”, in 2012
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
BRAZIL
WINNER
J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
About the Firm Neves, Soares & Battendieri Advogados is a law firm which aims at combining highly sophisticated professional, with legal and tax expertise, and customized legal advisory practices, with closer attention on the clients’ needs, budgets and business expectations, providing legal advice in a very efficient, diligent, responsible and professional manner. Their services are based on detailed examination of the cases and their peculiarities, deep study regarding the legal and normative aspects involved, including the full analysis of doctrine and jurisprudence related, with responsibility, commitment, integrity, ethics, professionalism and celerity, in order to provide the clients the convenient and timely solutions to their issues. The portfolio of clients includes domestic and foreign companies of several sizes, from multinational corporate groups, large corporations, publicly traded companies and investment funds to private mediumsized companies. Areas of Expertise The firm is established by attorneys with accounting and finance expertise, with solid experience in the following areas: • Tax: tax consulting, advisory, compliance and litigation; • M&A, Corporate and Contracts: advisory on mergers and acquisitions, particularly in respect of structuring and negotiating transactions, assistance on legal due diligences and drafting of relevant agreements and other legal documents; advisory on corporate restructurings; counseling on corporate law; drafting of corporate documents; advising, drafting and analysis of domestic and international contracts and legal documents;
• Foreign Investments: advisory for foreign clients on all aspects of investing in Brazil, including inbound and outbound investments/financial operations, registration, evaluation and analysis of the foreign investments; • Economic and Competition Practices: advisory on economic and competition law, analysis of transactions that require notification to the competition policy’s legal authorities; assistance on administrative proceedings regarding economic concentration; litigation. The Team The team, composed by approximately thirty (30) professionals, including experienced associates, paralegals and interns, located in offices in São Paulo, the Brazilian main business center, and Brasília, the Federal Capital, is headed by the following senior partners: Guilherme Pereira das Neves: is the senior partner in charge of legal and tax consulting services, local and global tax structures and planning. Contact details: gneves@nseb. com.br Maria Helena Tavares de Pinho Tinoco Soares: is the senior partner in charge of tax litigation and controversies of judicial and administrative proceedings. Contact details: mariahelena@nseb.com.br Luiz Frederico Battendieri: is the senior partner in charge of local and international tax consulting services, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investments, and local and global corporate reorganization projects. Contact details: lfbattendieri@nseb. com.br.
Luiz Frederico Battendieri NEVES, SOARES & BATTENDIERI ADVOGADOS São Paulo Office: Rua dos Pinheiros, 870, 12º Andar, São Paulo – SP, Brazil, Zip Code 05422-001 T +55 11 3089-5088 F +55 11 3089-5077 Brasília Office: SAS, Quadra I, Lote II, Bloco N, Ed. Terra Brasilis, cj. 406, Brasília – DF, Brazil, Zip Code 70070-010 T +55 61 3322-0362 www.nseb.com.br
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
CANADA
WINNER
J INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Paliare Roland. Great new award. Great work. Great clients. Paliare Roland is proud to be named Insolvency and Restructuring Law Firm of the Year—Toronto, Canada. We are a boutique litigation firm whose professionals regularly appear in transnational, national and local insolvency cases and other litigation. Our practice is independent of major financial institutions, permitting us to act as counsel to a full range of insolvency stakeholders, including court appointed officers, debtors, employee groups, unions, bondholders and governments. We also have an active mediator and arbitrator practice. For a list of representative engagements visit our website or contact us.
Exceptional Advocates Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP 155 Wellington Street West, 35th Floor Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3H1
Ken Rosenberg +1.416.646.4304 ken.rosenberg@paliareroland.com
w w w.paliareroland.com
PRR ACQ ad final.indd 1
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
12/18/2012 12:31:48 PM
MEXICO J ADMINISTRATIVE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Brito Anderson is a Mexican boutique law firm integrated by lawyers with more than 25 years of experience, with one goal: to provide legal services of excellence. Brito Anderson is highly specialized in Administrative Law; Competition/ Antitrust Law; Litigation; and Legal Reforms; areas in which its lawyers are nationally and internationally recognized. Brito Anderson has also strategic alliances with other specialized boutique law firms, as well as with media groups and the most respected Mexican economists, for the benefit of its clients. Brito Anderson handles few legal cases at the same time only: the most complex one´s of its clients and relevant in Mexico in the specialty areas of the firm. Most of Brito Anderson´s clients are among the top-three companies in their respective fields. Brito Anderson has handled an important number of the most relevant cases in Competition/Antitrust Law since the Mexican Federal Competition Commission was created. Regarding Administrative Law, Brito Anderson benefits from the previous experience of some of its partners as former key lawyers and former legal consultants of the Mexican Government, including the Presidency office, the Ministry of Communications and Transports, the Ministry of Energy, the Economy Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, the
WINNER
Energy Regulatory Commission, the Federal Competition Commission, the Economic Deregulation Unit, the Federal Regulatory Improvement Commission, the National Water Commission and the State Governments of Mexico and Baja California Sur. Regarding litigation, Brito Anderson is specialized in Constitutional litigation (Amparo), Administrative and Fiscal Litigation, Competition/ Antitrust Litigation, as well as Civil and Commercial Litigation, and has handled multimillionaire cases. Brito Anderson has participated in the draft of reforms to the Constitution, the Civil, Commerce and Procedure Codes, the Foreign Investment Law, the Federal Law of Metrology and Normalization, the Federal Law of Administrative Proceeding, the Law of Acquisitions, Leases and Services of the Public Sector and the Law of Public Works and Services, the draft of the Administrative Code of the State of Mexico and the draft of Regulations of the Airports Law, Civil Aviation Law, Railway Services Law, Navigation Law, Federal Economic Competition Law, Foreign Investment Law and Federal Law of Metrology and Normalization, among others.
Rafael Brito Rafael M. Brito Anderson, Founding Partner Brito Anderson Paseo de Tamarindos 400 B-18 Bosques de las Lomas Mexico City 05120 Mexico T 52 (55) 59050 1590 www.britoanderson.com
Brito Anderson´s experience in Legal Reforms has certainly benefited the firm in a significant way and has led it to develop high skills to interpret the reach and aim of the different laws and regulations, and to identify the best arguments to support the cases handled by the firm.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
MEXICO J BANKRUPTCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Formal Procedures What are the main types of formal procedures available for companies in financial difficulties in Mexico? Concurso Mercantil Proceedings. The Merchant may file for voluntary concurso mercantil, with or without a prior restructuring plan, or any creditor (including the tax authorities to this effect) or the District Attorney’s Office may petition for involuntary concurso mercantil. What are the tests for insolvency in Mexico? In order to be declared in concurso mercantil, the generalised default or breach of payment of its obligations by the Merchant, which consists of the breach of its obligations of payment to two or more different creditors and the fulfillment of two conditions: the first being that its due and payable obligations, which are at least 30 days overdue, represent 35% or more of all its obligations on the date on which petition for declaration of concurso mercantil has been filed for or requested; and the second being that the Merchant is unable to cover at least 80% of its due and payable obligations on the date on which petition for declaration of concurso mercantil has been filed for or requested, due to not having (i) cash on hand and on-sight deposits, (ii) term investments and deposits, the maturity date of which does not exceed 90 calendar days following the date on which bankruptcy has been filed for or requested, (iii) accounts receivable and customer deposits, the due date of which does not exceed 90 calendar days following the date on which bankruptcy has been filed for or requested, or (iv) securities with which purchase-sale transactions are regularly recorded in the respective markets, which may be sold in a maximum term of 30 banking days, the valuation of which is known on the date on which petition for declaration of concurso mercantil is filed for or requested. On the other hand, according to the Federal Civil Code and the general text of the State Civil Codes, insolvency exists when the sum of the assets and credits of the debtor, estimated at a fair price, is not equal to the sum of its debts. n what grounds can the company be placed into O each procedure? If the Merchant voluntarily files for its declaration of concurso mercantil, it will suffice for it to demonstrate that it meets any of the indicated conditions so as to be declared in such state. In the case that any creditor or the District Attorney’s Office requests it, the fulfillment of the two aforementioned conditions should be proven, although the debtor will be presumed to have generally breached its obligations of payment when: (i) none or insufficient assets exist to levy the execution of an attachment due to the breach of an obligation or when attempting to enforce a judgment against it with the authority of res judicata; (ii) a breach of payment exists of its obligations to two or more different creditors; (iii) the debtor goes into hiding or is absent without leaving anyone to front the management or operation of the company who is able to perform its obligations, or under the same circumstances, it closes its company’s establishments; (iv) the debtor turns to ruinous, fraudulent or fictitious practices to attend to or cease to perform its obligations; or (v) it breaches its pecuniary obligations contained in any agreement reached with its creditors in a bankruptcy proceeding, or in any other cases of a similar nature. The succession of the Merchant may be declared to be in concurso mercantil when the company owned thereby
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
continues to operate or when its operations have been suspended and the actions of the creditors have not been barred by the statute of limitations. The declaration of concurso mercantil of a company determines that the shareholders or partners with unlimited liability are considered as such in concurso mercantil proceedings. The same thing occurs regarding the partners or shareholders with unlimited liability of an irregular company (those not entered in the Public Commercial Registry and that have appeared as such to third parties, whether or not they have been incorporated in a notarial instrument). Additionally, the concurso mercantil of holding companies and their subsidiaries and those of two or more companies controlled by the same holding company will be consolidated but settled separately. Finally, the branches of foreign companies may be declared to be in concurso mercantil, which will only include the assets and rights located and enforceable in Mexican territory and the creditors for transactions performed with such branches. lease describe briefly how the company is placed into P each procedure. If it is the Merchant that files for concurso mercantil without a prior restructuring plan, the day following the date on which the Judge admitted it, a copy thereof should be sent to the Federal Institute of Commercial Bankruptcy Specialists (Instituto Federal de Especialistas en Concursos Mercantiles - IFECOM) –an auxiliary body of the Federal Judicature Council, which designates the Inspectors (“Visitador”), Mediators (“Conciliador”) and Receiver (“Síndico”) in concurso mercantil proceedings and acts as the consulting body thereof and of the courts responsible for the application of the LCM with regards to the criteria of interpretation and application of its provisions, among other powers– so that it may appoint an Inspector, who will visit the Merchant under the orders of the Judge, which has the purpose of determining, based on the books, records and other documents of the Merchant, whether it has met any of the conditions to declare it in concurso mercantil. Once the Judge receives the Inspector’s opinion, it will be made available to the Merchant so that the latter may make its arguments and, if admissible, the judgment declaring the concurso mercantil will be passed. If the Merchant files for concurso mercantil with a prior restructuring plan, meeting the indispensable requirements to this effect, the Judge will pass judgment declaring it to be in concurso mercantil, without the need to appoint an Inspector or for a visit to the Merchant. As of the passing of the concurso mercantil judgment, this proceeding will be treated as an ordinary concurso mercantil, with the only exception that the Mediator should consider the restructuring plan exhibited with the petition when proposing any agreement. If involuntary concurso mercantil is requested against the Merchant, the same process will be followed as in voluntary concurso mercantil without a prior restructuring plan, except that in addition a term of 9 days will be granted thereto in which to answer the complaint, offering the corresponding evidence. A term will be given to the plaintiff along with such reply in which to make its legal arguments and, if applicable, add evidence related to the defence of the Merchant. The visit will also be made in this proceeding.
WINNER
The passing of the bankruptcy judgment has as its effects, among other aspects: (i) The declaration of opening of the Conciliation phase, with one exception, which is when the Merchant files for voluntary bankruptcy and explicitly requests that the bankruptcy phase be opened. (ii) T he suspension during the Conciliation of any attachment or enforcement order against the assets and rights of the Merchant, except those of a labour-related nature. (iii) The establishment of the retroaction date. (iv) T he initiation of the credit acknowledgment procedure. (v) The ne exeat order against the Merchant (except when it has filed for voluntary concurso mercantil). In the case of legal entities, against the persons responsible for their management, solely for the purpose of preventing them from leaving the domicile without leaving a sufficiently instructed and paid agent or proxy. Once the foregoing has been demonstrated, the judge will raise the ne exeat order. What notifications, meetings and publications are required after the company has been placed into each procedure? The judge should notify the judgment declaring the concurso mercantil to the Merchant, to the IFECOM, to the Inspector, to the creditors with a known address, to the tax authorities, to the District Attorney’s Office (if it is the plaintiff), to the union representative (if one exists and it is necessary) and, failing this, to the Labour Rights Prosecutor. Additionally, the Mediator will enter the concurso mercantil judgment in the corresponding public registries and will publish an extract thereof in the Mexican Official Gazette and in one of the newspapers with highest circulation in the locality where the proceeding is processed. Furthermore, the judge will give the following orders by notification: To the IFECOM: an order so that it appoints a Mediator. To the Merchant: an order (i) so that it makes the books, records and other necessary documents and resources available to the Mediator to cover the expense of registration and the publications governed by the LCM, (ii) so that it allows such specialists and the Receivers (“Interventor”) to carry out their activities, and (iii) so that it suspends the payment of the debts assumed prior to the effective date of the concurso mercantil judgment, except those that are indispensable for its normal operation, informing them to the judge within the next 24 hours.
To the Mediator: an order (i) for the publication of an extract of the concurso mercantile judgment in the Mexican Official Gazette and in one of the newspapers with the highest circulation in the place where the proceeding is processed, as well as its entry in the Public Commercial Registry corresponding to the domicile of the Merchant and in the places where it has agencies, branches or assets subject to registration, and (ii) for the initiation of the credit acknowledgement procedure. Finally, the known creditors will also be notified so that those who wish to do so request the acknowledgment of their credits and so that a certified copy of the judgment is issued to those who request it. I s it possible to reorganise a debtor rather than realise its assets and business? Yes, by means of the agreement that the Merchant executes with its Recognized Creditors during the Conciliation phase, which has a duration of 185 calendar days, counted as of the date on which the last publication of the concurso mercantil judgment is made in the Mexican Official Gazette, extendable on two occasions for a period of 90 calendar days, the first at the request of the Mediator or of the Recognized Creditors (those who acquire such status in virtue of the Credits Recognition, Ranking and Preference judgment) who represent at least two thirds of the total amount of the recognized credits, and the second at the request of the Merchant and of the Recognized Creditors who represent 90% of the total amount of the recognized credits, in both cases when they consider that the making of an agreement is about to occur. In such phase, the Mediator will procure that the Merchant and the Recognized Creditors reach an agreement. If such Agreement is perfected and is approved by the Judge under the conditions established by Law, a judgment will be passed that approves it, which will end the proceedings. If such Agreement is not perfected in the Conciliation phase, or when the Merchant or Mediator so request (the latter given the inability to make an agreement), the Judge will pass a judgment declaring the Merchant bankrupt.
Alonso Rivera Gaxiola Rivera Gaxiola y Asociados, S.C Boulevard Manuel Avila Camacho 32, Floor 11, Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City Mexico T +52 55 1084 1230 F +52 55 1084 1239
Condominio Torre Comercial América, floor 27-2701 Av. Batallón de San Patricio número 111 Valle Oriente, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León. México. T +52 81 5030 7583 F +52 55 1084 1239 E arivera@rgya.com www.rgya.com
LAW FIRM PROFILE RIVERA GAXIOLA Y ASOCIADOS, S.C. is a law firm specialised in Commercial Law, Bankruptcies, Financial Restructurings, Shareholders Controversies and Disputes, Corporate, Civil and Administrative Litigation, as well as in National and International Arbitration. Our headquarters are located in Mexico City and in Monterrey, Nuevo León, México; we practice all over the country, through our own staff and through strategic alliances and associations with local top firms countrywide.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
MEXICO
WINNER
J IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
√ Reliable √ Responsive √ Well credential team of Lawyers
You have the
√ Leading IP Firm in Mexico √ Rendering services for domestic
idea
and multinational corporations
√ Passing on Trust and Expertise
to our clients Memberships
INTA, AIPLA, ABA, LESI, IABL, MEXICAN BAR
We have the
is expert
Awards
E.
Contact us www.clattorneys.com /clattorneys
info@clattorneys.com
@clattorneys
c.l.attorneys
Insurgentes Sur 1722 Suite 203 ,Col. Florida, Mexico City 01030, Mexico. Tel. +52 (55) 56.59.40.20 +52 (55) 56.59.50.78 Fax +52 (55) 55.54.10.54 Contacts: Ana Castañeda acastaneda@clattorneys.com / Jorge León jleon@clattorneys.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
MEXICO J IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Since our foundation in 1987, Jalife, Caballero & Asociados has been providing global legal and technical solutions of the highest quality, performed by specialized professionals that support various fields within Mexico and worldwide. In Jalife Caballero, we are devoted to safeguard intellectual capital assets, from prosecuting and protecting trademarks, patents, trade secrets, geographical indications, copyrights, neighboring rights, entertainment and media industry law, advertising and technological legal compliance, legal counsel concerning franchise law, antitrust, trade regulation and competition legal landscapes, proactive advocacy and legal representation in criminal IP related allegations, administrative and civil litigation for seizures, customs remedies and preliminary injunctions and interfaces with law enforcement in prosecutions of intellectual property crimes or infringements. Our firm has developed a vast network of associate offices in all major cities of the Mexican Republic and abroad, where we have developed strong relationships and alliances throughout the world with leading firms and practitioners specifically involved in intellectual property and antitrust/competition law matters. Currently, we advise and proudly represent more than 1,600 domestic and foreign clients, mainly within industrial property and copyright disciplines, over which our partners and associates hold considerable degrees of achievements and distinctive qualities that portray our services over usual legal practice and
general course of action, to accurately assist operations of our clients along with Marketing and R&D, and up to Sales and Corporate Finance in IP related matters. Within the international and academic sectors, Mauricio Jalife, Ph. D. has been effectively appointed throughout various controversies as sole panelist and as official arbitrator by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) through the Arbitration and Mediation Center since the year 2002 for all types of disputes. In fact, with this kind of in-depth skills, comprehensive training, and broad experience, you couldn’t have a better ally along your team.
jalife | caballero Iglesia #2, Edificio “E”, Piso 4 Tizapán San Ángel 01090, Mexico City Mexico T +52 (55) 5481-6999 F +52 (55) 5481-6998 E amerito@jcip.mx www.jcip.mx
Mr. Jalife is the author of five iP books, currently being estimated to be the most influential studying books for industrial and intellectual property matters in Mexico, being reported to be #1 Author in IP printed books actually owned by practitioners and tought within universities in our country. Mr. Jalife is also author of more than 800 articles on IP related matters. Mr. Jalife has been Professor of intellectual property law at the Universidad Panamericana, at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), and at the Instituto de la Propiedad Intelectual y Derecho de la Competencia (IPIDEC),and has been constantly invited as visiting professor and lecturer at the George Washington University in the United States, and at the Universities of Alicante and Toledo in Spain.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
MEXICO JL EADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR Laura Collada Salcido - Dumont Bergman Bider & Co., S.C.
Laura Collada Salcido has been the Managing Partner of the Mexican firm Dumont Bergman Bider & Co.,S.C. (DBB) since 2008. The firm is an IP boutique established more than 70 years ago and it has been a traditional key player on IP issues She is a lawyer, graduated with honours from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). Laura has Law Specializations in Intellectual Property, Corporate, Civil, Constitutional and Environmental Law from Universidad Panamericana and a Legal Specialization in Contracts from the ITAM Mexico, all of them with honors as well. Laura started in the field very young in a renowned IP firm and then shifted to work at the Mexican Trademark Office (Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial) where she was the Sub director for the Prevention of Unfair Competition in which she was in charge of all administrative infractions. She returned to the private practice in 2000 joining DBB in which she was in charge of the Litigation Department. She has also been teaching in several colleges and universities such as, ITAM, Universidad Panamericana, ITESM, basically IP litigation as well as copy rights. She also has written about IP on National newspapers and National and International IP magazines. She is a speaker at Conferences organized by different organizations. Laura actively participates in AMPPI (Mexican Chapter of AIPPI) and she is the Chair of the
Trademark Committee. She is also involved in other organizations such as INTA, AIPPI, Marques, PTMG, ASIPI (for which she is National Delegate), AIPF (member of the Board), BMA (Mexican Bar). Her practice includes the complete lifecycle of Intellectual Property rights, from consultancy, strategies, filing and prosecution, to resolving disputes involving these rights through litigation as well as negotiating settlements. She always tries to understand client´s needs to tailor up personal and adequate strategies for each and every case. As a Managing Partner she has modernized the image of DBB as well as developing it in different areas to achieve complete clients satisfaction. Under her supervision DBB achieved the ISO 9000:2008 certification (by TUV Rheinland) for having a quality management system. DBB is the first IP firm in Mexico that has been certified in all areas. Also she has achieved the complete digitalization of DBB’s archives and can render a paperless service if the client wishes so. Also, she has recruited several lawyers and engineers leaders in the field to support and enhance her team and in order to provide legal services related to IP such as regulatory, corporate, IT, data protection, etc. Laura is also in charge of client’s relations so she travels worldwide attending conferences and/or visiting clients.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
She has been involved in recent victories such as • Obtaining registration for “E-MARCAS” in international class 38, in the name of Dumont Bergman Bider & Co., S.C., despite the refusal of the Mexican Trademark Office. • Obtaining the nullity of Trademark Registration for “SKYY MARTINI and Design” to cover services for providing food and drinks in class 43, on grounds of a previous Trademark Registrations for “SKYY”, “SKYY BLUE”, “SKYY VODKA and design” and “SKYY INFUSIONS” owned by Skyy Spirits LLC., covering alcoholic beverages in class 33. • Obtaining the nullity of Trademark Registration for “VENETA CUCINE and obtaining the registration of the trademark AUTONEUM in class 7 (appication1198120) Now reg. No. 1287973. Case objected by the MTO by not accepting the claimed goods in the indicated class • Obtaining the registration of the trademark NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN in class 11 (application 1212403) Now reg. No. 1294362. Case objected by the MTO by not accepting the claimed goods in the indicated class
• Obtaining the nullity of a Mexican Copyrights Bureau resolution before the Intellectual Property Branch or the Tribunal for Administrative and Tax Matters, in relation with a Schwan Stabilo mark, same that refused the registration of a mark with many particular characteristics as an apply work of art. • Copyrights Bureau resolution before the Intellectual Property Branch of the Tribunal for Administrative and Tax Matters, in relation with a Schwan Stabilo mark, same that refused the registration of a mark with many particular characteristics as an apply work of art.
Laura Collada Salcido Managing Partner Dumont Bergman Bider & Co.,S.C. Av. Insurgentes Sur 1898, piso 21 Col. Florida, C.P. 01030, México, D.F. T (+52) (55) 5322-6230 F (+52) (55) 5661-3056 E mail@dumont.com.mx www.dumont.mx
The Key Clients she services are Boehringer Ingelheim, Grunenthal, Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique, Alcatel Lucent, Osram AG., Consitex S.A. (Trademarks ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA), Soremartec (Ferrero Group), Cirque du Soleil, Bayer Schering, Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club LTD and many IP firms worldwide with which DBB works together. Languages: Spanish and English.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
MEXICO
WINNER
J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Firm profile: Rivera Gaxiola y Asociados, S.C is a law firm specialized mainly in litigation, specifically Bankruptcies, Financial Restructurings, Shareholders Controversies, Commercial, Civil and Administrative Litigation. We distinguish as an aggressive firm on the court, with strict coordination between paralegals at court and associates at the office to enhance a greater control of our cases. Also, we consider having a magnificent client-lawyer relationship, in order to explain the procedures and strategy throughout the cases.
Areas of expertise: • Civil, Commercial and Administrative Litigation.
The law firm was founded on December 2, 2002. Our headquarters are located in Mexico City, with an office in Nuevo León, Monterrey, we have practice all over the country, through our own staff or through strategic alliances and associations with local top firms. Nowadays our firm is one of the most important and well known firms in Mexico.
• Insurances.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
• International and Domestic Arbitration. • Bankruptcies. • Financial Restructurings. • Shareholders Controversies and Disputes. • Telecommunications • Aviation Law. • Bonds and Bails.
Mr. Alonso Rivera Gaxiola. Founding and Senior Partner Rivera Gaxiola y Asociados, S.C Boulevard Manuel Ávila Camacho 32 11th Floor. Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City Mexico T +52 55 1084 1230 F +52 55 1084 1239
• Energy. Notable work We are no to communicate our clients names under confidential agreements, but if it is necessary, let us known, and we could maybe arrange some kind of permission to mention some cases. Individual Profile Alonso Rivera Gaxiola, Founding and Senior Partner of Rivera Gaxiola y Asociados, S.C., is an Attorney by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, he has extensive experience in civil, commercial, corporate and administrative litigation throughout the country, as much as in national and international arbitration, Bankruptcies and Financial Restructurings.
E Arivera@rgya.com www.rgya.com
WINNER
MEXICO J PRODUCT LIABILITY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Portilla, Ruy-Diaz y Aguilar, S.C. is a
The specialisation and development
law firm with enormous experience
of each practice area of the firm, the
gained by their members in serving
support provided among different areas,
clients, based on superior ethics, quality
and the deep knowledge which we
and professionalism. Some of our
have of Mexico, its legal system, markets
clients are some of the largest and best-
and industry, enables the firm to offer
known companies in the world, such
clients innovative, timely, and complete
as international law firms, both national
solutions to their needs at very good
Querétaro Office Sabinos 213 Col. Jurica C.P. 76100 . Stgo. de Queretaro, Qro.
and multinational, as well as financial
and competitive prices. In order to
T +52 (442) 218 4766 +52 (442) 218 5706
institutions, and of course, smaller firms
avoid problems before they develop,
E sacqro@portilla.com.mx
and individuals.
we take a preventive, coordinated, and strategic approach to advise our clients.
Los Cabos Office Blvd. Paseo de los Cabos #150 Int. 119 . San José del Cabo. C.P. 23405 . Baja California Sur, México.
of the law including: administrative;
The firm and its lawyers actively
T +52 (624) 173 9738
bindings and privatisations; arbitration;
participate in various public and private
F +52 (624) 173 9738
civil and commercial litigation;
organisations at an international level,
E sacbcs@portilla.com.mx
consumer protection; product liability;
which keeps us attuned to what is
corporate and contracts; intellectual
happening in the community and the
property, criminal litigation; franchising;
world at large. It enables us to not only
health; immigration; labour; mergers
understand better and be closer to our
and acquisitions; real estate; social
clients’ needs, but also to participate
security; and tax and trusts.
in and have an influence upon the
The firm offers services in various areas
Our firm currently has 6 partners,
PORTILLA, RUY-DÍAZ & AGUILAR Mexico City Office Bosques de Guayacanes 117 Col. Bosques de las Lomas C.P. 11700 . México, D.F. T +52 (55) 559 66047 +52 (55) 524 51953 E sacdf@portilla.com.mx
www.portilla.com.mx
changes affecting them.
and 15 associates, and a supporting
A more detailed description and further
staff including paralegals, translators,
information is available upon request at
technical specialists and administrative
sacdf@portilla.com.mx; sacqro@portilla.
staff, with offices in Mexico City,
com.mx; sacbcs@portilla.com.mx or on
Queretaro and Los Cabos.
our website http://www.portilla.com.mx.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
URUGUAY J PRIVATE FUND LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Litwak & Partners is a boutique law firm
best-placed law firm to provide commercial
specializing in offshore investment funds, capital
oriented legal advice on complex cross-border
market transactions, corporate finance and wealth
transactions or structures with a Latin American
management, all areas of practice where the firm
component. Because of a greater understanding
(and its lawyers) has an extraordinary track record.
of the LatAm markets, culture and legal system
In fact, Litwak & Partners is by far the most
than is usually found in an Anglo-Saxon law firm
award-winning law firm in Latin America in
the lawyers at Litwak & Partners can tailor their
several of these fields.
services to meet the particular needs and
Being a niche law firm, the firm has a rather small
expectations of the firm’s regional clientele.
team comprising of highly qualified and seasoned
At the same time, Litwak & Partners lawyers have
lawyers with substantial experience in the areas of
also lived and worked in the English-speaking
practice in which it specialises. Litwak & Partners
Caribbean, which allows them to provide
is committed to excellence and client satisfaction
multilingual offshore legal services that can be
and not to achieve a certain size. They are not
compared to any of the service provided by
and will never be a full service law firm. On the
other top offshore law firms.
contrary, Litwak & Partners is only active in those practice areas where they can really add value to their clients. This has allowed for the firm to quickly become an industry regional leading law firm in these fields. Litwak & Partners offers an alternative to the traditional multi-jurisdictional Anglo-Saxon offshore law firms, especially (but not exclusively) when it comes to provide legal advice to Latin American fund managers, high net worth families or individuals, private bankers, wealth planners, family offices, etc. The firm has its main offices in Montevideo, very close to its clients and main markets. This allows for the firm to be there for their clients and also to be on top of regional trends and legislative changes. The firm’s strength includes the knowledge it has of trust regulation worldwide, of the investment funds and the private wealth industries in general and of the Latin American markets, key players and culture. In addition to the above, Litwak & Partners has associated offices in a number of offshore and onshore jurisdictions. Focus On Private Funds and Wealth Management Litwak & Partners managing partner, Martin Litwak, strongly believes they the firm is the
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
Since its inception, a little more than two years
management industry.
ago, the firm has been very active in the
His awards and commendations include, among
establishment of investment funds and trust
others, the following achievements: ranked as
structures as well as other types of estate plan-
one of the best lawyers in private fund formation
ning vehicles for Latin American clients.
by Who’s Who Legal (in 2008, 2010 and 2011);
LITWAK & PARTNERS
included in the “Expert Guides” published by
Luis Bonavita 1294, 2nd Floor, Suite 202
Euromoney, in the sub-category “investment fund
Montevideo, Uruguay, 11300
lawyers” (2010); listed as one of the best lawyers
T: +598 2626-2450
by Chambers & Partners (subcategory capital
F: + 598 2626-2330
markets) in Latin America (2009); and recipient of
www.litwak-partners.com
the second prize at the Best Paper Award contest
Future Plans
organised by the Inter-American Bar Association
A relatively newly-formed organisation, Litwak &
(for his paper “Current Trends in the Latin
Partners’ current plan is to consolidate its
American Hedge Fund Industry - Lessons from
standing as a provider of offshore legal advice,
the Financial Meltdown”).
with particular focus on Latin American clients.
