There is no better way to run a business than building it upon the truth, so in our mind set, the crisis is over. Miquel Roca / Blas De Lezo
We have always focused on providing a better, faster, effective, higher value legal product to sophisticated purchasers of legal services. Dev Erriah / Erriah Chambers
Be interested in the question behind the question. And more importantly, be interested in the person behind that question as well. Eric Bergamin / Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies
We consider all our clients as being our partners in every venture they are undertaking. We are business lawyers so clients coming to us do not receive only legal advice, but business oriented solutions in order for them to make the right choice. Gabriela Cacerea / NNDKP
The difference is clear Acquiring, integrating and operating an international workforce can be very complicated. Your international employment law firm should make things simpler. Seyfarth’s International Employment practice provides an innovative and proven support model for multinational companies with the need for an integrated, comprehensive approach to managing their global employment issues. Our dedicated team of experienced international employment lawyers provides our clients with the centralised assistance necessary to manage any complex cross-border employment matter. Seyfarth Shaw. The difference is clear. Find out more at www.seyfarth.com. Atlanta
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AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
FORWARD Welcome to the Acquisition International Legal Awards 2011 IN THIS EXCLUSIVE SUPPLEMENT WE CELEBRATE THE FINALISTS AND WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011 WHICH ACHIEVED OVER 7000 NOMINATIONS ACROSS 48 CATEGORIES. THE NOMINATIONS WERE FIERCELY FOUGHT FOR AND HARD WON. WE WERE DELIGHTED WITH THE RESPONSE, AS WERE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE AWARDS. Undoubtedly 2011 has been another tough year for law firms across the globe, with many still facing the real prospect of having to take out further cost to survive and a number of high profile domestic and international mergers being driven by the stability consolidated turnover brings. However, it’s not been all doom and gloom, and there have been a number of notable exceptions: both on a regional and specialist basis. 2011 has seen a great deal of infrastructure investment driving a great deal of domestic activity. In the UK domestic market, SaaS businesses have continued to see a lot of interest from trade and institutions alike and care homes and services still seem popular assets to acquire. Law firms and their lawyers have had to innovate to survive as deals have been harder to source and even harder to close. With the global banking system still seemingly failing to support the deal markets to any tangible degree, private equity has worked hard this year to find ways to support transactions without the usual debt to work alongside. This has given trade an undoubted advantage in the deal market, but of itself, the lack of competition has driven down the expected levels of deal activity across world markets. All of this has led lawyers to think on their feet, develop new routes to market and operate on a resourceful and pragmatic basis and these are the individuals, teams and firms that have ben selected as the recipients of this year’s awards. So, read on, take note, and see what makes an Acquisition International award winner.
THREE
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
WINNERS LIST Argentina Brons & Salas Mitrani Caballero Rosso Alba Francia Ojam & Ruiz Moreno Abogados Australia Colin Biggers & Paisley Henry Davis York Minter Ellison Minter Ellison Minter Ellison DibbsBarker Austria Graf & Pitkowitz Rechtsanwälte GmbH Graf & Pitkowitz Rechtsanwälte GmbH TJP Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) BLS Rechtsanwälte
Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Jonas Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Buntscheck Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH Avocado rechtsanwälte Graef Rechtsanwälte Graf von Westphalen Raue LLP Löhde Leo Schmidt-Hollburg & Witte FGS Flick Gocke Schaumburg
Patents Law Firm of the Year Insurance and Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Competition Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Internet & E-Commerce Law Firm of the Year Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year
Ghana KIMATHI & KIMATHI, Corporate Attorneys AB & David Law
Commercial Law Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year International Tax Law Firm of the Year Environmental Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
Bahrain Norton Rose
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
Bangladesh Doulah & Doulah
M&A Law Firm of the Year
Belarus Revera Consulting Group
Construction Law Firm of the Year
Belgium Afschrift FratiniVergano European Lawyers Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick
Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year Environmental Law Firm of the Year
Bermuda Conyers Dill & Pearman
Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year
Brasil TozziniFreire Advogados KLA-Koury Lopes Advogados Machado Associados Pellon & Associados Law Office Aoki Advogados Associados Azevedo Sette Advogados SC Barbosa Müssnich & Aragão Juchem Advocacia Levy & Salomão Advogados Campos Mello Advogados Felsberg e Associados
Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year1267 Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year Trade Mark Law Firm of the Year Public & Administrative Law Firm of the Year Competition Law Firm of the Year Environmental Law Firm of the Year Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year Page 24 Project Finance Law Firm of the Year
British Virgin Islands Maples and Calder
Corporate Law Firm of the Year
Canada Bennett Jones LLP Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Goldman Sloan Nash & Haber LLP Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Internet & E-Commerce Law Firm of the Year Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year Construction Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
Chile Estudio Luis Lizama Portal Molina Rios Abogados
Employment Law Firm of the Year Construction Law Firm of the Year
China WilmerHale Wilkinson & Grist
Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year
Colombia Leyva Abogados
Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Croatia Divjak, Topic & Bahtijarevic
Project Finance Law Firm of the Year
Cyprus George Z. Georgiou & Associates LLC
M&A Law Firm of the Year
Democratic Republic of Congo Yav & Associates
Corporate Law Firm of the Year
Denmark Rønne & Lundgren Gorrissen Federspiel
Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Ecuador Corral & Rosales
Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year
Estonia Glimstedt, Law Firm Lextal Law Firm Raidla Lejins & Norcous
TMT Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Finland Krogerus Juridia Ltd, Attorneys-At-Law Peltonen LMR Waselius & Wist Waselius & Wist Kotiranta & Co Attorney at Law Ltd
Law Firm of the Year Virtual Data Room Law Firm of the Year EU Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Competition Law Firm of the Year Arbitration Law firm of the Year
France K&L Gates Redlink Bredin Prat NomoS Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier ALTANA Germany Gaßner, Groth, Siederer & Coll Meyer Koering GSK Stockmann + Kollegen
FOUR
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year EU Law Firm of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Entertainment Law Firm of the Year Tax Law Firm of the Year Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year Public Sector Firm of the Year Franchise Law Firm of the Year Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year
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Trade Marks Law Firm of the Year EU Law Firm of the Year Property Law Firm of the Year Administrative & Public Law Firm of the Year Entertainment Law Firm of the Year Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Energy Regulation Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year
AELEX Oxford & Beaumont Solicitors
Corporate Law Firm of the Year Construction & Engineering Law Firm of the Year Foreign Direct Investment Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year
Gibraltar Verralls Barristers and Solicitors
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
Greece Your Legal Partners Your Legal Partners KLC Law Firm Constant & Constant KGDI Law Firm PotamitisVekris V&P Law Firm
Energy Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year Labour Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
Guatemala Salazar-Munoz Despacho de Abogados
Commercial Litigation Law of the Year
Hong Kong Deacons Kennedys King & Wood Laracy & Co
Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Environmental Law Firm of the Year Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year
Hungary Gobert & Partners / Taxand Déri & Lovrecz Forgó, Damjanovic & Partners Law Firm Gárdos, Füredi, Mosonyi, Tomori Lohn Law Firm
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Contract Law Firm of the Year Property Law Firm of the Year
Iceland LOGOS Legal Services Jonsson & Hall Juris Law Office
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Patent Law Firm of the Year Technology Law Firm of the Year
Indonesia Hutabarat Halim & Rekan Dyah Ersita & Partners Mochtar Karuwin Komar
Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm fo the Year
Ireland DAC Beachcroft Maree Gallagher Associates Ronan Daly Jermyn
Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year Commercial Law Firm of the Year
Isle of Man MannBenham Advocates MannBenham Advocates
Commercial Law Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Israel Afik Turgeman Caspi & Co Herzog Fox & Neeman
M&A Law Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Private Client Law Firm of the Year
Studio Legale Padovan Rucellai & Raffaelli NCTM Studio Legale Associato SLA Osborne Clarke Pirola Pennuto Zei & Associati
Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year Construction Law Firm of the Year Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year EU Law Firm of the Year Energy Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year
Japan Allen & Overy LLP
Corporate Law Firm of the Year
Kenya Anjarwalla & Khanna
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
Korea Barun Law Shin & Kim
Litigation Law Firm of the Year Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
Latvia Eversheds Bitans Law Office Attorneys at Law BORENIUS
Corporate Law Firm of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Lithuania Motieka & Audzevicius Tark Grunte Sutkiene Luxembourg Brucher Thieltgen & Partners
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Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year EU Law Firm of the Year Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year
India Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe Bhasin & Bhasin Associates Lexygen R.K Dewan & Co. Kochhar & Co
Italy Del Bene De Vitis & Associati Labruna Mazziotti Segni Ashurst
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Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
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M&A Law Firm of the Year
Malaysia Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill Shook Lin & Bok
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year
Malta Camilleri Preziosi
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
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AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
WINNERS LIST Mauritius Uteem Chambers Erriah Chambers Mexico Casares Castelazo Frías y Zárate Nader, Hayaux & Goebel
Offshore Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year
Regulatory Communications Law Firm of the Year Structured Finance Law Firm of the Year & Project Finance Law Firm of the Year Page 27
Montenegro Ana Kolarevic Law Office
Corporate Law Firm of the Year
Nepal Pradhan & Associates
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
New Zealand Bell Gully Buddle Findlay James & Wells LangtonHudsonButcher, Lawyers Lowndes Associates
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Corporate Law Firm of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year
Norway Haavind Simonsen Advokatfirma DA Advokatfirmaet Hjort Grette DA, Advokatfirmaet Kluge Advokatfirma DA PricewaterhouseCoopers
Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year Aviation Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year Energy Law Firm of the Year Tax Law Firm of the Year
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Pakistan Bharucha & Co.
TMT Law Firm of the Year
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Panama Alemán Cordero Galindo & Lee
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
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Peru Muniz Ramirez Perez-Taiman & Olaya
M&A Law Firm of the Year
Philippines Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco Quiason Makalintal Barot Torres Ibarra & Sison
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Tax Law Firm of the Year
Poland Salans
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Portugal Abreu Advogados Cardigos e Associados
Energy Law Firm of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Romania Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen SCA Andra Musatescu Law & Industrial Property Offices D&B David si Baias
Energy Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Russia Sokolov Maslov & Partners Salomons Liniya Prava
Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year1268 Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
Singapore Gateway Law Corporation TSMP Law Corporation Walkers Global Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP Kennedys Stamford Law Corporation O’Melveny & Myers LLP O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year International Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Emerging Companies Law Firm of the Year
Slovakia Hamala Kluch Víglaský Dedák & Partners Hillbridges
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Private Equity Law Firm of the Year
South Africa Adams & Adams McPherson Kruger Attorneys Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs Nortons Inc Knowles Husain Lindsay Inc
Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year Competition Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
Spain Blas de Lezo Broseta Abogados Broseta Abogados Amat & Vidal-Quadras Garayar Asociados Deloitte Abogados y Asesores Tributarios Sagardoy Abogados
Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year Energy Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year
S ri Lanka Julius & Creasy F J & G De Saram Nithya Partners
Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year
Sweden Advokatbyrån Hellgren Linander KB Hannes Snellman Hellström Law
Construction Law Firm of the Year Competition Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year
Switzerland Kellerhals Attorneys at Law Lenz Caemmerer Bratschi Wiederkehr & Buob Niggli Rechtsanwälte Pestalozzi
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year Contract Law Firm of the Year Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
Taiwan Formosan Brothers Attorneys at Law Eiger Law LCS & Partners
M&A Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year
FIVE
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Tsar & Tsai Law Firm
Project Law Firm of the Year
Thailand Thanathip & Partners
M&A Law Firm of the Year
The Cayman Islands Conyers Dill & Pearman Solomon Harris Solomon Harris Appleby
M&A Law Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year
The Czech Republic Achour & Hájek s.r.o. bpv Braun Partners CMS Cameron McKenna v.o.s. Glatzova & Co. Glatzova & Co. Konecná, Šafář, Staněk & Tomíček, s.r.o. Kotrlik Bourgeault Andrusko Weinhold Legal Weinhold Legal
Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year TMT Law Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Environmental Law Firm of the Year Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year
The Netherlands Brinkhof Russell Advocaten VMW Taxand Bergamin & Gielink pensioenrechtadvies BV Houthoff Buruma
Media Law Firm of the Year Employment Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Pensions Law Firm of the Year Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
The Ukraine Asters Avellum Partners Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat & Partners
Corporate Law Firm of the Year Law Firm of the Year Trademarks Law Firm of the Year
United Arab Emirates Conyers Dill & Pearman Habib Al Mulla & Company
Banking and Finance Law Firm of the Year Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
Turkey Bezen & Partners AYA Law Pekin & Bayar Law Firm
M&A Law Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
United Kingdom Holman Fenwick Willan Fulcrum Chambers LLP Simmons & Simmons LLP Norton Rose 12 King’s Bench Walk 1 Hare Court Chambers of Andrew Mitchell QC Ashurst Barker Brettell Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP Bird & Bird Buckles Solicitors LLP
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Parker Bullen LLP
Shipping and Maritime Law Firm of the Year Anti-Money Laundering Chambers of the Year Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Environmental Law Firm of the Year Medical Negligence Chambers of the Year Family Chambers of the Year International Litigation Chambers of the Year Oil and Gas Law Firm of the Year Trade Mark Law Firm of the Year Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year Aviation Law firm of the Year Regional Commercial Property Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Private Client Law Firm of the Year PFI/PPP Law Firm of the Year Professional Negligence Chambers of the Year Company Law Chambers of the Year Education Law Firm of the Year Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year Sports & Leisure Law Firm of the Year Commercial Property M&A Law Firm of the Year Project Law Firm of the Year International Insurance Law Firm of the Year UK Criminal Law Firm of the Year International Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Transport Regulatory Law Firm of the Year Health & Safety Barrister of the Year Restructuring & Insolvency Chambers of the Year Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Health & Safety Barrister of the Year Aviation Chambers of the Year Wealth Management Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Enforcement of Foreign Judgements Chambers of the Year Franchise Law Firm of the Year
USA Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP Carroll Burdick & McDonough LLP Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo Montgomery Barnett LLP Pepper Hamilton Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP Thompson Hine LLP Vedder Price Seyfarth Shaw LLP Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck MasurLaw
Securities Law Firm of the Year Class Action Law Firm of the Year Environmental Law Firm of the Year Construction Law Firm of the Year Tax Law Firm of the Year White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year M&A Law Firm of the Year Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Page 19 Employment Law Firm of the Year Pharmaceutical Litigation Law Firm of the Year Page 28 Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
Venezuela Tinoco Travieso Planchart & Núñez VCI Legal Gide Loyrette Nouel
Competition Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Full Service Law Firm of the Year
Vietnam Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. VCI Legal Vilaf - Hong Duc
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Corporate Law Firm of the Year Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Wales Douglas-Jones Mercer Simpson Millar Cardiff
Law Firm of the Year Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year
Clarke Willmott LLP Clarke Willmott LLP Cleaver Fulton Rankin Outer Temple Chambers Erskine Chambers George Davies Solicitors LLP Kaye Scholer LLP Knights Leeds Day Simmons & Simmons Taylor Wessing LLP Thomson Webb & Corfield Volterra Fietta Woodfines LLP 2 Bedford Row South Square Slaughter and May St Paul’s Chambers Fountain Court Chambers Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP Page 6
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Fountain Court Chambers
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AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
Spanish
SHIPPING & MA
VOTED SHIPPING AND MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 2011 BY ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL READERS IS BLAS DE LEZO ABOGADOS. MIQUEL ROCA SPOKE TO THE MAGAZINE AND SHARED HIS THOUGHTS ON THE AWARD AND THE INDUSTRY. Miquel Roca is managing partner at Spanish law firm Blas de Lezo Abogados, which specializes in shipping and maritime law. With offices based in Madrid, Barcelona, Athens and Vigo, the firm continues to go from strength to strength, despite the tough economy which has presented itself recently. “Company wise, our philosophy is that we are a service company,” says Roca of the firm. “We are a privileged bunch of professionals who are entrusted with vertigo-figure deals and who receive the endorsement of their clients, and as a firm we need to show how proud we are of holding that privilege in our hands.” Roca elaborates a little more on the industry and explains how the firm deals with issues facing the maritime industry, which hasn’t just caused problems but also presented great opportunities. “The biggest issue now in Maritime Law is the Rotterdam Rules. This is a new International Convention approved by the United Nations and it is starting to have an impact on all of us which will increase when it comes into force.