Both in 2012 and 2013 he was named the Best
However, it is also keen to extend services to
Lawyer in Uruguay at the World Finance Awards.
those companies around the world who would
The firm, by the way, has also received the World
value its response time, fixed fees, highly-person-
Finance award for Best Private Equity Firm, Best
alized service, innovative solutions and
Banking and Finance Firm both in 2012 and 2013.
We are headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay, which allows us to be there for our clients and also to be on top of regional trends and legislative changes. In addition to this we have associated offices in a number of offshore and onshore jurisdictions. LITWAK & PARTNERS Luis Bonavita 1294, 2nd Floor, Suite 202 Montevideo, Uruguay, 11300 T: +598 2626-2450 F: + 598 2626-2330 www.litwak-partners.com
sound advice. Martin A. Litwak, the founder of the firm, currently serves at its managing partner. Martin has an extraordinary track record in the wealth
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
US JB IOSCIENCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Ulmer & Berne LLP, established in 1908, is a fullservice law firm focused on exceeding client expectations and delivering superior, customized legal solutions for an exceptional value. Its more than 190 attorneys serve as counselors and partners to a wide range of clients to help them solve their business challenges and achieve their goals. The firm has a dedicated team of attorneys focusing on the specific legal concerns and needs of entities in the bioscience industry. We provide assistance to bioscience companies at every stage of development, from startup and emerging businesses to national and multinational companies. Our attorneys regularly obtain verdicts and judgments for companies in the pharmaceutical, bioscience, medical device, dietary supplement, and life science industries. Recently, Ulmer & Berne, and more specifically, Joe Thomas, were instrumental in pursuing preemption motions in pharmaceutical cases across the United States, with the Supreme Court of the United States ruling in June 2011 that state-law tort suits are preempted against generic drug companies because such suits seek to create an obligation for generic drug makers that would make it impossible for these companies to comply with U.S. federal law. Our firm has an established national presence defending companies in matters that are complex both legally and scientifically. Our attorneys defend companies in U.S. class action lawsuits, consolidated state proceedings, and federal multidistrict litigation, as well as individual lawsuits.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Ulmer & Berne serves as national counsel for numerous public and private companies in the pharmaceutical, bioscience, medical device and dietary supplement industries, and acts as regional counsel for a variety of others. Often, cases handled by the life sciences group appear on the front pages of newspapers, as well as the nightly news. Currently, the group represents clients in, among others, litigations involving, isotretinoin, hormone replacement therapy, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder medications, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, metoclopramide, fentanyl patches, propoxyphene, surgical mesh products, and catheters. We are lead counsel and/or on the Steering Committee for a number of the multi-district litigations including those involving hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, fentanyl patches, and propoxyphene. In some cases, the group defends clients that are the subject of sensational stories of homicide or suicide supposedly associated with the clients’ products. Our attorneys and support staff have backgrounds in the disciplines of pharmacy, pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, and medical technology, as well as business and engineering. As a result, we bring a unique and comprehensive package of skills to our representation of clients. In addition to providing litigation defense, we perform risk assessment, due diligence for product and entity acquisitions and mergers, advice and counsel relating to regulatory matters, and assistance in
WINNER
acquiring or reducing premiums for product liability insurance. We have in-house tools and capabilities for searching and analyzing scientific literature and data, including adverse event data on file with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that may be part of risk assessments and insurance analyses. The collective experience of our pharmaceutical, bioscience, medical device, and mass tort litigation members includes decades of practice in federal and state courts around the country, both at the trial and appellate levels. Collectively, our attorneys are admitted to practice in more than 18 U.S. state and federal jurisdictions. The breadth of legal knowledge among our members is reflected by the defense of our clients in all 50 states. Lawsuits against our clients involve not only the product liability and negligence laws of those states, but also often include claims under consumer protection statutes or involve U.S. federal statutory and regulatory law. This challenging area of the law requires continual analysis, pursuit, and extension of defenses available to manufacturers and distributors of products, and the lawyers who practice in this area remain current in addressing all issues that arise in product liability cases, including the following:
• Claims based on defective design or defective manufacture of a product; • Claims based on inadequate warning or failure to warn (both original warnings and post-marketing warnings), including claims addressing the content and delivery of the warning; • Theories of defense available to manufacturers of products, including definition of a product, assumption of risk, substantial alteration of the product, the open and obvious condition of the product, “state of the art” and unforeseeable misuse of the product; • Preemption of claims; and • Challenges to expert testimony submitted by plaintiffs. Our life science and bioscience practices also include representation of companies in intellectual property law (including copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret prosecution and litigation), and the laws applicable to the acquisition, licensing, distribution, transfer, and disposition of technology and pharmaceutical products. Our complementary practices make it possible for Ulmer & Berne to deliver the highest-quality legal services and customized solutions to all of our clients, helping them to achieve their goals.
Joseph P. Thomas Chair, Life Sciences Group Chair, Pharmaceutical Industry Group Co-Chair, Litigation Department Ulmer & Berne LLP 600 Vine Street, Suite 2800, Cincinnati, OH 45202 T 513.698.5004 E jthomas@ulmer.com
Jeffrey F. Peck Chair, Product Liability Group Ulmer & Berne LLP 600 Vine Street, Suite 2800, Cincinnati, OH 45202 T 513.698.5010 E jpeck@ulmer.com
www.ulmer.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
US JD ISPUTE RESOLUTION FIRM OF THE YEAR
Greg Joseph is a past President of the American College of Trial Lawyers and former Chair of the 60,000 member Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association. He President of the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society. His firm, GREGORY P. JOSEPH LAW OFFICES LLC practices exclusively in the field of commercial litigation. High stakes commercial and financial cases are the Firm’s bread and butter. Greg Joseph is widely recognized as one of the leading commercial litigators in the United States. His treatise entitled SANCTIONS: THE FEDERAL LAW OF LITIGATION ABUSE (5th ed. 2013) has been described in one U.S. Court of Appeals as “a leading treatise on litigation sanctions,” and it is cited in the official commentary to the U.S. Federal Rules. He is the author of CIVIL RICO: A DEFINITIVE GUIDE (3d ed. 2010), which the HARVARD LAW REVIEW says “meticulously analyzes the decisions” and FORTUNE calls “the leading treatise on RICO.” He also wrote MODERN VISUAL EVIDENCE, which has been described by Communication Arts magazine as “the authoritative text” on that subject. He has also written more than 100 articles in professional journals. Mr. Joseph’s books and articles are recognized authorities, having been cited by the courts in more than 200 published judicial opinions and cited by academics and practitioners in more than 300 law journal articles. He and his Firm of 14 litigators in the second half of 2012 were successful in a variety of significant cases, including: • Victory on appeal affirming a $285 million judgment in favor of Citibank against Morgan Stanley on a complicated securities /credit default swap transaction. Citibank, N.A. v. Morgan Stanley & Co. Int’l, PLC, 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 20492 (2d Cir. Oct. 2, 2012) • Defeat of class certification in a huge class action brought in the United States District Court in Arizona on September 18, 2012, followed by victory in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit refusing to review the denial. Bobbitt v. Milberg LLP, No. 12-80184 (9th Cir. Nov. 8, 2012). • Winning a permanent injunction on behalf of lawyer and law firm clients barring prosecution against them of a legal malpractice action in light of prior rulings in a securities class action, affirmed on appeal. Wyly v. Weiss, 2012 U.S. App. LEXIS 21032 (2d Cir. Oct. 10, 2012) • O btaining discovery in the United States for use in litigation in the Paris Commercial Court. In re Application of Financière d’Authuit for an Order to Take Discovery of Lazard Ltd. pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1782, No. 1:12-mc-00212-P1 (S.D.N.Y. July 24, 2012) • Dismissal of professional misconduct charges against three separate sets of lawyers and law firms in the New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division, and in the Departmental Disciplinary Committee of the First Department of the State of New York. The range of cases on which the Firm focuses traces largely to the subject matter of Greg Joseph’s treatises and articles, which
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
address areas that tend to give rise to bet-the-company litigation. They include: • Complex financial and commercial transactions • Securities • RICO (the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) • Sanctions • Federal Procedure • Professional Responsibility • Legal Malpractice • Legal Ethics The Firm has in the past few years increasingly been sought out by major law firms to represent them in connection with serious litigation directed against them or serious internal or regulatory issues. Without cultivating this practice area by means of any marketing, the Firm finds itself representing law firms around the United States, based in New York, Boston, San Francisco and New Orleans. The Firm is gratified by the fact that the most discerning consumers of legal services — lawyers themselves — request its assistance when a great deal is at stake for them. In addition to litigation and arbitration, focusing on trial and appeals, Greg Joseph also offers expert subject matter advice to other law firms embroiled in litigation in areas in which the Firm has specific expertise and the other firms do not, commonly including RICO, sanctions and litigation-provoking ethical issues. This advice includes helping to structure claims and defenses at the trial level and taking charge of matters, in whole or in part, at trial or on appeal. Greg Joseph also provides expert witness services in very select cases which, over the past four years, have included testimony concerning: the RICO statute and case law in a multibillion litigation venued in a Russian court in Moscow; the standard of care in a legal malpractice case concerning the ownership of Facebook; federal jurisdiction in a complex patent arbitration; and federal sanctions in a legal malpractice case seeking in excess of $100 million in damages. From the opinion of the Court in Gregory v. Oliver, 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 24730 at *5 n.1, 2002 WL 31972165 at *2 n.1 (N.D. Ill. Dec. 27, 2002): “One of the true experts on federal practice, Gregory Joseph ... is one of this country’s leading litigators (a few years ago he served as chairman of the Section on Litigation of the American Bar Association) and is an extraordinarily prolific author in addition to maintaining an active law practice: Each year he updates his excellent works on Sanctions: The Federal Law of Litigation Abuse ... and on Modern Visual Evidence ... and he is a regular contributor to the National Law Journal with his periodic columns on Federal Practice). This Court and Greg were fellow members of the Judicial Conference’s Advisory Committee on Rules of Evidence from the time of its reconstitution by Chief Justice Rehnquist during the early 1990s through the bulk of this Court’s service as chairman of that Committee, which has just been completed on September 30, 2002.”
WINNER
Recent Judicial Opinions Relying On Greg Joseph’s Work
Recent Academic And Professional Articles Citing Greg Joseph’s Work
•
Dorsett v. County of Nassau, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 79990 (E.D.N.Y. June 7, 2012)
•
•
Sample v. Qwest Commc’ns Co. LLC, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 70927 (D. Ariz. May 22, 2012)
Imwinkelried, The Validity of the 2010 Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 Amendment Governing the Waiver of Work Product Protection: Is the Work Product Doctrine an Evidentiary Privilege?, 39 U. Dayton L. Rev. 3 (2012)
•
State ex rel. Hood v. AU Optronics Corp., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 62089 (S.D. Miss. May 3, 2012)
•
•
Rubloff Dev. Grp., Inc. v. SuperValu, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 41304 (N.D. Ill. Mar. 27, 2012)
Pannozzo, Uploading Guilt: Adding a Virtual Records Exception to the Federal Rules of Evidence, 44 Conn. L. Rev. 1695 (2012)
•
•
Dorsett v. County of Nassau, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71445 (E.D.N.Y. May 22, 2012)
Simmons & Ritter, Texas’s Spoliation “Presumption”, 43 St. Mary’s L. J. 691 (2012)
•
•
Cameron v. Rohn, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 18986 (D.V.I. Feb. 14, 2012)
•
State v. Laine, 2012 Wash. App. LEXIS 935 (Wash. Ct. App. April 24, 2012)
Coppola & DeMarco, Civil RICO: How Ambiguity Allowed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act to Expand Beyond its Intended Purpose, 38 N.E. J. on Crim. & Civ. Con. 241 (2012)
•
Isensee, Enforcing Against The Enforcers: Ensuring Immigration Compliance Through Civil RICO, 49 Hous. L. Rev. 101 (2012)
•
Rosenthal, 25th Anniversary of the Summary Judgment Trilogy: Reflections on Summary Judgment 43 Loy. U. Chi. L.J. 471 (2012)
•
Simmons & Ritter, Texas’s Spoliation “Presumption”, 43 St. Mary’s L. J. 691 (2012)
•
Coppola & DeMarco, Civil RICO: How Ambiguity Allowed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act to Expand Beyond its Intended Purpose, 38 N.E. J. on Crim. & Civ. Con. 241 (2012)
•
Isensee, Enforcing Against The Enforcers: Ensuring Immigration Compliance Through Civil RICO, 49 Hous. L. Rev. 101 (2012)
•
Poulin, Experience-Based Opinion Testimony: Strengthening the Lay Opinion Rule, 39 Pepp. L. Rev. 551 (2012)
•
Campbell, Where Do Treating Physicians Belong as Witnesses in the Seventh Circuit?, 9 Ind. Health L. Rev. 247 (2011-12)
•
Democko , Social Media and the Rules on Authentication, 43 U. Tol. L. Rev. 367 (2012)
•
Barnette, Ghost in the Machine: Zubulake Revisited and Other Emerging E-Discovery Issues under the Amended Federal Rules, 18 Rich. J.L. & Tech. 11 (2012)
•
Theiss, Protecting the Burden of Proof in Kentucky: Procedural Safeguards for the Use of Video Excerpts During Closing Argument, 50 U. Louisville L. Rev. 527 (2012)
•
State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Hill, 2012 N.C. App. LEXIS 352 (N.C. Ct. App. Mar. 20, 2012)
•
Cory v. Straub Int’l, 2012 Kan. App. Unpub. LEXIS 10 (Kan. Ct. App. Jan. 6, 2012)
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
US J INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WINNER
JT RADE & FINANCE LAWYER OF THE YEAR (John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner - Maalouf Ashford & Talbot) J IPO LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J SECURITIES LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J OIL & GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J ASSET FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J VENTURE CAPITAL FIRM OF THE YEAR J ISLAMIC FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR NEW YORK J NICHE LAW SERVICE OF THE YEAR - (Space & Satellite) J ENTREPRENEURIAL SERVICES PRACTICE OF THE YEAR – (Editors Award) J MIDDLE EAST PRACTICE OF THE YEAR – (Editors Award) J CHINA PRACTICE OF THE YEAR – (Editors Award) Maalouf Ashford & Talbot is among the world’s leading international financial services law firms with offices in New York City, London, Riyadh, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Boston. John J. Maalouf, Senior Partner of the Firm, has been ranked as one of the Top 10 International Trade & Finance Lawyers in the United States for the past seven consecutive years by the U.S. Lawyer Rankings (2006 – 2012 Editions) due to his commitment to excellence and outstanding client service. Maalouf Ashford & Talbot’s lawyers are internationally recognized as leading expert in the areas of International Finance Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Energy Law, Oil & Gas Law, Private Equity Law, Project Finance Law, Asset Finance Law, Banking Law, Capital Markets Law, Corporate Law, Cross Border Law, Shipping & Maritime Law, Antitrust Law, Sharia Law and Tax Law. Maalouf Ashford & Talbot is also recognized as the most Trusted Law Firm in the United States. In addition, Mr. Maalouf is an internationally recognized expert on matters involving China business law and co-author of the book “Inside the Minds: Best Practices for
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Mergers & Acquisitions in China”, published by Thomson West, the world’s most respected name in legal publishing. Maalouf Ashford & Talbot was among the first U.S. law firms in China, and the firm’s legal agreements and documents have become the standard used by other law firms today. Maalouf Ashford & Talbot’s numerous accomplishments has led to the firm being named Law Firm of the Year for 2012 in an unprecedented 16 distinct categories including: International Finance Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Energy Law, Private Equity Law, Project Finance Law, Asset Finance Law, Banking Law, Capital Markets Law, Corporate Law, Cross Border Law, Shipping & Maritime Law, Antitrust Law, Sharia Law and Tax Law. Maalouf Ashford’s reputation for excellence and breadth of expertise has made it the law firm of choice for many of the worlds leading corporations as they address the diverse legal and business challenges which they face.
John J. Maalouf Senior Partner Maalouf Ashford & Talbot, LLP 500 Fifth Avenue, 14th Fl. New York, New York 10110 T 212.789.8717 F 212.789.8718 E John.maalouf@maaloufashford.com www.maaloufashford.com
US
WINNER
JL EADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR Susan Okin Goldsmith - SORINRAND LLP
SORINRAND Builds on Firm Foundation The reputation of SORINRAND is well established in the legal marketplace. As we complete our third year, we reflect on our accomplishments and look forward to building our firm for the future. The firm, which initially debuted in 2009, builds on the achievements of its predecessor, SorinRoyerCooper. Over the last three years, the firm’s attorneys proved the viability of a new model of legal service, one that delivers first-class advice at a reasonable cost to startup, emerging growth and middle-market technology and techenabled clients. The firm represents, among many others: • 14 of the 100 fastest growing companies in the mid-Atlantic region; • 5 of the 80 “hottest companies” in New York City; • 3 of the 10 leading alternative energy companies in New Jersey; and • 4 of the 25 fastest growing companies in New Jersey. “These are extraordinary numbers for a firm of our size,” says David Sorin, managing partner of SorinRand. Equally extraordinary are the accolades the firm has accumulated. The firm was named Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year by Finance Monthly magazine and 2011 Emerging Growth Law Firm of the Year in the United States by Lawyer Monthly. Recognition of the firm continued in 2012 - Corporate LiveWire named SorinRand 2012 Emerging Growth Law Firm of the Year, as well as 2012 Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year. Corporate Finance
Magazine named SorinRand the 2012 USA Emerging Growth Company Law Firm of the Year and Lawyer Monthly Magazine named SorinRand 2012 Emerging Growth Company Law Firm. ACQ Finance named SorinRand 2012 US Growth Law Firm of the Year. Most recently, Global Law Experts recognized the firm as the leader in technology company representation in the New York region. Reflecting the firm’s entrepreneurial inclinations, Sorin himself was a finalist in the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards in New Jersey. He was also named one of the Top 100 Lawyers worldwide in 2012 for his leadership in the emerging growth company marketplace. Susan Goldsmith, chair of the firm’s technology transactions practice, was named one of the World’s Leading Trademark Professionals in the 2012 issue of World Trademark Review WRT1000, and has been recognized as one of the top 20 lawyers in the US in that field. She is also the 2012-2013 Chair of the Software Subcommittee of the Licensing Executive Society of the US and Canada, holding a leadership position in that organization’s High Tech Sector. The recognition of the firm and its attorneys is a testament to their strength in representing entrepreneurial and technology companies. “Building on that strength, “ Sorin says, “we have renewed and deepened our commitment to creating client value through a lower-leverage delivery model and a competitive fee structure that is about half that of our national competitors.
Susan Goldsmith, Esq., Chair of Technology Transactions Practice E sgoldmith@sorinrand.com
David J. Sorin, Esq., Managing Partner E dsorin@sorinrand.com SORINRAND East Brunswick Location Two Tower Center Blvd., 24th Floor East Brunswick, NJ 08816 T 732.839.0400 New York City Location 515 Madison Ave., 13th Floor New York, NY 10022 T 212.600.2085 Radnor Location 4 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 201 100 Matsonford Road Radnor, PA 19087 T 484.784.4320 www.sorinrand.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
US
WINNER
J MASSACHUSETTS CROSS BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Perini-Hegarty & Associates, P.C. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS| PRIVACY | IMPORT/EXPORT | REAL ESTATE www.perinihegartypc.com 1.617.217.2832
Client Focus. Global Vision.
SM
Cross-Border Law Firm of the Year US/MA 2012
Effective Counsel to Individuals, Entrepreneurs & Fortune 500® Companies Since 2005. Perini-Hegarty & Associates, P.C., 225 Franklin Street, 26th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 © 2012 Perini-Hegarty & Associates, P.C. All Rights Reserved. This may constitute attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Any correspondence with this Perini-Hegarty & Associates does not constitute a client/attorney relationship. Neither the content on this advertisement site nor transmissions between you and Perini-Hegarty & Associates, P.C. are intended to provide legal or other advice or to create an attorney-client relationship.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
US
WINNER
J OVERALL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Dunlap Codding Dunlap Codding is Oklahoma’s oldest and largest intellectual property boutique law firm, serving a global and sophisticated client base since 1957. Its client ranks include sophisticated multi-national companies such as Schlumberger, Siemens, Pictometry, Cristal USA Inc., and DuPont, as well as start-up ventures, spin-offs, and clients in a wide range of creative, entertainment, and sports industries. Dunlap Codding offers strategic and pragmatic problem solving skills and micro-customized client service across all areas of intellectual property, including IP litigation and licensing. The firm’s technology coverage is extensive, ranging from the mechanical arts to nanotechnology and life sciences. The firm is the preferred provider to some of the world’s largest chemical companies, handling the development of complex patent portfolios and transactional items. The firm’s ranks include a former Fortune 500 corporate patent general counsel as well as former research chemists with Ph.D. degrees. Dunlap Codding writes and prosecutes patents on front line chemical engineering technologies and provides strategic planning and facilitated innovation services. It conducts complex freedom to operate analyses and provides infringement and invalidity opinions as well as due diligence analyses in connection with capital investments. Using an in-house proprietary process, it provides facilitated patent strategy sessions and identifies market entry opportunities. With regard to biotechnology and life sciences, Dunlap Codding represents numerous national and international companies in the field of immunology. It routinely assists legacy and start-up companies in the acquisition and exploitation of patent portfolios of cutting-edge research in the areas of pharmaceuticals, life sciences, medical devices, immunology proteomics, and genomics. Dunlap Codding is a leader with regard to the quality and strength of its mechanical engineering practice, representing 100+ clients from around the globe and providing new approaches to patenting their mechanical inventions. The firm represents the most prolific living inventor in the United States. Its mechanical practice has been recognized as one of the top two practices in the United States, and it has
obtained mechanical patents covering virtually every machine known to man. With regard to the firm’s electrical and software patent practice, it is selected by clients for its experience and acumen in developing defensible and likely to be infringed portfolios, with more such patents that have withstood the rigors of litigation than any other firm in the region. The firm obtained the fundamental patents covering the downloading of ‘digital data’ on the Internet, patents later successfully litigated and deemed to be valid and enforceable by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and subsequently licensed to technology companies such as Apple, IBM, and Microsoft. Dunlap Codding’s clients turn to them for trademark, copyright, trade secret, Internet, and e-commerce guidance on matters such as the selection and registration of the strongest possible marks, clearance searches, and infringement analysis, and creating proactive strategies to protect existing marks. The firm helps its clients brand and protect their reputations— both online and in the “real world”—through the use of trademark, copyright, and right of publicity activities. Among Dunlap Codding’s attorneys and staff are individuals with extensive marketing and communication training who work with our clients to navigate the creative and legal challenges of brand identity and protection—another example of the firm’s integrated team approach. Its copyright practice extends to education and counseling, federal and international copyright registration, licenses and agreements (of all types), and litigation in state and federal courts. The firm conducts global trademark audits allowing companies to review, manage, and fully exploit the value of existing and potential trademarks. Recent work has included conducting a global audit for the market leader in aerial photography and in another case the negotiation and acquisition of several domain names on behalf of a national insurance company. The firm currently represents a client in a groundbreaking Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) proceeding of first impression calling into question certain of the company’s trade secrets, copyrighted images, and copyrighted software used in its business.
Marc A. Brockhaus, shareholder T 405-607-8600 E mbrockhaus@dunlapcodding.com
DUNLAP CODDING OKLAHOMA CITY OFFICE 1000 The Tower 1601 NW Expressway, Suite 1000 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 T 405-607-8600 WASHINGTON DC OFFICE 1000 Farragut Square 1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20036 T 202-327-5495 www.dunlapcodding.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
US
WINNER
J TRADEMARK AND LICENSING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
SORINRAND Builds on Firm Foundation The reputation of SORINRAND is well established in the legal marketplace. As we complete our third year, we reflect on our accomplishments and look forward to building our firm for the future. The firm, which initially debuted in 2009, builds on the achievements of its predecessor, SorinRoyerCooper. Over the last three years, the firm’s attorneys proved the viability of a new model of legal service, one that delivers first-class advice at a reasonable cost to startup, emerging growth and middle-market technology and techenabled clients. The firm represents, among many others: • 14 of the 100 fastest growing companies in the mid-Atlantic region; • 5 of the 80 “hottest companies” in New York City; • 3 of the 10 leading alternative energy companies in New Jersey; and • 4 of the 25 fastest growing companies in New Jersey. “These are extraordinary numbers for a firm of our size,” says David Sorin, managing partner of SorinRand. Equally extraordinary are the accolades the firm has accumulated. The firm was named Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year by Finance Monthly magazine and 2011 Emerging Growth Law Firm of the Year in the United States by Lawyer Monthly. Recognition of the firm continued in 2012 - Corporate LiveWire named SorinRand 2012 Emerging Growth Law Firm of the Year, as well as 2012 Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year. Corporate Finance
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Magazine named SorinRand the 2012 USA Emerging Growth Company Law Firm of the Year and Lawyer Monthly Magazine named SorinRand 2012 Emerging Growth Company Law Firm. ACQ Finance named Sorin Rand 2012 US Growth Law Firm of the Year. Most recently, Global Law Experts recognized the firm as the leader in technology company representation in the New York region. Reflecting the firm’s entrepreneurial inclinations, Sorin himself was a finalist in the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards in New Jersey. He was also named one of the Top 100 Lawyers worldwide in 2012 for his leadership in the emerging growth company marketplace. Susan Goldsmith, chair of the firm’s technology transactions practice, was named one of the World’s Leading Trademark Professionals in the 2012 issue of World Trademark Review WRT1000, and has been recognized as one of the top 20 lawyers in the US in that field. She is also the 2012-2013 Chair of the Software Subcommittee of the Licensing Executive Society of the US and Canada, holding a leadership position in that organization’s High Tech Sector. The recognition of the firm and its attorneys is a testament to their strength in representing entrepreneurial and technology companies. “Building on that strength, “ Sorin says, “we have renewed and deepened our commitment to creating client value through a lower-leverage delivery model and a competitive fee structure that is about half that of our national competitors.
David J. Sorin, Esq., Managing Partner E dsorin@sorinrand.com
Susan Goldsmith, Esq., Chair of Technology Transactions Practice E sgoldmith@sorinrand.com SORINRAND East Brunswick Location Two Tower Center Blvd., 24th Floor East Brunswick, NJ 08816 T 732.839.0400 New York City Location 515 Madison Ave., 13th Floor New York, NY 10022 T 212.600.2085 Radnor Location 4 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 201 100 Matsonford Road Radnor, PA 19087 T 484.784.4320 www.sorinrand.com
AUSTRALIA
WINNER
J INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR Nick Weston, a partner at intellectual property law firm Nicholas Weston Lawyers & Trade Marks Attorneys, is consistently ranked among Australia’s most effective intellectual property lawyers. Nicholas Weston Lawyers & Trade Marks Attorneys is a private firm of top brand and technology lawyers in Australia. He has more than 15 years of experience in providing strategic advice and litigating copyright, trade secret, trade marks, trade practices and contract matters for Australian and international small cap and private companies in the film, music, advertising, sport, FMCG, publishing, logistics, retail, games, digital business, biotechnology and technology sectors. Representative clients include Electronic Arts, U. S. Department of Defense, Camera House, Independent Sports and Renegade Films. Mr. Weston has a compelling record of obtaining litigation results in a wide range of commercial cases in Federal and State courts across Australia. Known for his creativity, superior technical expertise, professionalism and integrity, Mr. Weston has earned a high level of respect among other leading lawyers for his abilities. In 2012, he has provided advice and worked behind the scenes for a number of other IP law firms. As a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Domain Name Panelist, Mr Weston has remained at the forefront of global domain name strategy and enforcement and new developments in domain name dispute resolution, including the latest changes in generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Decisionmaking authority under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy and Rules (UDRP) lies exclusively with the appointed Panels. In 2012, Mr Weston has served as sole Panelist in WIPO domain name cases involving brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Enterprise car hire, BDO, Mitsubishi, PGA Tour, Banamex and Van Houten. Two of Mr. Weston’s decisions were included in the recent WIPO Overview of WIPO Panel Views on Selected UDRP Questions, Second Edition (“WIPO Overview 2.0”) to assist other Panels on certain questions that commonly arise in proceedings under the UDRP. Mr. Weston’s trade marks practice gives clients direct access to their trade marks and domain name portfolios online through a secure, passwordprotected web portal. Updated daily and offered at no charge, Mr. Weston’s clients can instantly print status, docket, and maintenance reports and check the status of pending opposition proceedings at their convenience. Adding to his commercial chops, Mr. Weston also serves as Chairman and CEO of Australian Securities
Exchange (ASX) listed biotechnology company Agenix Limited. Agenix has operations in China where it is developing a hepatitis B drug, and in the U.S. where it is commercializing a novel monoclonal antibody diagnostic for detecting pulmonary embolisms and thrombosis. Agenix has a broad global portfolio of intellectual property assets, including a number of patents, that it seeks to both protect and leverage. Mr. Weston is responsible for overseeing all legal matters of Agenix including litigation, intellectual property, licensing, commercial transactions, technology transfers, IP due diligence investigations and management of outside counsel. At Agenix, Mr. Weston has unwound a deal in China left by a previous board, overseen the recovery of $7.6M in China, bankrupted and jailed a former CEO who had stolen $4M from the company, employed the former head of global business development of Pfizer, Inc to lead the partnering program for its clot diagnostic technology and in-licensed a diagnostic device from another stock exchange listed company in exchange for stock, payable over time, in instalments.
Nick Weston Nicholas Weston Lawyers & Trade Marks Attorneys Melbourne Ground Floor, 156 Collins Street Melbourne Vic. 3000 National: 1300 132 551 International: +61 1300 132 551 Email: mail@nicholasweston.com
The firm was named a top trade marks firm in the country for three straight years (2008, 2009 and 2010) by Managing Intellectual Property Magazine’s World Survey for ‘Trade Mark Prosecution’ and ‘Trade Mark Contentious’. According to the 2008 IP Handbook published by Managing IP magazine, “clients noted the thoroughness of the firm’s paperwork and “attention to detail””. The firm was also shortlisted for the “Intellectual Property Advisory Excellence” award in Australia as part of Corporate International Magazine’s Global Awards 2010. In one of the most creative licensing transactions of 2012, on behalf of Agenix Limited, Mr Weston negotiated an agreement with Tyrian Diagnostics Limited (ASX: TDX) to licence its rapid point-of-care human diagnostic technology in a share exchange transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, Agenix will license exclusive world-wide royalty free rights to all human health applications for Tyrian’s proprietary DiagnostIQ® rapid point-of-care test platform. In return, Agenix will provide Tyrian with Agenix shares to the value of $0.5million payable in installments to be completed by June 2014. Mr Weston was also Presiding Panelist in one of the leading WIPO domain name decisions of 2012 that made a rare but unanimous finding of Reverse Domain Name Hijacking (RDNH) against the complainant. What sets the firm apart is its approach in providing decisive guidance and readable advice that seamlessly links IP with corporate and commercial legal issues, and documents drafted through a litigator’s prism.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
CHINA
WINNER
J CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Fragomen: Global Excellence That Continues to Break New Ground Fragomen is the world’s largest immigration specialist firm. Since our firm was established in the United States in 1951, we have steadily grown into a global network of almost 2,000 employees worldwide. We are honored to be recognized as the leader in our field by our clients and professional peers, as well as by reputable publications and industry journals. We have 39 offices in 15 countries across the globe, and offer immigration counselling and services in more than 170 countries. We continue to grow as client needs dictate. Fragomen is exclusively focused on immigration services. We provide clients with high-quality, innovative, sustainable and cost-effective worldwide immigration services, which have several separate but related elements. Fragomen does not simply process work visas and work permits. We have built our firm specifically to support all aspects of global immigration services, ensuring that we are the knowledge leaders in this highly specialized area of practice. Our cutting-edge, proprietary technology solutions – which include a web-based case management system, immigration home page and visa assessment tool – enable us to manage our clients’ worldwide needs on a compliant basis. These state of the art client solutions leverage Fragomen’s intellectual capital across the globe and are relied on by our large number and diverse range of client companies. Even as our practice expands internationally, we work with each client individually to understand their business and immigration priorities, and to deliver solutions tailored to their evolving business needs and the often challenging local immigration requirements. Fragomen in China and the Asia Pacific Region Over the last decade, Fragomen has grown exponentially to become the largest global immigration specialist also in the Asia Pacific region. We have 15 offices spread across Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand and Singapore. Our Asia Pacific Coordination Centre based in Singapore delivers seamless services into Asia Pacific countries where we currently do not have an office, partnering with best-in-class local immigration experts qualified by us. Our legal professionals and immigration consultants in the region are very international and come from all around the world. No other provider in the region can match our ability to deliver on-the-ground expertise mentored by a tradition of global excellence.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
We have a significant presence in China. Our offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou are able to service the whole of mainland China. Our corporate clients in China are drawn from a wide selection of industries, including financial services, pharmaceutical and health care, information and communication technology, industrial and manufacturing, energy, professional services, advertising and communications, insurance, retail and management consultancy. Our case teams are hand-picked and possess in-depth understanding of the issues faced by each industry and, as such, take a proactive approach in advising on how immigration can be utilized as a business advantage. Our Fragomen China immigration team consists of leading experts in the increasingly complex area of Chinese immigration. Our highly skilled and experienced technical experts specialize in assisting multinational corporations, financial institutions and other global employers with employment-based immigration and investor visas. We also provide advice on immigration-related compliance and strategies for the transfer of expatriate workforces into China and throughout the country. We are able to provide a comprehensive range of immigration services in China, including: • Advising on recruitment policy and procedure • Business investors, highly skilled professionals and sole representatives • Permanent residency • Outbound business traveler services Our China office is supported by our colleagues in Fragomen offices around the world who provide expert assistance in filing of applications at relevant diplomatic posts abroad, especially in Hong Kong where we also have a China visa practice in our Hong Kong office. This ensures end-to-end service. Our office maintains close working relationships with China’s immigration officers, helping us form the best strategy when dealing with complex and unusual circumstances, as well as anticipate and address the implications of changes to the immigration process. If you would like to know more about Fragomen and our China practice, please contact: Mark Buchanan (Partner) at +8621 61829998 / mbuchanan@fragomen.com. Becky Xia (Partner) at +86 21 6182 9960 / bxia@fragomen.com
BEIJING Unit E2, 20/F, Tower B, Gateway Plaza No. 18 Xiaguangli, Dongsanhuan North Road, Chaoyang District Beijing, 100027 China T +86 010 5632 2300 F +86 010 5632 2340 E beijinginfo@fragomen.com
GUANGZHOU Tower A, 23/F Center Plaza 161 Lin He Xi Road Tian He District Guangzhou, 510620 China T +86 20 2885 8287 F +86 20 2885 8222 E guangzhouinfo@fragomen.com
SHANGHAI Suite 1408, Level 14 Jin Mao Tower 88 Century Avenue Pudong New District Shanghai, 200120 China T +86 21 6182 9988 F +86 21 6182 9980 E shanghaiinfo@fragomen.com
HONG KONG
WINNER
J DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Languages
debt recovery matters, banking disputes,
English, Cantonese, Mandarin
sale of goods disputes, shareholder
Number of lawyers - 6 Categories of Work • Dispute Resolution
disputes, joint venture disputes, and interim relief applications (including
F +852 2525 7526
injunctions).
E info@laracyco.com
The firm regularly advises on the
• Shipping
validity of arbitration clauses and
• Insurance (contentious and regulatory)
arbitration Awards. Clients also deploy Laracy & Co in respect of negligence and mis-selling claims,
• Personal injuries / fatalities
employment disputes, and business
• Criminal
diversion and fraud claims. On the shipping side, Laracy & Co handles cargo loss/damage claims, misdelivery
• Regulatory
claims, ship mortgage enforcement,
THE FIRM
charterparty disputes, and Admiralty work
Best known for its expertise in
generally. The firm advises banks, traders,
commercial litigation, international
ship owners, charterers, underwriters, and
arbitration, and contentious shipping
the International Group of P&I Clubs.
and trade matters, Laracy & Co also has
In a regulatory context, Laracy & Co
non-contentious capability. Because of its
advises company directors and others
independence, the firm regularly receives
involved in the management of listed
instructions from other law firms, both
companies as well as employers and
locally and internationally. Damien Laracy
employees involved in investigation.
has an active arbitration practice and sits as an arbitrator.
www.laracyco.com
the enforceability of Judgments and
• Employment
• Trusts and Wills
T +852 2525 7525
Anton Pillar orders and Mareva
• Property / Conveyancing
• Corporate / Commercial
LARACY & CO. 2102, 21st Floor, Tower Two Lippo Centre 89 Queensway, Admiralty Hong Kong
On the non-contentious side, Anthony Jex (also a Notary Public) has practised
Areas of practice
in Hong Kong for 24 years. His team
The firm handles complex international
advises clients in relation to corporate/
commercial litigation and arbitration
commercial matters, trusts and wills,
(frequently involving PRC parties) as
employment issues, and insurance
well as more straightforward domestic
regulatory matters.
disputes. It assists with insolvency and
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
HONG KONG
WINNER
J PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM OF THE YEAR J PRIVATE CLIENT ADVISORY OF THE YEAR J CHINA - ASSET MANAGEMENT FIRM OF THE YEAR
Who is NYGT? Since our foundation over a century ago, NYGT has been managing the financial affairs of private clients and their business interests. Our prime aim is to help our clients achieve their financial ambitions, both corporate and personal. Our clients are varied - private individuals, mid-large businesses and professional practices.
People may ask what sets us apart from our competitors; put simply, it’s our people - ambitious, talented and enthusiastic professionals who enjoy
T?
what they do and relish the opportunity
F?
to work together and with our clients. Our History NYGT was founded in New York in the 1930’s and has, for many years, combined
Our business spans 8 principal regions
independent trusts with an investment
around the world, with locations in Hong
management and private banking
Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore,
house profile.
Vancouver, London and New York.
The firm we know today has evolved by
In a business as diverse as ours,
exponential growth and has gained an
professionalism and teamwork are
enviable reputation as a leading financial
keys. We recognize that clients and
services firm which offers a full and
intermediaries take comfort from knowing
innovative range of services. Today,
that they can easily reach senior people
there are over 100 consultants who
and decision-makers in our organization
operate from 8 principal offices around
who are able to understand their needs
the world, providing corporate finance
and objectives.
management and advisory services to
Our business thrives on its people - a pool of highly talented and enthusiastic individuals who deliver a broad and innovative range of services, but without compromising on delivering a genuinely director-led service. Technical excellence underpins how we deliver our services and our teams are dedicated to offering practical financial solutions.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
NYGT (HONG KONG) LIMITED P.O.Box 792 General Post Office Hong Kong
private clients, professional practices and mid-large corporation.
E nygt-pr@nygtgroup.org www.nygtgroup.org
WINNER
HONG KONG JS HIPPING & MARITIME BARRISTER OF THE YEAR, Colin Wright
Colin Wright is a practising barrister with Chambers in Hong Kong and London. Hong Kong is a major centre for the resolution of commercial disputes. Hong Kong’s present legal system reflects its history. Hong Kong was a British colony until July 1997 when in a historic change it became a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China under a deal which guaranteed the maintenance of the existing legal system. Hong Kong’s legal profession is divided into barristers and solicitors. Barristers are legal practitioners expert advocacy and specialising in litigation. Hong Kong’s split profession has the advantage of allowing barristers to work independently and concentrate on attaining the highest standards in the advocacy they undertake. Colin Wright represents maritime insurers, shipowners, cargo owners and freight forwarders in commercial disputes involving litigation before the courts and specialist arbitral tribunals. He works closely with solicitors in Hong Kong and legal practitioners from around the world. The Hong Kong High Court has specialist lists for the hearing of commercial and admiralty matters. The judges in charge of each of these lists bring expertise to the management of their cases. Following Hong Kong’s resumption of sovereignty in 1997, final appeals from Hong Kong’s courts were no longer heard by the Privy Council in London. Instead a new court, the Hong Kong
Court of Final Appeal, was established. Hong Kong is a growing centre for commercial arbitration. The large number of ship owners and charterers located in Asia means that it is becoming increasingly common for arbitration clauses to specify that disputes be resolved by arbitration in Hong Kong. Colin Wright is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is one of a relatively small group of Hong Kong arbitrators with extensive experience of shipping and maritime law and practice. Hong Kong has also embraced mediation as an alternative to litigation as a means of dispute resolution. The impetus for mediation has been increased following recent reforms of Hong Kong’s civil justice system. Mr. Wright said “Mediation is a process which is ideal for commercial parties in Asia. It has the huge advantage that both parties can resolve their dispute whilst saving face. This means that they will be prepared to work together in future, which is to everyone’s advantage.” Hong Kong’s civil justice reforms also presented opportunity to litigants, with the correct advice, to save legal costs and have their disputes resolved more quickly. Colin considers, with the growth of China, Hong Kong’s importance as a centre for international dispute resolution will continue to increase.
Hong Kong 8th Floor Far East Finance Centre 16 Harcourt Road Hong Kong Tel: +852 2866 8233 Fax: +852 2866 3932 e-mail: colin@wrightcounsel.com London 4 Field Court Gray’s Inn London WC1R 5EF United Kingdom Tel: +44 207 440 6900 Fax: + 44 207 242 0197
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
INDIA
WINNER
J DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe is one of India’s largest full service law firms, specialising in dispute resolution, shipping, corporate, banking, insurance, energy, employment, infrastructure, intellectual property and competition, among other areas of commercial laws.
journals/ publications including those published by Butterworths, Kluwer and Martindale Hubbell. He is currently recognized by the Global Arbitration Review under Who’s Who of Arbitration in India as one of the prominent lawyers in the arbitration practice.
The firm has a long standing litigation and dispute resolution practice, having represented clients in complex and multi-jurisdictional disputes across various sectors and industries, which have been resolved in both ad-hoc and institutional arbitrations. The firm has handled arbitration matters under the LCIA, ICC, UNCITRAL and ICA at various venues including India, London, Hong Kong, Rotterdam and Singapore. The firm has expertise in representing clients in all types of commercial disputes ranging from real estate matters and oil & gas drilling contracts, to supply and licensing issues, etc.
The firm’s in-depth knowledge coupled with a quick turnaround time is the distinguishing feature which has resulted in client loyalty, with some of our clients being serviced by our firm for generations and various international publications repeatedly recognising our expertise.
The firm’s partners have a sound understanding of commercial and current market realities and are familiar with clients’ businesses and the relevant industry sector. This enables the firm to provide legal solutions of commercial value such that the process and effect of resolving the dispute results in the least possible adverse effect to the clients business. Our partner, Mr. Shardul Thacker, heads the firm’s arbitration practise group. With his background a commercial litigator and several years of extensive practise, he has handled over 80 arbitrations under the LCIA, ICC, LMAA, SIAC and ICA Rules related to charterparty, shipbuilding, EPC, Oil & Gas exploration, cryogenic gas contracts and oil/gas drilling contracts with ONGC. His evidence as an expert and leading Indian authority on arbitration is often sought after by various jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Houston and London. He is a fellow of the Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC) and an Arbitrator on the panel of Construction Industry Development Counsel of India CIDC). He has also contributed to the International Arbitration Review, 2010-2012, a publication comprising of 45 jurisdictions worldwide and published by Law Business Research London. He also contributes to several International law
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
The firm was recently involved in an arbitration matter between two leading players in the wind turbine industry. The issue in dispute related to the manufacture and supply of certain technical machine parts. The parties involved were in multiple jurisdictions thereby raising issues of various laws. The firm negotiated the settlement involving the termination of the original supply agreement followed by parties re-entering into a fresh long term arrangement. The firm’s dispute resolution practice group, along with the intellectual property group, advised Entertainment Network (India) Ltd., the owners of Radio Mirchi (a part of the Times Group), resulting in a favourable award on critical legal issues which impact the radio broadcasting industry. The matter involved rights of underlying rights of underlying rights holders in sound recordings being broadcast by FM radio stations and licensing issues. The firm’s expertise and dynamism in international arbitration law has won it several accolades including the Leading Lawyers Award for Dispute Resolutions, 2003-2011; Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year 2012, India by ACQ Law Awards; Lawyer of the Year 2012 for India - Dispute Resolution by Corporate LiveWire; Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year, India by Global Law Experts; Leading Lawyer Awards 2012 in Shipping & Maritime by Lawyers World; Global Awards Winner 2012 for “Maritime Law Firm of the Year in India” by Corporate INTL; Top Tier Firm and Recommended Firm 2012 by AsiaLaw and Recommended Firm - 2012 by IFLR1000, Legal Media Group.
Shardul Thacker, Partner Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe Advocates, Solicitors & Notaries Mulla House, 51, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, India. T (+91-22) 22044960 / (+91 22) 22623191 F (+91-22) 22040246 / (+91 22) 66345497 E info@mullaandmulla.com www.mullaandmulla.com
INDIA
WINNER
J INSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe is one of India’s largest full service law firms, specialising in dispute resolution, shipping, corporate, banking, insurance, energy, employment, infrastructure, intellectual property and competition among other areas of commercial laws. With over 40 years of extensive practise, the firm is best known for its expertise in insurance and reinsurance law and has acted exclusively for insurance companies in diverse insurance policies – marine, loss of profile, material damage, erection policies etc. and for reinsurance in various claims against underwriters, advising on hull and machinery, all risk cargo policies, war risk policies etc. The firm has worked with ranked London City firms such as Norton Rose, Simmons & Simmons, Slaughter & May, Stephenson Harwood, Clyde & Co., Ince & Co. and Bakerbotts, receiving instructions for and on behalf of insurance and reinsurance companies in the London market and for reinsurers in policies issued by the India market for their Indian corporate clients. Our partner, Mr. Shardul Thacker, is a specialist in insurance law and has extensively worked with Simon Todd of Ince & Co., on behalf of reinsurers in respect of the business they reinsure in the India market, with Patrick Foss (formally at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, now at Norton Rose) and Leigh Williams at Clyde & Co. amongst others. He has advised insurance companies in matters of marine insurance. He has handled GA situations, collisions, hijacking, maritime frauds and has also acted with marine surveyors, P&I Clubs, every area of marine insurance including pollution liability and war risks. Given his extensive years of practise as a commercial litigator and his in-depth knowledge and analysis of shipping and maritime insurance, he evidence as an expert authority on the subjects is often sought after by Courts of various jurisdictions. He has given expert evidence on questions of Indian law relating to shipping and maritime insurance in Courts in Hong Kong, Greece, London and Huston.
He has contributed to Time Bar in Re-insurance (India Chapter) published by Clyde & Co. and is the Indian correspondent for ‘Lloyd’s Maritime and Commercial Law Quarterly’. The firm is highly reputed in international legal circles as well as insurance markets for expertise in advising and handling insurance companies in their Indian joint ventures. The firm has particularly displayed its dynamism in this practise area while acting for the Birla Group in their joint venture with Sun Life Assurance Company Canada for the life insurance business and Sun Life’s Investment in the Birla Group, and acting for Cardiff S.A. (a group company of BNP Paribas) in the insurance joint venture (SBI Life) with the State Bank of India. We also represented Air India’s insurance underwriters in compensating victims of the Air India air disaster in Mangalore, potentially handling claims running to USD 85 million. We acted for India’s national reinsurer General Insurance Corporation (GIC) in the claims.
Shardul Thacker, Partner Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe Advocates, Solicitors & Notaries Mulla House, 51, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, India. T (+91-22) 22044960 / (+91 22) 22623191 F (+91-22) 22040246 / (+91 22) 66345497 E info@mullaandmulla.com www.mullaandmulla.com
Our expertise in this practice area led us to act for Lloyd’s syndicates such as Amlin, Chauser Syndicate 1084, Brit Syndicate 2987, Novae Syndicate 2007, Canopius Syndicate 4444, Pembroke Syndicate 4000, Lancashire Insurance Company (UK) Limited, Glacier Insurance Hiscox Syndicate 33 etc. The firm was ranked as Insurance Law Firm of the Year 2012, India by ACQ Law Awards; Lawyer of the Year 2012 for India – Insurance & Reinsurance by Corporate LiveWire; Leading Lawyer Awards 2012 in Shipping & Maritime by Lawyers World; Global Awards Winner 2012 for “Maritime Law Firm of the Year in India” by Corporate INTL; Global Leading Firms Top Tier Rankings for the “Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year Shipping & Maritime – India” by DealMakers; Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year in Shipping & Maritime in India by Lawyers World Law Awards; India Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year by ACQ Global Awards; Indian Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year by Corporate Live Wire; and Legal Awards Winner 2012 for “India Maritime Law Firm of the Year” by Corporate INTL
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
INDIA
WINNER
J LAWYER OF THE YEAR - Vishwang Desai, Desai & Diwanji
The Firm Founded on 1 April 1935, Desai & Diwanji is one of India’s leading law firms, with a respected history and regarded as a “big name”, this firm is credited for the skill across the board while also providing a tailored and personal service to its clients. Its forte is M&A and Finance work for which they repeatedly win numerous accolades and awards. They are typically found representing one party or other in some of the largest transactions in these sectors taking place in India Practice Areas The partners in this firm are very well respected and are repeatedly cited for their top quality service. Spearheading the practice is Mumbai-based Vishwang Desai, whom peers describe as “highly experienced.” When it comes to both Project Finance & M&A, the “very good” Vishwang Desai is the firm’s go-to person. He is also praised for work
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
in private equity matters. Vishwang Desai is the head of the M&A Group. He regularly advises large Indian and multinational corporations in their acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and restructurings. He is also recognized for having represented large global private equity investors in some of the largest private equity Our Clients This “prominent firm” has really impressed clients, who pay tribute to how the firm offers a highly professional service while maintaining an approachable and friendly demeanour: “Desai & Diwanji is a much more dedicated and competent firm than some of the other well-known larger firms”. For infrastructure and project finance work the firm has been labelled as “experienced and very knowledgeable”.
Vishwang Y Desai Desai & Diwanji Lentin Chambers Dalal Street Mumbai-400001 T +91-22-39841000 F +91-22-22658245 E vydesai@desaidiwanji.com
INDIA
WINNER
J PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The Firm Founded on 1 April 1935, Desai & Diwanji is one of India’sleading law firms, helping clients achieve their goals by combining the highest global standards with local expertise.
The firm is structured around the following practice areas:
With offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurgaon, Desai & Diwanji is also amongst India’s largest law firms.
• Project Finance
The firm focuses on the core areas of commercial activity: corporate and M&A; capital markets; banking, finance & insurance; project finance; energy, natural resources and infrastructure; aviation; admiralty & maritime; technology, media & telecommunications; life sciences & pharmaceuticals; outsourcing; real estate & construction; litigation & dispute resolution. We also have cross-practice groups formed to respond to the needs of our clients and the market and which comprise lawyers drawn together from a range of our main practice areas, to offer legal advice covering sectorwide issues. Practice Areas Desai & Diwanji provides flexible support for day-to-day business needs as well as for specific transactions. With specialised knowledge of both the legal framework as well as the specific business requirements of various industry sectors, our team of lawyers work on some of the most challenging, complex and stimulating transactions in India.
• Mergers and Acquisitions • Equity Capital Markets • Banking, Finance and Insurance
Vishwang Y Desai Desai & Diwanji Lentin Chambers Dalal Street Mumbai-400001 T +91-22-39841000 F +91-22-22658245 E vydesai@desaidiwanji.com
• Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure • Aviation • Admiralty and Maritime • Technology, Media and Telecommunications • Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals • Employment, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation • Outsourcing • Real Estate and Construction • Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Insolvency Our Clients We are privileged to work with an impressive array of highcalibre corporations, financial institutions, funds, and governments. Our continuing success relies on our building and sustaining the trust of our clients. We aim to build longterm relationships with them – relationships that over time take the form of a real partnership.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
INDONESIA Overall Lawyer of the Year - Ad.pdf
WINNER 1
10/18/12
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J ARBITRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Dr. Mohamed Idwan Ganie
Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS) was founded in 1985 by Timbul Thomas Lubis, Mohamed Idwan Ganie is the Managing Partner, Mohamed Idwan (‘Kiki’)(’Kiki’) Ganie and Arief Tarunakarya Surowidjojo. Since then, LGS grown largest corporate transactions corporate litigation andhasone ofinto thethefounders, of Lubis Ganieand Surowidjojo firm in Indonesia. LGS has obtained Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LGS). He graduated the Management Faculty of systems Law ofand the certifications of ISO 9001:2008from for Quality ISO UniversityforofEnvironmental Indonesia and holds asystems PhD intoLaw from the of 14001:2004 Management ensure the quality allUniversity aspects of the operations andGanie services.is admitted to the offirm’s Hamburg. Dr. InIndonesian our more thanBar 27 years of service, we are experienced (PERADI) since 1984 and is inarepresenting licensed a diverse range ofCapital clients from domestic to multinational corporations, public Indonesian Market lawyer. and private companies, to government instrumentalities and state owned enterprises. We work with our clients to understand their problems, determine their at athan practical solution is both cost-effective Dr.needs, Ganieand hasarrive more 30 years of that legal experience, andand viable over the long term. specializes in commercial transactions and commercial We strive to understand client’s needs and the resolution legal complexities faced by litigation, including aalternative dispute and has them in Indonesia’s highly dynamic legal and business landscape, translate acted as an expert in a number court and arbitration this into a solution, and then see the successful outcome. To this end, we proceedings. His expertise covers general approach our clients’ assignments with a pragmatic view that is driven bycorporate/company a deep understanding of theirmining, businessinvestment, needs and of acquisitions, the surrounding law, practicalities of the legal and business landscape that they operate in.
infrastructure projects/project finance, antitrust, and
Our unique selling point with is the combination of our long-standing practice shipping/aviation, a particular focus on corporate of commercial law and our premier litigation department that has extensive governance and compliance. experience in dealing with commercial disputes in the context of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution as well as litigation in the Indonesian courts. This allowsinternational our corporate transaction departments to benefit from Dr. Ganie’s commercial transaction and such litigation experience, and from their own compliance work, to ensure litigation clients include: Goldman Sachs (US), Temasek that any transactions handled by the firm are carried out with a view to the Holdings (Singapore), Hutchison (Hong and Kong) potential for future disputes, to this end weWhampoa review transactions business relationships our clients for potential issues. and Mitsuiof(Japan).
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LGS will continue to build on its strength in corporate law and commercial dispute resolution we endeavor work with our clients provide an Dr. Ganie is aasChairman oftothe Association of to Indonesian exceptional service. As always, we will continue to steadily increase the Anti-Trust Lawyers, a member oflitigation the Regional Panel headcount across our corporate law and departments soof asthe to meet the needs of our International clients. We also plan to increaseCentre the number of partners Singapore Arbitration (SIAC), a in the coming years, of by the having some of ourSports youngerArbitration team members become Chairman Indonesian Body, and partners a in the firm so as to ensure the dynamic growth of LGS for years to come.
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fellow (FSIarb) of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators. He is also a Member of the Asia Pacific Bar Association.
Recent Work
In a $25 million case, representing PT Aneka Intipersada, PT Ladangrumpun Suburabadi, PT Teguh Sempurna, and PT Kridatama Lancar (palm oil under Under Dr. Ganie’s management obtained Lloyd’s Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad / Sime Darby) LGS as thehas Plaintiffs against PT Adhyasa Saranamas Defendant, to challengecertifications the executorial attachments Register as the Quality Assurance of ISO over the Plaintiffs assets several District Courts, i.e.systems Kotabaru District Court, 9001:2008 for inQuality Management and ISO Sampit District Court, and Siak Sri Indrapura District Court. This case was 14001:2004 for Environmental Management systemsGuthrie to finally settled through a Settlement Agreement between Kumpulan Berhad andthat PT Adhyasa Saranamas. Party-appointed ensure all aspects of the(2011, firm’s operations Arbitrator). and the
of services arerepresenting on par with theSuisse most International well managed Inquality a USD 140 million case, Credit and J.P. Morgan Europe and Limited as creditors inin relation to the Suspension of Debt companies organizations the world. Repayment of PT Kertas Nusantara (formerly known as PT Kiani Kertas) at the Commercial Court of Central Jakarta Indonesia. The Debtor, Kiani, was one of the biggest paper companies in Indonesia. (2011, Party-appointed Arbitrator). Managing Partner Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo
Mohamed Idwan (‘Kiki’) Ganie is the Managing Partner of LGS. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the University of Indonesia and holds a PhD in Shipping Law from the University of Hamburg. Dr. Ganie has more than 30 years of legal experience, and specializes in commercial transactions and In the course of Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo’s (LGS) more thanacted 27 years of service, we have our position as the commercial litigation, including alternative dispute resolution and has as an expert in a number courtsecured and arbitration proceedings. Hispremier expertise covers generalcorporate corporate/company law, banking law, finance, litigation bankruptcylaw and firm. restructuring, mining, investment, acquisitions,law infrastructure projects/ Indonesian transaction and commercial This combination of commercial experience and project finance, antitrust, and shipping/aviation, with the a particular focus corporate governance and compliance. Dr. Ganie is a Chairman the litigation uniquely positions LGS to deal with full range ofon commercial issues faced by our clients. We have over a of hundred Association of Indonesian Anti-Trust Lawyers, a member of the Regional Panel of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), and a fellow lawyers experience representing a diverse range of clients, including domestic and multinational corporations, public and (FSIarb) ofand the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators.
private companies, Government instrumentalities and State Owned Enterprises. Menara Imperium 30th Floor Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan Jakarta 12980, Indonesia Tel: +62 21 831 5005 Fax: +62 21 831 5015
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
ganie@lgslaw.co.id www.lgsonline.com
INDONESIA Arbitration Law Firm of the Year - Ad.pdf
WINNER 1
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J COMMERCIAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
About LGS In our more than 27 years of service, we have secured our position as the premier Indonesian corporate transaction and commercial litigation law firm. We have over a hundred lawyers and experience representing a diverse range of clients, including domestic and multinational corporations, public and private companies, Government instrumentalities and State Owned Enterprises. We work closely with our clients to understand their problems, determine their needs, and arrive at practical solutions that are both cost-effective and viable over the long term. Representative Clients Adaro Indonesia; American Bureau of Shipping; Astra International; Astratel Nusantara; Bank Mandiri; Charoen Pokphand Indonesia; DBS Bank Ltd; Goldman Sachs; Hitachi; Hutchison (Hong Kong); Indonesia Infrastructure Guarantee Fund; Indonesian State Electricity Company (PLN); Japan Tobacco International Indonesia; Krakatau Steel; Liga Primer Indonesia (LPI); Medco Energi International; Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia; Mitsui & Co., Ltd; Mitsui Banking Corporation; Mitsui Indonesia; Pamapersada Nusantara; Sampoerna Strategic; Sime Darby (Malaysia); Simpson, Spence & Young (SSY); Standard Chartered Bank; Sumitomo; Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited; and Unilever Indonesia.