It has created many opportunities for us given that I was privileged with the honour of working at the United Nations for one year with the working group that drafted the convention. Then when the Convention was ready for signature I was appointed Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain, to sign the Rotterdam Rules on behalf of my country. This is the biggest honour I have ever received and I am deeply touched and flattered by it. The world agrees one of these conventions maybe every hundred years, and I was the only maritime lawyer in private practice in Spain to be called by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to represent our country. This, in turn, has made of me a speaker on the subject worldwide, and I now enjoy the privilege of being retained by universities worldwide to speak about the Rotterdam Rules, for which I am a visiting lecturer of the London City University, the University of Mexico, the University of Lund, the University of Riga, the University of Tallinn and quite a long list of educational institutions.
SIX
There is no better way to run a business than building it up upon the truth, so our mind is set in openly affirming that the crisis is over.
It is a part of my work that I enjoy very much, as I get the chance to make new acquaintances and meet the young students who will soon be running the legal market.” Although perhaps not such a prestigious accolade, Blas de Lezo Abogados was recently voted Spanish Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year 2011, by Acquisition International readers. This award is clear recognition of the team work involved and the team’s successes in the transactional market, during what have been very turbulent economic times. Roca shares his feelings about the award. “It’s a GREAT feeling! We have run out of champagne here!” he jokes. “Since we ran into the last phase of our five year plan, which began in 2007, it has been all very exciting, and very hard work combined with fantastic professional and personal experiences. “This award endorses the hard work deployed by all our team in all of our three offices in Spain, for which we are very pleased. We are flattered that we have caught the attention of your readers and that our clients have shared their positive experiences with us openly with you.”
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
ARITIME Law Firm of the Year our client management tools and the techniques employed to manages all our files, opponents, counterparts, foreign contacts… we look, we listen, we reflect and then we act. We are never tied with a particular system or way of doing business, and this flexibility and capacity to react and adapt is what I believe is most appreciated by our clients.” Despite the situation in Spain, Blas de Lezo Abogados stands head and shoulders above the rest, always winning business and retaining a strong client base. This is very much down to… “Empathy.” Roca states. “We always put ourselves in the shoes of the person we have in front of us . What does he want? Why is he or she proposing this? If such demand is reasonable, how can we explain to our client that it is good for the common good of the overall agreement? How can we make sure that both parties feel equally satisfied with the agreement? “The lawyer is the key factor not only to close the deal, but also to comfort the client that the deal is fair. If the lawyer constantly puts mines in the land then sooner or later that mine will go off and the trust and confidence between the parties will break apart.” “However, if the lawyer has worked in that area throughout the negotiating process, the parties will be more reasonable when things go wrong… because they do go wrong sometimes! So it pays to be prepared.”
“All teams have a leader and a visible face, and I am honoured to be responsible for that task, but I always make sure that all the team gets first-hand knowledge of the cases.”
As well as empathy, a strong and happy team plays a huge part in the success of Blas de Lezo Abogados.
Miquel Roca
So how has the economic crisis affected the maritime law industry in Spain? “There is no better way to run a business than building it up upon the truth, so our mind is set in openly affirming that the crisis is over,” declares Roca. “Yes, the crisis is over. There is no way we will live again as we did 4 years ago. We will live in this economic climate for the decades to come and thus we have adapted our firm to be up and ready for this challenge.” “We see bigger and bigger firms surrounding us, and those big firms eating the small ones. We are a small niche firm, heavily specialised in shipping, maritime and transport law, but despite being small in size we are big in knowledge and commitment to our clients.” “The future ahead demands big firms being more flexible, and small firms either specialising in a particular area of the law or being absorbed by a bigger firm.” “Did you know that Spain has some 90.000 law firms? There is no way a country like ours with an economy like ours can survive for long with these figures. Therefore, we have had to adapt. We have had to be very flexible and open-minded. We are constantly reviewing our business plan, but also we constantly review
SEVEN
“We are a firm devoted to team culture. We truly act like a team. All teams have a leader and a visible face, and I am honoured to be responsible for that task, but I always make sure that all the team gets first-hand knowledge of the cases - they all know our clients very well, both at and outside work and I always try to transmit my full trust on them.”
I am flattered that this is a team award, all of them, from our intern to the most senior of our lawyers, they all deserve this award. And to ensure that the future is bright for Blas de Lezo Abogados, Roca already has plans. We must continue with the hard work and looking at the market for how we can enhance our services and client care. The economy faces tough years in the near future, and all our team’s mind is set in ensuring that our clients are properly protected in this complicated economic scenario.”
Blas de Lezo Madrid, Barcelona, Vigo, Athens t. +34.986443686 f. +34.986225268 w. www.bdlezo.com
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
Mauritian
CORPORATE L
DEV ERRIAH IS THE HEAD OF CHAMBERS AT ERRIAH CHAMBERS, BASED IN MAURITIUS. THE FIRM RECENTLY WON THE TITLE OF MAURITIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR, AS VOTED BY ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL READERS. HERE, MR ERRIAH SPEAKS TO ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL ABOUT THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH HE IS INVOLVED. The firm, Erriah Chambers, specialises in finance, international banking and privatization, international tax and trust, mergers and acquisition, banking, private equity and venture capital, structured finance, aircraft finance and leasing, as well as international arbitration and litigation, among others. It is the only law firm on the island of Mauritius which specialises in International Tax Law, International Trusts Law, International Business Law and all aspect of offshore business activities, in fact, more than 80% of Erriah Chamber’s practice involves advising international clients, multinational enterprises, international law firms, the top ten international accountant firms, and management companies, domestic and international banks. The firm is also involved in the setting up of various types of investment funds, with very complex structures in India, various jurisdictions in Africa and also in Asia.
We always have in focus to provide a better, faster, effective, higher value legal products to sophisticated purchasers of legal services.
Mr Erriah explains what sets Erriah Chambers aside from other firms and what differentiates it from others in the same industry. “Professionalism, commitment to the client and legal expertise are what make Erriah stand out,” he says. “Along with innovative advice of the highest standard... as proven by years of success!”
He explains some of the issues facing his team, but also how these issues can often present opportunities also.
At Erriah, we always put clients’ objectives first and foremost, and we work under tight deadlines. The firm is distinguished not only by the depth and scope of its legal advisory services, but also by unmatched experience in the international arena.
However, many companies are still investing in Mauritius due to the facilities being provided to overseas companies which benefit from considerable tax relief (double taxation agreement) in conducting business in Mauritius.
“The economic downturn has had an impact on many law firms internationally. Since we work mostly with investors and provide a client-based service, fluctuations in the global economic climate has definitely had a bearing on our work.
“The Chamber’s has a vast experience in multijurisdictional issues in numerous legal systems. Consequently, we are known for guaranteed effectiveness in helping clients accomplish their objectives in environments others find daunting and unfamiliar.”
“In the budget bill for 2012, the government will appoint two ambassadors for Africa and the Indian Ocean to widen the network of double taxation agreements with African states such as Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Tanzania and South Sudan. This will have a positive effect in as much as investors would use Mauritius as a platform for investing in these African states.”
Mr Dev Erriah graduated in the UK from the prestigious University of London. He was also the first Chairman of STEP Mauritius (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), is a member of the International Bar Association and forms part of Committees N (TAX) and E (Banking).
“In particular, Mauritius has signed Double Tax Avoidance treaties with 33 countries which provide tax treaty benefits to overseas investors. Therefore, this incentive by the Mauritius Government has resulted in the corporate & offshore legal sectors being still booming avenues.”
EIGHT
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
LAW Firm of the Year Mr Erriah firmly believes that the firm would not have got this far if it wasn’t for teamwork. “We have a committed and dedicated team who work together and share their expertise,” he enthuses. “Team culture is of paramount importance in the correct functioning of the Chamber. The good working atmosphere created by successful teamwork is a crucial factor in the smooth running of the chambers. Planning, decisions and actions are better when done cooperatively and thus productivity increases and we are able to provide a better service to our clients.” This is also what helped contribute to Erriah Chambers being voted Mauritian Corporate Law Firm of the Year by readers of Acquisition International. Mr Erriah believes that teamwork, dedication and a real passion for the job played a huge part. “I was honoured and privileged when Erriah Chambers won the Mauritian Corporate Law Firm of the Year. To be recognised, especially when the markets are facing tough challenges and the competition is high, indeed brings a sense of satisfaction. At the end of the day it is about the commitment you have for your work.
“Mauritius has signed Double Tax Avoidance treaties with 33 countries which provides tax treaty benefits to overseas investors.” “Adaptation is the key to success although the legal market is constantly changing and evolving.”
However, the firm has had to adapt in order to ensure that it can still turn around the deals. As Mr Erriah explains further: “We have turned towards new emerging markets such as Africa, China, India, among others. In addition, aggressive marketing was done to increase our portfolio and at the same time as customer satisfaction. “Further, we have aligned our costs in order to be more competitive. We have been working long hours and our team has been flexible to adjust themselves in order to manage our project and provide a good service to our clients. As the Legal services market place has become ever more competitive, identifying a robust business strategy and sources of competitive advantage are difficult challenges for law firms today. “Adaptation is the key to success although the legal market is constantly changing and evolving. As always we are doing our best to keep up with any changing trends. We Always aim to provide services of the highest standard. Our team at the chambers is always updated as to any change in legislation or statute. As such we are at the forefront of any changes and we are able to provide services to the standard our client expects from our chambers.”
NINE
“Good organisation and communication are vital in an offshore law chamber. Each member is assigned to specific tasks based on their qualifications, specialisation and expertise. The good atmosphere which reigns in the Chambers benefits our staff. I maintain in continuous contact with the clients to keep in touch and cater for their specific needs. If success, awards and a strong outlook for the future aren’t enough, Mr Erriah has even bigger hopes for his firm moving forward. “Erriah Chambers’ focus is to deliver an effective legal service to the client,” he states. “We continue to concentrate on providing high value services and to remain available at all times for assistance. Moreover, the personalised services are effectively achieved according to the client’s requirements and the actual state of the global market. It seems that recruitment may also be on his mind, as Mr Erriah leaves us with this parting thought of Erriah Chambers. “We always have in focus to provide a better, faster, effective, higher value legal product to sophisticated purchasers of legal services. We aim to be the number one legal service providers. “
We expect to expand our business by increasing the number of our qualified lawyers and recruiting a team of qualified legal personnel in the near future. Erriah ContactChambers Details? 2nd Floor Jamalacs Building Vieux Conseil Street, Port-Louis Mauritius t. +230 208 2220 f. +230 212 6967 e. deverriah@intnet.mu
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
German
CORPORATE LA
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE SPOKE TO STEFAN SIMON, A PARTNER AT FLICK GOCKE SCHAUMBURG, ABOUT WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO HOLD THE TITLE OF GERMAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR. Stefan, the accolade is recognition of you and your team’s successes in the transactional market in what have been very difficult economic conditions, how have you had to adapt in terms of deal generation and project management? “Due to the economic conditions the client expectations rose year by year. Especially based on budget restrictions, there are tighter guidelines for team stuffing and the work load assigned to external counsel. In the end this comes down to the effect that you need to provide more specialised legal advice. Thus, the team and every team member need to be able to provide sophisticated legal advice based on experience.”
A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award?
“In German legal market, there is strong competition for talented young lawyers. To secure future growth as a top-rated law firm it is important to be attractive for young professionals. This competition is in German legal market not only discharged via associate remuneration. “Even more important is to provide every team member with a specific roadmap and forecast for personal development within the firm. Due to the fact that Flick Gocke Schaumburg is very much dedicated to growing the firm we give every associate the serious and reliable expectation of becoming partner.”
We are not relying on slots, but instead look on each associate’s ability and willingness to meet the high demands of our clients. The openness of our firm towards new partners is reflected by the fact that over the last years we increased the number of partners at an average level of 10% per year; this holds true not only for salary partners but more importantly also for equity partners. No one can rest on their laurels in this market place. What are you and your team doing to make sure you win the award next year?
“We appreciate that our work is recognized by awards like Acquisition International. Despite that our main goal and aim is
TEN
Even more important is to provide every team member with a specific roadmap and forecast for personal development within the firm. to meet client expectations and demands. The fact that a client is satisfied with our work during a specific transaction or project is the best basis for improving client relationship and is thus also the basis for future growth of the firm.”
How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? “It is not all about law! To be a successful (external) legal counsel it is for sure conditio sine qua non to be distinguished in legal thinking and legal writing but it is at least equally important to be able to think in economic terms and goals. Clients are not interested in legal theory but in making things and projects happen. As legal counsel you need to be able to use your legal capabilities like a tool case to transform these goals.”
How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you?
In German legal market we see a strong development of cases and projects all around corporate governance and corporate compliance.
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
AW Firm of the Year
“In the German legal market, there is strong competition for talented young lawyers. To secure future growth as a top-rated law firm it is important to be attractive for young professionals.” “Clients are not interested in legal theory but in making things and projects happen. As legal counsel you need to be able to use your legal capabilities like a tool case to transform these goals.” This is causes by different trends. On the one hand there is tightened awareness towards the duties of care of board members and top management, especially in the aftermath of the financial crisis. A bunch of latest case law straightened especially the elements of the business judgement rule and the “advice of counsel defence” On the other hand we see not only internationally but also in Germany that prosecutors, tax authorities and regulators become much more aggressive in implementing the law.
That affects the important fields of bribery, embezzlement or (tax) fraud but also a broad variety of other civil and public law regulations. Due to these developments we as a firm have been and still are involved in numerous investigations and proactive corporate compliance assessments. These have very often a cross-border implication, as they are driven for example by foreign authorities such as DOJ, SEC or FED.
ELEVEN
Stefan Simon
We meet these challenges with multi-disciplinary teams composed of corporate-, tax-, fraud-, employment-, data protection-, banking- etc. specialists, which are then working closely together with our partner firms in the affected jurisdictions.
How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting?
It is planned for the firm to grow over the coming years. Due to that we will even widen our recruiting policy for first-years and young professionals. We see growth within our important practice areas which are especially tax, corporate, M&A, real estate, employment etc.
FLICK GOCKE Contact Details? SCHAUMBURG Stefan Simon stefan.simon@fgs.de w. www.fgs.de t. +49 228 9594-187 f. +49 228 9594-100
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
NETHERLANDS PENSIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Netherlands) “Be interested in the question behind the question. And more importantly, be interested in the person behind that question as well!” Eric Bergamin
ERIC BERGAMIN IS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF BERGAMIN & GIELINK PENSIOENRECHTADVIES, A LAW FIRM BASED IN ROTTERDAM. IN THE AFTERMATH OF CLINCHING THE NETHERLANDS PENSIONS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR, BERGAMIN CHATS TO ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL ABOUT WHAT MAKES A GREAT WORKING TEAM. “We exclusively specialise in pensions law,” Bergamin explains. “Pensions law means civil law as well as tax law. The other founder of the law firm, Jos Gielink, is a tax lawyer.” Bergamin elaborates more about the current landscape of pensions law in the Netherlands. “It’s changing rapidly, due to accounting rules and of course ageing. We have to innovate these schemes, not only from legal perspective but also from financial perspective. This means that we really have to work together with financial specialists and to speak the same language as they do.” “The economic conditions are very difficult at the moment. Pension issues always have a very big exposure, so we can help our clients by limiting these exposures from a legal perspective.”
We are a member of the global alliance Ius Laboris. The Netherlands is, as you might know, a very small country and the law doesn’t stop at the border. Therefore, we put a lot of effort in this alliance. Ius Laboris, an alliance of HR and pension lawyers was recently awarded best European Legal Network. Despite receiving this coveted title, Bergamin did not think the firm would also receive the award for Netherlands Law Firm of the Year 2011 either! “To be honest, we didn’t expect anything like this,” he laughs. “Earlier this year, we had chosen to speed up our firm and we are very busy with moving to another office at the moment which suits our growing ambitions too.” “A third partner, Pierre Akkermans, joined our firm also, so we were very busy with all these developments. This Award makes us feel that we have chosen a good direction, so we are very happy and very proud.”
TWELVE
It is clear that internal company structure and culture plays a large part in team productivity at Bergamin & Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies. “We think team culture is one of the important ‘strategic issues’ of our law firm,” comments Bergamin. “If you look at our website, you’ll discover that we put ‘the human being’ in the middle. We do not train our team only on technical/legal skills, but maybe even more on soft skills and people skills, which you don’t learn at University!” “We put a lot of time into team building sessions and quality control. In all cases, we work on the basis of the 4-eyes principle. In some acquisition cases, we have been working with all of the team at the same project. Our lawyers can rely on each other, which makes us flexible and quick responders as a team.”
We love to be involved in these projects and don’t mind working hard. After a big project, you have to relax a bit of course, to keep a proper work/life balance in mind. It is a thrill to successfully participate in transaction projects. So how does Bergamin and Gielink Pensioenrechtadvies ensure that they stand head and shoulders above the rest of the competition?
We are lawyers with a ‘wide scope’, which means that we do not provide a purely textbook service, but also are capable of sparring with other specialists like accountants, actuaries et cetera. We are very practical as well and offer clear direction. “We think that ‘law’ and ‘a wide scope’ are a pretty good combination. Innovation on legal issues is something to develop as well. We are very active in innovation, almost as a meaning of life rather than just a logic solution.” “We believe that social media will take an important role for lawyers in the future. In 2011, we already have a presence on Twitter to share our knowledge.”
So if Bergamin could provide one piece of invaluable advice to law firms of the future, what would that be? “Be interested in the question behind the question. And more importantly, be interested in the person behind that question as well!”
Bergamin & Gielink pensioenrechtadvies B.V. Bahialaan 502, 3065 WC ROTTERDAM, Netherlands t. +31 (0)10 463 77 55 f. +31 (0)10 463 77 50 w. www.pensioenrechtadvies.nl
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
CHILEAN EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Chile) “We are a professional team with different ages and tendencies. We are united by the passion for our work and our determination to provide our clients with the best possible service that we can.” Luis Lizama Portal
LUIS LIZAMA PORTAL IS THE MAIN PARTNER AT CHILEAN LAW FIRM LIZAMA Y CÍA ABOGADOS. AFTER CLINCHING THE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD OF CHILEAN EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 2011, LUIS TALKS TO ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL ABOUT THE CURRENT CLIMATE IN SOUTH AMERICA. What areas of law does Lizama y Cía Abogados specialise in? “Our specialty is the corporative labour law. We provide consultancy expertise and advice to companies involved in individual and collective labour law. We also provide consultancy in social security and migratory issues to expatriate employees. “We advise in a judicial and strategic way to companies which face conflicts with their labour unions, or judicial conflicts with their current or former employees.
The mining industry is our main focus in Chile. That is why we are so proud to be the favourite law firm for companies that extract gold and copper from mines in the north of the country. “Any structural or unnecessary adjustment, which involves personnel, requires consultancy, and to prevent or anticipate their effects, or even to mitigate them. That is why; in the event of a crisis, professional services like ours are always required in the market.”
Are there any issues facing Lizama y Cía Abogados at the moment? How do you see the legal market changing? “In Chile, the law reforms have strengthened union activity and collective negotiations. They have favoured a cultural change to the internal company structure in attempt to help employers respect the employee’s rights, including their civil and political rights. “The introduction of the Chilean Labour Law Reform in 2007 means that the trials require new skills and more intense intervention, such as a lawyer personally devoted to the trial and the oral litigation techniques. As well as an increased knowledge of the law and possible procedural operations that cross the new procedure.”
THIRTEEN
How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? “The growth of the firm has been maintained in the last three years, in terms of clients, invoicing, professionals and services. It is possible that, due to the world market conditions, the next three years will not produce the growth on the same level as we have previously experienced, but I believe that we will be continuously expanding. Due to this previous expansion we have gained a space in the Chilean legal system Market.”
How did it feel when your firm won the title of Chilean Employment Law Firm of the Year? “We are very glad for the international recognition. We believe that this award demonstrates our commitment to our clients to give them an efficient and high quality service.”
A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis does Lizama y Cía Abogados place on team culture? “Something that definitely differentiates us from the other law firms is our cultural diversity, quality and professional render of our lawyers in a teamwork capacity. We are a professional team with different ages and tendencies. We are united by the passion for our work and our determination to provide our clients with the best possible service that we can.”
What strategies have you developed personally to deal with the recognised stresses of transaction management? “We have recruited not only competent professionals but professionals with solid technical knowledge in social relationships. Our personal skills permit a good relationship between our clients and their opposing parties, and ensure we are exempt from unnecessary conflicts with the opposition. On the other hand, we have organised our work in such a way that we have a good work/life balance within our law firm.”
So what are you and your team doing to make sure you win the award next year? “We intend to keep our corporative values: difference assessment, teamwork and excellence services. We are a comprehensive consultancy firm that provides not only judicial, but also strategic, advice and excellent professional services.” “As I stated before, what sets us aside is the passion with which we have developed our business.”
Av. Vitacura 2771, Office 904, Las Condes, Santiago t. +56 2 2463070 f. + 56 2 2463080 e. info@lizamaycia.cl
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
UK ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING CHAMBERS OF THE YEAR (United Kingdom) “It has become very apparent to us that the best marketing is by referral and recommendation from those we have worked for and with.” Ivan Pearce
FULCRUM CHAMBERS LLP WAS VOTED ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING FIRM OF THE YEAR, UK IN THE ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL AWARDS. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE FIRM TO CHAT ABOUT WHAT THE AWARD MEANS TO THEM, AS WELL AS HOW THE FIRM HAS FARED DURING THE TURBULENT FINANCIAL CLIMATE. IVAN PEARCE IS A DIRECTOR AND A SENIOR PARTNER AT FULCRUM CHAMBERS LLP. “In short, we are a collection of lawyers primarily barristers who have formed together and created a new law firm, regulated by the S.R.A. In effect an alternative business structure, we aim to provide the outstanding services that the Bar has to offer within a new business package directly to clients” The company specialises in Business Regulatory work, as Pearce explains in more depth: “our work involves corporate wrong doing, money laundering and fraud, but we have got a particular and well publicised specialism in anti-bribery and corruption matters, a lot of the work is multi-national helping to resolve issues for companies.” In such an industry, it is important to gain trust and, as Pearce elaborates on the firm’s work, it is clear to see that this is something which really sets Fulcrum Chambers aside and differentiates it from many other firms.