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ISO LGS has obtained Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance certifications of ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management systems and ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management systems to ensure that all aspects of the firm’s operations and the quality of services are on par with the most well managed companies and organizations in the world.
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Our Practice Areas • ADR and Arbitration • Energy • Antitrust • Foreign and Domestic Investment • Bank and Debt Restructuring • Forestry and Plantations • Banking and Secured Transactions • General Corporate • Bankruptcy • Information Technology • Capital Markets • Infrastructure • Insurance • Construction • Consumer Protection Defence Litigation • Intellectual Property Rights • Corporate Finance • International Trade • Distribution of Goods and Services • Labour • E-commerce • Maritime and Shipping Menara Imperium 30th Floor Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan Jakarta 12980, Indonesia Tel: +62 21 831 5005 Fax: +62 21 831 5015
• Mergers and Acquisitions • Mining, Oil and Gas • Privatization • Project Finance • Property and Real Estate • Refinancing and Bank Lending • Shariah Transactions • Structured Finance • Telecommunications • US Representative Offices and Strategic Investment for Residency
ganie@lgslaw.co.id www.lgsonline.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
INDONESIA
WINNER
JE NERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE & PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
FIRM PROFILE Hermawan Juniarto is a Jakarta-based law firm dedicated to provide a full range of corporate legal services in a challenging and dynamic legal environment. Its strength is in its team of experienced and highly trained lawyers who understand the value of knowledge as well as creativity and innovation in addressing the clients’ needs. It distinguishes itself from other firms by offering clients particularly strong resources in many disciplines and its depth of practice enables it to handle the most complex matters.
AREA OF PRACTICE OF HERMAWAN JUNIARTO • Capital Markets
In the first quarter of 2012 the firm has entered into association with Hogan Lovells, an international law firm, with a global legal practice with more than 40 offices worldwide
• Oil & Gas
INDIVIDUAL PROFILE Irawati Hermawan received a law degree from Padjadjaran University in 1992 and a master’s degree from the University of Indonesia. She also completed her education as a notary specialist in 1999 at Padjadjaran University. She is currently studying for her doctorate at the same university. Ms. Irawati advises primarily on corporate and commercial matters, and is regarded as a wellknown transaction lawyer for various types of commercial deals. She has a strong knowledge in infrastructure including energy sector, project finance, regulatory, public procurement and regional finance practice. She is the founding Partner of Hermawan Juniarto, and currently acts as Managing Partner and heads the Infrastructure & Project Finance practice. She has been advising several notable clients including PT Mass Rapid Transit Jakarta, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero), PT Pembangunan Jaya, PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk., and Foster Wheeler Iberia S.L.U., Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance. She has also worked with several multilateral development banks, such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, and a number of internationallyrecognized consulting companies including Boston Consulting Group, Mott Macdonald, AECOM, and KPMG.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
• Commercial Litigation and Arbitration • Construction • Corporate/Commercial • Infrastructure and Project Finance • Intellectual Property • Investments and Corporate Secretarial Services • Liquidation and Receivership • Manpower • Mergers and Acquisitions • Regional Finance and Municipal Bonds • Regulatory NOTABLE LEGAL WORK • Advising PT Mass Rapid Transit Jakarta on various corporate and mrt project compliance affairs.
Irawati Hermawan, S.H., C.N., M.H. Managing Partner Hermawan Juniarto Prudential Tower, 23rd & 28th Floor Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 79 Jakarta 12910
• Advising PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur and PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance on the sale of PT Infrastructure Finance’s shares to SMBC.
T +62 21 5795 7095
• Advising PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur on the establishment of Indonesia Infrastructure Fund (i.e. PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance) and the channelling of Asian Development Bank’s and World Bank’s Loans Facilities collectively worth USD 200 millions.
www.hermawanjuniarto.com
• Advising PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur on the feasibility study for Soekarno – Hatta Airport Rail PPP Project. • Advising Toyota Tsusho Corporation on the feasibility study for a wastewater reclamation unsolicited PPP project. • Advising on Tangerang Regency water supply PPP Project. • Advising PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk. on various construction contracts and corporate matters.
F +62 21 5795 7096 E ihermawan@hermawanjuniarto.com
INDONESIA Overall Lawyer of the Year - Ad.pdf
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J OVERALL LAWYER OF THE YEAR – Dr. Mohamed Idwan Ganie, Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo
Dr. Mohamed Idwan Ganie
Mohamed Idwan (’Kiki’) Ganie is the Managing Partner, and one of the founders, of Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS). He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the University of Indonesia and holds a PhD in Law from the University of Hamburg. Dr. Ganie is admitted to the Indonesian Bar (PERADI) since 1984 and is a licensed Indonesian Capital Market lawyer. Dr. Ganie has more than 30 years of legal experience, and specializes in commercial transactions and commercial litigation, including alternative dispute resolution and has acted as an expert in a number court and arbitration proceedings. His expertise covers general corporate/company law, mining, investment, acquisitions, infrastructure projects/project finance, antitrust, and shipping/aviation, with a particular focus on corporate governance and compliance. Dr. Ganie’s international commercial transaction and litigation clients include: Goldman Sachs (US), Temasek Holdings (Singapore), Hutchison Whampoa (Hong Kong) and Mitsui (Japan).
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Dr. Ganie is a Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Anti-Trust Lawyers, a member of the Regional Panel of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), a Chairman of the Indonesian Sports Arbitration Body, and a fellow (FSIarb) of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators. He is also a Member of the Asia Pacific Bar Association.
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Under Dr. Ganie’s management LGS has obtained Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance certifications of ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management systems and ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management systems to ensure that all aspects of the firm’s operations and the quality of services are on par with the most well managed companies and organizations in the world.
Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo In the course of Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo’s (LGS) more than 27 years of service, we have secured our position as the premier Indonesian corporate transaction and commercial litigation law firm. This combination of commercial law experience and litigation uniquely positions LGS to deal with the full range of commercial issues faced by our clients. We have over a hundred lawyers and experience representing a diverse range of clients, including domestic and multinational corporations, public and private companies, Government instrumentalities and State Owned Enterprises. Menara Imperium 30th Floor Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan Jakarta 12980, Indonesia Tel: +62 21 831 5005 Fax: +62 21 831 5015
ganie@lgslaw.co.id www.lgsonline.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
KOREA J IP & TRADEMARKS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Hanol Law Offices provides a full range of trademark services, from selection, clearance, prosecution, and maintenance, to portfolio management and enforcement. The firm also conduct due diligence, engage in litigation, and provide transactional services, not only covering the area of trademarks, but also extending into domain name and copyright issues. Hanol Law Offices also regularly work with the Customs service and investigators to combat counterfeiting activities occurring both on and off line. The firm’s trademark clients span from large multinationals to individuals participating in a wide variety of industries. In that regard, Hanol are fortunate to have acquired substantial experience in handling a broad and diverse spectrum of issues. Hanol’s trademark group prior to merging with the firm had been recognized by such publications as Chambers, Global Law Expert, Lawyer Monthly Magazine, and Corporate Intl Magazine. MONA A. LEE Mona A. Lee is a Delaware licensed attorney and a partner of Hanol Law Offices, where she is Head of the International Trademark Practice Group. She has substantial experience in creating and managing prosecution, licensing, and enforcement strategies for a wide range of clients whose IP portfolios include patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. Among other things, she has rendered advice on patent and trademark infringement matters, combating counterfeiting activities, organizing and implementing patent and trademark licensing programs, a broad range of prosecution issues, and best practices in protecting clients’ IP rights. Her practice also includes corporate and commercial matters for a wide variety of clients. Ms. Lee has been identified by Chambers Asia 2009, 2010, and 2011, and Chambers Global 2011 and 2012, as a leading lawyer in the field of intellectual property. She has also been recognized in Asialaw Leading Lawyers 2005 (a Euromoney Institutional Investor Company publication) as one of Asia’s leading business lawyers in recognition of her work in the area of intellectual property. Through
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
her efforts at her previous firm, the firm was awarded Global Law Expert’s 2011 Award for “Trademark Law Firm of the Year for South Korea”, Lawyer Monthly Magazine’s 2011 Award for “Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year for South Korea”, and Corporate Intl Magazine’s 2010 Legal Award for “Trademark Law Firm of the Year for South Korea”. In addition, Ms. Lee is an active member of INTA. She currently is Chair of the Roundtables Subcommittee of the INTA Programs Committee and Chair of the AsiaRoundtables Project Team. She also serves on both the 2012 and 2013 INTA Annual Meeting Project Teams. In that regard, she moderated a session on the topic of brand extensions at INTA’s 2012 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. and will moderate a session on event “ambush” marketing at INTA’s 2013 Annual Meeting in Dallas. Ms. Lee has previously served as Co-Chair of the INTA Bulletin Features – Policy & Practice Subcommittee of the INTA Bulletin Committee and as a member of the INTA International Amicus Committee, the Non-Traditional Marks Committee, and the 2009 INTA Annual Meeting Project Team where she was responsible for developing and moderating the East and Southeast Asia session for that Meeting. She also was a speaker for the BRIC Countries session at INTA’s 2010 Trademark Administrators Conference. While Ms. Lee has written numerous articles for the INTA Bulletin, her most recent published work was for INTA’s online Country Guides, for which she was the South Korea contributor. Before moving to Korea, Ms. Lee was with the Wilmington, Delaware firm of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell where she practiced in the areas of corporation and intellectual property law. She has chaired the International Law Section and the Multicultural Judges and Lawyers Section of the Delaware State Bar Association and is a former Law Clerk to The Honorable Louis C. Bechtle, Chief Judge Emeritus, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Ms. Lee is a graduate of Temple University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, Law Review), Westminster Theological Seminary (M.A., Theology, first honors), and the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., International Relations).
Mona A. Lee Hanol Law Offices 19th Floor, City Air Tower 159-9 Samsung-dong, Kangnam-ku Seoul 135-973, Korea T +82-2-6004-2500 M +82-10-5235-3291 F +82-2-6203-7646 E monalee@hanollaw.com www.hanollaw.com
KOREA
WINNER
JL EADING SHIPPING & TRANSPORT LAWYER OF THE YEAR CW LEE (JIPYONG & JISUNG) A Korean maritime lawyer Choon-Won LEE, also widely known as CW LEE to both domestic and international shipping society, is now the most well-noted as being a leading maritime lawyer representing the new generation of Korean shipping society. CW LEE graduated from the Seoul National University, School of Law in Korea and obtained LL.B. in 1988. He completed the graduate school at the Korea Maritime University in 2001 and LL.M. at the University of Southampton, England in 2003 specializing in the maritime law stream. He passed the High Level Government Officer Examination in 1988 and the Bar Examination in 1990 where he was admitted to the Korean bar in 1993 after completing 2-year course at the Judicial Research and Training Institute conducted by the Supreme Court of Korea. He started his profession as a young attorney at Lee & Ko in 1993 and dedicated himself to the excellence in the practice of maritime law as a long-time partner at Choi & Kim. In October 2008, he joined Jisung Horizon and launched a maritime team, which is now one of the most respected maritime teams in Korea. His practice involves all aspects of maritime, aviation, insurance and reinsurance offering a wide range of high-quality and efficient legal services in both dry and wet matters including charter party disputes, cargo claims, collisions, fire, oil-pollution, ship building, ship lease and ship finance issues. He represents most of the major P&I Clubs, ship owners including large-scale Korean ship owners, aviators and insurers worldwide and nationwide in numerous cases. Indeed, he handled various noteworthy shipping and maritime matters such as the Hyundai Fortune, which is recorded as one of the largest casualty cases in the worldwide shipping society with the estimated total amount of dispute in approximately USD 1.5 billion including
the cargo claims of USD 0.5 billion. In this case, CW LEE has successfully persuaded the court to dismiss all claims against the owners of Hyundai Fortune, and obtained a nil assessment decision in the limitation proceeding which is unprecedented in the Korean judicial history. His recent litigation success includes the Kotoku Fortune case, an international collision matter where the vessel M/T Kotoku Fortune was on sail at sea near Jeju Island while F/B was on fishing, connected by rope with another F/B. When the vessel attempted to pass between two F/Bs, the vessel contacted the rope which turned over one of the F/B and three crewmembers onboard F/B went missing. In this case, CW LEE has brought desirable and successful results for the clients in all civil, criminal, limitation and maritime safety tribunal proceedings by employing unparalleled expertise.
Choon-Won LEE Jipyong Jisung 10th Floor, KT&G Seodaemun Tower, 60 Chungjeong-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul , 120-020, Korea T (82-2) 6200-1910 F (82-2) 6200-0802 E cwlee@jipyong.com www.jipyong.com
His recent success also includes the Seongho Pioce case, in which a Chinese F/B sunk in international waters between China and Korea and as a result, out of 15 crewmembers, 7 have been rescued and 8 went missing. F/B interests filed a claim against the owners of the vessel alleging that F/B sunk because the owners’ vessel, which was sailing nearby, has collided into the same. In this regard, while the Maritime Safety Administration (“MSA”) report of China acknowledged that there has been a collision between the vessel and F/B, he has obtained the decision of the Korean Maritime Safety Tribunal (“MST”) to the effect that there has not been any collision with F/B and the vessel, overturning Chinese MSA report. On the other hand, his recent practice focuses more on contract disputes in ship fund, shipbuilding and charterparties and the rehabilitation/bankruptcy of domestic shipping companies, which are increasing after the 2008 crisis.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
MYANMAR
WINNER
J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
U MYA THEIN & LEGAL GROUP ESTABLISH IN 1964. We practice Myanmar Law for Local & Foreigners. U Mya Thein son of U Kyin Htone, famous lawyer during the British time. U Mya Thein succeeded his father’s law office since 1964. Notary Public. Member of IPBA, Ex-Bar Council Member, Ex-Secretary of Yangon Bar Association. External Examiner of Master of Law students. Reputable Lawyer enlisted in Embassies in Myanmar. Area of Practice: Litigation, Appeal, Revision in Civil, Criminal. Labor disputes. Registration of Trade Marks, Company matters, Insurance claims, Inheritance, Matrimonial and Adoption matters. Real Estate rental, purchase matters. Consultant to Embassies, Local and Foreign Companies and INGOs and NGOs. Credentials: Awarded International Gold Star Awarded for Quality in Paris 2002. Described as Top Band Lawyer & Senior Statesman in Chambers South East Asia. Awarded Social Prominence First Grade Myanmar in 2007. Member of Legal Affairs and Special Issues Commission Pyithu Hluttaw, ( Peoples’ Parliament ) Myanmar.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
U Mya Thein & Legal Group
Experience: Experience over 48 years in legal practice with good reputation. Giving advice to Embassies, INGOs, NGOs and Local and Foreign Companies. Notable Clients: Air Liquide, Myanmar Airways International, Kincho Corporation, Diethem & Company Ltd, Daewoo Corporation, International Committee of the Red Cross, Nestle Thailand Ltd, Mitsui & Co., Shimizu Corporation, Peregrine Hongkong, Petronas Malaysia. Affiliated with famous International Law Firms. Rajah & Tan, Helan Yeo & Partners, Khatter Wong & Partners, Nishimura & Asahi, ZICO Law and many others.
U Mya Thein & Legal Group 9 A. Nawarat Street, 8 Mile, Mayangone Township P.O.11061, Yangon, Union of Myanmar. T 951-665908. 951-661105 Myanmar Mobile: 959- 5132 401 Singapore Mobile: 65-9002 1931 E theinumya5@gmail.com. myathein@singnet.com.sg
WINNER
SOUTH KOREA J LEADING TRADEMARK LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Cho & Partners
Intellectual Property Attorneys
CHO & PARTNERS
PRACTICE AREAS
6th and 13th Floors Ann Jay Tower 718-2 Yeoksam-dong, Kangnam-ku Seoul 135-080 South Korea Tel: +82 2 6207 6800 Fax: +82 2 6207 6801 Email: ihseo@cholaw.com Website: www.cholaw.com
Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights Administrative Actions Domain Names & Internet Issues Unfair Competition Litigation IP Enforcement Programs Licensing & Distribution Legislative Matters
Firm overview The firm was established in 2002 by two senior members who decided to leave a large firm environment to create a more focused, efficient and responsive practice. Based on the reputation and capabilities of the founding members, as well as the established trust and loyalty with their clients, the firm was immediately active representing multi-national clients. The firm’s clients are among the most recognized names and leaders in various business sectors, such as software and technology, retailing, luxury goods and fashion, energy, etc. Since its establishment, the firm has continued to grow, a result of the firm’s uncompromising emphasis on maintaining its reputation for the highest level of service, professionalism and integrity. This philosophy and commitment has been essential in developing and servicing the firm’s prestigious list of clients, whose needs are sophisticated and whose matters have global impact. The firm is proud of its approach and reputation for nurturing very close and personal relationships with its clients, the foundation of the firm’s ability to know its clients and thereby serve their needs more effectively and efficiently.
Intellectual property practice The firm has a strong and diverse practice in all aspects of intellectual property. It is very active with both domestic and international prosecution practice in both trademarks and patents, as well as related disputes and administrative proceedings. Aside from prosecution matters, the firm and its members have become particularly well-known for its capabilities in the areas of litigation, anti-counterfeiting and internet related matters. In the area of anti-counterfeiting and enforcement, the firm has developed a very strong reputation for its effective and creative programs in combating many difficult problems in Korea. The firm represents many brand owners and manages among the most active and effective anticounterfeiting and enforcement programs in the country. The firm is also very active with domain name disputes, successfully reclaiming domain name registrations from cyber-squatters for trademark owners. Tae-Yeon Cho serves as outside counsel for the Internet Address Domain Name Dispute Resolution Committee, the government body that administers Korean domain name disputes. Another member of the firm, Ik Hyun Seo, serves as a panelist for WIPO. The firm’s litigation practice is particularly active. The firm has successfully obtained several landmark decisions for its clients and is at the forefront of new developments in Korea. Languages Spoken: English, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese and French Number of lawyers: 12 Contacts: Tae-Yeon Cho, Ik-Hyun Seo
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
SRI LANKA
WINNER
JO VERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The Firm Founded in 1879, Julius & Creasy is one of the oldest and largest civil law firms in Sri Lanka. Julius & Creasy comprises of over 50 lawyers with excellent academic and practice backgrounds, with many of them being members of the Bar of England and Wales and New York Bar. The firm regularly advises local and international conglomerates, banks, financial institutions and has conducted major-cross border assignments for the World Bank, Asia Development Bank and IMF. The firm also enjoys close working relationships with many international law firms such as Allen & Overy, Ashurst, Baker & McKenzie, Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Freshfields, Herbert Smith, Linklaters and Norton Rose. Areas of practice Banking and finance, capital markets, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, administrative and constitutional, admiralty and maritime, mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure projects, telecommunications, IT, insurance, intellectual property, labour and employment, litigation, property and construction, probate and trusts, and taxation Awards • Business Initiative Directions 2012 – The firm has won the ISAQ International Star Award for Quality in the Gold Category • 2012 Corporate Intl Magazine Global Award - The firm was recently awarded the prestigious title of ‘Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year in Sri Lanka’.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
• Global Law Exports 2011– The firm was awarded the ‘Sri Lankan – Banking & Finance Law Firm’ title Recent Assignments • Acted in connection with an Offer of Notes by the Bank of Ceylon in May 2012 for USD 500 million listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, the first international bond issue by a Sri Lankan bank. Julius & Creasy acted as the Local Counsel for the Underwriters of the Issue, namely, Citigroup Global Markets Inc, HSBC and Merrill Lynch International. • Advised HSBC in relation to a syndicated facility extended to the People’s Bank valued at USD 150 million • Acted as local counsel for Deutsche Bank in arbitral proceedings instituted against the Government of Sri Lanka under ICSID, and for Standard Chartered Bank in respect of action instituted against Ceylon Petroleum Corporation in the Commercial High Court of London for defaults in meeting obligations under the respective hedging agreements. • Advised Hilton Worldwide in relation to property clearance for new hotel projects in Sri Lanka and advised HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank AG and Mercantile Merchant Bank in relation to property clearance and security documentation for the loans granted by the Banks to corporate and individual clients.
JULIUS & CREASY Head Office 41, Janadhipathi Mawatha Colombo 1 Sri Lanka T (+94 11) 2422 601 (5 lines) F (+94 11) 2446 663 (+94 11) 4721 482 Banking and Corporate No. 9/5, Thambiah Avenue Colombo 7 Sri Lanka T (+94 11) 4335 159 (4 lines) F (+94 11) 2692 677 www.juliusandcreasy.com
TAIWAN JF ULL SERVICE IP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WINNER
台北市中山北路三段二十七號十三樓 13th Fl., 27 Sec. 3, Chung San N. Rd., Taipei 104, Taiwan, R.O.C. T: 886-2-25856688 F: 886-2-25989900/25978989 Email: email@deepnfar.com.tw www.deepnfar.com.tw
本所有如璞玉或玉礦，值得您永續無盡開採，資以發掘或確保您之權益。 We are just like an uncut jade or gem mine. If you use us, you shall soon feel like discovering treasures and/or justifying your rights. 深邃胸懷、淵博知識與精進不懈，始見榮耀之肇。 Deep In Mind, Knowledge and Efforts, Far Goal In.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
AUSTRIA JM ERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAWYER OF THE YEAR Wildmoser/Koch & Partner Rechtsanw채lte GmbH - Dr. Felix Michael Klement
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
BELGIUM J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR The law firm De Broeck Van Laere & Partners, with offices in three major cities (Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp), was founded in 1998 by Leo De Broeck and Didier Van Laere, and has since then grown into a professional and dynamic team of more than 20 lawyers. The firm offers integrated legal services to both companies and individuals, ranging from compliance over consulting to litigation. The firm owes its fast growth and success to our dynamic and entrepreneurial approach, by which they distinguish themselves from others in the profession. The firm satisfies its ambition only by providing its clients with the highest level of professionalism and technical excellence in tax, corporate and accounting law. Today, the firm is one of the most noted Belgian law firms specialized in tax law and corporate law (with an emphasis on M&A), and counts a large number of high profile Belgian and international companies to its clients. A significant proportion of its daily work consists in assisting clients in relation to both local and international operations, ranging from M&A, sales of assets/shares and restructurings to joint ventures, private equity/venture capital and general corporate and company law in virtually all business sectors. Furthermore, De Broeck Van Laere & Partners has become well-known for its expertise on estate planning, for its work in the field of tax amnesty, as well as its success in solving major tax litigation cases through negotiation, for both companies as individuals. Since the global economic crisis, many CEO’s and CFO’s of medium sized and large companies have become more cost aware
WINNER
in regards to legal services. Considering the significantly lower range of our fees in comparison to top tier international law firms, its client portfolio is ever growing. As such, its goal is to forefront the group of second tier firms, while continuing to increase our share of upper mid-tier and lower top tier work. Didier Van Laere, born in 1971, is a lawyer at the Brussels’ Bar and the Ghent’s Bar (Luxembourg’s Bar pending), specialized in tax law and corporate law. He obtained a Master degree in law at the University of Ghent in 1994, and a special Master degree in tax law at the University of Brussels (VUB, 1995). Didier Van Laere is one of the two founding partners of the law firm DE BROECK, VAN LAERE & PARTNERS (1998). His practice includes corporate tax work, mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, estate planning and private client advisory. Didier Van Laere was a lecturer at HUB (EHSAL, Brussels). He taught the course ‘Inheritance tax’ to the Master students in ‘Tax Science’ (1998-2003) and still gives master classes on current tax and corporate law topics.
Didier Van Laere De Broeck Van Laere & Partners Brussels Office Rue Jules Besme 124 B-1081 Brussels T + 32 2 423 00 42 F + 32 2 423 00 32 E dvl@dvp-law.com www.dvp-law.com
Didier Van Laere often gives seminars on tax and corporate law for various organizations (e.g. BNP Fortis Paribas, Deutsche Bank, ING, Bank van Lanschot, EHSAL HUB Seminars, University Antwerp Management School, Trends, etc.), both for professional and private audiences. Didier Van Laere regularly makes contributions to the specialized tax and corporate law literature and also writes for non-specialized journals. In 2004, he was the co-author of the bestseller ‘Welcome Black’ concerning tax amnesty in Belgium.
Following awards were granted to Didier Van Laere and his team for his M&A work and tax work : Corporate Law Firm of the Year 2012 - Belgium | ACQ Magazine Tax Law Firm of the Year 2011 - Belgium | Lawyer Monthly M&A Law Firm of the Year 2011 Benelux | ACQ Magazine Corporate Law Firm of the Year 2010 Belgium | InterContinental Finance Magazine Investment Advisory Excellence in Belgium 2010 | CorporateINTL Mid-Tier Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory Excellence in Belgium 2010 | CorporateINTL Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year 2009 Belgium | ACQ Magazine
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
BELGIUM
WINNER
J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AFSCHRIFT Law Firm specializes in domestic
service. So the firm has a “boutique” status
and international tax law and law relating to
as it dedicates its entire activity to the
white collar crime. AFSCHRIFT Law Firm has
sphere of Tax Law and Financial Criminal
been established in Brussels since 1994. Taking
Law. This allows the firm to gather specialist
into account the internationalization of the
lawyers, which consequently grants it large
business and our clients’ needs, AFSCHRIFT
independence. Moreover, the firm purposely
Law Firm has expanded over the years and
decided not to create distinct departments for
reinforced its presence and activity in Antwerp,
consultancy and litigation, in order to allow
Geneva, Luxembourg, Madrid and Tel Aviv.
each lawyer to practice simultaneously in the
The extremely innovative Luxembourg law,
two spheres of activities.
in particular, is interesting for its sophisticated and advantageous structures for tax purposes.
AFSCHRIFT has often appeared as a “pioneer” in respect to the developed argumentation
Thierry Afschrift AFSCHRIFT LAW FIRM Avenue Louise, 208 1050 BRUXELLES BELGIQUE
The firm advises all taxpayers, natural or legal
in the dynamic field of tax law. The firm acts
persons, on organizing their personal, real
with open-mind and creativity. Actually,
property or professional patrimony to the best
knowledge of the law alone is very often not
T +32 (0)2 646 46 36
standard. As a specialist, it helps its clients
enough when facing the complex problems
F +32 (0)2 644 38 00
in performing transactions, for instance by
that our clients bring to us; thinking beyond
setting up international financial packages
conventions and finding lateral and indirect
that minimise tax costs while remaining
solutions is often the only way to achieve
legally compliant.
our clients’ targets: finding solutions is the
The firm gives preventive and rigorous advice in relation to the decisions and behavior clients plan to adopt, so as to avoid the application of fiscal and criminal laws. The firm advises a significant number of major
essence of our profession. Therefore, while trying to achieve in-depth knowledge and operate with permanently controlled quality, AFSCHRIFT tries every day to improve its way of thinking… to innovate.
Belgian and foreign companies and banks in
In 2011, the Firm has been honoured many
reorganizations, tax planning and tax litigation.
times on the international stage. For example,
Furthermore, AFSCHRIFT Law Firm defends taxpayers in all disputes concerning tax matters. The firm also defends assertively and effectively taxpayers undergoing criminal prosecution in tax and all other financial cases, notably to assure respect for their fundamental rights.
the firm has appeared for the third time in a row in the WORLD FINANCE 100 list established by the famous UK World Finance Magazine. The firm was also designated “Tax Law Firm of the Year” at the “Belgian Legal Awards 2012” for his work and his achievements in 2011. The AFSCHRIFT Law firm is the only Belgian law firm to have
Practising tax law requires a constant, and
obtained this prestigious award twice (in 2006
almost exclusive practice of the tax law, a
and 2012).
high level of confidentially and a personalized
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
E avocats@afschrift.com www.afschrift.com
CYPRUS
WINNER
J CROSS-BORDER LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
With four offices, two in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), one in Athens and a most recent one in London, we aspire to meet all the legal needs of our clients, corporations and individuals, not only in Cyprus and Greece, but also in the region of South East Europe and the Near and Middle East. We aim to offer full legal support to our clients and to offer our international clientele a local insight to the markets of the jurisdictions where we operate offices. Our team of Advocates and Legal Advisors are trained to work in an efficient and speedy manner providing full legal support to the demanding client operating in a competitive corporate environment. We value our people as our most significant asset and we invest in their continuous education and training aiming to add substantive value to the business of our clients. The members of our team are well qualified and trained to work on the highest level of professionals and are well accustomed to both the common law and the continental law systems. Pamboridis LLC is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Cyprus under Registration No. 237200 and is regulated by the Cyprus Bar Association.
Areas of Practice Corporate Law Commercial Law Contracts Energy Law Mergers and Acquisitions Capital Markets and Public Listings International Shipping Law General Litigation Competition and Anti-trust Law Funds / Funds structuring Tax Planning Banking and Finance Projects Finance Intellectual and Industrial Property Law Real Estate and Construction Media and Telecom Law Public Procurement Projects Human Resources Services and Labour Law
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
CYPRUS
WINNER
J DEBT RECOVERY AND COLLECTIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
“AT PD LEGAL WE SUPPORT YOUR GROWTH” Protopapa & Demetriou LLC (“PD Legal) is a boutique law firm which started in a very competitive environment and managed within the first years of its operations to become leader in many aspects of the law. The Firm’s founding partners have a proven successful track record and have demonstrated throughout their professional careers their readiness to manage each and every problem without compromising the firm’s ethos, integrity and sense of responsibility. It has invested heavily into a dynamic business oriented team which uses the support of its own developed cutting edge technologies and stands dedicated in offering personalised and efficient yet tailor made solutions to clients’ constantly changing needs. The Firm’s internal system of administration is designed specifically to give the client the opportunity to access its own account and be able to view and or download all work carried out by PD Legal via the Firm’s website on a 24/7 basis. The firm’s website is now offered in three languages (Greek, English and Russian) and is planned to be offered in another 4 within 2013. PD Legal specialises in the following fields of practice: • Debt Collection/Recovery: Collection and Recovery of Debts in Cyprus is developing sharply applying a slightly different dogma both in theory and in practice, since Cyprus is a state with particularities and different characteristics including amongst others its size, population and culture. PD Legal has achieved to reconcile the international practice of Debt Collection and Recovery adding and subtracting elements that provide a tailor made complex of procedures and applications both necessary and effective in the operational jurisdiction of the Firm. PD Legal’s approach in debt recovery is that Debt Collection is not about being assigned a case or a portfolio of cases and submitting it to Court. The aim and essence of Debt Collection is to assist clients in increasing their business liquidity through a capital injection resulting from neglected debts that are either too old or unsecured to be submitted to a judicial procedure, which would in any case, be time consuming and costly. PD Legal is part of an international network that essentially collects debts from more than 120 countries around the world. • Corporate and commercial: Consulting and setting up of appropriate corporate structures and offering of fiduciary services. Advising and litigation services in any kind of insolvency and liquidation and or restructuring of corporate entities. • Investment Firms consulting: Setting up of an investment firm, acquisition of license by local regulator, according to MiFID Directive, compliance services. • E – Commerce and IT legal support: Drafting of agreements in all related fields, i.e. software development, cloud servicing, licenses, maintenance, website reviews. • Intellectual Property: Full range of services in the registration of domestic and international trade – names, trademarks, patents, industrial designs etc and affiliated consulting.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
• Contract: Drafting reviewing and negotiating complicated contracts of high value, in many industries of the modern business, such as media, sports management and sponsorship, online services and financial services. • Insurance Claims: Any kind of insurance claim, resulting from road accident, personal injuries, professional negligence, labour accidents, medical negligence, etc • Property: Building disputes or claims via Court or Arbitration resulting from simple or complicated contractual commitments. Consulting, negotiating and drafting of sale, purchase and rental agreements for both local and international commercial and private clients. Ancillary services are also offered in respect to resolve any issue arising on property such as dealing with Tax Office, Land’s Registry Office, all governmental and local authorities, request for appraisals, valuations etc.
Louiza A. Protopapa Partner
• International Judgments: Enforcement of Foreign Judgments and Foreign Arbitral Awards. • Employment: Advice in employment matters beginning from the drafting of employment contracts and collective agreements to internal regulations and extended to negotiations in labour disputes and representation in the Court or Arbitration cases. Advice in structuring and setting up of Provident Funds. • Ship Registration: Registration of ships and private vessels, setting up of ship owning companies. Partner’s CVs: Louiza A. Protopapa Louiza after being a Partner in a well acknowledged law firm she set out to establish her own practice through the present legal partnership. During her working experience, which counts more than eleven years, both as corporate lawyer and as a litigator she managed to acquire extensive experience on civil, commercial and corporate matters. She has appeared in all court Jurisdictions in Cyprus and has assisted in handling arbitration cases in the ICC arbitration Tribunal in Switzerland. She reviewed and composed expensive sponsorship contracts in some of the most prestigious areas of sports as WRC (World Rally Championship), Formula 1 Racings and UK Premier League and in the area of online marketing with powerful providers such as Google, Yahoo!, Bloomberg etc. In the past few years she has been involved in specialised consulting for investment firms. Charis D. Demetriou Charis Demetriou has an associate diploma in Criminology from City University in New York and a law degree from Exeter University UK. He received the Cyprus Bar in 2004 and has worked as a litigator in large firms ever since. He is one of the founding members of this partnership. He has an extensive experience in debt collection claims, medical negligence claims, insurance claims and personal injuries. Through his career he had the opportunity to be successfully involved in property acquisitions and has helped major property firms with the financing of their projects. His experience is also extended in the whole spectrum of labour issues. He currently sits on the board of the Limassol Bar Association.
Charis D. Demetriou Partner
PROTOPAPA, DEMETRIOU & CO LLC 15 SPYROU KYPRIANOU AVENUE MATRIX TOWER II, 3rd FLOOR 4001 LIMASSOL T +357-25-720000 F +357-25-720055 E info@pd-legal.com www.pd-legal.com
CYPRUS
WINNER
J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
L Papaphilippou & Co LLC was founded in 1963 by Loukis Papaphilippou. After three mergers, and on the basis of the firm’s home grown partner tradition, L Papaphilippou & Co LLC has grown to become one of the leading international firms in Cyprus in terms of size, links and trusted affiliations, clientele and quality of service offered. The firm is proud to be the Cyprus member of the State Capital Group – a Group organised in 1989 by 50 independent law firms in the US with practices in their respective State capitals. Member firms of the State Capital Group practise independently and not in a relationship for the joint practice of law; membership is by invitation only, and is limited to one representative per state capital. L Papaphilippou & Co LLC offers legal services to businesses, individuals, public organisations and governments. The firm has a strong litigation team, handling all forms of commercial dispute resolution, and has considerable experience in arbitrations and litigation. At the firm’s disposal are a number of professional contacts in North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East and, accordingly, the firm is equipped to provide comprehensive support to clients active in cross border business, via its multijurisdictional and multidiscipline packages. Furthermore, during its long history, L Papaphilippou & Co LLC has been retained and instructed by a number of valuable and prestigious private, public and government organisations. Today, the firm’s partners endeavour to maintain
long lasting relationships with all clients through constructive cooperation. The firm is comprised of lawyers and advocates of both common law and continental law backgrounds who are totally committed to excellence in the services that they provide. The firm constantly deals with clients based abroad and has the opportunity to interact with professional teams of different vocational backgrounds, for example lawyers, accountants and actuaries, all of which are based in different jurisdictions and represent a common reference point of analysis of the tasks undertaken. Moreover, the firm liaises with regulatory officials, domestic and foreign, concerning pending litigation as well as administrative matters.
Contact Details:Leandros Papaphilippou Managing Partner L Papaphilippou & Co LLC 17 Ifigenias Street 2007 Strovolos P.O.Box 28541 2080 Nicosia, Cyprus T +357 22271000 F +357 22271111 E lp@papaphilippou.eu www.papaphilippou.eu
The firm’s main strength is its multifaceted experience over a wide range of disciplines, such as language skills, accounting and office administration and organisation. Specifically, the firm advises on matters of cross border mergers, acquisitions of companies, international liquidations, international civil and criminal litigation, establishment and protection of brands and intellectual property (IP), admiralty and shipping, banking and finance, competition as well as international tax planning corporate and commercial and real estate. The firm operates from its newly opened state-of-the-art offices in Nicosia, reflecting its confidence to the future. Fresh approaches have been adopted by improving and upgrading its software to enhance productivity and teamwork.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
CYPRUS J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
CZECH REPUBLIC
WINNER
JC ORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR JL ITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The law office GÜRLICH & Co was founded on
foreign lawyers. Still, this Law Firm remains a
1st February 2002. All members of the firm are
purely Czech legal office free of any financial or
experienced lawyers possessing outstanding
other influence exerted by foreign and/or local
professional expertise in various branches of law.
nationals. This allows the firm to provide its
Currently, the firm consists of four lawyers who are supported by a qualified office staff. Besides, on a case to case basis, we would invite for cooperation many other external specialists and free-lance lawyers. This law firm is fully capable of
services in compliance with law, professionally and independently. Scope of Legal Services: • Commercial Transactions
offering legal services to both individuals and legal
• Civil Law
entities in almost all fields of civil and commercial
• Intellectual Property
law, all over the territory of the Czech Republic. We are capable of providing legal services in the Czech and English languages. In the event of cross-border transactions
• Corporate Law and Business Law, Public
Procurement • Labour Law
and litigation, this office hires its cooperating
• Real Estate
international law offices as well as external
• Litigation Insolvency
Richard Gürlich, attorney at law GÜRLICH & Co Politických vězňů 19, 110 00 Prague, Czech republic T +420222101591 F +420222101590 E info@akrg.cz www.akrg.cz
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
FRANCE
WINNER
J MEDIA COPYRIGHT’S LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Hélèna Delabarre
Eric Lauvaux
Armelle Fourlon
ACTIVITIES
ABOUT THE FIRM
INTERNET
Media and communication
Internet
Intellectual Property
Advertising
Anticipating the impact and opportunities presented by the Internet, NomoS has been building its online expertise for decades. Working with leading players in the sector, NomoS understands that the Internet is inherently multi-disciplinary; web-related matters will involve lawyers from across the firm.
Publishing
NomoS is a French law firm, founded in 1998 by nine partners united by a common goal: to create a culture of cooperation to offer clients the best possible legal advice. Now comprising thirty five lawyers, NomoS is better placed than ever to offer you the full benefit of its expert's legal and judicial knowledge. We work for French and international clients, from large corporate groups to innovative SMEs, advising on their day to day activities as well as any exceptional and contentious matters.
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION The publishing, press, film & TV, music, video games and advertising sectors all involve different legal regimes.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY The success of media companies derives from the quality of the works they produce or distribute. French law places a strong emphasis on protecting authors and gives employment law a prominent role.
NomoS's lawyers draw on their detailed knowledge of industry practices in each sector to uncover innovative solutions to any problems our clients face.
NomoS has combined the skills of our specialist intellectual property, employment and tax lawyers. We work hard to structure and negotiate contracts which are both certain and effective for the needs of our clients.
NomoS's lawyers are actively involved in the relevant trade bodies and professional associations, and take a leading role in legislative reform work.
Creating content will always require investment which must be protected. NomoS's intellectual property expertise assists clients during the initial creation and exploitation of rights.
CONTACTS Hélèna Delabarre, partner : hdelabarre@nomosparis.com Armelle Fourlon, partner : armelle.fourlon@nomosparis.com Eric Lauvaux, partner : elauvaux@nomosparis.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Our clients in the sector include web designers, content or service providers, e-commerce platform operators, start-ups and crowd-sourced sites. In this environment, our lawyers deal regularly with agreements, liability questions and data protection issues.
NOMOS
13 rue Alphonse de Neuville 75017 Paris (France) Tel. : + 33 (0)1.43.18.55.00 Fax : + 33 (0)1.43.18.55.55 www.nomosparis.com
FRANCE J REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR FIRM OVERVIEW: Thierry Lacourte, a graduate of the ESSEC business school and a former notary and Jean-Claude Balas, a graduate of the Ecole Nationale des Impôts and former tax inspector, founded the business law firm Lacourte Balas & Associés in 1993. Joined in 2011 by Jean-Jacques Raquin, the firm changed its name to Lacourte Balas Raquin. Clients of the firm can rely on specialized and multi-disciplinary teams of lawyers, capable of addressing the needs of each client through a broad range of expertise in private real estate law, corporate law, restructuring, tax, financing, public law, complex dispute resolution. MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE: Real Estate: 5 Partners; 8 fee earners The firm provides a full real estate related legal service, with specialists in every fields of real estate related law, including: - Investment and disinvestment, - Development, - Construction, - Corporate, - Tax, - Planning and zoning, - Regulatory, - Leases, - Dispute resolution. The firm’s Real Estate practice clients include Vinci Immobilier, Altarea Cogedim, BNPPI, Gecina, Unibail Rodamco, SFL, Allianz, AXA REIM, Hines and Credit Agricole Immobilier. Contact: Damien Grosse Email: grosse@lacourte.com Financing and finance: 2 Partners; 2 fee earners The expertise within Lacourte Balas Raquin is provided to arrangers, lenders, participating banks and mezzanine funds to set up a wide variety of financing facilities and to deal with any issues that may arise. The firm also assists investors to structure and implement their financing - Structuring of financing arrangements, - Private equity - Restructuring of bank debt - Acquisition and sale of debt portfolios Contact: Thierry Lacourte, Jean-Jacques Raquin Email: lacourte@lacourte.com, raquin@lacourte.com Taxation: 2 Partners; 4 fee earners Lacourte Balas Raquin assists national and international groups, including industrial companies and landholding trusts as well as their managers with regards to tax management, the implementation of complex tax structures as well as tax litigation: - Corporate taxation - Real estate taxation - Individual taxation and asset engineering - International taxation Contact: Jean-Claude Balas, Julien Souyeaux Email: balas@lacourte.com, souyeaux@lacourte.com Mergers and Acquisitions: 5 Partners; 8 fee earners Lacourte Balas Raquin advises its clients in matters of acquisition, sale and restructuring operations on behalf of national and international companies : - Advice for corporate acquisition, restructuring and reorganisation - Implementation of intra-group agreements - Acquisition audits - Complex corporate equity transactions - Legal services Contact: Cyrille Bailly Email: bailly@lacourte.com Litigation: 2 Partner; 5 fee earners The large experience of the Litigation team covers all aspects of business related litigation: - Civil disputes,
- Commercial disputes, - Bankruptcy proceedings, - White-collar criminal proceedings. As each dispute is unique, the team strives to adapt its approach on a case by case basis to the specific real-life circumstances and to its client’s financial and strategic objectives or constraints, in order to develop a tailored solution. Lawyers from Lacourte Balas Raquin Litigation’s practice master all the legal dispute resolution tools and procedures at their disposal, before French courts or European courts, and including alternative dispute resolution methods (negotiation, mediation, conciliation, etc.). Contact: Alexis Le Lièpvre Email: leliepvre@lacourte.com Arbitration: 1 Partners; 3 fee earners The firm’s Arbitration team assists and represents its clients, both public and private, in arbitral proceedings, both institutional (ICC, ICSID, etc.) and ad hoc. Lacourte Balas Raquin’s experience includes disputes with a large variety of applicable law (French, Algerian, Senegalese, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Investment treaties, WTO treaties, UNIDROIT principles, etc.). The team developed a particularly strong expertise in issues relating to mining, energy (oil and gas, renewable energy), construction (buildings, railways, motorways, ports, etc.) and is also significantly active in disputes over international loans, sales and distribution contracts. Contact: Sébastien Bonnard Email: bonnard@lacourte.com Public Law: 2 Partners; 4 fee earners The firm’s Public Law team, assists and represents state and local entities such as French provinces and cities, real estate developers and investors, industries, banks and constructors in all the fields of Public Law including in the context of litigation before French administrative courts. The team is particularly active in issues related to complex contract engineering, public ownership of land, city planning and zoning, administrative authorizations, environmental law and renewable energy law : - Public contracts: government contracts, contracts for the provision of public services, PPP, - Planning law : zoning regulations, authorizations to occupy land, state rights of pre-emption, expropriation, and financing of government infrastructure investments, - Environmental law: certified buildings, renewable energies, polluted areas. - Public economic law: regulatory, commercial planning, state and public aids. Contact: Vincent Guinot Email: guinot@lacourte.com
WINNER
REAL ESTATE FINANCING AND FINANCE TAXATION MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LITIGATION ARBITRATION PUBLIC LAW LACOURTE BALAS RAQUIN 55 Avenue Kleber, 75116 Paris, France T 00 33 1.42.89.27.10 F 00 33 1.42.89.27.20 E contact@lacourte.com www.lacourte.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
GERMANY J FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
A merger of two well-established German law offices, both dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, MEYERKÖRING combines a fresh perspective with more than a century of tradition. With a total of no more than 30 lawyers, MEYER-KÖRING, a medium-sized operation by German standards, pursues a policy preferring strict quality standards, highly personalized clientlawyer relations and arm’s length working processes over rapid growth. Long-standing relationships provide a high degree of insight into clients’ specific legal concerns, financial issues or personal situation, allowing the professionals at MEYER-KÖRING to identify, avoid or resolve conflict, and enabling sensitive and capable problem-solving. For many years, the firm has been active in the field of Franchising law throughout Germany and other European countries. Today, MEYER-KÖRING are advisors to more than 150 franchisors in Europe and North America. The firm has particular experience in the development, reorganization and expansion of franchise systems. Its Franchise Practice Group focuses exclusively on advising Franchisors and Master Franchisees in the optimization and management of franchise systems. It is MEYER-KÖRING’s paramount priority to advise Franchisors not only in the field of Franchising Law but, equally important, also in strategic questions with respect to international expansion.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
According to the Who’s Who Legal, Dr. Patrick Giesler, who heads the Franchise Practice Group, is one of the leading German franchise lawyers. He is the author of numerous books and publications on Franchising Law. Furthermore, Dr. Giesler is President and founder of the International Franchise Lawyers’ Association, a worldspanning network of law firms specializing in this field. Catering to the needs of foreign clients also outside and beyond the domain of franchising, MEYER-KÖRING, from its Berlin office, operates an international department where lawyers fully conversant in English and French provide advice and guidance to companies from all fields of business life, to foreign states and diplomatic missions as well as to banks, real estate partnerships and individual investors. Key specialisations are in Real Estate and Labour law.
Dr. Jan Patrick Giesler, MBA Rechtsanwalt MEYER-KÖRING Rechtsanwälte und Steuerberater ∙ Partnerschaftsgesellschaft (AG Essen PR 2523)Oxfordstr. 21, 53111 Bonn, Germany T +49 (0)228 72636-32 F +49 (0)228 72636-77 E giesler@meyer-koering.de www.meyer-koering.de
GERMANY
WINNER
JG AMING LAWYER OF THE YEAR Hambach & Hambach law firm - Dr. Wulf Hambach
YOUR IDEA. OUR CHALLENGE.
LAW FIRM
Hambach & Hambach
Since 2008 Wulf Hambach is ranked
Haimhauser Str. 1
as LEADER IN HIS FIELD at Chambers
80802 Munich
and Partners for “Chambers Global –
T +49 89 389975-50
The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business.”
F +49 89 389975-60 E info@timelaw.de
41_12_007_ANZ_A4_MUCBild.indd 1
Co-Founder
19.10.12 16:07
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
GERMANY J INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR THE GERMAN INSOLVENCY SCENE It has been hard to obtain consistent information on available liquidity in the German market over the past year. Representatives of small and medium-sized businesses have complained about a credit squeeze, but lenders – savings and loans associations and savings cooperatives especially – have claimed that loans are freely available. With regard to private equity investments and other merger and acquisition activities, the picture is similarly checkered. Company insolvencies fell by 5.93 per cent from a total of 31,998 in 2010 to 30,099 in 2011. At the end of the first quarter of 2012 they stood at 7,483, which on an annualized basis would be nearly at the level of 2011 (-0.55 per cent). In comparison, the historical all-time high was hit in 2003 with 39,320 company insolvencies. With the euro crisis seemingly dragging on forever, market participants are divided whether they consider an ECB – engineered soft landing possible or whether another major crash is more likely. Even if the crash can be avoided, an uptake in corporate insolvencies is expected. As in the US and France, the law which is do deal with this is found in one major code: the Insolvency Code of 1999, recently revised on 1 March 2012. Proceedings are started by a filing in the insolvency court that has jurisdiction, which is always a local court at the lowest level of the civil law system. While some German states concentrate that jurisdiction in one or a few courts, with the insolvency court in the city state of Berlin handling the most cases in Germany, in other states – notably Lower Saxony, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg – jurisdiction can fall to very small courts with little insolvency experience. However, the recent reforms have introduced major changes which begin to impact all court‘s behavior by strengthening debtor-inpossession proceedings while also giving creditors much more influence. Germany is a signatory to the EU Insolvency Regulation but has not adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law. In general, it recognises the effects of foreign proceedings unless they violate fundamental principles of German law (Section 343, Insolvency Code). For any proceedings to which the EU Regulation applies, the general rules of international insolvency (Sections 335 to 358, Insolvency Code) are supplanted by that Regulation. However, recently there have been few significant cases with an international angle, the main one being a decision by the Federal Supreme Court, which decided that international jurisdiction for a company that stopped trading would be in the country of its centre of main interest (‘COMI’) when it stopped trading. With the reforms outlined above, the trend for COMI shifts to England or for the use of English schemes of arrangement seems to have ended. SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS IN GERMANY Since the beginning of 2012 there have been a number of significant insolvency cases; however, not all have resulted in a restructuring. The German retail sector continues to see severe consolidation, with Schlecker/Ihr Platz (drugstore/ household) and Leiser (shoe retail) being major cases. Subsidised Chinese competition has led to a wave of insolvencies in the solar panel industry and its suppliers, with Solon, Q-Cells, Centrotherm, Inventux and Global Solar being forced into insolvency. Petroplus Germany (oil refining) was affected by the insolvency of its Swiss parent and had to file as well. Finally, technological changes continue to put pressure on industries related to printing and have led to the insolvency of Manroland, a printing
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
machinery maker. In some of these cases, the new rules described above were used, but as yet it is too early to say what effect precisely they have had. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS After the reforms described above, no major legislative activity is expected with regard to company insolvency. The new regime introduced in March constitutes a fundamental change in German insolvency law that provides both creditors and debtors with numerous powerful new options, and industry insiders are watching with great interest to see how they will play out in the future. AUTOBIOGRAPHY Christian Koehler-Ma has been partner for 17 years at LEONHARDT Rechtsanwaelte, one of the leading crisis management and insolvency law firms in Germany. He specializes in insolvency administration and has handled major insolvency cases such as Systracom Bank AG (internet brokerage), Gameplay Deutschland GmbH (electronic/ internet games wholesale/retail/development), Kraftwerksund Anlagenbau AG (nuclear power plant engineering), Borsig GmbH and Borsig Holding AG (waste heat systems engineering), ddp Nachrichtenagentur GmbH (news agency), Rösch AG (medical technology), Berliner Symphoniker e.V. (symphony orchestra), I-D Media AG (internet advertising), Axxonis AG (pharmaceutical r&d) and Global Solar Energy Deutschland GmbH (solar panel production). Christian Koehler-Ma received his legal degree from the Free University in Berlin and was admitted to the Berlin bar in 1989. Additionally he spent one year at the London School of Economics and two years as a McCloy Scholar at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, where he received his Master of Public Administration. He is the author of several publications on restructuring and insolvency and regularly speaks at conferences and industry events on German insolvency law and its uses. In addition he holds a teaching position at the Wildau Polytechnic (TH Wildau - Technical University of Applied Sciences). FIRM PROFILE LEONHARDT Rechtsanwaelte rank amongst the leading law firms with regards to insolvency law in Germany. Our restructuring advice benefits from our vast experience and ground-breaking insolvency cases our firm has previously been involved in. Our experience in insolvency law and restructuring goes back about 90 years. More than 25 qualified German attorneys and corporate lawyers work for LEONHARDT solicitors as insolvency practitioners. The success of our restructuring practice is based on our knowledge of the advantages of restructurings especially through insolvency plan procedures, which are still far from commonplace and in the use of which we as pioneers have acquired an edge. Thus, we advise directors, members, creditors, receivers, administrators, liquidators and any other type of insolvency practitioner, as well as corporate law firms and management consultancies on the restructuring of businesses, companies or high net worth individuals who are insolvent or bankrupt. AREAS OF PRACTICE • Insolvency & Restructuring • Corporate / M&A • Labor Law • Notary Public
Mr Christian Köhler-Ma, Partner LEONHARDT Rechtsanwaelte Kurfuerstendamm 26a 10719 Berlin Germany T +49 (0)30 88 59 03-0 F +49 (0)30 88 59 03-100 E c.koehler-ma@leonhardtrechtsanwaelte.de www.leonhardt-rechtsanwaelte.de
GERMANY
WINNER
J INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR
Main Building
Adjoining Building
Partners
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
GIBRALTAR J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ISOLAS is a leading, full-service, international law firm providing legal services in Gibraltar. A firm of Gibraltarqualified solicitors and barristers established for 120 years, we offer our clients solid professional advice based on experience and expertise. Truly independent, our clients enjoy the benefit of our commitment, continuity and the close personal interest expected of a long-established law firm. We are consistently ranked as one of the leading law firms practising Gibraltar law by the major internationally recognised legal directories. ISOLAS’ practice has a decidedly commercial focus, boasting a strong corporate, financial services and banking practice, bolstered by a strong team of Gaming practictioners. ISOLAS has a dedicated team of professionals supporting companies on major strategic transactions, regulation and legal issues as well as their day-to-day business needs. The Corporate Team brings disciplined and effective management to large structured deals whilst also remaining flexible and open to innovative opportunities. Delivering commercial solutions for clients across a range of industry sectors and jurisdictions, the Team not only understands the Gibraltar company law framework but also brings an international perspective that accommodates today’s increasingly common crossborder nature of global business transactions.
The Banking and Financial Services team at ISOLAS regularly advises both local and major international banks and other regulated entities on a vast array of matters, from licensing and regulatory issues to lending and day to day general banking business. Our experience and knowledge enables us to advise clients on the practical effects of both national and international regulatory trends and to provide advice on the structuring of transactions, new products and services in line with such trends. Gibraltar’s position as a rapidly growing jurisdiction for Funds has been well recognised and ISOLAS have been on the front of this development. Our position within the EU, and the advantage of working within a jurisdiction that is highly regulated, operating internationally recognised and EU standard anti-money laundering and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) conventions, makes Gibraltar a very attractive alternative funds jurisdiction within Europe. The Gibraltar Experienced Investor Fund (EIF) regime was launched in 2005 and has seen many other jurisdictions follow suit with similar styled products. Joey Garcia, Senior Associate with the Funds team, has built up a strong Funds and Financial Services practice advising on a variety of structures and solutions to an international client base which includes, funds, investment managers and banks as well as family offices and larger private clients. He has also advised on project finance transactions, venture capital structuring as well as a variety of private client matters. Joey has been involved with the Gibraltar Finance Centre as a moderator and speaker on the Gibraltar Funds Seminar Program and has contributed to a number of Hedge Fund publications. He was elected as a member of the Executive Committee of the Gibraltar Funds & Investment Association (GFIA) for the year 2012/2013 and also chairs the GFIA Technical Committee which deals with legislative issues relating to Gibraltar Funds. He is ranked by Chambers and Partners and acknowledged as being ‘a highly acclaimed funds expert.’ ISOLAS has a dedicated team of professionals with broad and in-depth experience with licensing, transactions, regulation and legal issues facing remote gaming operators and their suppliers involved in gaming (including social or casual gaming), gambling, betting, lotteries (both remote and land-based) and e-commerce business. The Gaming Team regularly assists businesses in this sector, from start-ups and remote gambling license applications to large corporations, in commercial and corporate transactions
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
Steven Caetano, Gaming Partner at ISOLAS Steven has particular expertise in corporate, trust, intellectual property, e-commerce, and online gaming. He is highly experienced in the areas of gaming licensing and regulation and company law and regularly collaborates with E-gaming review and I-gaming Business Magazines on locally focused gaming publications Steven is a regular advisor to a significant number of Gibraltar licensed online gaming companies on areas ranging from general e-commerce/ site content, intellectual property, technology, gaming, licensing and regulatory matters In the Private Client context, ISOLAS offers clients the solutions and tailor-made service they need and rightly demand. ISOLAS has a long history in the provision of trust services in association with Fiduciary Trust Limited, part of the Fiduciary Management group of companies. We also advise on the full range of attractive personal tax regimes available in Gibraltar which together with Gibraltar’s common-law trusts regime provides an attractive suite of solutions for clients looking to protect and preserve wealth. In the litigation context, ISOLAS leads the way in commercial and trust dispute resolution, boasting arguably the most experienced and rated employment team in the jurisdiction, a team which, through Christian Rocca, has literally written the book on the subject. We guide and advise clients on the practical application of the law from Human Resource function to employees seeking advice on options available to them. We can help clients meet challenges with our committed experienced team of lawyers specialising in employment, employee benefits and pensions who not only pride themselves on their understanding of the legal issues but on their ability not to lose sight of the commercial context. Our contentious trust litigation team is involved in handling complex, high-value trust litigation matters for both lay and professional clients. The bulk of the work
currently undertaken by ISOLAS consists of assisting coordinating solicitors based in London and other capitals, delivering the local solutions often required by multijurisdictional matters of this nature. The ISOLAS trust litigation team works closely with our non-contentious, trusts and private client practice to assist clients in matters arising from both the planning and conclusion of litigation, offering advice in respect of planning and protection as and when disputes are resolved. Elliott Phillips is highly regarded in this field having been dealing, on an almost exclusive basis, on this kind of work for the last five to six years, being involved in some of the highest value contentious matters ever seen in the jurisdiction. Elliott continues to be involved in a number of matters arising in a field of practice which continues to experience growth driven by the tough prevailing economic climate.