We pride ourselves that we are trusted by high profile clients and associates” he comments. “We are recognised collectively and as individuals perhaps due to our past of practising as independent members of the bar, I think it’s fair to say that we focus on completing the whole process from beginning to end. So that’s dealing with the problem, conducting perhaps an internal investigation, and then negotiating a resolution. We are able to demonstrate that we have actually conducted such projects and achieved significant results for companies on a very tight timescale. Our specialist knowledge and size I think that makes us standout.
FOURTEEN
“It has become very apparent to us that the best marketing is by referral and recommendation from those we have worked for and with.” Effective team work makes for a harmonious work place, and this is something that Fulcrum Chambers take very seriously, especially given the nature of the business. “We are a small team and fairly new, so although I am described as one of the Senior Partners, we are a team and all know each other extremely well and have done so for many years before we formed Fulcrum. We formed the company from people who we knew a lot about already, and we were confident that we could go into business with, so if we weren’t all friends, and weren’t able to work as a team, it wouldn’t work!” “It has been quite easy for us to move into this business culture because we all know each other very well and trust each other. A happy team is extremely important to us, the intense nature of the work that we are doing demands that it has to work as a team”. “One of the things we have found from a marketing perspective is that clients and potential clients find it attractive that we are small and very focused and therefore able to provide advice as quickly and efficiently as we can.” Having successfully formed a firm such as Fulcrum , Pearce has learnt a lot and has invaluable advice to offer others.
It sounds a bit clichéd but I think you really have to focus on your client,” he divulges. “In today’s environment client care is paramount, and we were already very focussed on delivering a service, and we have been very fortunate to carry that ethos across into the firm. “I think, having watched other firms deal with clients from an external point of view, providing business enabling advice is often lacking it seems to us, lawyers often say NO and aren’t seen in the UK as enabling advisors, I don’t think they put enough emphasis on client care.” Positive word-of-mouth is a definite plus point, although Fulcrum seem to have a great working relationship with others in the industry too. “Quite surprisingly to us, we have a good relationship with the big consultant firms, for example the accounting firms, and we found that rather than them perceiving us as a threat to their market, they have quite liked being able to go to their existing clients and say “look we know just the people who can assist you with this. It enables them to offer their clients a more focussed and altruistic approach”
Fulcrum Chambers LLP 11 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn London, WC2A 3TS t. 020 7186 0420 e. enquiries@fulcrumchambers.com
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
NORWEGIAN OUTSOURCING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Norway)
Dag Thorstensen
“As always, we will continue to push ourselves to deliver the best possible work to our clients with passion for what we do. Two of our key values are customer orientation and solution orientation.”
DAG THORSTENSEN IS A PARTNER IN HAAVIND’S TMT DEPARTMENT DEALING ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY WITH IT AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY CONTRACTS, INCLUDING LARGE AND COMPLEX OUTSOURCING CONTRACTS. HERE, THORSTENSEN TALK EXCLUSIVELY TO ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL ABOUT WINNING THE PRESTIGIOUS TITLE OF NORWEGIAN OUTSOURCING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR. “Here at Haavind, the team specialises in large and complex IT contracts and other technology contracts,” Dag explains. “This includes the full range of contracts from outsourcing contracts to project agreements to software licenses and similar contracts.” But it hasn’t always been plain sailing. Although not awfully affected by the economic downturn, Dag and his team have noticed a definite trend towards outsourcing. “Difficult economic times fuel the demand for cost cutting activities,” he explains. “With that comes an increased demand for outsourcing professionals, including lawyers. That being said, once the deal has been won, the clients are generally cautious about costs, and we do whatever we can to keep costs down.” Dag continues to explain that utilisation of Haavind’s knowledge database of contract templates, coupled with well orchestrated distribution of work internally among the different seniority levels within the organisation, are key levers to meeting clients’ needs and adhering to their cost awareness.
A large and experienced team allows us to move work around so that a project does not rely on one single individual. This allows me to focus on the big picture, and controlling this is a stress reliever itself. “We are currently implementing a program called the “Haavind Model” which ensures that all our deliverables have the same format and style. In this way, the client should not have to rely on the ways of a preferred lawyer, since the deliverables will appear more or less the same regardless of which lawyer has written it.” “Moreover, to cater for mitigation of stress in the entire organisation, every department has a designated partner responsible for monitoring and following up on each employee’s work load on a week-by-week and, if needed, daily basis. This allows us to place a new assignment with the lawyers having the best capacity at the time. The effect is twofold: Happier employees and happier clients.
FIFTEEN
Of course the legal market is ever-changing, but what does Haavind foresee and how does the company plan to deal with this evolution? “We have been seeing an increased degree of specialisation within the legal market over the last 5 - 10 years,” Dag continues. “Our increased focus on outsourcing is an example of us following this trend. “With increased specialisation follows a need to incentivise internal workflow within the law firm so that a specific task is handled by the expert within the particular field. Haavind has created the incentives needed to urge each lawyer to move a task falling outside his or her field of expertise to the right expert internally. Haavind is set up with large teams of subject matter experts within all public and commercial areas of law, and is thereby equipped to deal with any issue we are faced with in the best possible way. “We have a large and extremely experienced team of lawyers with in-depth international industry knowledge acquired from working as in-house lawyers, procurement heads, software developers and service delivery managers with the largest industry players.” The company consists of Norway’s largest team of employment lawyers, as well as the industry leaders. With such an experienced team onboard, it’s clear to see the competitive advantage that Haavind holds over other firms. “We were obviously delighted over the fact that our strategic decision to strengthen our focus on outsourcing a couple of years ago has been recognised by the market players,” speaks Thorstensen on Haavind winning the coveted title. “It confirms our own perception that we are the leading Norwegian law firm in this field.”
And what does Dag attribute the team’s success to? It appears that the organisation’s strong internal structure has played a large role. “We place strong emphasis on team culture, and always set up carefully designed teams to solve any matter,” divulges Dag. “A team is always headed by a partner, and the team composition is always carefully designed to deal with the issues of a project in the most proficient, effective and efficient way in order to meet (and hopefully exceed) the client’s needs and expectations.” “As always, we will continue to push ourselves to deliver the best possible work to our clients with passion for what we do. Two of our key values are customer orientation and solution orientation. We are very keen to understand the needs of our clients, and to deliver to the client’s expectations. Our hope is that this, coupled with our informal way of dealing with our clients makes happy clients who return with new work.” It is clear that Haavind’s robust internal culture is an invaluable asset which underpins the core competencies of the organisation, and Dag sums it all up with one final statement. “Our aim is always to solve the client’s needs or problems in solutionoriented, inspiring, and surprisingly enjoyable ways.”
Advokatfirma Haavind as, Bygdøy Alle 2, PB 359 Sentrum 0101 Oslo. t. (+47) 22433000 e. d.thorstensen@haavind.no
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
UK SHIPPING & MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (United Kingdom)
John Forrester
“We, as a whole, are a very collegiate firm and the very nature of the way the firm has grown and the work we do means that members of our team regularly work alongside colleagues in other departments.”
ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE SPOKE TO JOHN FORRESTER, A PARTNER AT HOLMAN FENWICK WILLAN LLP, ABOUT WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO HOLD THE TITLE OF UK SHIPPING AND MARITIME LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR. FORRESTER EXPLAINS A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE FIRM AND WHAT INDUSTRY IT IS INVOLVED IN. “We are an international law firm advising businesses engaged in international commerce and one area we specialise in is ship finance. Our ship finance practice is recognised as one of the leading practices in this field, acting for many of the world’s leading ship finance banks as well as a wide range of owners, operators and other investors across all areas of the shipping and offshore sectors, including many specialist areas such as LNG, superyachts and cruise.
Our team advises on all forms of finance, including syndicated, club and bilateral debt financings, as well as leasing, export credit financings, seller’s credits, derivatives and other credit enhancement products, bond issues and other forms of capital raising. “We also advise on other transactional services such as second-hand sale and purchase, shipbuilding contracts, ship recycling, ship registration, charterparties, pooling agreements, management and joint venture agreements, and when times get difficult, as is the case now, we are also able to help our clients with loan restructurings and workouts and, if need be, with the enforcement of security.” The recent economic downturn has affected many industries, including the ship financing and maritime market. Forrester explains how exactly Holman Fenwick Willan has been affected and what he expects for the future. “The biggest challenge for ship finance lawyers at the moment is the market conditions. We are faced by low economic growth globally, a continued crisis in the banking markets (with many banks cutting back on, or withdrawing altogether from, shipping loans) and a downturn across almost all sectors in the shipping markets.” “A round of foreclosures against shipping companies is expected in 2012 and this will lead to work for firms such as ours. There will be some new deals but bank appetite is low, except for the strongest names. I expect conditions to remain tough for at least the next 2-3 years.”
SIXTEEN
“I do think there will continue to be a migration of ship finance work away from London and English law. We need to follow that work which is why we have bolstered our ship finance team in Dubai and which is why we are looking to build the team in Asia.”
So how does Holman Fenwick Willan intend to differentiate from the competition to ensure continuing business? “We just want us to keep on doing a great job for our clients so that they are happy. Working on landmark industry deals is what we are doing, and want to continue doing, because they are challenging and interesting professionally. If industry recognition and awards follow, so be it. “We bring real shipping industry expertise. We are not generalist asset finance lawyers who do ships one day, trains the next day and aerospace the day after that. Our ship finance lawyers are dedicated to doing ship finance deals day in day out. We work for many of the shipping industry’s leading players. Also, when we don’t know the answer, we can turn to probably the largest team of shipping lawyers at any law firm in the world to help us out. This could be on issues such as piracy, sanctions or pollution liability. Or it could be on technical matters relating to the hardware of ships themselves. Our lawyers include a number of former mariners who really know what it is like at the operational end.”
Voted UK Shipping and Maritime Law Firm of the Year is a great accolade for Holman Fenwick Willan, as Forrester confirms. But what does he attribute this success to? “HFW as a whole is a very collegiate firm and the very nature of the way the firm has grown and the work we do means that members of our team regularly work alongside colleagues in other departments. On ship finance transactions, for example, this can mean working with, amongst others, tax, corporate, insolvency, and competition colleagues. This mixing of knowledge and expertise, generally on an international basis, makes for interesting and stretching work, a key element of team satisfaction.
We were extremely pleased to have been awarded this accolade. We continue to provide clients with the high level of service which they have come to expect from us and even in these difficult market conditions have been working on some of the sector’s largest ship finance deals. Winning this award is recognition of the hard work and dedication of the team.
Holman Fenwick Willan LLP John Forrester Friary Court, 65 Crutched Friars, London EC3N 2AE e. john.forrester@hfw.com w. hfw.com t. +44 (0)20 7264 8134
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
ROMANIAN ENERGY LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Romania) “We do our best to keep the balance with our personal life and ensure ourselves a pleasant and comfortable work environment.” Gabriela Cacerea
GABRIELA CACEREA IS A PARTNER AND CO-HEAD OF THE M&A AND ENERGY PRACTICES AT NNDKP IN ROMANIA. CACEREA SPEAKS TO ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL ABOUT THE TRIALS FACED BY THE FIRM IN TIMES OF ECONOMIC TURBULENCE. Gabriela Cacerea explains a little more about the business. “While our firm provides legal assistance in all areas of law in Romania, the team I coordinate together with my colleague, Ruxandra Bologa, capitalized throughout the years on its capabilities in Energy (virtually covering all aspects relevant for energy and natural resources, whether in electricity and renewable energy, in oil and gas or mining sectors), M&A (including all types of transactions in various industries, whether shares or asset deals, restructuring or privatisation processes or capital markets offers) and in Insurance industry.” NNDKP has been voted the Romanian Energy Law Firm of the Year 2011 by Acquisition International readers. Cacerea comments on how it felt to win such a prestigious title and how the firm has adapted to the conditions presented by the difficult economic climate. “We felt very honoured and delighted that the amount of work, energy and passion that we have put together for our clients and their projects has received a highly sought and prestigious recognition.”
In the current globalized environment economic trends are felt by all types of business. We believe that our reputation of providing top class legal services has helped us to secure new projects. We have always had an excellent communication with current and potential clients and we have adapted our expertise and strength to their needs. “Our potential in offering innovative and sophisticated solutions has become an important asset in an environment where the complexity of the transactions is constantly increasing. In order for everyone to succeed, we have to support one another. So we believe that we have adapted to the changing economical climate by providing our clients with custom made approaches that have strengthened our collaborations.”
SEVENTEEN
The energy sector was less affected by the economic crisis than other sectors. I do not believe there are significant issues to deal with (apart from sometimes unclear and insufficient regulations in certain domains) but rather opportunities to grasp. Corporations have realized that “being green” and investing in renewable energies is the right thing to do. Renewable energies will play a key role locally and globally and this will be an opportunity for everyone. It is obvious too, that a strong internal structure is extremely beneficial in times of economic distress. Cacerea elaborates: “The value of our team is that we are experienced but also still have the enthusiasm of youth, but most importantly that we work as a team and each of us is important. We do our best to keep the balance with our personal life and ensure ourselves a pleasant and comfortable work environment. “A suitable work environment is equally important,” Cacerea continues. “One should not have to think of work as a burden. People can cope with difficult task and time pressure, but in order for them to do it properly you have to be sure that they enjoy their work and feel comfortable and at ease when coming to work.”
So, what do you believe are NNDKP’s strongest attributes?
We consider all our clients as being our partners in every venture they are undertaking. We are business lawyers so the clients coming to us do not receive only legal advice, but business oriented solutions in order for them to make the right choice. Our strong expertise and business awareness, as well as our sharp minds make our advice invaluable for clients and distinguish us on the market. “Even in times of booming and flourishing economy we always felt that you continuously need to adapt to the clients’ requirements. When the economic trend is shifting we believe the best thing to do is to keep adapting. Clients’ requirements change during times like this and you need to keep the pace and adapt at all times.” Gabriela Cacerea, Partner Bucharest Business Park, Entrance A, 4th Floor | 1A, Bucuresti-Ploiesti National Road 1st District, 013681, Bucharest, Romania e. Gabriela.Cacerea@nndkp.ro w. www.nndkp.ro t. (40-21) 20 11 200 f. (40-21) 20 11 210
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
INDIAN PATENTS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (India) “Learn the subject of your service thoroughly and be perceptive of your client’s individual needs.”
Dr Niti Dewan
DR NITI DEWAN IS HEAD OF PATENTS, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION AT R K DEWAN & CO, AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS FIRM IN INDIA. DR DEWAN EXPLAINS TO ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN AN AWARD SUCH AS INDIAN PATENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR.
That’s a great way to look at each separate transaction. So what will you and your team do to make sure you win the award next year?
We are leaving no stone unturned in exploring hitherto unchartered territories, both geographically and work wise. We are also expanding our team with an infusion of fresh members, to ensure that we provide better customized services.
How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? Our team’s expertise in the domain, and our unique strategies in tackling even the thorniest of issues.
How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? The legal market is organically expanding logarithmically and clients’ needs are becoming more sophisticated. Each client needs to feel wanted. This is the precise situation in which we thrive best in a crisis, we are calm and collected.
What is the biggest issue facing your team? Congratulations on winning the Indian Patent Law Firm of the Year award. How does it feel to have won such a coveted title? I feel satisfied that our team received the recognition and credit that it deserved.
The award is recognition of your team and your firm’s successes in the transactional market in these turbulent economic times. How have adapted to deal with the economic crisis in terms of transaction generation and project management?
We have needed to continuously improvise in order to reach out to clients and prospective clients. We have strived to understand their needs and anticipate any queries they may have. A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? Our effort was purely a team effort lead by a visionary leader and my intuition. We were perceptive of our client’s requirements at all times as well as the needs of each team member.
The laws are continuously changing and evolving and we have to keep abreast of every twist and turn. This is again a situation in which our team excels.
The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment?
We are placed in a unique position where we are able to deliver when no one else can and are able to hold our heads high in all humility and gratitude for the work entrusted in our care. How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? Will it have evolved? In three years time, I see our firm expanding to at least twice its size with even greater domain in expertise and proficient professionalism.
If you could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, what would that be? Learn the subject of your service thoroughly and be perceptive of your client’s individual needs.
Closing deals is obviously the culmination of months of hard work. What strategies have you developed personally to deal with the recognised stresses of transaction management? Each transaction can be broken up into small, but significant issues. Each issue must be tackled, dealt with and resolved quickly, efficiently and decisively, keeping the ultimate goal of the transaction always in view.
EIGHTEEN
Podar Chamber, S. A. Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 001 t. +91 22 6177 5300 f. +91 22 2265 0159 e. niti_dewan@rkdewanmail.com
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
US EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (United States) “To be able to perform at the highest level year after year you really have to enjoy what you do. I am very lucky in that I practice in an area that I really enjoy and I am very passionate about.” Darren Gardner
DARREN GARDNER IS A PARTNER AT SEYFARTH SHAW LLP. HE CHAIRS THE FIRM’S INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE AND LEADS ITS INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT LAW TEAM. DARREN SPECIALISES IN INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT LAW. How did you feel when your firm won the US Employment Law Firm of the Year Award? “This is a very prestigious award that arises from a readership vote so it is really flattering. I am always extremely proud when we receive this kind of recognition and support for what we do.”
This award is recognition of you and your team’s successes in the market place, which has been very difficult with the current market conditions. How have you had to adapt in terms of the services you provide?
We have really been focused on building a team that strives to be the best in the practice area and that is filled with people who work well together for our clients. We have an unusual model in that our team is focused entirely on complex cross-border employment work. It is a demanding area of practice and we are particularly driven to making sure we always produce the highest-quality work and achieve the best commercial results for our clients. We really concentrate on how we interact with each other and with our clients. We want to be great lawyers who are easy for our clients to work with and who our clients know will go the extra mile for them every time. A Happy team is a productive team, so how much emphasis do you place on team culture? Which elements stand out as helping you achieve this award? “I think teamwork is critical to the success of any practice. In our case, this may be more true than ever. I don’t believe you can do the kind of high pressure, complicated work that we do, covering the diverse geographies that we cover (over 150 different countries) if you don’t have a strong team ethic and confidence in the people you work with.
NINETEEN
You also have to enjoy what you do to consistently produce the very best results. We are very fortunate in that regard as we have a close team of people with a deep expertise and a common approach and goals . I think this stands out and our clients notice and appreciate this. What strategies have you developed personally to deal with the recognised stresses of transactions and crossborder employment law? “To be able to perform at the highest level year after year you really have to enjoy what you do. I am very lucky in that I practice in an area that I really enjoy and I am very passionate about. Having a strong team of extremely capable people that you know well and trust helps me a great deal. I also try and go surfing whenever I can… ”
So how would you say you differentiate yourselves from the rest of the competition? “Where do I start? Our team really prides itself on being different. International employment law did not even exist when I started practising in the area nearly 15 years ago. My understanding is that we now have the largest and most experienced team of partners in the world dedicated solely to this practice area. We all very much enjoy doing things around the world for clients that have not been done before. We are all internationally trained and we practice cross-border employment law with a truly global focus. We have consistently demonstrated that we are able to deliver complex global employment projects and transactions from a single central location – there are not many other firms that can say, let alone repeatedly do, that.”
How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you over the next 12 months? “Clients are recognising, with the globalisation of their businesses, how important it is to have advisors that have proven experience around the world - rather than necessarily having to deal with multiple lawyers in multiple locations who may not all actually be experts in local employment law. We have grown year on year for a long time and our expertise is becoming better known. I am expecting us to be even busier next year.
If you could offer one piece of advice to other nominees for your award, what would it be? “Always do the best job you possibly can – clients notice it”
Darren Gardner, Partner Seyfarth Shaw LLP 560 Mission Street, Level 31 San Francisco CA 94105 t. +1 415 544 1018 e. dgardner@seyfarth.com w. www.seyfarth.com
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
INTERNATIONAL LITIGATION CHAMBERS OF THE YEAR (United Kingdom)
33 CHANCERY LANE
Chambers of Andrew Mitchell QC 33 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1EN e. clerks@33cllaw.com w. www.33cllaw.com t +44 (0) 20 7440 9950 Andrew Mitchell
The Chambers of Andrew Mitchell QC has been awarded the International Litigation Chambers of the Year. Acquisition International speaks to Andrew Mitchell QC, Head of Chambers at The Chambers of Andrew Mitchell QC, 33 Chancery Lane, London.The Chambers of Andrew Mitchell QC specialise in advocacy and advice across a spectrum of needs including regulatory and civil actions, criminal cases and emergency advice arising out of commercial wrongdoing both domestically and internationally. How did it feel when your chambers won the International Litigation Chambers of the Year? An overwhelming sense of pride as to how far our Chambers has come in the 3 years since its inception. A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? Chambers is a collective from the Head of Chambers to the most junior tenants and Practice Directors. Everyone is able to participate in the decision-making in relation to the development of Chambers and its marketing strategies. No one can rest on their laurels in this market place. What are you and your team doing to make sure you win the award next year? There’s no place for complacency in the business of the law, you are only as good as your next piece of work. We are constantly seeking out new clients as well as ensuring that existing clients continue to see that we remain competitive on ability, quality, results, and pricing. How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? We possess the skills and experience essential for international and domestic litigation involving commercial and financial wrongdoing of every type. We provide specialist expertise in all areas of suspected commercial wrongdoing including civil fraud, asset recovery and financial crime, as well as asset tracing and recovery following wrongdoing, assisting those who have lost as well as those against whom allegations of wrongdoing are levelled. How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? No longer are we a profession simply awaiting referral from solicitors. Clients are rapidly appreciating that they can instruct barristers directly for tactical and legal advice and, as appropriate, representation. With the vast majority of members of Chambers qualified to accept Direct Access instructions, we are able to accommodate our clients’ needs and demands economically and constructively. The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? The downturn in global markets has led to a closer inspection of working practices and an increase in actions as Governments and regulators seek to use commercial wrongdoing as a way of raising extra public money. If you could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, what would that be? What do you think made you and your team lead the pack? The Bar plays a crucial role in the maintenance of the rule of law, but don’t allow the importance of the Bar to divert you from being commercial – it is a sophisticated world, it is a changing world and the Bar needs to change with the demands of modern business life.
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AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
ISRAELI M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Israel)
Doron Afik & Shlomi Turgeman
Afik Turgeman, Attorneys and Notaries - Doron Afik, Esq. Shlomi Turgeman, Adv. 3 Daniel Frisch St., Tel Aviv, 64731, Israel e. atlaw@at-law.co.il w. www.at-law.co.il t. +972-3-6090609
Afik Turgeman, Attorney and Notaries (a Euro-American Lawyers Group member firm) has been awarded Acquisition International’s Israeli M&A Law Firm of the Year. AI speaks to Doron Afik and Shlomi Turgeman who are both senior partners of Afik Turgeman. How did it feel when your firm won the Israeli M&A Law Firm of the Year? “There are some very good M&A lawyers in Israel and we were very happy to hear that the magazine chose our firm.” A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? “We believe that our team is our most valuable asset. Firstly, we put a lot of attention to our hiring process – we do not only use legal head-hunters but we will sometimes review hundreds of CV’s and conducts dozens of interviews before we will find the person that fits the Afik Turgeman’s DNA. We invest many hours in tutoring our employees and they enjoy a very close attention of the partners – we make sure that any document leaving our firm bears the “Afik Turgeman signature.” Closing deals is obviously the culmination of months of hard work, what strategies have you developed personally to deal with the recognised stresses of transaction management? “Our experience showed us that unlike the common belief that it is all business everything is personal. A good M&A lawyer has to be an expert in the games theory on the one hand, and virtually a psychologist on the other. It is as important to understand the counterparty and its needs, as it is to understand your own client and its needs” No one can rest on their laurels in this market place. What are you and your team doing to make sure you win the award next year? “We are at all time thriving to better ourselves and our team. We are constantly looking for new business contacts and clientele, and we at all times opening our doors and our minds to new opportunities.” How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? “We believe that the personal attention is what differs us from others. Even as we get bigger, the partners are always involved and the clients will always receive a personal touch.” How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “The legal market is always changing. For years, the market is becoming more and more global and we are doing our best not only to adopt, but actually to lead. Our firm works in international standards but at very reasonable prices, which makes us compatible to the international market and competitive in such market. We are also members of the Euro-American Lawyers Group (www.ealg.com) and are thus part of a team of hundreds of lawyers in more than 25 countries and are able to supply excellent service in each such jurisdiction.” How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting? “We are constantly recruiting. We do not have a vision as to size of the firm in 3 years time but we have promised ourselves to grow only at a rate that will enable us not to jeopardize the quality of our services.” If you could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, what would that be? What do you think made you and your team lead the pack? “We believe that the best piece of advise in the M&A area would be to get to know your client as if you are about to purchase your client’s business, but always try and see the transaction from the eyes of the counterparty.
TWENTYONE
BELGIAN CORPORATE TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Belgium) AFSCHRIFT Thierry Afschrift Avenue Louise 208 B-1050 Brussels (Main office) e. avocats@afschrift.com w. www.afschrift.com Thierry Afschrift
AFSCHRIFT Law firm has been awarded Acquisition International’s Belgian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year. AI speaks to Thierry Afschrift, managing and founding partner of AFSCHRIFT Law firm, and also professor to the Free University of Brussels and deputy judge to the Court of appeal about this prestigious achievement. AFSCHRIFT Law Firm is a lawyer association specialized in tax law, defending the taxpayers in their relationships with tax administration. Afschrift Law Firm is settled in Brussels and also has offices in Antwerp, Geneva, Luxembourg, Madrid and Tel Aviv. The award is recognition of you and your team’s successes in the transactional market in what have been very difficult economic conditions, how have you had to adapt in terms of deal generation and project management? “The economic crises did not change much in our business, as, on the tax fields, the situation has always been difficult. “Nevertheless, it is obvious that, today, when choosing a solution, especially when this solution implicates the use of foreign jurisdiction, we take even more into consideration the fact that the legal situation is expected, or not, to evolve in the “destination” country. “In the past, we could consider a number of countries as totally stable, from a tax point of view; this is not true anymore.” A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? “Our lawyers our productive because they love our job. Furthermore, we work in a “niche” office; therefore, team spirit is necessary in order to work properly. In order to answer precisely your question, without hard team work and high degree of qualification, it would be impossible for an office of the size of ours to achieve what we’ve achieved.” No one can rest on their laurels in this market place. What are you and your team doing to make sure you win the award next year? “An award is only the recognition of the value of the work done for our clients. Therefore, to be honest, our first target awarded or not, will be to continue achieving the targets set by our clients. “We have done this from the first day of the foundation of this office and will continue to do so. Of course, if a new award should arrive, we’ll be happy and grateful.” How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? Will AFSCHRIFT Law firm be recruiting?