ISOLAS PO Box 204 Portland House Glacis Road Gibraltar T +350 2000 1892 F +350 2007 8990 www.gibraltarlawyers.com
Our lawyers – all of whom have trained as barristers or solicitors in the United Kingdom – have particular expertise in banking, trusts, company matters, regulatory matters, insolvency and asset recovery, and fraud and asset tracing claims. We are frequently instructed to apply for interim relief – usually in the form of freezing orders and Norwich Pharmacal orders – in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar. Due to the international character of much of our work, we have considerable experience of working in conjunction with lawyers in other offshore jurisdictions and in the City of London. Our Litigation Team offers strategic advice that will enable you to manage disputes and potential disputes effectively. We strive to gain a thorough understanding of our clients’ businesses so that we are in a position to pursue their interests vigorously. Where appropriate we give careful consideration to alternatives to litigation, and we have successfully negotiated a number of settlements through mediation. When recourse to the courts becomes necessary our lawyers offer strong, determined representation to secure the best outcome for our clients.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
GIBRALTAR JG AMING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WINNER
tax planning • corporate & commercial • Financial SerViceS • FundS • litigation • propertY • truStS
TRUST TAKES PATIENCE. REWARD TAKES TRUST. Whatever or wherever the challenge, we can provide the solutions. In an ever-changing world, new challenges frequently arise in our personal lives and in the corporate and commercial world. Whether it’s advice, structures, planning or strategies that need resolution, Hassans has the expertise to meet clients’ exacting requirements. Our diversity means we are adaptable and flexible. We are innovative, cosmopolitan, multi-lingual and above all client focused.
HASSANS – International Lawyers
www.gibraltarlaw.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
57/63 Line Wall Road, PO Box 199, Gibraltar · Tel (+350) 200 79000 · Fax (+350) 200 71966 · Email business@hassans.gi
A4 GENERIC ‘BIRD’ ad – 297mm x 210mm + 3mm bleed
GUERNSEY
WINNER
J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Corporate & CommerCial / trust & FiduCiary / Funds / insuranCe / property / dispute resolution / insolvenCy
Offshore
po Box 69, 18-20 smith street st peter port, Guernsey Gy1 4Bl Tel +44 (0)1481 713371
www.babbelegal.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
GUERNSEY
WINNER
J PROPERTY LAWYER OF THE YEAR - Babbé - Martyn Baudains
All aspects of Guernsey property
At Babbé we have been involved in a significant proportion of the major property transactions that have taken place in Guernsey in the last few years. Clients choose our firm for the breadth of our expertise and for our ability to make the buying, selling or leasing of property as straightforward a process as possible. Guernsey property law is a highly specialised area. We advise our clients on all aspects of property transactions, including planning considerations and environmental liabilities. We assist with the development of large-scale commercial projects, and have experience with projects that have an international investment dimension. Our lawyers have substantial expertise in helping to resolve disputes between interested parties, including landlords, tenants, and developers.
Babbé Guernsey Advocates PO Box 69, 18-20 Smith Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 4BL
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
For information please contact: Martyn Baudains +44 1481 746173 m.baudains@babbelegal.com
HUNGARY J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
BWSP Gobert & Partners Attorneys and Tax Advisors was founded in 2002 and started as an affiliate to one of the largest law firms in Hungary and a “big-four” tax and accounting firm in the early 90’s. Being formerly associated with such names as Arthur Andersen, Pinsent Masons and Ernst & Young, today BWSP Gobert & Partners is a completely independent full-service commercial law firm with a well experienced and dynamic team. Currently our firm consists of 3 Partners with altogether more than 40 years’ experience in tax and legal services in various international firms, and a total number of 15 professionals of which five are dealing with tax and ten with legal services. We handle all types of projects – from relatively simple issues to complex and cross-border long term ventures. What makes our services different is in-depth knowledge of Hungarian business and understanding of both tax and legal aspect of our clients’ needs. As of September 2012, with intent to build one of the leading Central European cross-border law firms Gobert & Partners founded a partnership with proficient member firms from Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria under the name of BWSP. BWSP currently operates through 5 offices, in Belgrade, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia and Prague, a large number of language desks and a network of associated firms covering the whole CEE region. BWSP has over sixty lawyers practicing in a number of areas in the five jurisdictions and more than 250 lawyers in its associated CEE network. BWSP offers seamless, full range legal services in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe in various areas of law for clients who wish to appoint one law firm to handle their legal matters in the region. The partner firms are offering their existing and future clients unified standard of legal services, greater depth, extended experience and local knowledge around jurisdictions. Through this partnership with other outstanding law firms and attorneys, BWSP Gobert & Partners is able to serve the needs of every client, regardless of country of interest and complexity of the transaction. BWSP Gobert & Partners is also an exclusive member of large, reputable international networks, such as Globalaw (legal services). Globalaw combines expertise of over 4500
lawyers globally. The international coverage of the Globalaw network is the following: EU, CEE, South America, Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Russia. Our professionals offer legal support in many languages, such as Hungarian, German, English, Russian, French, Spanish and Italian. The areas of BWSP Gobert & Partners expertise include but are not limited to corporate and commercial law, tax, real estate, M&A, dispute resolution, labor, finance, data protection as well as restructuring, media, property, litigation, IT&IP, insolvency procedures and energy law. We have in-depth knowledge and understanding of cross-border acquisitions in particular. Many of our clients already are, or aspire to be international and are demanding the same high level of service wherever they operate, and answering this requirement, the quality of our legal and tax counseling is ensured by the high-level professional qualifications of our colleagues. Our team is constantly developing their competences and is being published by reputable sources. We make sure that our clients receive advice from lawyers who are always experts and often leaders in their field. To meet our clients’ needs, BWSP Gobert & Partners established specialist teams, providing advice to foreign clients in their mother tongue. Currently several teams are operating within the company: Hungarian desk, German desk, English desk and Russian desk. As a full service lawfirm with strong international background we are able to provide consistent and prompt legal advice of high standard and quality. Combining general legal proficiency with our expertise in tax sphere and working knowledge of many legal areas, our professionals will make sure to provide best advices to suit our clients’ needs. We offer our current and potential Clients support from two major aspects – legal and tax, which is especially important for customers, seeking resolution of complex issues. Responding to the rapidly changing market needs, we propose flexible solutions at competitive and affordable prices.
WINNER
BWSP Gobert & Partners Andrássy út 10., Stern Palota, H-1061 Budapest, HUNGARY T +36 / 1 / 270 9900 F +36 / 1 / 270 9990 E office@gfplegal.com www.gobertpartners.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
IRELAND J CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
IRELAND
WINNER
J FINANCIAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
We can...
...see the wood At Dillon Eustace our many years of experience mean we can provide clear, focused advice, without ever losing sight of the bigger picture. We offer national and international corporates, banks, asset managers and insurers our expertise in: • • • • • • • •
ABS/Funds Listing Asset Management Banking Commercial Property Corporate Finance Cross Border Insurance Defamation Financial Services
• • • • • • • •
General Commercial Investment Funds Labour Law Litigation Maritime/Aviation Regulatory Compliance Securitisation Tax
For more information contact: Mark Thorne. Dillon Eustace, 33 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Tel: +353 1 667 0022 Fax: +353 1 667 0042 mark.thorne@dilloneustace.ie
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
ITALY
WINNER
J AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Studio Legale Pierallini & Associati is a multidisciplinary law firm based in Rome and Milan. Laura Pierallini - founder and name partner of the firm - spent years at the legal and tax department of Arthur Andersen Worldwide Organization and from 2001 to 2005 was the managing partner of the international law firm Coudert Brothers, in Rome. She is a professor of Commercial Law and Air Law at the LUISS University of Rome. Laura Pierallini has practised aviation law since 1988, offering a complete range of assistance to airlines, banks, leasing companies and manufacturers. Experience in aviation by the firm, inter alia, includes: representation of domestic and foreign companies engaged in air transport; financial and corporate assistance; Italian labour and regulatory advice; aircraft insurance work; assistance to handling companies; representation of Italian and foreign manufacturers and lenders in connection with the acquisition, disposition and operation of commercial aircraft, including purchase, lease, charter and financing transactions; representation before governmental agencies and the civil aviation authorities, mainly in Italy and EU but also abroad; advising international leasing companies and financiers in their aircraft business in Italy; registration and de-registration of aircraft in Italy. The firm has assisted IPOs of Italian airlines at the Milan stock exchange and M&A of domestic airlines by foreign airlines, as well advised airlines and airport handlers in restructuring procedures. The firm has an extensive experience in the full range of corporate and commercial advice,
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
offering integrated practice area teams providing legal assistance on various area of law, including, among others, M&A, competition, regulatory, labour and employment, litigation and arbitration, insolvency and corporate restructuring, intellectual property, real estate, tax and white collar crimes.
Studio Legale Pierallini & Associati Rome Office Viale Liegi, 28, I - 00198 Rome T +39 06 88 41 713
Ms. Pierallini is adviser to the Italian Association of Air Transport Carriers (Assaereo). She uses to attend many conferences on aviation, presenting speeches and moderating panels at various Italian and international symposia (in particular organized by IATA, EALA and Assaereo).
F +39 06 88 40 249
She has contributed to various publications, including the Italian chapter of Getting the Deal Through – Air Transport; Airfinance Annual; Aircraft Finance and Aircraft Liens; International Law Office – Aviation; A New Prescriptive Intervention Towards the Homogenization of the Air Carrier Liability; The Legislative Decree No.111/1995: Effects on Relations Between Tour Operators and Travel Agents; and Travels, Holidays, Package Tours, Denied Boarding and Cancellation: New Fines for Airlines.
www.studiopierallini.it
Laura Pierallini is a member of L2B Aviation, the International Aviation Women’s Association, the European Air Law Association and the European Aviation Club. Pierallini & Associati is recommended as leading aviation firm by several guides, including Top Legal; Expert Guides – Aviation Lawyers; Legal 500 EMEA; Who’s Who Legal; Corporate International; GlobalLawExperts.
Milan Office Piazza Castello, 26, I - 20121 Milan T +39 02 86 91 54 68 F +39 02 87 75 04 E l.pierallini@pierallini.it
ITALY
WINNER
J SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
CBA With 20 partners and more than 180 professionals operating in offices in Milan, Rome, Munich (Germany) and Padua CBA has leveraged on its prominent position in the M&A, turnaround and restructuring sectors to become a leading provider of legal services to corporate entities in the Italian and German markets. But being one of many full service law firms -though unique in its crossborder focus on Italy and Germanyhas not been CBA’s ultimate goal. The Firm has consistently and successfully pursued a strategy aimed at establishing itself as a leading provider of highly specialized legal services in niche and countercyclical markets like sports, entertainment, betting, media, sponsorship and licensing, IT, design and energy. CBA & Sports Law Sports Law at CBA is practised by a multi-lingual and multi-disciplinary team of lawyers headed by Luca Ferrari, one of the Firm’s founding partners and a pioneer of sports law in Italy.
He regularly speaks at international conferences, gives lectures at universities for masters and other postgraduate programs and has contributed to several sports-law, media and image rights publications. He is also a regular writer for International Sports Law Review, Global Sports Law and Taxation Reports and, having been a member of the editorial board since 2004, World Sports Law Report. Notable Legal work Luca’s most recent work has included the new collective bargaining agreements for Italian football players, coaches and sports directors, Sergio Tacchini’s sponsorship of Novak Djokovic, the new Arena global swimwear sponsorship program, Liverpool FC’s acquisition of Fabio Borini from AS Roma and the contract between the Japanese Football Association and national team manager Alberto Zaccheroni.
Luca Ferrari, Partner CBA Galleria San Carlo n. 6, 20122 Milano T +39 02 778 061 F +39 02 760 21816 E erika.seifert@cbalex.com www.cbalex.com
Luca maintains an holistic approach to the sports business, combining regulatory, commercial and tax advice through a highly trained group of specialists covering transactional as well as litigation work, and domestic as well as cross-border work. A civil law attorney by education, his international background and experience has granted him familiarity with common law legal system and contracts.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
LUXEMBOURG
WINNER
J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INSOLVENCY & RESTRUCTURING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
B S P
BONN STEICHEN & PARTNERS
Bonn Steichen & Partners is a premier independent law firm serving domestic and international clients, including major financial institutions and corporations. The firm often works with well-known international law firms on crossborder transactions. Its partners are recognised experts in their field. With in excess of 60 50 professionals, Bonn Steichen & Partners offers a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of Luxembourg law. The firm provides a high degree of partner involvement, with a confident and highly experienced decision-maker on the clients’ side to provide answers not options. Bonn Steichen & Partners seeks to develop longterm relationships with its clients, understand their needs and deliver informed, specialist advice. Clients benefit from having access to a wide variety of resources and skills as the lawyers work across departments according to the clients’ needs.
B S P
PRACTICE AREAS Corporate Corporate, M & A Insolvency & Restructuring Banking & Finance Bank Lending, Structured Finance, Securitisation Capital Markets Investment Investment Funds Private Equity Dispute Resolution Tax Employment, Compensation & Benefits IP, IT & General Commercial Real Estate, Construction
BONN STEICHEN & PARTNERS Avocats
2, rue Peternelchen I Immeuble C2 I L-2370 Howald I Luxembourg T. +352 26025-1 I F. +352 26025-999 mail@bsp.lu I www.bsp.lu
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
LUXEMBOURG J INVESTMENT FUNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
LEXFIELD is a Luxembourg niche law firm focused on investment funds, corporate, tax and finance laws, capable of handling sophisticated legal matters with a high level of tailor-made services. The firm was created with the ambition of setting new benchmarks in the Luxembourg legal market to provide the highest quality in a creative and dynamic environment. Luxembourg is the Europe’s number 1 investment fund centre and the world’s leading hub for global fund distribution. The continuing development of the Grand-Duchy as a centre of financial and investment fund services has led to a unique concentration of specialist service providers. This unparalleled blend of expertise in the areas of fund administration, management and distribution enables Luxembourg to offer fund promoters and investors an extraordinarily wide range of investment products. Since its inception, LEXFIELD developed an extensive and growing investment management practice and serves the whole investment management value chain. The firm specialises in a wide range of regulated investment funds with a focus on Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), including a specific expertise on private equity and real estate investments. Jonathan BURGER is the partner having founding the investment management practice of LEXFIELD. He combines his strong tax expertise of international tax structuring with the creation and organisation of Luxembourg regulated investment funds, including UCITS and Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs), advising domestic and international fund promoters, distributors, investment
WINNER
bankers, asset managers, depositary banks, central administrations and other agents providing fund-related services. Before joining LEXFIELD, Jonathan was working in international law firms established in Luxembourg, including one of the “Magic Circle” law firms. Jonathan is also actively involved in the tax structuring of corporates, financial institutions and asset managers across a broad spectrum of matters including international tax planning, fund structuring, M&A mandates, private banking and wealth management. Over the last years he frequently advised fund promoters and asset managers on the launching of Alternative Investment Funds structures such as SIFs platforms with a wide range of alternative investment strategies, including amongst others long-short equity, long only, contrarian, real estate, credit funds, renewable energies, physical gold, forestry assets, etc.
Jonathan Burger Investment Management Partner LEXFIELD T +352 260 082 50 E jburger@lexfield.com www.lexfield.com
His recent handling matters include: • Acting as legal advisor of a merchant banking in relation with the set-up of a complex Alternative Investment Funds structuring with SIF vehicles (2012), • Launching of a sophisticated UCITS fora Swiss asset manager (2012), • Acting as legal advisor to a Luxembourg fund promotor in relation with the new UCITS IV rules and substance-related matters of domestic management companies (2012), • Launching of several stand-alone SIFs structures for a large Swiss asset manager (2012), • Launching of several umbrella SIFs for a Luxembourg fund promotor (2011 and 2010).
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
ACQGLOBALAWARDS2010 - WESTERN EUROPE NETHERLANDS
ACQGLOBALAWARDS2010 - WESTERN WINNEREUROPE
Winner: Client care law firm of the year Benelux J OVERALL FIRM OF THE YEAR BANNING. The activities of these teams include ANNING N.V. LAW was established in 1965. In the last Winner: B42 Client avoiding disputes, for example by drawing up and years BANNING N.V. has developed care law firmintoofanthe year providing adviceBenelux on contracts and general conditions. independent, specialized lawfirm with domestic and international clients and a domestic and international practice.
An important part of this Practice Group’s activities consists of supervising mergers, acquisitions and restructurings, and all of the matters related to such The 80 lawyers at offices in s- Hertogenbosch and activities. The lawyers in this Practice Group have a Rotterdam work in nine specialist areas. European great deal of knowledge and experience in this field and Competition Law forms a separate practice area BANNING. The activities of these teams include N.V.2007. was established in 1965. In athe last and have supervised numerous major transactions. fromANNING 1 October Teams of lawyers from range avoiding disputes, for example by drawing up and 42 years areas BANNING N.V. has formed developed into an Of course, they also provide thorough advice oninclude the of practice are regularly for specific BANNING. The activities and of general these teams ANNING N.V. was established in 1965. In the lastproviding advice on contracts conditions. independent, specialized lawfirm with domestic projects, especially in the transaction practice. financing structure to be used and advice on the avoiding disputes, for example by drawing up and 42 years BANNING N.V. has developed and into an and international clients and a domestic Anproviding important part of contracts this Practice of the advice case involving competition law.activities on andGroup’s general conditions. independent, specialized lawfirm domesticaspects BANNING has a training institute calledwith BANNING international practice. consists of supervising mergers, acquisitions and and Institute international clientslawyers and internally a domestic lawyerspart haveofathis great deal Group’s of procedural Education which trains and and All of Anthe important Practice activities restructurings, and all of the matters related to such The 80 lawyers at offices in sHertogenbosch and international practice. experience, that the client’s interests can be externally. BANNING’s Legal Research Department consists so of supervising mergers, acquisitions and The lawyers in this handling Practice Group have a Rotterdam work inhandling nine specialist areas. European optimally represented when offers support cases,in ensures that our andactivities. restructurings, and all of the mattersdisputes related tothat such The 80 in lawyers at offices s- Hertogenbosch great deal of knowledge and experience in this field and Competition Law forms a separate practice area already The arisen, where proceedings lawyers are aware of in all nine the specialist latest developments lawyers in legal this Practice Group have have a Rotterdam work areas. Europeanhaveactivities. have supervised numerous major transactions. from 1and October 2007. Teams of lawyers from a range Competition Law forms a separate practice great deal of knowledge in this field and publishes articles in professional journals and areaand become unavoidable. 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That is optimally represented when handling disputes that offers externally. support inBANNING’s handling cases, our Legal ensures Research that Department experience, so that the client’s interests can be and IP & ICT law. why this are Practice has mostdevelopments teams within already represented arisen, where legalhandling proceedings have lawyers awareGroup ofin all thethelatest when disputes that offers support handling cases, ensures that ourhaveoptimally and publishes articles journals and become Theywhere can also assist in collections lawyers are awarein ofprofessional all the latest developments haveunavoidable. already arisen, legal proceedings have other media. respect unavoidable. to your accounts portfolio. They receivable can also assist in collections and publishes articles in professional journals andwithbecome respect to your accounts portfolio. other media. A with number of specific subareasreceivable of company law for BANNING considers an optimal price-quality ratio number Practice of specificGroups subareas of company an rate optimal price-quality have been setlaw upfor essential.BANNING We offer aconsiders favourable structure that canratiowhich Aseparate which separate Practice Groups have been set essential.in We offer a favourable rate structure that canare insolvency law and restructurings, banking andup be customized consultation with our clients. are insolvency lawcontracts and restructurings, banking and be customized consultation with our clients. security, commercial and competition law, Company law is aninextensive practice area. That is security, commercial contracts and competition law, and IP & ICT law. Company law is an extensive practice area. That is why this Practice Group has the most teams within and IP & ICT law. why this Practice Group has the most teams within
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ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
DETAILS Dr. R.W.F. Hendriks Advocaat / Attorney-at-law T: (+31) 73 6927 748 F: (+31) 73 6927 789 M: (+31) 6 51503601 E: r.hendriks@banning.nl DETAILS Dr.DETAILS R.W.F. Hendriks Advocaat / Attorney-at-law Dr. R.W.F. Hendriks T: (+31) 73 748 Advocaat6927 / Attorney-at-law F: (+31) 73 6927 T: (+31) 73 6927789 748 M:F:(+31) 51503601 (+31)673 6927 789 E: M: r.hendriks@banning.nl (+31) 6 51503601 E: r.hendriks@banning.nl
9 9
POLAND
WINNER
J BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DER R A, M EYER The Warsaw branch of Derra, Meyer &
We are also very proud to announce that
Partners is a well known and established
we have undertaken an alliance with
legal firm in the heart of Warsaw offering
the auditing company IC & Partners
a comprehensive range of services and
Warsaw sp. z o.o. (www.icpartnerswarsaw.
T +48 22 10 10740
legal advice fully tailored to our Polish
pl). Due to this alliance, we are now
F +48 22 10 10741
and International clients’ demands and
able to provide comprehensive advice
E dmp@derra.pl
expectations. We specialise in assisting
including tax consulting for entrepreneurs
foreign clients to enter the Polish
operating their businesses in international
market and offer a full range of services
markets. dmp Derra, Meyer Poland is
regarding the setting up and acquisition of
also a member of DIRO (www.diro.eu)
subsidiaries, representing foreign clients
and of International REFERRAL (www.
in litigation cases before Polish state and
international-referral.com).
arbitration courts and enforcing (cross – border) judgments, our multi – lingual stuff provides services in Polish, English, German and Russian and we are one of the very few legal firms based in Poland to provide legal advice in Italian.
opened a new branch of the our legal firm in Wrocław, in the West of Poland near to the German boarder. Wrocław is an industrial city which is currently a thriving business location which is attracting many of investment from international firms
involved in a number of cases with an
especially from Germany, Holland and
international flavor. We have advised a
Italy and we aim to advise our clients
Chinese construction giant to set up a
with our specialized knowledge of the
Polish subsidiary and assisted them to
local market.
building, sport stadiums and shopping mall investment. Additionally, we represented Warsaw City Council during negotiations with UEFA regarding the staging of the 2012 European Football Championship
www.derra.eu
At the beginning of the year 2013 we
During 2012 we were successfully
enter the lucrative Polish market of road
DMP Derra, Meyer, R. Lewandowski sp.k. ul. Żurawia 26 lok. 10 00-515 Warsaw Poland
The Warsaw office is headed by Dr. Robert Lewandowski, a fully - qualified Polish and German attorney at law who has previously worked for major legal firms in Warsaw and London.
in Poland and Ukraine. Furthermore, we advised international volleyball stars from Germany, Italy, Spain and Slovakia during negotiations with their clubs and contractual dispute settlement.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
PORTUGAL
WINNER
J BANKING AND FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J PROJECT FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CORPORATE & M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CAPITAL MARKETS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J SHIPPING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J TMT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR How is the continuing crisis affecting the market regarding Arbitration and Litigation? Financial aspect is decisive. It is an inescapable fact that the crisis has affected all areas of law and, litigation and arbitration is no exception. At this point, before a client take a decision to go to the court, we are assisting at a major concern of them to be aware and informed about the chances of success of any legal proceedings to avoid unnecessary costs, which are calculated at all levels, beyond the legal context. Besides that, they really try negotiate an agreement to avoid the judicial action. However, in most cases this is not possible, so the legal action is the only way to solve such problems. Considering our experience, we believe that litigation and maybe the labor departments are the areas with the biggest increase of work over an economic crisis scenario. The arbitration is currently limited to clients with a huge economic power as it is a process too expensive for most companies, even when it is recognized many advantages of this type of process. What are the current market trends? Which operations in this area of practice are currently dominating the market and why? The type of legal action has being strongly influenced by the economic situation of the country, legal actions by breaches of contracts and insolvency actions soared as we have no memory in the past. Most small businesses are currently trying to survive and even experiencing a pre-insolvent situation. In these cases, the creditors cannot see their rights satisfied by such company by existing assets. Therefore the insolvency process is a way to persuade their managements to pay any debt through their personal patrimony in order to avoid the situation insolvency and all legal consequences. In the other hand, if doesn’t result is a way to “clean the market”, leaving aside of companies who doesn’t respect the agreements and doesn’t pay their debts.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Are operations getting global? What kind of cross-border operations the department is dealing with? Yes, the international operations are growing and we believe this is a direct consequence of the crisis. Portuguese companies as a way to resolve the crisis are increasingly trying to expand its business beyond boundaries. Indeed, the intersection of diverse cultures often gives rise to the diversity of interpretation of contracts and hence the litigation. We have had experience in various types of contracts, so we can say that the contractual liability tops the global litigation. What challenges are your clients currently facing? What are the key areas of concern you are advising them on? At this time the client is concerned with making use of a preventive law. In the area of contracts, clients are concerned to know well the other party and be well informed about its content. In the labor area for example and although there have been already some significant modifications, remains an area of great concern by clients. The law remains somewhat inflexible to the needs and difficulties of the companies. By the contrary, the courts continue to be too protective of workers. The dispute in this area involves always a great concern to our clients as the odds towards them are reduced. How are law firm company and Litigation departments adapting to the changes in the market? Are there new areas emerging offering new opportunities for law firms? We do not believe that new areas are emerging, nor believe that this will happen in a near future. Law firms will have to be increasingly a business partner of its clients, and lawyers have to give a specialized support not only in the areas of law but also in sectors in which their clients operate. Only in this way we can provide an indispensable legal support and tailored to their needs. Of course, this knowledge must be common to all areas of law. Moreover, there must be a great concern of law firms to demonstrate to their clients that a preventive legal support can avoid many problems and also avoidable costs.
Ana Cláudia Rangel Partner Raposo Bernardo Lisbon Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo, Edificio Aviz, nr.35, 18º 1050-118 Lisboa T (00351) 21 312 1330 F (00351) 21 356 2908 E lisbon@raposobernardo.com www.raposobernardo.com
PORTUGAL
WINNER
J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Caiado Guerreiro has a general practice in all areas of law. However, the firm is better known for its services in areas such as: Commercial and Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Banking, Finance Tax and Fund Law, Labour and Social Security Law, Real Estate Law and Intellectual Property, as well as the areas of Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT). Our clients include industrial and commercial companies from all business sectors, utilities, banks and other financial institutions, insurance companies, professional firms, public bodies and other organizations, as well as individuals.
We aim to provide a professional service of the highest quality combining technical excellence with commercial understanding and a pragmatic, constructive approach adding value with our work. We attach great importance to friendliness and approachability both within the firm and in our relationship with the clients.