From a business point of view, our goal is to reinforce our position in the Dutch-speaking market in Belgium, as well as in the international one, especially in Switzerland and Luxembourg, where the lawmakers prove themselves of a great creativity on the tax field.
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
PANAMA DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Panama)
Jorge Federico Lee
Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee Jorge Federico Lee MMG Tower, 2nd fl. 53rd East Street, P.O. Box 0819-09132 Panama City, Republic of Panama t. + (507)269.2620 e. jfl@alcogal.com w. www.alcogal.com
MONTENEGRIN CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Montenegro)
Ana Kolarevic
Lawyer office Ana Kolarevic Bulevar Svetog Petra Cetinjskog 149 81 000 Podgorica Montenegro t. +382 20 20 54 20 m. +382 69 30 87 40 f. +382 20 20 54 21 e. anakol@t-com.me
Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee Law firm has been awarded Acquisition International’s Panama Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year. AI speaks to Jorge Federico Lee partner and leading litigator at the law firm.
Ana Kolarevic Law Office has been awarded Acquisition International’sMontenegrin Corporate Law Firm of the Year. AI speaks to Ana Kolarevic, founder and owner of Ana Kolarevic Law Office about how they lead the pack in Montenegro.
Jorge, how did it feel when your firm won Panama Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year? “All I can say is that receiving the news felt just as being served notice of a favorable ruling in our most important case. This feeling is second to none!
“I founded the office and my several-decades-long experience combined with the enthusiasm of my young colleagues is of essential importance for our success. The most important aspects of my role in the office are transfer the knowledge I acquired in my work to my young colleagues and providing them with proper guidelines in their work.
The award is the recognition of you and your team´s successes in the transactional market in what has been very difficult economic conditions, how have you had to adapt in terms of deal generation and project management? “Fortunately, the Republic of Panama did not suffer the impact of the global economic crisis that started in 2008 as much as other countries. “At the time, the country was in the midst of an economic boom, fueled principally by large public investments, most notably the expansion of the Panama Canal which is one of the leading engineering infrastructure works currently in development in the world. Additionally, public finances were in a very good state due to fiscal reforms that grew the government’s collection. In the last three years Panama has been one of the leading Latin American countries in terms of economic growth. This growth has been focused in the construction of public works, tourism, transportation, and telecommunications.
“It is a great honour and pleasure to receive such an important reward, particularly since it comes from outside of Montenegro and from people who analyse facts in an objective and impartial way. I would like to emphasize that this is one of a number of international rewards that me and my office have been awarded for our professional work. This is another confirmation for my team and me that we are doing the right thing and that we should continue in the same way.
“In all these industries, our firm has a well established roster of market leading clients. In fact, Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee represents the international consortium who won the bid for the main contract in the expansion of the Panama Canal. This growth is expected to continue, based on an ambitious government plan for investment in infrastructure works in the short and medium term. Of course, these aspects are in addition to Panama’s historical selling points based on its dollarized economy, tourism potential, and advantageous geographic position. In more recent good news, the Congress of the United States has just voted to approve a free trade agreement with Panama, and Panama received an investment grade qualification by the major international ratings agencies.” No one can rest on their laurels in this market place. What are you and your team doing to make sure you win the award next year? “Every year litigations become more complex. This requires that we constantly try to hone our skills. The American judicial system prioritizes the technique in the management of litigation and the appearance before juries comprised of lay persons which requires resorting mainly to the use of witnesses, many times reaching theatrical proportions. In civil law jurisdictions technique is also important, but alongside it, the attorney must have complete mastery and knowledge of the procedural concepts as well as the substantial juridical norms in debate, because a Judge will ultimately be the one making the ruling. “In this sense, we always bear in mind the wise saying of that noted Uruguayan jurist, Eduardo J. Couture who in his seminal work on the Commandments of the Attorney, stated the as the First Commandment “Study: The law constantly transforms; if you do not follow its steps then every day you will be less of an attorney”.
TWENTYTWO
“Team spirit is of decisive importance for the success of a law office. I would say that my team functions as a harmonious and successful family, without prejudice to high professional standards that the office is absolutely dedicated to. One of the fundamental values my office is based on is trust, both between me and my associates and between us and our clients. “It is obvious that there is a time-consuming and hard work behind every individual success we make. But whatever you do, if you want to do it in a professional and responsible way, you must accept certain level of stress. Of course, different people have different reactions to stress. Some simply “break down” under pressure, while for others stress is a stimulating factor which helps them to overcome problems and evolve. And this particular difference in reactions distinguishes winners from those who are not winners. The formula for success of my team is made of the ability to adapt to stressful situations and to overcome problems.” “When it comes to marketing of the services that me and my team can offer,you have to know that advertising of law services is prohibited by law and by the Code of Ethics of the Bar. However, there is the good reputation that you have to work hard to earn and that people talk about. That is what happened with my office: through hard work, our commitment to our clients and professional attitude in work we earned a good reputation not only in Montenegro but abroad as well. This is also confirmed by numerous rewards awarded to me and my team. Wouldn’t you agree that it is the best marketing ever?” How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will Ana Kolarevic Law Office be recruiting? “We will certainly remain loyal to the fundamental principles the office is based on. Of course, this does not mean we will not be flexible to adapt to new conditions and circumstances. I expect the office to develop further and to extend and this means new young professionals will get on board too.” If you could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, what would that be? What do you think made you and your team lead the pack? “Continuous learning, absolute commitment and providing security to our clients, as well as high professionalism are the characteristics that recommended us for the reward. These values should be common to all of us who do this highly professional job.”
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
UKRAINIAN LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Ukraine)
Mykola Stetsenko
Avellum Partners Mykola Stetsenko 19-21 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Str., 01030, Kyiv, Ukraine +380 44 220-0335 e. mstetsenko@avellum.com w. www.avellum.com
Avellum Partners has been awarded Acquisition International’s Ukrainian Law Firm of the Year. AI speaks to Mykola Stetsenko who is the Managing Partner of Avellum Partners about coming up top! Avellum Partners are legal experts in corporate finance, covering arbitration, banking and finance, capital markets, competition, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and restructurings. Mykola, how did it feel when your firm won the Ukrainian Law Firm of the Year? “We are extremely proud and honoured to receive this award. This award is a testament to our top quality and devotion to corporate finance practice.” The award is recognition of you and your team’s successes in the transactional market in what has been very difficult economic conditions, how have you had to adapt in terms of deal generation and project management? “Indeed, the current market situation is quite challenging and the legal market is highly competitive. We are a specialized law firm with a focus on M&A, capital markets and finance. As such we are able to offer a cuttingedge practice and to combine the needs of Ukrainian and foreign clients with a Western-style approach. Our lawyers are goal oriented and able to work under pressure. In fact, this is exactly what legal directories say about us. We distinguish ourselves from our competitors by very fast and efficient legal service, which is coupled with the day-to-day transactional experience of our associates.” A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? “Team culture is extremely important to us. First of all, we train our lawyers to be generalists within our broad areas of specialisation. This allows us to build efficient teams for any project and to meet any capacity requirements. We also foster in our associates true efficiency, ability to find solutions in sophisticated transactions and to focus on completion of transactions.” Closing deals is obviously the culmination of months of hard work, what strategies have you developed personally to deal with the recognised stresses of transaction management? “Stress is always a stress. I try to alleviate my personal emotional pressure by preparing for it, leaving ample space on my schedule for negotiations and completions. Once it you have it on your calendar, it is easier to accept it. No one can rest on their laurels in this market place. What are you and your team doing to make sure you win the award next year? “We Absolutely agree. We constantly stay in touch with our key clients, so that they know that we are always available for them. We are also engaged in regular business development efforts within the business community in Ukraine and abroad. But most importantly, we continue to improve our efficiency and expertise on current corporate finance transactions, so that the market continues to view our corporate finance practice as the best on the market.” How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting? “We like our “lean and mean” model with the associate/partner ratio of 5 to 1. We intend to grow steadily over the next few years. As our associates reach more senior levels, our junior base will grow proportionately. In 3 years’ time, we will remain a mid-sized and highly specialized law firm.”
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AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
ISRAELI BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Israel)
Norman Menachem Feder
Norman Menachem Feder Caspi & Co. 33 Yavetz Street, Tel Aviv 65258, Israel t. +972 3 796.1220 f. +972 3 796.1320 e. nmf@caspilaw.com w. www.caspilaw.com
The Caspi & Co law firm has been awarded Acquisition International’s Israeli Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year. AI speaks to Norman Menachem Feder, Partner and Head of the International Department of the firm, about how it achieved this prestigious award and what it’s doing to make sure it wins it next year. The award is recognition of you and your team’s successes in the transactional market in what have been very difficult economic conditions, how have you had to adapt in terms of deal generation and project management? “We have chosen quality control over rapid growth. We have an abiding commitment to consistent excellence, as this is what has defined our firm for the nearly seventy-five years since its founding. We believe that, particularly in difficult economic conditions, clients seek out excellence. No client can afford wonky legal advice, but especially if its markets are under stress -- there is too much at stake and even less capacity than in healthy economic times to absorb mishaps.” A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? “We place a strong emphasis on team cohesion and we strive to keep our teams small. This allows for more stimulating involvement of team members than if the work was spread out widely. Also, this allows for efficient decision-making; the decision-makers do not over-consult and they have ready access to the relevant information. Our clients like this approach, as do our lawyers.” Closing deals is obviously the culmination of months of hard work, what strategies have you developed personally to deal with the recognised stresses of transaction management? “Our lawyers are very dedicated professionals. Neither stress nor hard work scares them – in fact, I think they welcome the intensity. Deals can be very exciting environments for driven lawyers. It’s impossible to close significant deals without experiencing the stress of case management, but part of our role is to take some of that stress off of our clients, who have many other things to worry about.” No one can rest on their laurels in this market place. What are you and your team doing to make sure you win the award next year? “Winning the award is gratifying, but of course that cannot be our ultimate goal. We will continue to emphasize our traditions of excellence and value addition and will look for signs of anything that need’s shoring up. We always consider adaptations and new concepts.” How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “The supply of lawyers in our jurisdiction has dramatically increased over the recent years and, as a result, many practice areas seem to be in the throes of some sort of ‘commoditisation’. We seek to differentiate ourselves with an emphasis on quality, which positions us well for leading edge work. The more leading-edge work one does, the more one is distinguished from the rest of the market, even in a high-supply environment. In the end, sophisticated legal advice can never be a pure commodity. The current trend in banking and finance is toward more regulation. Where there is regulation there is legal work. The more complex the regulation, the more sophisticated the lawyer needs to be. A strong banking and finance lawyer needs to know a lot more than the law – he or she needs to understand well financial products and risk management. If you could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, what would that be? What do you think made you and your team lead the pack? “Quality control is a challenge that requires constant focus – it is hard to go wrong by stressing that. Of course, we would love to win again.”
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BRAZILIAN CORPORATE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Brazil)
Maria da Graca Pedretti
Maria da Graça Pedretti FELSBERG E ASSOCIADOS Av. Paulista 1294 São Paulo, SP - Brazil 01310-915 t. (11) 3141-9113 f. (11) 3141-9150 e. gracapedretti@felsberg.com.br
Maria da Graca Pedretti is a partner at Felsberg, Pedretti e Mannrich Law Firm, and has been since 1985 when the company was incepted. Maria speaks to Acquisition International about the currect climate and how delighted the firm was to be voted Brazilian Corporate Law Firm of the Year. From its beginnings as a small firm specialised in corporate finance and M&A, Felsberg, Pedretti, Mannrich e Aidar Advogados e Consultores Legais has grown to a full-practice law firm through the addition of partners well-known in their respective practice areas, fluent in a wide range of languages and able to practise law both in Brazil and overseas. What areas of law do you (and your team) specialise in? “We specialise in Project Finance, Capital Markets and Corporate Law.” How did it feel when your firm won the Brazil Corporate Law Firm of the Year ? “Obviously we’re very happy for the recognition of the hard work that we have been developing over the past 18 years.” How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? “Provision of responsive and on-time services based on years of experience in complex project finance transactions.” How do you see your business in three years’ time? How will it have changed shape?