Caiado Guerreiro Portugal Angola Brazil Mozambique Rua Castilho, n. 39 – 15º - 1250-068 Lisboa T +351 21 371 70 00 F +351 21 371 70 01 E law@caiadoguerreiro.com. www.caiadoguerreiro.com
Out of Portugal, our services are mainly focused in PortugueseSpeaking Countries, namely Angola, Brazil, Mozambique and Cape Verde, with whom we maintain an excellent relationship. Caiado Guerreiro is ranked by Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, IFLR and International Tax Review directories among Portugal’s leading law firms.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
PORTUGAL J DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Firm Profile SRS is a full-service law firm which has expanded significantly in recent years, and comprises over 100 lawyers. Our clients benefit from a strong position in the national and international market, benefiting from a presence in Lisbon, Funchal and Oporto (the latter by way of association), as well as a first rate international presence through a number of international partnerships, namely in Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde and Mozambique. SRS offers an all-round service, working in various areas of the law. The spirit of specialisation is mirrored in our work, which allows for an interdisciplinary and complementary approach among all departments. The Dispute Resolution team is now firmly established and well consolidated, following a merge with Soares Machado & Associados, a well-known boutique law firm, specializing in this area, which took place in October 2010. The department is presently composed by 14 associates and is led by Partner José Carlos Soares Machado, who has over 35 years of experience and expertise as a civil and commercial litigation/arbitration lawyer. Partner Profile José Carlos Soares Machado
• Has practised law for more than 35 years and has been consistently recognised as a leading civil and commercial litigation lawyer, with vast experience in arbitration and insolvencies. Since 2011 he has been a partner and head of the litigation and arbitration department at SRS Advogados. • Former president of Lisbon Bar Council, as well as a member of the Portuguese Bar Association National Board of Directors, and of its National Supreme Council. He is also an arbitrator at its arbitration centre. • Member of the Portuguese Arbitration Association and of the International Commercial Arbitration Committee of the International Law Association. • Representative of the Minister of Justice on the Portuguese Insolvency Administrators Supervisory Committee since 2005. • One of the founders of the Portuguese Dispute Resolution Circle, of which all of the heads of Dispute Resolution Departments, of the major Portuguese law firms, are also a part of (and who elected Soares Machado as Chairman of the Circle). The Dispute Resolution team is now firmly established and well consolidated, following a merge with Soares Machado & Associados, a wellknown boutique law firm, specializing in this area, which took place in October 2010. The department is presently composed by 14 associates and is led by Partner José Carlos Soares Machado, who has over 35 years of experience and expertise as a civil and commercial litigation/arbitration lawyer. Areas of Expertise The litigation and arbitration department of SRS has developed its work on several matters that comprise ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
not only commercial and civil litigation (domestic and international), towards state courts, but also in several arbitrations. Carla Neves Matias • White collar crime • Distribution contracts • Arbitration
Maria José Tavares • Litigation in the Corporate area • Litigation in the Insurance area • Litigation in the Intellectual Property area Regina Santos Pereira • Litigation in the Real Estate area • Litigation in the Finance area • Litigation in the Corporate area Mariana França Gouveia • Arbitration • Civil Procedure
WINNER
SRS Advogados Rua Dom Francisco Manuel de Melo, 21 1070-085 Lisbon Portugal T +351 21 313 20 00 F +351 21 313 20 01 E Soares.machado@srslegal.pt www.srslegal.pt
PORTUGAL
WINNER
JP HARMACEUTICAL ANTITRUST LAWYER OF THE YEAR Gonรงalo Pinto Ferreira, Partner - Albuquerque & Associados
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
RUSSIA J ANTITRUST LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The antitrust practice of EDAS Law Bureau (EDAS) covers an entire range of antitrust litigation assistance to their clients, including, inter alia, providing legal assistance to the companies as their legal advisors in the Federal Antitrust Service (the FAS) in investigations against them and in administrative cases with regard to imposition of administrative fines for certain violations of antitrust law as well as representing companies-claimants in respect of their claims against other companies with regard to violation of antitrust law. The antitrust team also represents companies when a respective decision of the FAS is being challenged in courts subsequently. Among the types of disputes EDAS legal experts of antitrust practice have been involved are abuse of dominant position, price discrimination as well as unfair competition. The EDAS team has engaged in antitrust practice since 2005 and has accumulated considerable experience. The firm’s legal experts are deeply merged into subject and have the capacity and expertise to handle assignments of any size and complexity in the areas concerning antitrust law. They are members of several FAS expert councils. EDAS legal experts take an active part in the non-profit partnership “Competition Support Association”. Within this organisation they participate in preparation of drafts bill as experts and attend public events concerning antitrust legislation. Russian antitrust legislation has a 20-year history. Antitrust litigations are governed by general procedural laws, e.g. the Arbitrazh Procedural Code of Russia contains rules for all types of economic litigations, including antitrust actions. The Russian antitrust legislation has been developed rapidly since 2006. Thus, the so called “third antitrust package” introducing
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
essential amendments to the current antitrust legislation, notably in respect of determination of monopolistically high price of goods, anticompetitive (cartel) arrangements and concerted practice etc, came into effect in January 2012. “With respect to recent trends in Russian antitrust litigation we would note the following. Disputes that connected with challenge of tender results within public procurement and unfair competition have become widespread recently. It should be also noted the FAS high level activity in the last years and, accordingly, essential increase in disputes in the sphere of antitrust litigation in Russia,” said Igor Akimov, partner of the Firm. At the same time private antitrust litigation has not developed much over this period, due to the weak legislation, the relevant court practice is also rather poor, including with regard to damages redress. Therefore, very often the reason an action is dismissed is the failure to prove any relation between the breach of law and damages at the same time. Mr Akimov, partner, is actively involved in all the Bureau’s antimonopoly consultancy projects. He is an able member in the nonprofit partnership “Competition Support Association” and efficiently functions as a member of the metals sector supervisory board operating within the FAS.
WINNER
Mr. Igor Akimov, Partner, Head of antimonopoly practice EDAS Law Bureau T +7 495 228 0757 E i.akimov@edaslawfirm.ru www.edaslawfirm.ru
RUSSIA J CORPORATE/M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J BANKRUPTCY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J ANTITRUST LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J INSURANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Inmar Legal Ltd was established in 1998. The basic line of the firm‘s activity is provision of legal support of business for Russian and foreign commercial organizations. Our attorneys are always ready to provide competent and timely professional legal assistance in the following areas: corporate law, maritime law, complex legal support of real estate transactions, copyright, tax and customs law, general legal support to the business. Firm’s Clients include a number of large and important organizations, both in Russia and abroad, not only willing to vouch for the work of our lawyers, but also to recommend Inmar Legal Ltd as a reliable strategic partner. That is why timely application for our qualified legal help not only saves time and money to the Client, but also helps to avoid a lot of further problems. Maritime Law For a long time seas and oceans have been used by the human community as a transportation route for the carriage of goods, passengers and luggage. Currently, maritime transport is the first in the world both in total carriage volume and international transportation, in which the dominant factor is the international carriage of goods. Maritime law, being polysystemic set of rules, by its nature, regulates a variety of patterns relationships united by the fact that they arise from the use of the oceans, and in particular, the commercial navigation. Since the establishment Inmar Legal Ltd specialized in providing legal services in the field of maritime law and, in particular, merchant shipping. Over the years in this industry, our lawyers have acquired a deep knowledge of the law, understanding of the specific problems of maritime industry experience and solutions. The company provides consulting, legal assistance and support on all aspects of maritime law. In particular, our attorneys are ready to provide the following services: • l egal support of lending, construction and acquisition of vessels; • ship registration in the State Register of Shipping of the Russian Federation, the Russian International Register of Shipping, Bareboat Charter Register of the Russian Federation; • legal support of mortgages of vessels; • c onsulting on the registration of vessels under the “convenient” flag; • p reparation and legal examination of all contracts related to maritime transport, including contracts of affreightment, bareboat charters, time charters, maritime agency agreements, ship management, crew management, etc.; • c onsulting on protection from arrest and protection of vessels in Russia and abroad through a network of correspondents; • l egal assistance in case of emergency, in case of collision, damage to port facilities, etc., in activities of the salvage, towage; • p rotection of interests of the Client in the course of general average settlement; • c onsulting on the conclusion and execution of marine insurance contracts;
WINNER
• p articipation in the settlement of disputes, including negotiations with opponents, their insurers and lawyers; • representing Clients in customs clearance of vessels; • consulting on tax courts; • c onsulting on labor issues arising in the field of merchant shipping; • c onsulting and assistance in negotiations with law enforcement and other government agencies, representing shipowners in illegitimate activities of government agencies, and others.
Miss Ksenia Rubets, Associate
Over the years in this field dozens of Russian and foreign shipowners have become our regular Clients. We know the specifics of international maritime law and particular features of its application. Support of bankruptcy Conducting business bankruptcy is a complex of procedures that are better to entrust professionals because they require not only deep knowledge of civil and procedural law, but also understanding of specific character of this type of case. There are a lot of hidden difficulties, and collecting of all the necessary documents and submitting them to the relevant authorities is almost insurmountable task for a beginner. Our specialists will help to make all necessary operations in accordance with applicable legislation. In particular, we provide the following services related to bankruptcy: • R eceiving from open sources the information concerning debtors, including information about their corporate structure, affiliated persons and their financial condition; • Consultation concerning bankruptcy procedures; • C laim initiation in arbitration court about excitation of procedure of bankruptcy; • S upport of all procedures of the bankruptcy initiated by the debtor or the creditor; • R epresentation of interests of creditors and debtors in arbitration courts, other state structures, and also in negotiations with participants of process of bankruptcy; • T he legal analysis of actions of the arbitration managing director. Corporate law, M&A Corporate law is a set of legal rules regulating various kinds of social relations, the diverse and different in nature and content, and related to the establishment, reorganization and liquidation of the legal entity, with membership shares, shares in the authorized capital of business entities, shares of cooperative members, with the compensation of damages caused by a legal entity, invalidation of transactions made by a legal person, the appointment or election of persons who are members of the governing bodies and inspection bodies of the legal entity and their responsibility, to the issue of securities, etc. Having an excellent reputation among clients and with considerable experience in legal counseling in matters of corporate law, our firm provides legal support services to the full range of corporate legal relationships, helping customers to solve their problems in this area the most effective way, with minimal financial and time costs.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
RUSSIA J I NTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WINNER
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ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
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RUSSIA & THE CIS
WINNER
J DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Founded in 2003 Muranov, Chernyakov & Partners is now ranked as one of Russia’s TOP 10 national law firms according to a number of national and international rankings. The firm is comprised of 30 lawyers and co-headed by co-managing partners Alexander Muranov and Dmitry Chernyakov. The firm’s key practices are: • Litigation and Dispute Resolution • Corporate • WTO Practice Brief discription of the firm’s L&DR practice • We successfully represent our clients in international arbitrations under the rules of ICAC (Moscow), SCC (Stockholm), ICC (Paris) and support our clients in foreign governmental courts in different jurisdictions, including BVI, Cyprus, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, the USA, etc. • We help our clients with recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments and arbitration awards in Russia. • We successfully represent our clients in Russian governmental court proceedings at all levels, including the Supreme Commercial Court of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation.
• We represent clients in courts across all regions of Russia. • We act in disputes involving a broad spectrum of commercial, contractual, financial, tax and technical matters. Clients and the market about Muranov, Chernyakov & Partners “This respectable domestic firm is a solid choice for complex local litigation, and offers a wealth of experience in this [L&DR] field. The group advises both international and domestic clients, and is praised for its reliability and forceful approach. Sources say: ‘They are professionals of a very high calibre.’” (Chambers Europe, 2012)
Alexander Muranov, Co-managing partner, Attorney amuranov@rospravo.ru Dmitry Chernyakov, Co-managing partner, Attorney dchernyakov@rospravo.ru Muranov, Chernyakov & Partners Bld. 6, 23 Denisovsky Lane, Moscow, Russian Federation, 105005 T +7 495 783 7450 www.rospravo.ru
“[…] provides good value for money” (Chambers Europe, 2011) “[…] knows the law inside out” (Legal 500, 2009) “Dmitry Chernyakov is a well-known expert in state court litigation, and his busy practice focuses on servicing prominent Russian clients.” (Chambers Global, 2012) “Alexander Muranov focuses on international clients with Russian interests and is described as a “really extraordinary lawyer.” He is deeply involved in the development of arbitration legislation.” (Chambers Global, 2012)
Members of the Board of Muranov, Chernyakov & Partners
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
SERBIA J INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ZMP is a full service Intellectual Property
the countries of The Balkans.
Law Firm. Through the network of ZMP
Zivko Mijatovic & Partners offers a full
Offices across Central and Eastern Europe
range of intellectual property services in
we are able to provide overall protection
the areas of patents, designs, copyright
of all Intellectual Property rights including
and trade marks as well as in the field of
both prosecution and enforcement of such
Commercial Law.
rights. Further, our Alicante Office provides full service in relation to European Community Trademarks (CTMs) and Registered Community Designs (RCDs). Our constant presence in all the countries of Central Eastern Europe, allows us to provide our clients with immediate and simultaneous service in different countries
Services Our offices are providing legal assistance and advice in protection of IP rights, management and enforcement of the same in the countries where we operate. We are always in position to meet different needs of our clients.
of the region, by simply contacting one
Services we provide include filing
of our offices. That is why the services we
and prosecution of IP rights, search
provide are unique in the region.
and watching service, IP portfolio
Office History
management, handling of conflicts;
Our law firm was established in 1939 in
advice and representation in infringement
Belgrade , Yugoslavia as a general practice
and enforcement matters. We are
law firm. It has grown progressively and
particularly active in providing expert
today, we have eight offices in seven
advice and legal assistance in the matters
European countries.
of counterfeit and piracy.
Our services are provided through the network of ZMP offices which cover the Balkan Peninsula and Central Eastern Europe . Over the last thirty years, the primary activity of our office has been the protection, via prosecution and litigation,
We are entitled to represent our clients before the Judicial authorities, before the Intellectual Property Offices, before the Customs Offices and before different administrative authorities of the countries where we operate.
of all Intellectual Property rights.
YOUR INTELLECTUAL Property CHOICE
Nonetheless, our activity still embraces
Prosecution & Litigation of Trademarks,
other fields of law and consequently
Patents and Designs
we are at your disposal to provide you with full range of services in the field of Commercial Law and Corporate Law in all
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
Zivko Mijatovic & Partners P.O. Box 526 11001 Belgrade Serbia Air Courier Address: Svetogorska 7 11000 Belgrade Serbia T +381 11 3341 771 +381 11 3341 797 F +381 11 3341 792 E Address:admin@zm-p.com www.zm-p.com
WE WERE VOTED BECAUSE CLIENT CARE COMES FIRST * Zivko Mijatovic and Partners, Serbia was voted as a winner of International Law Office Client Choice Award for 2011 by individual assessment of corporate counsel across the world
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
SLOVENIA
WINNER
JF ULL SERVICE LAWYER OF THE YEAR - ALEŠ ROJS - MANAGING PARTNER, LAW FIRM ROJS, PELJHAN, PRELESNIK & PARTNERJI
The law firm Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & partners was established in 1989. Today the law firm is probably the largest Slovenian law firm in terms of the number of fully qualified attorneys specializing in commercial and corporate law and providing services solely to legal entities (companies, governments, financial institutions). The firm’s headquarters are located in Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. Among firm’s clients are the biggest Slovenian companies from the insurance sector, state owned company for building Slovenian motorways as the biggest investor in Slovenia, construction companies, several domestic and foreign investment and commercial banks, leasing companies, industrial corporations, domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies, trade associations, state and private owned funds. The law firm can render services in Slovenian, English, German, French, Italian, Serb and Croat language. The law firm is continuously ranked as a Tier 1 firm and as a Slovenian market leader by all the leading legal rankings. The core of the firm’s business are following practice areas: M&A, joint ventures, due diligence, litigation and dispute resolution, capital markets transactions, banking, general corporate practice, competition law, labour law, construction, public procurement, real estate transactions, insolvency law. Our M&A team led by Ales Rojs has developed recognized expertise in the full range of merger and acquisition transactions. The firm acts for purchasers, sellers and financial advisors in stock and asset deals, mergers, takeovers, restructuring and joint ventures, both Slovenian and crossborder. Some of the recent transactions are advising Agrokor d.d., the largest private company in Croatia and one of the leading regional companies in its continued pursuit of acquisition of Slovene based retailer Mercator (the leading retailer in Slovenia and one of the leading retailers in South-East Europe) and advising XXXLutz in acquisition of Lesnina, the leading Slovenian furniture retailer. The firm’s banking and finance team provides first class service in finance and banking matters. The firm’s work has previously extended to advising in
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
complex transactions, including acquisition and project finance, loan & other debt (re)structuring, collateralization, collection, enforcement, representation in insolvency proceedings, advising with regard to regulatory environment, providing banking, investment and payment services to Slovenia on cross-border basis and under various EU directives, forex trading services and hedge funds. In an absence of a standard ISDA netting opinion for Slovenia, the firm also issue local netting and collateral opinions with respect to the ISDA Master Agreement and relevant opinions on the FOA Master Agreement. Banking, finance and capital markets department is led by partner Grega Peljhan who is assisted by partner Bojan Sporar. The firm is currently acting for the originator, arranger and co-arranger in a EUR 500 million securitization deal (this being the first traditional securitization deal, involving true-sale of receivables, in Slovenia. The firm’s competition team is led by partner Tomaz Ilesic and has advised clients in some of Slovenia’s most complex merger clearance processes and in relation to various abuse of dominance and restrictive agreements’ proceedings. The firm is currently representing a major Slovenian company in antitrust proceedings before European Commission. The firm’s litigation department led by partner Matija Testen regularly represents clients in commercial disputes arising from various business transactions on behalf of domestic and foreign corporate clients. The law firm is representing a great variety of clients, including companies from insurance sector, construction companies, several investment and commercial banks, foreign and domestic leasing companies, industrial corporations, domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies, local communities including the City of Ljubljana, and various other companies, in disputes with value of the dispute commonly over EUR 1 million (and in some cases over EUR 50 million). The firm is representing the largest Slovenian financial leasing company in approximately 60 various ligation and insolvency cases (in some cases with value over EUR 50 million) and is currently representing a major Slovenian company in ICC arbitration proceeding (with value of a dispute about 30 million EUR).
Ales Rojs Managing Partner Law firm Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & partners Tivolska cesta 48, SI-1000 Ljubljana T + 386 1 23 06 750 F + 386 1 43 25 123 E info@rppp.si www.rppp.si
SPAIN JS PORTS LAWYER OF THE YEAR - JUAN DE DIOS CRESPO PÉREZ, LL.M., RUIZ HUERTA & CRESPO SPORTS LAWYERS
RUIZ-HUERTA & CRESPO is a boutique law firm principally dedicated to Sports Law and with an experience of more than 25 years in that field. The firm is lead by Mr. Juan de Dios Crespo Pérez, who has been involved in Sports Law before he was even a lawyer during his Law School studies at the University of Valencia. He is not only involved in sports law as a litigator and as a general counsel but is also lecturing in some of the most important Sports Law Master worldwide, like the CIESFIFA Master, the MESGO Master, the ISDE International Sports Law Master, the SaintJohn University of New York/ISDE Master in International and Comparative Sports Law, the University of Rome Sports Law Masters, the University of Montevideo Master, as well as in national Masters in Spain (University of Lleida, University of Valencia, Technical University of Valencia, European University of Madrid, Bar of Barcelona, ISDE on-line Master in Sports Law, etc…). He has lectured too in several seminars throughout the world and has also trained interns that are now occupying positions in official sports bodies. As well, he has written several books as co-author or participant, mostly related to football issued and the Court of Arbitration, in which he is one of the most well-known practitioners and has been involved in a lot of the so-called “leading cases” at that Court. He has also written a huge number of articles in Spanish, Argentinean, Peruvian, Brazilian, English, Dutch and Italian Sports Law reviews. Mr. Crespo Pérez is also an arbitrator of the European Court of Arbitration, the appeal body for the European Handball Federation, which gives him the knowledge of the inside of an arbitration proceedings. As well he is an arbitrator of the Valencian Chamber of Commerce and as acted as arbitrator at the International Chamber of Commerce of Paris. He is fluent in Spanish, French, English and Italian, apart of his regional language,
Valencian, and thus can deal with issues directly in those languages which is an asset when it comes to talk about international matters in which you have to understand and deal in a direct manner either in negotiations or in litigation. The office is working with football issues giving advice to clubs, players, agents and Leagues and is also well introduced in basketball, handball, athletics, swimming, taekwondo, indoor football, roller skating, ski, etc… Small but smart, the office has seven lawyers dedicated to sports law at all the levels and is well known for its quick response to the necessities of the clients which is one of the most important issues in sports today as the need to speed up thing is really a must in that field. All the associates speak at least one foreign language and are experienced in sports issues, which also include commercial aspects as sponsorship agreements, marketing contracts, image rights issues and TV deals. Sport Law is relatively a young field but a very exciting one as it is changing constantly so the possibility to be involved in that market gives you the passion to create and the need to be absolutely up-to-date. Thus, RUIZ-HUERTA & CRESPO SPORTS LAWYERS is perfectly prepared for the new challenges of sports and is composed by well-prepared professionals that can give their clients all the legal needs that the might reque
WINNER
Ruiz-Huerta & Crespo Reino de Valencia, 19-4ª y 6ª 46005 Valencia España T +34 96 374 12 11 +34 96 374 11 50 E bufete@ruizcrespo.com www.ruizcrespo.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
SWEDEN
WINNER
J I NTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
af Petersens Law Firm Master Samuelsgatan 42 103 92 Stockholm, Sweden T + 46 (8) 14 45 90 F :+ 46 (8) 24 20 80 www.afpetersens.se
About af Petersens af Petersens is highly competent in Swedish and international business law and is specialised in all forms of litigation. af Petersens has key competence in i.a. life science, real estate and tenant law, corporate affairs and financing with credit law. The lawfirm lawyers have also great experience and competence with regards to construction contracts, commercial negotiations and mergers and acquisitions and white collar crimes. af Petersen clients are both larger and smaller companies and organisations with businesses in knowledge-oriented, service based, and technique intense branches, and the clients range in a wide spectrum on the Swedish and the international market. af Petersens has an established and very well developed international network with close contacts with lawfirms in most countries in Europe, members of the network Cyrus Ross International. In addition, the lawfirm has good contacts with external consultants in financial review and economy, tax advice and other technical expertise concerning af Petersen areas of business.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Clients of af Petersens receive complete assistance in business law related issues with high quality and competence with cost efficiency. Assistance is always provided in close cooperation with the clients to ensure that all the clients commercial and other interests are covered with the legal issues. Practice Areas • Employment Law • Contract Law • Corporate Law • White Collar Crime Proceedings • Real estate – Contsruction Contract Law • Financing – Credit Management Law • Mergers & Acquisitions • Intellectial Property Law • IT & Telecom • Lice Sciences • Public Procurement • Litigation & Arbitration
SWITZERLAND
WINNER
J CORPORATE IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J BOUTIQUE BANKING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
DEDICATED RESPONSIVE EFFICIENT Long - standing relationships Cutting - edge and solution - driven advice
www.dgepartners.com DGE Avocats, Rue Bartholoni 6, Case postale 5210, CH-1211 Genève 11 T +41 (0)22 761 66 66 F +41 (0)22 761 66 67 CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS | MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS | JOINT-VENTURES | RESTRUCTURINGS | BANKING LAW | FINANCIAL REGULATIONS ANTI MONEY-LAUNDERING | MUTUAL FUNDS | STRUCTURED PRODUCTS | LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL LITIGATION AND ARBITRATION INTERNATIONAL JUDICIAL ASSISTANCE | WHITE-COLLAR CRIME | EMPLOYMENT LAW | DATA PROTECTION | IMMIGRATION | REAL ESTATE PRIVATE CLIENTS | TRUSTS & ESTATES | FAMILY LAW AND SUCCESSION PLANNING | INSURANCE | LEGAL AFFAIRS MANAGEMENT
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ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012 24.09.12 12:37
SWITZERLAND
WINNER
J BUSINESS CRIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
AFSCHRIFT (Listed 3 times in www.
patrimony. As a specialist, it helps its clients in
worldfinance100.com) is a multi awarded
performing transactions including by setting
21 lawyers boutique law firm established in
up international financial packages that
Brussels, Antwerp, Geneva, Luxembourg,
minimize tax costs while remaining legally
Madrid and Tel Aviv. With over 30 years
compliant. Tax issues linked with business
experience in domestic and international tax
ones are more and more complex these
law and white-collar crime law, Professor
days, and for many years now have typically
Thierry AFSCHRIFT leads the firm’s practice
been sanctioned by criminal penalties. The
and advises a significant number of major
firm gives preventive and rigorous advice
companies and banks. He is admitted to the
in relation to the decisions and behavior
Brussels, Antwerp and Madrid Bar, while being
clients plan to adopt in the framework of their
member of Luxembourg and Geneva bars.
businesses, so as to avoid the application of
Switzerland is definitely a business-friendly state, for banking and insurance activities but also for industries such as pharmaceutical, chemistry and micro/nano technology ones.
criminal law. When clients are involved in
AFSCHRIFT LAW FIRM Avenue Louise, 208 B-1050 Brussels
criminal proceedings, we also assist them
T +32 (0)2 646 46 36
assertively and effectively, notably to assure
F +32 (0)2 644 38 00
respect for their fundamental rights.
E avocats@afschrift.com www.afschrift.com
Inflation is low and political structure stable,
The firm has participated in the major tax
while the business infrastructure is extremely
and criminal trials of the past 20 years and
efficient. Then, geographically, Switzerland is
acts as a counsel for several Belgian, Swiss
virtually on the middle of Europe. On top of
and Luxembourgian banks and financial
the above, foreign investor face a reasonable
institutions, as well as for wealthy individuals.
regulatory environment, which is normal for a business-oriented country. As a final
Since recently, the Swiss banking secrecy has
point, Switzerland’s tax regime is much more
been weakened under growing international
reasonable and business-friendly comparing to
pressure. Many double tax treaty and
the one of the neighboring countries.
European rules have also been adopted
AFSCHRIFT’s lawyers engage in all matters of (international) business law and more specifically tax and international law, crossborder mergers and acquisitions, international tax planning and optimization, consultancy and litigation, as well as consultancy on taxation related to financial instruments. They also specialize in business crime cases.
allowing in some cases the exchange of banking data. Over the past few years, Switzerland has re-negotiated more than 40 double taxation accords with other countries. The Swiss government has initiated a lengthy process to grant cantonal authorities access to bank client data in a proposal to crack down on suspected tax evasion. The move could lead to a further weakening of
The firm advises all taxpayer, natural or legal
traditional banking secrecy rules. This may
persons, in order to organize at the best
create disputes that we can help client to
their personal, real property or professional
deal with.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Thierry Afschrift
TURKEY J FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Uysal & Tolan Law Offices have been established by the Founders Murat Uysal and Boğaç Tolan after long time experience in leading Turkish law firms. We are dedicated to providing high quality legal services, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. In this regard, interdisciplinary teams are created for each assignment in order to meet the needs of each client. Our clients include domestic and international financial institutions as well as local and multinational corporations. While a significant portion of our practice involves cross-border business transactions with Turkish and international law aspects, we handle all aspects of domestic business as well as assisting Turkish clients in coordinating their legal needs with respect to business transactions outside of Turkey, including coordination of their representation in disputes outside of Turkey.
Expertise Banking General Banking issues Debt Structuring Public Finance Equity Transactions Finance Structured Finance Bankruptcy Leasing Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions Employment Law International Law of Contracts Competition Law Real Estate Law Intellectual Property Law Health Law Rights of Patients and Doctors
WINNER
Informed Consent Legal and Criminal Liabilities of the Doctors and Hospital in Malpractice Cases Liability Insurance of Doctors Public and Administrative Tax Law Environmental Law
Büyükdere Caddesi Noramin Business Center No: 55/113 Maslak 34396 Istanbul- TURKEY Telephone:+90 (212) 328 01 00 Fax:+90 (212) 328 01 61
Litigation Antitrust and Competition Labour Law Litigation Sport Law Our Law Office consists of 2 partners, 12 attorneys and 11 administrative staff. Most of our legal staff is fluent in English. Partners UYSAL, Murat Admitted to Istanbul Bar in 2002. Membership: Istanbul Bar Association. Legal Education: Ankara University School of Law (LL.B., 2000); University of Westminster (LL.M. in International Commercial Law, 2003) Languages: English TOLAN, Boğaç Admitted to Istanbul Bar in 2001. Membership: Istanbul Bar Association. Legal Education: Marmara University (LLB., 1999); San Francisco State University (Certificate 2000) Languages: English
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
TURKEY
WINNER
J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Ismen is especially focused on M&A transactions and is capable of handling complex M&A transactions in various sectors, including retail, energy and telecommunications sectors. Within today’s economic conjuncture and the types of commercial bottlenecks the companies are experiencing, the need for fast, creative and experienced lawyers has become more crucial than ever. Ismen believes there is no room for any try and error method. Ismen’s previous experience clearly demonstrates that it has all the skills necessary to provide prompt and the most suitable support to its clients’ more demanding problems. Ismen had the chance to work with various private equity investors and to experience their exit from an investment made previously with Ismen’s legal advice. With regards to privatizations, Ismen’s team has unparalleled experience representing both sell side and buy side in privatizations in Turkey. Ismen’s past and current experience in representing the Privatization Administration enables Ismen to provide its clients the most practical and efficient service when submitting a bid to a privatization tender. In corporate commercial area, Ismen has represented many local and international clients in their corporate and commercial matters throughout the years. The team’s expertise in M&A transactions is a valuable asset in understanding the commercial dynamics of a company, thereby giving the team the advantage to understand and timely respond to any corporate and commercial needs of a client. Due to its diligent work, in some instances, Ismen’s team continued to provide services to the target company even in sell side M&A transactions. Finally, with regards to competition law, to date, Ismen professionals have represented clients in more than 50 notifications made to the Turkish Competition Authority in different industries such as energy, pharmaceutical, food, oil and gas, retail and construction. Ismen is also experienced in defending multinational clients in investigations by the Turkish Competition Authority. Tolga Ismen and Arzum Gunalcin have strong partnership ethos as they are partners for eight years starting from the foundation of Ismen. In the past, Ismen, in compliance with its business ethics, did not hesitate to refuse to provide services when necessary. In virtue of Ismen’s good moral standing, most of the well known American based companies prefer to work with Ismen Law Firm, i.e. Molex Inc., BAT, 3M, Unilever and Tetra Pak.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Both Tolga Ismen and Arzum Gunalcin are of the opinion that their professionals’ talents and skills drive their business success. Therefore they give significant importance to the talent management process. They spend much time on Ismen’s associates for developing their talents and skills by arranging internal trainings and outings. As a confirmation of this approach, most of the associates currently working in Ismen have been working in the same law firm since its foundation. Corporate and M&A The recent highlights of Ismen in Corporate and M&A are as follows: • Advised Ataman İlaç and Ataman Ecza with respect to the sale of their shares to Eczacıbaşı. The transaction was closed in November 2012. • Advised Ballroom International GmbH, on the purchase of the 100% shares in a Turkish group of companies active (Reklamz, Linkz and SEM) in the advertisement sector via share purchase and share swap transactions. The transaction was closed in November 2011. • Advised Birgi Holding A.Ş., Birgi Sanayi A.Ş., Defar İlaç Depoculuğu Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. and Mefar İlaç Sanayi A.Ş., companies engaged in medication ampoule production with respect to the sale of their shares to a consortium of private equity firms, Ethemba Capital Limited and NBGI Private Equity. Both Tolga Ismen and Arzum Gunalcin played an important role in the project. The transaction was closed in June 2011. • Advised Franklin Electric B.V., a global leader in pumping systems, for the purchase of 80% of the shares in Impo Motor Pompa Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. The transaction was closed in May 2011. • Advised Limak Anadolu Çimento İnşaat Malzemeleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., on the purchase of the shares in Set Group Holding Anonim Şirketi and Set Çimento Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi belonging to Italcementi Group. The transaction was closed in March 2011. Arzum Gunalcin leaded the M&A team in this project. • Advised Hobi Kozmetik İmalat Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi, a leading personal care products manufacturer, on the sale of its 100% shares to Dabur International. The transaction was closed in October 2010. • Currently advising a company engaged in port services on the transfer of its shares.