Brazil’s economic potential, combined with opportunities linked to hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, and incentives created by the Brazilian government to foster the country economic growth, are predicted to continue to create attractive business opportunities in Brazil. Thus, the expectation is that the demand for legal services in particular for the infrastructure sector will continue to be high for the next 3-year period in Brazil. In this scenario our firm will continue to recruit talented lawyers. If you could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, what would that be? What do you think made you and your team lead the pack? “Delivery of responsive high quality and cost-effective services.”
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
HUNGARIAN LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Hungary)
Dr. Arne Gobert
Dr. Arne Gobert, Managing Partner Gobert & Partners / Taxand Attorneys & Tax Advisors Stern Palace, Andrassy ut 10 Budapest, H-1061 Hungary t. +36 1 270-9900 f. +36 1 270-9990 m. +36 30 221-8455 e. arne.gobert@gfplegal.com
ITALIAN TRANSFER PRICING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Italy)
Felice D’Acquisto
Felice D’Acquisto Head of Tax Labruna Mazziotti Segni Corso Magenta, 84 20123 Milan, Italy t. + 39 02 881861 e. felice.dacquisto@lmslex.com
Dr. Arne Gobert is the Managing Partner at Gobert and Partners / Taxand, Hungary, and heads up the Real Estate Team. Arne speaks to Acquisition International about the issues presented by the tough economic climate in Hungary, and about how Gobert and Partners intend to stay on top.
Felice D’Acquisto is the partner in charge of the Tax Department at Labruna Mazziotti Segni. With the market under a lot of stress, Labruna Mazziotti Segni has emerged triumphant to take the title of Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year.
“I am responsible for Real Estate in the wider sense of cross-border transactions,” Arne Gobert explains. “I am also head of the Sports Group, which in our sector means dealing with the acquisition of Football Clubs, which naturally brings into the equation things like training facilities and stadium capacity.”
“LMS is an independent Italian firm, with 70 lawyers and offices in Milan and Rome,” Felice explains. “Our strategy is to be a top quality boutique for premium domestic and international clients mainly in the corporate and financial sectors. We are recognised as a leading firm on Corporate, M&A, Capital Markets, Restructuring and Litigation matters and we also have strong capability in all the usual practice areas expected by clients such as Antitrust, Real Estate and in my own discipline of Tax and Distribution.”
The economic crisis hit Hungary and its surrounding countries hard, however Gobert and Partners adapted their services to still ensure they came out on top. “We have adapted by offering Real Estate services,” Arne Gobert explains. “So not only are we involved in the acquisition phase, but also after the acquisition we deal with the tenants agreements and the maintenance of the buildings, all from a legal perspective. “We are currently working on a couple of big acquisitions for the international development market.” Arne has seen a trend emerging in the Real Estate industry since the recession hit. “We have seen a couple of firms who have split from the parent company or the mother firm. I think this is a trend which we shall also see for the next 12 or 24 months. “One thing that is different is that Hungary has the highest ratio of trained lawyers in the whole of Europe when compared to the people living in the country, which means the market is very diversified and very difficult. “The biggest issue facing us is that the Real Estate market is very dry and very slow, the reason behind that is that we have a lot of office buildings but also retail facilities standing empty. We have seen the rental market completely break down. And in this market, to invest in a new project, it is difficult. This, in turn, makes it difficult for us to find new clients.” So, what sets Gobert and Partners aside from the competition and should stand them in good stead for the future? “What really makes us special is that we are offering tax services as well. We now have a full service tax team which has a couple of professionals with 15 to 20 years’ experience in the business, so we can offer in-depth tax advice.
We would like to be highly recognised as one of a handful of firms who can really offer integrated tax and legal services. Many of the clients that we work with right now appreciate that they can get tax advice from us also besides legal advice. “The last but not least is that we are not bound by an international brand, we are an independent company.”
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“High quality Tax advice can be of critical importance to our clients in this fragile market,” he adds, “and our practice is at the forefront of key market developments in Tax Advisory and transactional work. For example, over the last year we have noted a marked increase in the number of instructions to represent large multinational companies on tax audits in the field of transfer pricing and permanent establishment. These instructions involve advice on the implications of Mutual Agreement Procedures before Competent Tax Authorities within the framework of EC Convention 436/90 and the relevant Double Taxation Treaties. Alongside advice to multinational companies and private equity firms on Tax implications of their investments in Italy the Tax team LMS is being kept busy with instructions on the Tax implications of preinsolvency and insolvency procedures.” How did it feel to win the coveted award? “We all at LMS were very happy as we felt it was a reflection of the intense work undertaken by all of us on the Tax team and at the firm. The market has been under a lot of stress recently, so it is important that this award also gives out the message that the Tax sector and transfer pricing is certainly growing in significance, and also that it highlights the priority placed on the assessment of quality in the market.” The award marks the recognition of your successes in the market, which has been very difficult due to the economic conditions. How have you had to adapt in terms of the services you provide? “Given the uncertain economy we made a major effort to recruit new team members with economic expertise. Transfer pricing, in particular, is a highly complex discipline requiring an ability to collate, digest and analyse detailed economic performance data across multiple jurisdictions. So we wanted to ensure clients could draw on this additional expertise coupled with our legal skills. ” “LMS has put a lot of emphasis on establishing closer working relationships with our clients. On the Tax team we have done this, especially in the field of transfer pricing, by proactively helping clients in co-ordinating tasks amongst their various departments.” Furthermore we have developed this “in-house counsel” approach by providing clients with support more tailored to their needs. Our main effort in this regard has been to develop a deeper knowledge of our clients’ businesses and of the specific Tax and legal challenges they face.” How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “The market is changing constantly. I think that the key development is the amount of work that has been carried out, not only in the field of transfer pricing, but also in the field of litigation. For me, this shows that, parallel to a business model almost exclusively driven by M&A work, an emphasis on litigation and compliance is growing substantially.”
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
COLOMBIAN CORPORATE TAX LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Colombia)
LITHUANIAN BANKING & FINANCE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
(Lithuania)
Cra. 9 # 74-08 ofc 201 Bogotá D.C. Colombia t. (571) 7429660 w. www.leyvaabogados.com
Giedrius Kolesnikovas Partner Motieka & Audzevicius +370 5 2 000 777 e. Giedrius.Kolesnikovas@ma-law.lt w. www.ma-law.lt Giedrius Kolesnikovas
Alvaro Enrique Leyva Muñoz is managing partner at Leyva Abogados, a Colombian law firm specialising in Tax and Corporate Law. Alvaro talks to Acquisition International about the current climate. How did it feel to win the Colombian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year award? “We are very proud of having this recognition.” With the recent difficult economic condition,s which have affected every aspect of the law industry, how has Leyva Abogados adapted in terms of deal generation and Project management? “We try to see economic conditions more as an opportunity than a difficulty. Opportune and prompt legal advice is highly appreciated in these type of economies.” A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? “Team work is the base for good results. We make a big emphasis in the firm’s environment trying to make everyone part of the firm’s goals and achievements. A sense of belonging is a key element which we try to improve with different ways of motivation and recognition.” How does Leyva Abogados differentiate itself in the marketplace? “Leyva Abogados has consolidated through the years as one of the most recognized law firms in Colombia. Our differential factor is the expertise of the Firm as well as the capacity of our team to adapt to the different needs and identify opportunities in Colombian Market. “We provide our customers both Colombian and Foreigners, with an integral legal advisory which can be rendered both by our team or with the different alliances the Firm has with other Firms and Experts in the country and abroad.” How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “Competition is growing on a daily basis in the Colombian Market. Local and Foreign law firms are entering the market providing highly qualified legal advisory. The market is asking for integral legal services which make us improve and work harder each day to keep up with these standards.” How do you see your business in three years’ time? How will the firm have evolved?
The Firm will continue growing offering our customers high quality legal services. We will keep up making alliances with local and foreign law firms and experts to make the Firm, the best tax law firm in the country. If you could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, what would that be? “Keep moving forward to the market needs, identifying business opportunities. Provide a comfortable work environment for your team, making them feel an important part of your business.
TWENTYSIX
Giedrius is a Partner at Motieka & Audzevicius Professional Law Partnership and also Head of Banking & Finance Practice. After being awarded the title of Lithuanian Banking and Finance Law Kolesnikovas speaks to Acquisition International about what it means to the firm. “Motieka & Audzevicius offers sophisticated expertise in banking and financial markets,” Giedrius divulges about the company. “The firm advises on debt capital markets, leveraged finance, project finance, real estate finance, venture finance, private equity and securities.The firm has one of the strongest financial restructuring teams, having strong record in large-scale financial restructurings and loan workouts. The team also provides comprehensive regulatory, litigation, legislative and transactional services.” The award is recognition of Motieka & Audzevicius’ hard work and success in the transactional market over the last 12 months and Giedrius reaffirms that the firm is on the right track in delivery of premium legal services. “We’re honoured to receive this award in acknowledgement of the accomplishments that our team has achieved in this area. The firm will continue with the best efforts to meet the needs of our high calibre clients. Being up-to-date with the major development in finance, with constantly updated knowledge of the market, we advise clients to help them to develop innovative structures to ever-changing market conditions. The team access each client situation individually and provides tailor made advice. The experience that we have gained throughout the practise allows us to come up with solutions, which are way ahead of the present trends and helps to generate deals under difficult economic conditions.” Motieka & Audzevicius’s lawyers clearly understand that teamwork is a corner stone for competing in today’s global legal arena, as Giedrius explains more about firm’s recruitment strategy. “Motieka & Audzevicius invests only in the best and most perspective individual lawyers, graduated from the world top universities. Motieka & Audzevicius’ lawyer forms the reliable team that works well together. A lot of emphasis is put on shaping the team’s culture. Constant work with the members of the team has paid off. The firm’s lawyers functions synergistically as a unit as they understand that to achieve common goals you have to build a star team, not a team of stars.” With the recent turbulence felt by the European economy it can’t have been easy for Motieka & Audzevicius, but they are still managing to differentiate themselves in the market in order to keep on achieving success. “To be irreplaceable you have to be different,” states Giedrius. “The globalisation of the business has given more opportunities to conduct international work and Attorneys of Motieka & Audzevicius took opportunities to advise clients on cross-border complex transactions, mergers & acquisitions and multi-jurisdictional deals. We are expanding our practice in CEE region to follow the commercial activities of our clients. We are continuing to build and develop the network of associate law firms we work with to expand coverage and assists our clients at a moment’s notice. Therefore, strong emphasis on international work allows us to stand out in the legal market.”
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
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TWENTYSEVEN
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AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
US PHARMACEUTICAL LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
(United States)
ITALIAN OUTSOURCING LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Italy)
1425 K Street, N.W. Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20005 t. (202) 783-6040 w. www.rfem.com E Anthony Figg
RUCELLAI & RAFFAELLI Via Monte Napoleone, 18 I-20121 Milan, Italy t. +39 02 7645771 f. +39 02 783524 e. e.sisti@rucellaieraffaelli.it Enrico Sisti
Rothwell, Figg & Manbeck, based in Washington DC, has clinched the title of US Pharmaceutical Litigation Law Firm of the Year 2011, as voted by you, the readers. Mr E Anthony Figg, shareholder, director and president of the firm, speaks to Acquisition International.
Enrico Sisti is a partner at Rucellai & Raffaelli Law Firm, Italy. Sisti specialises in Corporate, M&A and Outsourcing and here, he tells Acquisition International why the firm deserves to have been voted Italian Outsourcing Firm of the Year 2011.
“I specialise in intellectual property law, primarily involving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries,” Figg elaborates. “The primary focus of my practice and that of the firm is intellectual property litigation. The firm also has a substantial practice involving patent prosecution, licensing and counselling (opinions), as well as a substantial trademark and copyright practice.”
“I feel very proud,” Sisti says, on being told the firm has achieved the coveted title. “It is the recognition of all the hard work of the team during these years. In difficult times flexibility is the key word and flexibility means several different things: number of resources, adapting to everchanging circumstances, adjusting to clients’ needs, not only in terms of delivery, but also of costs, and having a flexible mindset. In the current economic climate, to get deals done can take as much as two/three times than before, but they can easily abort abruptly. So you need to be flexible about it.”
The recent economic crisis may not have had as detrimental an effect on America as it did on Europe, but it was certainly felt by the firm, especially as many of its clients are based in Europe. “The difficult economic conditions of the past few years have affected nearly all of our clients. Clients have become much more discriminating in the type of service they expect and what they are willing to pay for IP legal counsel,” states Figg. “Even if, as we all hope, economic conditions improve, we do not expect clients to return to the ‘old ways.’ Since inception in 1981, our firm has always operated as a lean and efficient provider of legal services. We are well-situated to deal with alternative fee arrangements and to counsel clients on ways to avoid or minimize legal expenses. “We offer the same philosophy of high-quality representation at competitive rates to those clients as we do to our US-based clients. European and Asian clients often find US litigation to be daunting and overwhelming. We have a great deal of experience in helping such clients avoid litigation. But when they cannot avoid US litigation, we have considerable experience in helping them to minimize the impact of the proceedings upon their day-t0-day business activities.” It’s no wonder Rothwell, Figg & Manbeck was recently voted US Pharmaceutical Litigation Firm of the Year 2011 by readers, and Figg modestly agrees. “We believe that our firm is an established leader in litigation in the pharmaceutical field, but it is very gratifying to be recognized by a prestigious global publication.The award is indeed recognition of the firm’s hard work over the last 12 months, especially considering the turbulent economic climate,” but as Figg explains, “it’s all to do with choosing the right team.” “A core philosophy of the firm is to recruit quality people and to provide an environment and a challenging legal practice that keeps them happy. As a consequence, we have a highly qualified, motivated and stable core group of attorneys and an experienced support staff. We continue to strive to improve the quality of the service that we provide to clients as well as to maintain efficiencies. We have never sought growth as a goal in itself, but we continue to recruit the highest quality of people so that we can address clients’ needs in matters ranging from simple transactions to the most complex litigations. “Our firm has always emphasized the dual goals of the highest quality of representation together with efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We are aggressive and innovative in developing litigation strategies, but conservative in staffing and other decisions that can unnecessarily increase costs.”
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A happy team is a productive team and this is certainly true in Rucellai & Raffaelli’s case. So how much emphasis does the firm place team culture to get such a fantastic result? “Most of all, a close and focused team is a productive one. Our internal culture is mainly based on personal honesty and sincerity of relations; we rely on clear targets but not on internal competition.” “We intend to keep on searching for new ways to provide higher quality and cost effective legal services, and by investing in the growth of the team.” Apart from a focussed team culture, how does Rucellai & Raffaelli differentiate itself in the market against stiff competition, especially in such a difficult economic climate? “It’s not just one single thing that makes us different,” explains Sisti. “It’s three. We provide: (i) high quality; (ii) tailor-made and (ii) correctly priced legal services.” Still not through the turbulence the recession left in its wake, the legal market in Italy is almost certainly set to change, as Sisti says: “For Italian Firms I think that the biggest changes have already happened in the last couple of decades with the entry into the market of most of the big multinational US or UK-based Firms –which is of course already history now.” And further down the line? “The next thing that will affect the Italian market probably is what is already happening elsewhere: outsourcing of basic (and not so basic) legal work to low cost/high skill countries (e.g. India, Eastern Europe), remote assistance, secondment, “virtual” web-based firms and the like. It’s a whole new model, and an interesting one, that however is almost only centred on the cost containment component –which is of course its limit; and weakness, I would hope.” So what is the biggest issue facing Rucellai & Raffaelli, according to Sisti? “I feel that it is not always complexity of outsourcing deals, so much as the cost. In Italy, such deals involve a significant amount of M&A work/ structuring and require very skilled resources in Labour/HR law and, specifically in the IT sector, IPR; often pose significant regulatory and cross-border issues; last but not least, pure contract work is essential and usually legally and technically complex. Combining all of the above at the appropriate cost for the client, and the Firm, is the real challenge: in good times and even more so in bad times.”
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
MALAYSIAN M&A LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Malaysia) Shook Lin & Bok Patricia David Saini 20th Floor, AmBank Group Building, 55 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia e. patdavid@shooklin.com.my w. www.shooklin.com.my t. 03-20311788 Patricia David Saini is a senior partner at the Malaysian law firm of Shook Lin & Bok. Patricia speaks to Acquisition International about winning the Malaysian M&A Law Firm of the Year 2011 award, as voted by our readers. “I was very pleased that we have received this recognition for the hard work that our team in the corporate department has put in over the last year”, Patricia tells us. Obviously the market has endured some hard times recently due to the global economic crisis, but Patricia assures us that Shook Lin & Bok has come through the worst of it, despite having to adapt its offering to suit the conditions. “Maintenance of client relations has always been a priority to us,” says Patricia. “We have had to strive harder to ensure that the needs of clients are met with as short a turnaround time as possible and without compromising on the quality of our legal services. In addition, we have also tried our best to reduce costs for clients during difficult economic conditions.” Patricia goes on to talk about one of the main issues facing the firm, this being the entry of foreign lawyers as a result of liberalization of the Malaysian legal industry. “Clearly, competition will stiffen in terms of available legal work. More importantly, however, competition for the best associates and support staff in Malaysia will be intense and I expect to see a general salary increase across the industry. Hopefully, there will also be a transfer of skills from the foreign firms to the locals. Quality fresh graduates in Malaysia are becoming more and more scarce due in part to globalisation. It is not easy to find and retain young lawyers with the right attitude who are able to think on their feet and provide value-added solutions to clients. So, talent management is also an issue which affects us right now.” Patricia also suspects that globalization has done much to shape the nature of legal practice, especially where cross-border deals are concerned, and thinks that an influx of foreign firms entering Malaysia is sure to change the legal landscape. “As laws change, the constant introduction of new and innovative deal structures will reach the market. I think that embracing competition forces us to hone our skills further and to always be on the lookout for new marketing strategies and the recruitment and retention of talent.” A happy team is a productive team, and it’s clear from Shook Lin & Bok’s success that team culture has a lot of emphasis placed on it. “Corporate work, especially large fast-moving deals, can only be effectively executed when the entire team works as a single cohesive unit. Although our associates are also trained to work independently, when required, we have always emphasised to our associates the need to work as a team to get the job done. When recruiting lawyers, we always look out for those whom we think are able to be team-players and who possess the right attitude.” The right focus and the right combination of people seems to have really paid off for Patricia and the others at Shook Lin & Bok, but keeping on one’s toes is the way to stay on top. So what will the firm be doing over the next 12 months to ensure they can always stay ahead of the game? “Being organised, prioritising your work and delegating tasks to the right people helps a lot,” Patricia emphasizes. “We will never rest on our laurels and will always strive to improve and be ahead of the competition. Bearing in mind that legal practice is a service industry, it is vital to always be service-oriented in our work.”
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NORWEGIAN AVIATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Norway)
Knut Boye
SIMONSEN Advokatfirma DA Filipstad Brygge 1, P. O. Boks 2243 Vika. 0125 Oslo, Norway. e. kb@simonsenlaw.no w. www.simonsenlaw.no t. +47 21 95 55 00
Simonsen Advokatfirma DA has been awarded Acquisition International’s Norwegian Aviation Law Firm of the Year. AI speaks to Knut Boye who is partner at Simonsen Advokatfirma DA, a Norwegian lawfirm with approximately 95 lawyers and offices in Oslo and 3 other cities in Norway. The award is recognition of you and your team’s successes in the transactional market in what have been very difficult economic conditions, how have you had to adapt in terms of deal generation and project management? “For M&A work, the market has been difficult in Norway. In difficult times, the only really effective remedy is adjust to the size of the market and to try to do things better for the clients.” Closing deals is obviously the culmination of months of hard work, what strategies have you developed personally to deal with the recognised stresses of transaction management? “As most lawyers, the team members and I work too long hours and should try to delegate more; as for most lawyers: it is not always possible.” How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? “It is perhaps difficult for lawyers to differentiate themselves from other lawyers in transactional, contract and financial work. We put great emphasis on giving extensive yet comprehensible and useful advice to foreign clients who may perhaps not be familiar with Norwegian law or business conditions, and on timeliness in responding to clients and in executing instructions.” The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? “Norway lives in a “cocoon” and has hardly been affected by the financial turmoil of the last years. Unemployment is low (less than 4 %, somewhat depending on how you count), government net debt is non-existent and commercial activity (except M&A) remains high. “So our firm’s aviation activity has been as busy as ever, if not more so, and is not expected to fall off next year. However, there are signs that the general downturn in business in Europe and the US will affect also Norwegian business more in the future, which may also affect commercial legal work. How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting? Hopefully the international conditions will have improved by then. If Norway is not to adversely affected the conditions should be good, although there is a particular risk in that countries who are in “competition” with Norway will have by having to adapt to the crisis a more competitive cost structure whereas Norway has “put on fat” in what has been comparatively good conditions. “For lawyers the conditions should be challenging but rewarding. Our firm is continually recruiting, and I expect to increase our aviation group.” If you could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, what would that be? What do you think made you and your team lead the pack? “There is no “quick fix”: consistency and predictability, quick response and quality are as always the only reliable approach to legal work. There are considerable assets involved in legal aviation work and great care must be taken.
AI LEGAL AWARDS 2011
UK DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (United Kingdom) Slaughter and May Richard Clark Head of Dispute Resolution e. richard.clark@slaughterandmay.com w. www.slaughterandmay.com Richard Clark
Slaughter and May has been awarded Acquisition International’s UK Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year. AI speaks to Richard Clark, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Slaughter and May about the firm’s enormous achievement in a challenging year. Richard how did it feel when your firm won the UK Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year? “We were delighted. It is particularly rewarding to win an award based on nominations from readers, many of whom are users of legal services and so best placed to judge the quality of advice and client service on offer in the market.” The award is recognition of you and your team’s successes in the dispute resolution market in what have been very difficult economic conditions. How have you had to adapt in terms of deal generation and project management? “The dispute resolution market remains a competitive one. With the ongoing difficulties in the world’s financial markets, clients’ businesses are coming under increasingly severe pressure to reduce costs. For us, listening and responding to clients’ needs have always been a priority, but now, more than ever, it is important to be able to respond flexibly, positively, and innovatively to clients’ budgets.” A happy team is a productive team. How much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? We place great importance on effective teamwork as this enables us to provide the best possible service to the client. We have always had a strong collegiate culture and believe in motivating our teams by giving them responsibility and real input into cases. Motivated teams are happy, productive and effective. How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? Slaughter and May is already a differentiated brand, for example, our multi-specialist ethos and our innovative approach to international working. In Dispute Resolution, we consistently achieve significant wins for our clients. Our ability to resolve cases successfully, efficiently, and cost-effectively in whatever way is in the best interests of the client is, we believe, our greatest strength. How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? With the global financial crisis showing no signs of abating, we believe that the legal services market will continue to be highly sensitive to cost with an increasing emphasis on quality and value. Quality, value and a client-focused approach have always been central to our culture as has a flexible approach to fees. We recognise the increasing pressures on business in these difficult economic times and therefore strive more than ever to support our clients with commercially-aware, cost-effective advice and innovative solutions. The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? “We are fortunate to act for some of the world’s leading companies and institutions. We believe that they choose us to assist them in resolving their disputes because of our strong track record of achieving successful, cost-effective outcomes.”
THIRTY
VIETNAMESE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (Vietnam) Phung Anh Tuan Esq, Managing Partner Suite 501, 5th floor, Sailing Tower, 111A Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. t. (84-8) 827 2029 f. (84-8) 823 4436 e. contact@vci-legal.com w. http://www.vci-legal.com Phung Anh Tuan Esq is the managing partner at VCI Legal, based in Vietnam. Though a relatively young firm, VCI Legal is staffed with a team of lawyers and specialists who have many years of practice experience and in-depth understanding of the legal system and business environment in Vietnam, not least is Phung Anh Tuan. The lawyers’ extensive commercial experience provides the firm with a unique insight into its clients’ concerns and enables it to provide highly effective legal services to the business community in Vietnam. This is undoubtedly why the firm has been so successful in achieving the Vietnamese Corporate Law Firm of the Year Award, as voted by readers of Acquisition International. Mr Phung was admitted to practice law in Vietnam in 1993. He has much law experience, having gained two degrees in Economic Law, plus a Masters Degree from the Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Speaking several languages, including English, Mandarin Chinese and Vietnamese, Mr Phung is capable of handling cases which require a highlevel of expertise. During his time practicing law, Mr Phung has certainly played a large part in moving the industry forward. He acted as a key player in arranging all legal issues in the first merger of two joint venture companies in Vietnam, at a time when there was no legal framework for the combination of foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam. With support from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, this pioneer case was successfully completed, thus setting the precedent which eventually amended the laws on foreign investment in Vietnam. Mr Phung also organised the first co-operation scheme between the local authorities and Unilever Vietnam in anti-counterfeiting campaign that strengthened the enforcement of intellectual property laws in Vietnam. This scheme involved six different high-level governmental authorities participating in a series of seminars and training courses for officials in the Northern Provinces on enforcing intellectual properties in Vietnam. Officials of the authorities were then invited to join a delegation visiting Europe to meet and discuss with their counterparts in UK and Holland. As the author of a number of articles, researches and essays about economics and legal issues in Vietnam, Mr Phung is one of the most prized at VCI Legal. “We aim to be the first and the best to provide ‘In-sourcing Legal Services,” states Phung about VCI Legal. “We stand for a new concept of legal services by bringing New legal solutions for Business as an ideal legal services for business. “How can we deliver this new kind of legal services? By providing an ‘Outside In-house Counsel’ – we certainly walk the walk and talk the talk!”
‘Defining today’s legal landscape’