Tolga İşmen ISMEN Büyükdere Caddesi Maya Akar Center No:100-102 Kat:19 Esentepe – İstanbul / TÜRKİYE T +90 212 272 6364 D +90 212 216 6541 F +90 212 272 6365 www.ismen.av.tr
TURKEY J M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
WINNER
Pekin & Bayar Law firm was founded in
complexities of the Turkish legal system
1946 and as such, it is considered one of
by getting an in-depth understanding of
the oldest and most established law firms.
their business objectives and priorities.
The firm has liaison offices in various
The firm’s ethos, as well as its legacy, is
locations of Turkey such as Ankara, Izmir
based on responsiveness, integrity and
and Adana with over 50 lawyers and
thorough assistance in all aspects of
20 support staff, as well as, continuing
clients’ needs and business, within Turkey
associations with a large variety of
and in the greater geographical region.
international law firms.
As such, the firm has been involved in
As a leading law firm in Turkey, Pekin & Bayar Law Firm provides legal services on banking and finance law, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate law, business law, foreign investment law, litigation, capital markets transactions, government contracts, construction
numerous cross-border transactions and continues to do so, with its portfolio of foreign clients from every corner of the globe. The firm has also been working very closely with an abundance of international law firms to provide foreignThe firm’s work in the M & A area in 2012,
law, telecommunications law, property
has included, among other things, deals
and real estate law, intellectual property
such as:
and media law, entertainment, insurance law, environmental law, employment law, inheritance law, non-profit and charitable organisations legislation. Pekin & Bayar law firm is therefore, a full-service law firm.
PEKIN & BAYAR LAW FIRM T +90 212 359 57 00 E s.bayar@pekin.com.tr www.pekin.com.tr
law related assistance to local clients.
tenders, privatisation, energy law, mining
law, competition law, communications
Selin Bayar, Senior Partner
• Sale of TAV Airports shares to A.D.P • Acquisition of Pronet shares by Cinven Private Equity. The firm’s M & A Team is composed of experts and specialists who are able
Pekin & Bayar aims to assist clients
to bring, not only a vast knowledge of
in achieving their goals within the
the intricacies of the subject matter
philosophy of teamwork, integrity, and
legislation, but also their invaluable
expertise. Through strong sense of
experience of long-lasting relationships
teamwork with clients and within office,
with the regulators and an in-depth
the firm seeks to assist clients through the
analysis of market trends.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
UK J COMMERCIAL FRAUD LAW FIRM (CHAMBERS) OF THE YEAR J BRIBERY & CORRUPTION LAW FIRM (CHAMBERS) OF THE YEAR
Fulcrum Chambers LLP is a law firm
relation to money laundering issues. We
comprised of barristers, solicitors and
often assist in relation to commercial
other professionals that has recently
transactions; professional obligations;
welcomed Sir Anthony Hooper as a
the Regulated Sector and Regulator/
T +44 (0)20 7186 0420
partner following his retirement from the
Prosecutor lead investigations. We
E enquiries@fulcrumchambers.com
Court of Appeal of England and Wales.
appreciate that circumstances often
www.fulcrumchambers.com
Fulcrum has established itself as an award
demand quick and pragmatic advice.
winning law firm providing advice and representation for public, private and commercial clients in the following areas:
In addition, Fulcrum has assisted corporate clients develop anti money laundering strategies, training and
Bribery & Corruption
guidance to ensure compliance with
We provide recognised expertise
professional obligations, national and
to assist corporates, individuals,
international legislation.
development banks, regulators and national governments with their bribery and corruption challenges. We have advised and appeared as trial advocates in a number of the largest international corruption cases to date. We have particular experience in negotiating financial settlements through self-referrals in criminal cases with regulators and prosecutors here, in the United States and with the Multi-lateral Development Banks. We have also conducted wide ranging internal investigations on behalf of our corporate clients both in the UK and in high-risk jurisdictions. We are now able to offer the services of Sir Anthony Hooper to clients, who as a former Lord Justice of Appeal may act as an independent investigator, arbitrator and monitor.
Commercial Fraud Fulcrum has Counsel experienced over many years in the litigation of complex fraud cases. We have acted as advisors and advocates for organisations and individuals facing global fraud investigations. We have acted for parties to International Commissions of Enquiry examining commercial transactions involving allegations of civil and criminal fraud. Corporate Governance Fulcrum has significant expertise in advising clients on corporate governance, ranging from providing specialist guidance on the various regulatory regimes to assisting in the development of robust and effective compliance programs. Our clients have included a
Money Laundering
number of large corporations, including
Fulcrum lawyers have particular expertise
one of the UK’s largest retail and
in advising and representing clients in
investment banks.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Fulcrum Chambers LLP 11 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3TS F +44 (0)20 7831 6944
UK JC OMMERCIAL LAWYER OF THE YEAR Bargate Murray Solicitors - Quentin Bargate
WINNER
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
UK
WINNER
JD ISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year in England Enyo Law specialises in complex litigation and arbitration. It’s the only thing we do. Enyo Law is a natural choice for clients involved in big ticket international disputes that would present conflicts for the major law firms that have substantial transactional practices. We are well suited to act for corporations and high net worth individuals in complex commercial disputes, often with multi-jurisdictional dimensions. Our areas of strength include banking and financial institutions litigation, hedge fund litigation, international arbitration, fraud and regulatory investigations, asset tracing and injunctions, insurance and reinsurance, general commercial litigation, restructuring and insolvency, and energy, projects and engineering disputes.
Litigation. No Conflicts.
www.enyolaw.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Enyo Law LLP, 25 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1AL. Tel: +44 (0)20 3008 6313, Fax: +44 (0)20 3008 6314.
UK
WINNER
J FACTORING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J DEBT RECOVERY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Firm profile Connell Associates is proud to be crowned as the 2012 ACQ Law Awards ‘Factoring Law Firm of the Year – UK’ and ‘Debt Recovery Law Firm of the Year – UK’. We are a specialist commercial litigation practice with the simple objective to deliver results. With practiced perception, experience with high-calibre clients and our proximity to the UK’s fastest Court, we achieve success for our clients with speed and efficiency. As a well established law firm founded by Michael Connell – an Affiliate of the ABFA (Asset Based Finance Association), which is the governing body of the Factoring Association – we have a talented team that handles a national and international case load from our Liverpool headquarters. Obviously it is always preferable for those concerned to avoid litigation, but in reality this is not always possible. We feel it is essential to properly understand the practicalities of any issue in dispute. We then strike the perfect balance between persistently pushing against the opponent and ensuring the claim is resolved as quickly as possible in the most commercial manner.
Insurance, Haymarket Publishing, Capita Plc, Friends Life Group and many small and medium-sized companies. Our recent Court of Appeal case AXA Sun Life Services Plc –v- Campbell Martin Ltd and Others (2011), in relation to clauses in standard form agreements, is now cited in Chitty on Contracts (30th edition). This leading case established the principles that must be followed when considering the effectiveness and enforceability of clauses in commercial contracts. To read a full summary of the facts and decision of this case, please visit our website at the address right.
Michael Connell Connell Associates Union Marine Buildings 11 Dale Street Liverpool L2 2SH T 0151 236 2011 F 0151 236 2012 E law@connellassociates.co.uk www.connellassociates.co.uk
Areas of expertise We provide a cost-effective, full commercial litigation service, with unique access to online issue of proceedings. Dealing with claims ranging from a few hundred pounds to several million pounds, both nationally and internationally, we have extensive experience and knowledge in the following areas:• Debt recovery • Contract disputes • Building disputes
The work we do speaks for itself…
• Financial services litigation
Notable legal work Counting a significant number of enviable household names amongst our clients, these include: AXA Insurance Plc, Enterprise Plc, Sky TV, Cartier, Amlin
• Fraud • Insolvency • International recovery • Factoring law.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
UK
WINNER
J FRANCHISE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Travers Smith LLP is one of the UK’s leading
We have recently advised:
law firms. We regularly act for both
• Select Service Partner on franchising arrangements for its Caffè Ritazza and Upper Crust brands, and its running of WH Smith, M&S Simply Food, Starbucks and Burger King franchises.
franchisors and franchisees on complex franchising deals, often with an international dimension, across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, retail, restaurants, hotels and healthcare. Franchising work is handled by a dedicated team led by Tom Purton, the head of the Commercial, IP and Technology Department at Travers Smith, who has extensive knowledge and experience of this area. Tom is rated by the Legal Directories as one of the leading franchise lawyers in the UK and he is praised for the “knowledge he has of [his client’s] business” and his ability to “find issues that are both legal and commercial”. We place great emphasis on developing long-standing relationships and an indepth knowledge of clients’ businesses. Whatever the complexity, we always focus on providing practical, succinct, commercial advice in response to our clients’ legal issues. In the Legal 500, Travers Smith is praised for its “extremely competent, practical and helpful franchising team who show real commercial savvy”.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
• Baring Private Equity Partners on international franchising arrangements for independent private equity businesses to operate under the “Barings” brand.
Tom Purton
• Malmaison/Hotel du Vin in relation to developing a pan-European franchise model as the basis for a significant expansion outside the UK.
Travers Smith LLP 10 Snow Hill London EC1A 2AL
• LK Bennett on its exclusive arrangements with partners wishing to open retail concession franchises under the LK Bennett name in the UAE, Kuwait, Lebanon and Qatar.
E Tom.Purton@traverssmith.com
• Pinewood Studios on arrangements with overseas studios in Germany, Canada and the Dominican Republic to operate as franchises under the “Pinewood” brand. • YO!Sushi on its franchising of the YO! brand for use in relation to various commercial ventures outside the restaurant sector. • Caffè Nero on its franchise agreement with a local business operating multiple franchises to operate the Caffè Nero business in Cyprus.
T 020 7295 3000 F 020 7295 3500
www.traverssmith.com
WINNER
UK JL AWYER OF THE YEAR (Corporate) Daniel O’Connell, Managing Partner - Kerman & Co J AIM LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J SPORT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Kerman & Co LLP are delighted to receive four ACQ Law Awards 2012 which reflects the successful year the Firm has enjoyed. In January the Firm welcomed Max Bitel Greene LLP, and has seen a seamless integration. The Firm’s Dublin office has now been open for a year and business there is thriving. AIM For the third consecutive year Kerman & Co LLP’s Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) teams have been recognised by ACQ as leaders in this market. Despite the economic downturn the teams have worked on a steady stream of transactions for its listed clients on AIM and the PLUS Stock Exchange (“PLUS”). The Firm advises clients with international interests in jurisdictions including the USA, Russian Federation, Australia, Philippines, Peru and Colombia and many African countries. These growth clients see AIM as an attractive option for potential investors. The Firm’s performance in the basic materials sector has remained strong. The Firm has acted on admissions, placings, acquisitions, and other equity and debt raising transactions including the increased use of convertible debt instruments. Over 3,000 companies from across the globe have chosen to join AIM in order to raise the capital they need for expansion since its launch in 1995. In May this year there was a concern that PLUS (the most junior London based stock exchange), would cease to operate, however its acquisition by ICAP means the UK continues to have a growth market offering companies their first step onto a public market. Kerman & Co LLP have recently acted on establishing a BVI based China cash shell on PLUS as well as several cash shells on AIM. Energy Kerman & Co LLP’s award winning energy team is a well regarded and diversified practice serving the needs of its clients in the global energy industry. It has been particularly successful in advising clients listed on AIM. The firm is consistently ranked in the top three for the number of its oil and gas clients on AIM (Hemscott/ Morningstar Rankings). The team has advised on a broad range of areas from the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas and other fossil fuels such as anthracite coal; and uranium to developing and implementing alternative energy concepts. This includes advising clients who are active in developing cleantech offerings including: solar, wind and water power. The Firm’s energy litigation practice has also played a crucial role in safe guarding its clients’ assets and interests overseas. The team also regularly handled commercial disputes as well as arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings in international energy litigation matters.
Sport Kerman & Co LLP’s sports team is at the forefront of the development in areas such as ticketing, event management and brand protection, which are fundamentally important to the success of a rights holders event. The Firm is often instructed by clients to provide onsite assistance during events, drafting and implementing anti-infringement programs for events. Amongst their portfolio of clients the team provides practical commercial advice to global brands, international sporting bodies and individuals. The team’s most notable success this year was in representing the RFU in an action brought against them in the Supreme Court, by the ticket exchange website Viagogo. The case was unanimously dismissed by the Supreme Court in November 2012. This case followed a landmark ruling made by the High Court further to proceedings brought on behalf of the RFU in 2011 where Norwich Pharmacal relief was relied upon. This case has set an important precedent enabling rights holders to take action against previously unknown ticket resellers. It is envisaged that more rights holders will seek to implement a ticketing policy that will help to prevent the unlawful reselling of their tickets.
Daniel O’Connell Managing Partner Kerman & Co LLP 200 Strand, London, WC2R 1DJ T 020 7539 7272 F 020 7240 5780
Lawyer of the Year (Corporate) Daniel O’Connell, Managing Partner Daniel O’Connell has built a reputation over the years for being a top corporate and commercial lawyer, advising owner-managers and entrepreneurs in the SME market. He has used his commercial skills to build strong relationships with many clients resulting in much of the deal origination achieved by Kerman & Co LLP. Daniel studied law at University College Dublin. He was admitted as a solicitor in the Republic of Ireland in 1988, and in England and Wales in 1991. He trained at William Fry Solicitors in Dublin, and moved to Forsythe Kerman in 1987, where he met Kerman & Co LLP’s other co-founder Andy Kerman. Commenting upon his award Daniel said: “I am very proud of the Corporate and Commercial Department that we have built here at Kerman & Co LLP. We brought a healthy portfolio of M&A clients from Forsythe Kerman but it has been the work undertaken in the Oil & Gas and Mining & Resources sectors in particular, over the last fifteen years, that has made us a successful practice. We have assembled a great team of practical commercial lawyers and we are looking forward to the growth of our corporate and commercial offering leading to continued success in the coming years.”
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
UK JW HITE COLLAR CRIME LAWYER OF THE YEAR - Giles Bark-Jones, Bark & Co
+44 (0) 207 353 1990 www.barkco.com
Specialists in complex fraud, serious crime, regulatory litigation and tax compliance.
14 New Bridge Street Blackfriars London EC4V 6AG DX: 447 Chancery Lane Tel. 0207 353 1990
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
UK J WHITE COLLAR CRIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J FRAUD & REGULATORY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Firm Profile Neumans LLP is a boutique City of London Law Firm established to deal with and take advantage of the growing demand for expert representation in large scale and complex litigation. Neumans incontrovertible pedigree is already widely recognised in the fields of commercial litigation, professional discipline and regulatory, general crime and fraud. The firm’s specialist fraud and regulatory team is headed by the senior partner, Nabeel Sheikh, and deals exclusively with privately funded white collar and serious crime. This is an area in which the firm is highly respected and has recently attracted a lot of attention. The Senior Partner is both recommended in the Legal Experts Directory under white collar crime, and has been acknowledged as a leading expert since 2002 in annual succession. He has also been recommended for the past two years in Chambers & Partners 2011 and 2012 editions and was recently cited in Lawyer Monthly’s World’s Leading 100 Lawyers. Neumans LLP is regularly instructed in some of the largest and most high profile cases in the country. The firm is committed to providing outstanding legal representation in all cases of business crime. Its ethos is to deliver a bespoke service whilst ensuring the optimal use of client resources to achieve the best possible outcome. A track record of outstanding success in acting for a range of white collar professionals including doctors; dentists;lawyers; judges; politicians; bankers; and traders is testimony to this. Neumans’ key strength inevitably remains the diverse pool of talented lawyers that it employs. Its reputation as one of the foremost litigation firms in the UK is well deserved as a number of the lawyers at the firm are individually recognised as experts within their respective fields. Chambers & Partners 2012 editorial describes the firm in the following terms: “Neumans primarily deals with serious and white-collar crime, and is taking on an increasing amount of privately funded work. Sources are struck by the ‘dazzling amount of foreign work’ it handles, and are impressed by the team’s ‘personal touch.’...”. In September of this year Neumans’ achievements were recognised in the Business Crime Law Firm of the Year UK category of the Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards 2012. Nabeel Sheikh Nabeel is an internationally renowned lawyer and the senior partner and founder of Neumans LLP.
Nabeel has developed a business-crime related practice dealing with all aspects of litigation, be it commercial, civil or criminal, where there is an underlying element of fraud. Nabeel’s areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, VAT/MTIC fraud; general tax fraud; money laundering; extradition and mutual legal assistance; pharmaceutical fraud; confiscation orders; restraint orders; freezing orders; boiler room frauds; banking fraud; financial services fraud; mortgage fraud; directors’ disqualification; insolvency/ bankruptcy as a result of fraud; bribery and corruption; professional discipline and regulatory. Nabeel commonly defends those investigated by the highest level UK Government bodies/agencies and, in recent times, in international sanctions related work. Nabeel has developed a niche client base dealing with non-UK nationals with much work referred through personal recommendation by individuals with significant wealth and/or political standing. He frequently acts in cases involving a high level of political sensitivity and is noted for his ability to act with the utmost diligence, efficiency and discretion. Nabeel has substantial experience in all manner of proceedings where there are cross-jurisdictional issues in play. His current and previous work involves a numerous assortment of high profile cases, and there are simply too many to list. Nabeel has been ranked as a Leading individual in Chambers UK for two successive years. The 2011 edition states”… ‘He knows when to be pragmatic,’ say sources…”, who also consider him ”… ‘an extremely good negotiator.’…”. Quoting from the current edition”… Nabeel Sheikh is commended for being ‘very sharp’ and ‘paying special attention to clients.’…”.
Nabeel Sheikh Senior Partner Neumans LLP 11 Pilgrim Street London EC4V 6RN DX 490 LDE T +44 (0)207 429 3900 F +44 (0)207 429 3901 E mail@neumansllp.com www.neumansllp.com
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
EQUATORIAL GUINEA J OIL AND GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
LEBANON
WINNER
JL AWYER OF THE YEAR - Carlos Abou Jaoude, Managing Partner of Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm Carlos Abou Jaoude is the founder and managing partner of Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm (AJA). He founded by Carlos Abou Jaoude in 1996 with a goal of becoming the single largest multidisciplinary law firm in Lebanon. His vision, strategy and relentless endeavors are at the foundation of AJA’s values and continuous efforts to maintain its position and market reputation as a modern legal services institution mirroring the very best in the industry. Carlos’ expertise is particularly sought after in structured finance and he combines his legal capabilities and sophisticated business perspective with a creative and multidisciplinary approach to handle major local and cross-border deals and is renowned for advising on complex transactions of first impression in the region. The Firm has earned its leading standing with a practice centred on high value corporate, M&A, banking, finance, telecoms, real estate, tax, and restructuring transactions. The Firm handles. The Firm regularly advises clients on complex cross-border acquisitions and corporate finance transactions and its recent representative work includes counseling on the merger of two large commercial banks, and on various major acquisitions, namely in the telecoms, real estate and FMCG sectors. As a dominant market advisor in banking and finance, AJA advised on a pioneer securitization transaction, the acquisition of a listed bank in Europe, and the first-ofits kind conversion of a financial company into an investment bank. In addition to representing local and foreign banks on matters of corporate governance and regulatory compliance, the Firm has a strong expertise in the expansion of a bank’s network through synergies between its commercial and investment banking activities and considerable experience advising on a wide range of domestic and international extensions of credit, such as secured and syndicated multicurrency facilities. Fulfilling its reputation in delivering highly efficient services, the Firm is led by a talented team of 9-partners and 35 expert attorneys who are dedicated to achieving excellence
in every task undertaken and tackle any challenge using fast, ground-breaking and innovative solutions. In addition to the lawyers who hold law and business graduate degrees from prominent Lebanese, French and American universities, many of the Firm’s members are admitted to practice in jurisdictions outside Lebanon and have experience working with international law firms abroad. The Firm has acquired and maintains the biggest client base in the market with clients who contribute vitally to the country’s economic growth and have a major market share of private placements, real estate project developments and debt restructurings. Many of the clients, who maintain a strong international presence throughout the MENA region, the UK, Europe and the US, rely on the Firm’s wide resources for all their legal needs. AJA works closely with a number of correspondents in various jurisdictions and is a member of the Geneva Group International (GGI) global multidisciplinary network, allowing the Firm to offer businesses in need of legal assistance in any country easy access to global advice.
Carlos Abou Jaoude, Managing Partner Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm OMT Building, 266 Sami El Solh Ave., Beirut Museum 1106-2010, Beirut, Lebanon T +961 1 395 555 F +961 1 384 064 E c.aboujaoude@ajalawfirm.com www.ajalawfirm.com
The Firm has been recognized as a market leader by prominent international legal directories such as Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Legal 500 has recognized Carlos Abou Jaoude as a leading individual and Chambers & Partners reported “he has a business mind he understands exactly what you want from a business point of view and gets you the solution from a legal point of view.” As AJA’s managing partner and due to his multidisciplinary practice and experience in a broad range of industries in both the public and private sectors, Carlos Abou Jaoude has lead the way to developing Lebanon’s legal market by implementing creative transactional strategies of first impression in the region and delivering fast, groundbreaking and innovative solutions. With an aim of always taking AJA’s growth one step further, Carlos plans to develop AJA’s practice areas in tandem with a vision to becoming 100-attorney strong by the year 2015.
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
NIGERIA J OIL & GAS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR J CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR G.O. Sodipo & Co. is a leading full service Nigerian law firm formed fifty years ago. Clients include individuals, startup companies, multinationals and governmental agencies. The firm understudies the businesses of clients with a view to understand and examine key commercial considerations underlying transactions, as well as providing clients with guidance regarding their objectives, priorities and needs in order to identify and mitigate any risk. The firm adopts business oriented and imaginative (though pragmatic) approaches to issues based on a foundation of technical excellence in the law, and a depth of commercial experience. ENERGY Oil & Gas: Processing applications, negotiating bids, concessions, production sharing and unitization agreements, service and hybrid contracts, trading, exploration. Engineering, building and construction agreements. Service contacts, logistics and support services, permits and licences and operation and maintenance agreements. Negotiate, draft and advice on joint ventures, memorandum of understanding and production sharing agreements. Project farming, purchases, commercial regularity, environmental, financing and security aspect for exploration, extraction, production, storage, distribution and sale, upstream & downstream exploration and sales purchases. Community relations: negotiating with community and youth leaders about corporate social responsibility projects, drafting agreements pursuant to negotiations and sorting out contentious issues arising from such. Anti-corruption strategies: advising, training and drawing up handbooks and guides to avoid anticorruption in line with the US foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the UK AntiBribery Act and anti-bribery laws in Nigeria. Regulatory and compliance issues with regulatory agencies including Nigerian Customs, free trade zones, the National Office of Technology Acquisition and
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
Promotion NOTAP, NIMASA and the Local Content Board. Power: formation of successor and independent companies, asset transfer, negotiation of bids, procuring interim, power generation, distribution, transmission, system operation and trading licences. Compliance with obligations and duties prescribed by Electricity Commission and ministry periodically. Provision of legal services over ancillary operations. Mining: Provision of legal services over a broad spectrum of mining operations and services including; procurement and renewal of mining leases, licence and relevant permits, negotiating work programs and minimum work obligations for reconnaissance, exploration and mining operations, expatriate quota, mining tax and levies, cost recovery, profit repatriation, applicable incentives, duties and obligations, compliance with directives of the Mines Inspectorate Department. Corporate Formation, conducting due diligence, promotion of companies, enforcement of pre-incorporation contracts and obtaining relevant permits, approvals or licenses. . Company secretarial work, trustee arrangements, and commercial trade agreements. Shareholders’ agreements, share issues, public and private listings, public offers, underwriting, securities issues, cross-share-holdings. Joint Ventures, corporate alliances, reconstructions, arrangements, management buy-outs, buy-ins, mergers & acquisitions. Privatisation, pension funds, insolvency. Corporate finance, franchising, private acquisitions, floatation, right issues, venture and development capital. Contentious and Non-contentious Intellectual Property. Advising on contentious and noncontentious tax issues.
WINNER
Prof. Bankole Sodipo Senior Partner Tel: +234 1 850 3454 Cell: +234 802 3198641 Email: b.sodipo@gosodipo.com Web: www.gosodipo.com G.O. Sodipo & Co Barristers, Solicitors and Arbitrators 27/29 King George V Road, Onikan, Lagos. E f.fajolu@gosodipo.com www.gosodipo.com
SOUTH AFRICA
WINNER
J DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
... ACQ Finance Magazine Law Awards 2012 ... Category winner
KNOWLES HUSAIN LINDSAY INC
DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR SOUTH AFRICA
The Strategic Advantage
www.khl.co.za
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
SOUTH AFRICA J LAW FIRM TO DEAL OF THE YEAR (Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront) JL AWYER OF THE YEAR - (Francois Marais, Director, Practice Leader Glyn Marais)
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
WINNER
SOUTH AFRICA
WINNER
J OVERALL LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (in recognition of engaged deal volume) ENS ACQ AfricaWordsDec2012 12/5/12 9:15 AM Page 1
JL EGAL ADVISOR TO DEAL OF THE YEAR – (Gold Reef Resorts Ltd merger with Tsogo Sun Holdings Pty Ltd) C
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JP RACTICE LEADER OF THE YEAR – (Piet Faber, Chief Executive Officer Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs)
ACQ LAW AWARDS 2012
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CZECH REPUBLIC
WINNER
J I P LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR JR EAL ESTATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
The law office GÜRLICH & Co was founded on
foreign lawyers. Still, this Law Firm remains a
1st February 2002. All members of the firm are
purely Czech legal office free of any financial or
experienced lawyers possessing outstanding
other influence exerted by foreign and/or local
professional expertise in various branches of law.
nationals. This allows the firm to provide its
Currently, the firm consists of four lawyers who are supported by a qualified office staff. Besides, on a case to case basis, we would invite for cooperation many other external specialists and free-lance lawyers. This law firm is fully capable of offering legal services to both individuals and legal entities in almost all fields of civil and commercial law, all over the territory of the Czech Republic. We are capable of providing legal services in the Czech and English languages. In the event of cross-border transactions
services in compliance with law, professionally and independently. Scope of Legal Services: • Commercial Transactions • Civil Law • Intellectual Property • Corporate Law and Business Law, Public
Procurement • Labour Law
and litigation, this office hires its cooperating
• Real Estate
international law offices as well as external
• Litigation Insolvency
Richard Gürlich, attorney at law GÜRLICH & Co Politických vězňů 19, 110 00 Prague, Czech republic T +420222101591 F +420222101590 E info@akrg.cz www.akrg.cz
WINNER
LUXEMBOURG JF UNDS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
Julien Dif 2-4, rue Eugène Ruppert L-2453 Luxembourg Tel.: +352 26 27 22 00 www.ammclaw.com
AMMC Law is an independent, top tier Luxembourg law firm with a steadily growing presence in Luxembourg and abroad. Described as “a genuine alternative to the ‘big’ Luxembourg law firms”, we provide legal advice to national and international clients, both individuals and organisations, across a wide range of practice areas and industry sectors. Our lawyers are recognized as experts in their fields, and underpinning our legal advice is both an understanding of the commercial challenges faced by our clients and a desire to help resolve those challenges in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. The quality of our work means that we advise many NYSE and LSE listed businesses, including a number of household names. We are delighted to be able to say that the majority of our new clients come from recommendations from existing clients, as well as their intermediaries and service providers, all of whom appreciate our responsiveness and effciency. We always aim at developing long–term relationships with our clients, which improves our understanding of their businesses and legal requirements. With the opening of an office in New York since January 2012, we aim to be even more accessible to our clients in their places of business and in the same time zone.
Experience the difference Our strategy is clear: we want to be the first-choice law firm for clients seeking the best Luxembourg legal advice while providing flexible, responsive and cost-effective service. While we are Luxembourg law specialists, the international background of our staff – consisting of many nationalities with experience from a number of jurisdictions - enables us to anticipate and avoid the complications or delays than can otherwise arise in cross-border transactions. We think our approach can be summarised as responsive, reliable, and efficient. AMMC Law is continually developing its ever-expanding funds practice. Our dedicated funds department has extensive experience of advising on the setting-up, maintenance and regulatory compliance requirements of regulated and unregulated investment funds. The popularity and flexibility of Luxembourg funds is demonstrated by the fact that our client base includes not only the European Union but North America, Scandinavia and the Far East. During the past twelve months, AMMC Law has advised on the setting-up and structuring of a number of Luxembourg alternative investment, covering a wide range of investment targets and strategies. In addition, the firm advises entities seeking a listing on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
Areas of expertise
structuring and formation of regulated and unregulated investment funds, including UCITS and alternative investment funds; advising on private equity and hedge fund strategies; provision of assistance in relation to the distribution of Luxembourg investment funds in other jurisdictions, in particular Switzerland; provision of corporate advice and services in relation to the structuring of Luxembourg investment funds; representation in working groups of the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry.