LEGAL AWARDS
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Sefrioui Law Firm has been a respected Paris-based arbitration practice from its beginnings in 1969. Kamal Sefrioui, Partner at Sefrioui Law Firm.
We view the award as recognition of the efforts we have put into building relationships and supporting our clients’ ambitions. Chiagoze Hilary-Nwokonko , Managing Partner at Streamsowers & Kohn
It was an honour to receive this award. It serves as a reward for our hard work and it is recognition of the fact to that effect. Jamal Alkaf, Managing Director at Sahra Petroleum Consulting
Because we offer more bespoke services to our clients they will always appreciate the personal touch – you are not going to get that from a big firm…
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Quentin Bargate, Senior Partner at Bargate Murray
We are continually developing exciting enhancements to the platform and also researching and building brand new features and “killer apps” that shall set us apart from the competition.
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Paul Yung, Managing Director at Sterling X-AG Data Rooms
Internally we know we are strong candidates within our field for such a prestigious title, yet being acknowledged by our clients, peers and the industry in general is more than heart-warming to say the least. Malcolm Meilak, Managing Director at M. Meilak & Associates
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Contact Ernst & Young Tax partners in Brazil:
Work with us: ey.com.br/carreiras © 2012 EYGM Limited. All rights reserved.
Ernst & Young is proud of having been awarded Brazilian Integrated Tax & Legal Advisers of the Year.
Eliézer Serafini ( +55 2573 5699 Luiz Sérgio Vieira Filho ( +55 11 2573 5600 ey.com.br
• Assurance • Advisory • Tax • Transactions
FORWARD Welcome to the Acquisition International Legal Awards 2012 In today’s challenging market for professional services the ability to stand apart from your competitors is increasingly important. Brand value in a flat economy is a key driver for decision makers, from the board room through to the intermediary market. Our legal awards recognise leaders in their respective fields - and crucially, are nominated by their clients, their professional relationships and their peers. Our legal awards mean something, not only to the winners, but most importantly the people who they advise. 2012 has undoubtedly been a tough market for lawyers, whatever their area of expertise. Deal activity is pretty flat, access to finance remains a pan European problem, and businesses are still very cautious in their plans and approach to growth, and - being truthful - with good reason. Most law firms are contemplating the seemingly increasing polarity in the shape of the market - go global or go niche. Merger activity remains high and marriages of convenience will continue domestically and internationally. What is clear is that the mid market remains flat and it is difficult at this time to see the fiscal or economic stimulus to make a meaningful change. That said, this is the kind of market where the tough get going. There are stand out areas of activity, whether that be geographical such as the BRIC markets, sector specific such as early stage tech, or legal specialisms such as dispute resolution and regulatory. What is clear to most managing partners is that the professional services landscape has changed. The traditional and long standing sources of work have all but dried up, the manner in which clients work with their advisers has changed and the way in which their staff want to work has also changed. As ever, in these times of change, it is those that innovate and adapt that take advantage of the climate. Law firms are having to test the sense and sensibility of their traditional partner models and new business structures around professional services operations are springing up all the time. Our award winners represent the best in class at innovation, differentiation and first class service to their clients. Although the economy is difficult and the market is changing, our winners see that set of circumstances as a challenge and not an excuse. So, what does 2013 look like? The truth is that ever more than before, it is almost impossible to predict. The European fiscal debt position remains unresolved, there is little clarity on America’s likely out turn and the slowing of the Chinese economy all represent threats to any kind of strident confidence. The truth however, is that these issues (and many more besides) have been ‘on the brink’ for a good while now and we stoically keep on, two steps forward and one back - but let’s be absolutely clear; that one step forward, incrementally and over time, is progress...
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Winners List Afghanistan Rosenstock Legal
Afghan Law Firm of the Year
Albania Comport Shpk
Albanian Legal Marketing Firm of the Year
Argentina Estudio Garrido Abogados Allende & Brea de la Vega, Caldani, Linares Luque & Monsegur Estudio Beccar Varela Brons & Salas Castro Sammartino & Pierini, Attorneys & Counselors at Law Australia Ashurst Gilbert + Tobin TressCox Queensland Bar Chambers Maddocks Ashurst Middletons Henry Davis York Gilbert + Tobin Gilbert + Tobin Henry Davis York Maddocks Corrs Chambers Westgarth Maddocks FCB Workplace Law Fox Tucker Lawyers Gilbert + Tobin Gilbert + Tobin Austria Anwaltskanzlei Thiele GmbH TJP Austroexpert Graf & Pitkowitz Graf & Pitkowitz Rechtsanwaltskanzlei LIKAR GmbH (LIKAR Law Offices) Boris Kojevnikov - IPEG GmbH Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners (SCWP Schindhelm) Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners (SCWP Schindhelm) Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners (SCWP Schindhelm) Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners (SCWP Schindhelm) HAUSER PARTNERS Rechtsanwälte GmbH Attorneys at Law P.C. DLA Piper Preslmayr Rechtsanwälte OG Dr Robert Briem Rechtsanwalt-GmbH
Argentinian Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Argentinian Competition Law Firm of the Year Argentinian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Argentinian Law Firm of the Year Argentinian Tax Law Firm of the Year Argentinian Corporate Law Firm of the Year
Australian Commercial Property Law Firm of the Year Australian Fund Law Firm of the Year Australian Competition Law Firm of the Year Australian Mining & Energy Dispute Law Firm of the Year Australian Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Australian Insurance Law Firm of the Year Australian Transport Law Firm of the Year Australian Equity Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Australian Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Australian Government Law Firm of the Year Australian Cross Border Insolvency Law Firm of the Year Australian Human Resources Law Firm of the Year Australian Construction Dispute Law Firm of the Year Australian Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Australian Employment Law Firm of the Year Australian Complex Litigation Law Firm of the Year Australian Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firm of the Year Australian Private Equity Law Firm of the Year
Levy & Salomão Advogados TozziniFreire Advogados Juchem Advocacia Demarest & Almeida Advogados Zulmar Neves Advocacia
Brazilian Boutique Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Environmental Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Customs Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Joint Ventures Law Firm of the Year
Bulgaria Djingov Gouginski Kyutchukov & Velichkov Trifonov Law Offices IUSAUTHOR
Bulgarian Competition Law Firm of the Year Bulgarian Full Service Law Firm of the Year Intellectual propety firm of the year
British Virgin Islands KRyS Global
BVI Insolvency Advisory Firm of the Year
Canada Miskin Law Offices Chitiz Pathak LLP Davis LLP McMillan LLP Bennett Jones LLP
Canadian Personal Injury Mediator of the Year Canadian Gaming Law Firm of the Year Canadian Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Canadian Corporate Law Firm of the Year Canadian Technology M&A Law Firm of the Year
Cayman Islands Campbells Nelson & Co Ritch & Conolly KRyS Global Appleby Solomon Harris Walkers Maples and Calder Channel Islands Bedell Cristin VerrasLaw Appleby Carey Olsen Carey Olsen Bedell Cristin
Client Choice for Domestic Transactions: Austria Austrian Tax Law firm of the Year Austrian Avoidance & Equity Replacement Law Firm of the Year Austrian Project Finance Law Firm of the Year Austrian E-Commerce Law Firm of the Year
Bedell Cristin Ogier
Austrian Arbitrator of the Year Austrian Public/Private Law Firm of the Year
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Austrian Legal Consultants of the Year
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Chile CorreaGubbins Estudio Juridico Otero Silva & Cia
Austrian Competition Law Firm of the Year
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Ernst & Young LLP
Austrian Compliance Law Firm of the Year
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Austrian Cross Border Law Firm of the Year
China Global Law Office Boss & Young
Cayman Islands Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year Cayman Islands Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year Cayman Islands Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Cayman Islands Insolvency Advisory Firm of the Year Cayman Islands Litigation Law Firm of the Year Cayman Islands M&A Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Cayman Islands Cayman Islands Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Channel Islands Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year Channel Islands M&A Law Firm of the Year Offshore Law Firm of the Year: Channel Islands Overall Law Firm of the Year: Channel Islands Overall Law Firm of the Year: Channel Islands Channel Islands Litigation Law Firm of the Year Channel Islands Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year Channel Islands Corporate Law Firm of the Year Chilean Environmental Law Firm of the Year Chilean Litigator of the Year Chilean Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Chilean Integrated Tax and Legal Advisory Firm of the Year Chinese Healthcare M&A Law Firm of the Year Chinese Foreign Direct Investment Law Firm of the Year Chinese Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year Chinese Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Chinese Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Chinese Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Chinese Corporate Law Firm of the Year Chinese Shipping Law Firm of the Year
Hauser Partners Graf Patsch Taucher Rechtsanwälte Brandl & Talos Rechtsanwälte GmbH BLS Rechtsanwälte
Austrian Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Austrian Data Protection Law Firm of the Year Austrian Inheritance and Succession Law Firm of the Year Austrian Cross Border Law Firm of the Year Austrian M&A Law Firm of the Year Austrian Investment Fund Law Firm of the Year Austrian Overall Law Firm of the Year
Bahrain Norton Rose
Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: Bahrain
Colombia B&R Latina Trademarks & Patents
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Bangladesh
prietocarrizosa
Arbitrator of the Year 2012: Bangladesh
Baker & McKenzie
Colombian Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Colombian Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Colombian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Barbados Integrated Legal & Tax Practitioners of the Year
Croatia Divjak, Topic & Bahtijarevic Wolf Theiss - Zagreb Branch
Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Croatia Overall Law Firm of the Year: Croatia
Cyprus Haviaras & Philippou L.L.C.
Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year: Cyprus
Czech Republic Kotrlik Bourgeault Andrusko AK Zvolský GÜRLICH & Co. Ambruz & Dark/ Deloitte Legal Weinhold Legal CMS Cameron McKenna v.o.s. Glatzova & Co. BBH, advokatni kancelar, v.o.s. BBH, advokatni kancelar, v.o.s. BBH, advokatni kancelar, v.o.s.
Czech Media Law Firm of the Year Czech Litigation Law Firm of the Year Czech Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Czech Commercial Law Firm of the Year Czech Environmental Law Firm of the Year Czech Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Czech Republic Czech Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Czech Energy Law Firm of the Year Czech White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year
The Democratic Republic of Congo YAV & ASSOCIATES
Corporate Law Firm of the Year: DRC
Bangladesh Doulah & Doulah Ishtiaque Ahmed MCIArb Barrister-at-Law (Lincoln’s Inn) Barbados Ernst & Young Services ltd Belgium Janson Baugniet Matray, Matray & Hallet Afschrift Mattijs, Voet & Co Altius Altius FratiniVergano European Lawyers DE CUYPER BROTHERS Bermuda MJM Limited Attride-Stirling & Woloniecki Bolivia Bufete Aguirre Soc. Civ. Bufete Aguirre Soc. Civ. Bufete Aguirre Soc. Civ. Brazil Turci Advogados Neves Soares & Battendieri VINHAS E REDENSCHI ADVOGADOS KLA-Koury Lopes Advogados Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr e Quiroga KLA-Koury Lopes Advogados Abdo & Abdo Attorneys Campos Mello Advogados Costa, Waisberg e Tavares Paes Sociedade de Advogados
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Belgian Arbitrator of the Year Belgian European Law Firm of the Year Belgian Tax Law Firm of the Year Belgian White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year Belgian Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Belgian Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year Belgian TMT Law Firm of the Year Lawyers Choice: Belgian Professional Investigator of the Year
Ernst & Young LLP Uría Menéndez Han Kun Law Offices Guantao Law Firm China Sunbow Law Firm Wang Jing & Co
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Litigator of the Year: Bermuda Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year: Bermuda Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: Bolivia Overall Law Firm of the Year: Bolivia Mining & Energy Law Firm of the Year: Bolivia Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year: Brazil Brazilian Tax Litigation Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Administrative Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Media Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Project Finance Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year Brazilian Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Corporate Law Firm of the Year Brazilian Contracts Law Firm of the Year
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Denmark Stampe, Haume & Hasselriis Advokater Rønne & Lundgren Bech-Bruun Bech-Bruun Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen Horten Horten Horten Horten Horten Horten
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Danish Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Danish M&A Law Firm of the Year Danish Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Danish International Investment Law Firm of the Year Danish Capital Raising Law Firm of the Year Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year: Denmark Danish Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year Danish Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year Danish Employment Law Firm of the Year Danish Energy Law Firm of the Year Danish Life Science Litigator of the Year Danish Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firm of the Year
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LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Winners List
Ecuador Bustamante & Bustamante Egypt NOUR & TAHA Law Firm Shalakany Law Office Estonia Casus Attorneys at law Borenius Finland Alder & Sound Oy Nordic Law Kalliolaw Asianajotoimisto Oy Procopé & Hornborg Kotiranta & Co Attorney at Law Ltd. Peltonen LMR Attorneys Ltd. Hannes Snellman Bardy Rahikkala Law Office Peltonen LMR Attorneys Ltd. Waselius & Wist Hannes Snellman Dittmar & Indrenius France ASTON SARRAU THOMAS COUDERC Wilhelm & Associés Granrut Cabinet Sefrioui Cabinet Bornhauser Travers Smith Nixon Peabody K&L GATES LLP McDermott Will & Emery Landwell & Associés (PwC) Cabinet Plasseraud Germany Kuhnen & Wacker Intellectual Property Law Firm BMH Bräeutigam Hecker, Werner, Himmelreich DTS Patent Law Firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Graef Rechtsanwälte Meyer-Koering BridgehouseLaw Buntscheck Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH PricewaterhouseCoopers
Egyptian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Egyptian Energy & Infrastructure Law Firm of the Year
Finnish Growth Company Law Firm of the Year Finnish Competition Law Firm of the Year Finnish M&A Law Firm of the Year Finnish Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year Finnish White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year Finnish EU Law Firm of the Year Finnish Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Finnish Commercial Law Firm of the Year Finnish Arbitrator of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Finland Finnish Employment Law Firm of the Year Most Trusted Law Firm: Finland French Private Equity Law Firm of the Year French Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year French Advertising Law Firm of the Year French Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year French Arbitrator of the Year French Trusts & Estates Law Firm of the Year French Early Stage Investment Law Firm of the Year Foreign Inbound Investment Law Firm of the Year: France Overall Law Firm of the Year: France French EU Law Firm of the Year French M&A Law Firm of the Year French Technology Law Firm of the Year German Cross-Border-Injunction Law Firm of the year German Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year German Construction Law Firm of the Year German IT Due Diligence Law Firm of the Year German Transnational Litigator of the Year German Media Law Firm of the Year German Franchise Law Firm of the Year Overall Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: Germany German Boutique Competition Law Firm of the Year German Integrated Tax & Legal Advisory Firm of the Year
PLUTA Rechtsanwalts GmbH Arnecke Siebold Rechtsanwälte Ghana Bentsi-Enchill Letsa & Ankomah
Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Ghana
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP K&L Gates Kasper Knacke Preu Bohlig & Partner hww wienberg wilhelm VOIGT WUNSCH HOLLER Rechtsanwälte Lubberger Lehment PPR & Partner GSK Stockmann + Kollegen Baker & McKenzie Campos Mello Advogados
Greece Drakopoulos Law Firm Dr Helen G Papaconstantinou John Filias & Associates ADVOHELLAS – Dr. Ziouvas & Partners V&P Law Firm Sarantitis Law Firm Alexander Vassardanis & Partners Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners T G Kommatas & Associates Law Offices Guatemala Aczalaw Abogados Centroamericanos Asociados Hong Kong Deacons Laracy & Co Wilkinson & Grist Advokatfirman Odebjer Fohlin Simmons & Simmons PricewaterhouseCoopers Ernst & Young LLP Oldham, Li & Nie Maples and Calder
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Iceland CATO Law Firm Lex Law Offices
Estonian Tax Litigator of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Estonia
Lawyers Choice: German Data Room Provider of the Year German High-Yield Investment Law Firm of the Year German TMT Law Firm of the Year German Employment Law Firm of the Year German Health Care Law Firm of the Year German Insolvency Administrator Law Firm of the Year German Boutique Corporate Law Firm of the Year German Trademark Law Firm of the Year German Commercial Law Firm of the Year German Cross Border Private Equity Law Firm of the Year German Trade & Commerce Law Firm of the Year Brazilian International Contracts Law Firm of the Year German Insolvency Law Firm of the Year German Transport Law Firm of the Year
Data Room Services
Hungary Szecskay Attorneys at Law Dr. Koczkas Janos Ugyvedi Iroda | Law Firm Forgó, Damjanovic & Partners Law Firm Oppenheim
Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Ecuador
Greek Corporate Law Firm of the Year Greek Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Greek Insurance Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Greece Greek Shipping Law Firm of the Year Greek Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Greek Consumer Law Firm of the Year Greek Employment Law Firm of the Year
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LOCAL attorneys
Icelandic Litigation Law Firm of the Year Icelandic Foreign Direct Investment Law Firm of the Year Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year: Iceland
India SKS Law Associates O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates Desai & Diwanji Chadha & Co. Lexygen Surana & Surana International Attorneys Juris Corp M S Mishra Associates HSA Advocates AZB & Partners Legacy Law Offices ALMT Legal Kanga & Co R K DEWAN & Co
Indian Pharmaceuticals Law Firm of the Year Indian Aerospace Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: India Indian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Indian Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year Indian Negotiators of the Year Indian Debt Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Indian Boutique Law Firm of the Year Indian Full Service Law Firm of the Year Indian M&A Law Firm of the Year Indian Commercial Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Indian Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Indian Litigator of the Year Indian Copyright Law Firm of the Year
Indonesia Lubis Ganie & Surowidjojo Kusnandar & Co. Harsono Strategic Consulting Adnan Kelana Haryanto & Hermanto Hadiputranto Hadinoto & Partners KarimSyah Law Firm Hutabarat Halim & Rekan
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Indonesia Indonesian Corporate Law Firm of the Year Indonesian Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year Indonesian Independent Law Firm of the Year Indonesian M&A Law Firm of the Year Indonesian Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Indonesian Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Ireland Dillon Eustace McEvoy Partners Ronan Daly Jermyn Bill Holohan, Holohan Solicitors. DFMG Solicitors
Irish Financial Services Law Firm of the Year Irish IPO Law Firm of the Year Irish Insurance Law Firm of the Year Irish Mediator of the Year Irish Patent Law Firm of the Year
Erwin Mediation Services Maples and Calder Maples and Calder
Irish Employment Disputes Firm of the Year Irish Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Irish Life Sciences Law Firm of the Year
Isle of Man Quinn Legal Israel Dr. A. Klagsbald & Co. Law Offices
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Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year: Hungary Overall Law Firm of the Year: Hungary Hungarian Private Equity Law Firm of the Year Hungarian Competition Law Firm of the Year
Isle of Man Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
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Amit Pollak Matalon & Co PwC Israel Hamburger Evron & Co. Gideon Koren & Co. Law Offices Ne’eman, Tsipori, Keynan and Co.
Israeli Boutique Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Domestic Law Firm of the Year: Israel Israeli Competition Law Firm of the Year Israeli Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year Israeli Trademark Law Firm of the Year Israeli Large Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Israeli High-Tech Law Firm of the Year Lawyers Choice: Accountants of the Year Israel Israeli Commercial Law Firm of the Year Israeli Media Law Firm of the Year Israeli Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
Italy Giambrone Law Studio Musselli Hager & Partners Studio Legale Sutti Macchi di Cellere Gangemi Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP ipSO Nunziante Magrone Biolato Longo Ridola & Mori Pavia e Ansaldo Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Italy Italian Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year Italian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Italian Litigator of the Year Italian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Italian M&A Law Firm of the Year Italian Trademarks Law Firm of the Year Italian Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Italian Pharmaceutical Law Firm of the Year Banking Disputes Law Firm of the Year: Italy Italian Competition Law Firm of the Year
Jordan A&T Najdawi Law Firm
M&A Law Firm of the Year: Jordan
Kenya Walker Kontos Ochieng, Onyango, Kibet & Ohaga Advocates
Kenyan Corporate Law Firm of the Year Kenyan Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
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Korea Hanol Law Offices Shin & Kim
Korean Boutique Law Firm of the Year Korean Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
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Tamir & Co. Epstein Chomsky Osnat & Co Amit, Pollak, Matalon & Co and Notary Ron Klagsbald Law Offices Hamburger Evron & Co.
Latvia Baiba Strupisa Law Office Triniti Riga
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Guatemala
Lebanon Aziz Torbey Law Firm ABOU JAOUDE & ASSOCIATES Law Firm
Hong Kong Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firm of the Year Hong Kong Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year Hong Kong Mediation Law Firm of the Year Commercial Arbitrator of the Year: Hong Kong Hong Kong Asset Finance Law Firm of the Year Hong Kong Transfer Pricing Law Advisory Firm Hong Kong Integrated Tax and Legal Advisory Firm of the Year Hong Kong Employment Law Firm of the Year Hong Kong Aviation Law Firm of the Year
Lesotho Webber Newdigate Libya Consultancy House Lithuania Motieka & Audzevičius TARK GRUNTE SUTKIENE Motieka & Audzevičius Motieka & Audzevičius
Latvian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Latvian Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year Lebanese Corporate Law Firm of the Year Lebanese M&A Law Firm of the Year for 2011 Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Lesotho Integrated Financial and Legal Advisory Firm of the Year: Libya Lithuanian M&A Law Firm of the Year Lithuanian Energy Law Firm of the Year Lithuanian Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Lithuanian Overall Law Firm of the Year
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LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Winners List
Luxembourg Bonn Steichen & Partners Bonn Steichen & Partners Bonn Steichen & Partners
Full Service Law Firm of the Year: Luxembourg Investment Fund Law Firm of the Year: Luxembourg Cross Border M&A Law Firm of the Year: Luxembourg
Macau Rato, Ling, Vong, Lei & Cortés - Advogados
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Macau
Macedonia CAKMAKOVA Advocates
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Macedonia
Malaysia Zaid Ibrahim & Co Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill Shearn Delamore & Co Zain & Co Christopher Lee & Co Adnan Sundra & Low Malta M.Meilak and Associates Fenech & Fenech Advocates Mauritius Banymandhub Boolell Chambers De Comarmond & Koenig Mexico Casares Castelazo Brito Anderson ZRRG Abogados S.C. SESMA, SESMA & McNEESE S.C. Sanchez-Mejorada Velasco y Ribe SC JATA – J.A. Treviño Abogados Basham, Ringe y Correa, S.C. Barrera, Siqueiros y Torres Landa, S.C. Chévez Ruíz Zamarripa y Cía Miranda & Estavillo Tron Abogados Moldova Gladei & Partners ACI Partners ACI Partners ACI Partners
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Pakistan Ali & Associates Vellani & Vellani Liaquat Merchant Associates
Peru PricewaterhouseCoopers Estudio Echecopar Estudio De la Flor García Montufar Arata & Asociados Bullard Falla Ezcurra Abogados Philippines Puno & Puno Law Offices Villaraza & Angangco Page 18
Commercial Law Firm of the Year: Mauritius Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: Mauritius Mexican Competition Law Firm of the Year Mexican Boutique Law Firm of the Year Mexican Start-Up Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Mexico Mexican Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year Mexican Contracts Law Firm of the Year Mexican Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Mexican Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Mexican Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year Mexican Commercial Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Mexican Cross Border Law Firm of the Year
Panama Galindo Arias & López
Malaysian Debt Issuances Law Firm of the Year Malaysian Corporate Law Firm of the Year Malaysian Information Technology Law Firm of the Year Malaysian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Malaysian M&A Law Firm of the Year Malaysian Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Integrated Tax and Legal Advisory Firm of the Year: Malta Overall Law Firm of the Year: Malta
Føyen Advokatfirma DA Advokatfirma Haavind AS
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Pakistani Competition Law Firm of the Year Pakistani Commercial Law Firm of the Year Pakistani Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Peruvian Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year Peruvian M&A Law Firm of the Year Peruvian Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
Poland Gide Loyrette Nouel
Polish Corporate Law Firm of the Year
SRS Advogados
Portuguese Patent Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Portugal Portuguese Foreign Investments Law Firm of the Year Portuguese TMT Law Firm of the Year
Romania Transfer Pricing Services D&B David si Baias
Romanian Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year Romanian M&A Law Firm of the Year
DS Law Firestone Duncan Vegas Lex Serbia Law office Kosic PETOŠEVIĆ
Russian Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Russian Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year Russian Cross Border Investment Law Firm of the Year Russian Construction Disputes Law Firm of the Year
Monaco Cabinet Guenther Schmalz
Andric Law Office
Serbian M&A Law Firm of the Year Serbian Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Serbian Corporate Law Firm of the Year
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: Monaco
Morocco NERO Boutique Law Firm
Sierra Leone Macauley, Bangura & Co.
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Sierra Leone
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Morocco
Namibia Koep & Partners
Singapore RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP
Namibian M&A Law Firm of the Year
Harry Elias Partnership LLP Ernst & Young
Nepal Pradhan & Associates The Netherlands Ploum Lodder Princen Severijn Hulshof HEUSSEN Russell Advocaten New Zealand Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Create IP Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Simpson Grierson Simpson Grierson Meredith Connell Russell McVeagh DLA Phillips Fox Russell McVeagh Russell McVeagh Nigeria Jackson Etti & Edu Streamsowers & Kohn Stillwaters Law Firm ÆLEX Abraham & Co Nnenna Ejekam Associates Ikeyi & Arifayan Norway Advokatfirmaet CLP DA Bryn Aarflot AS Advokatfirmaet Lund & Co DA. Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS Protector Kluge Advokatfirma DA
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Nepalese Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Ravindran Associates O’Melveny & Myers LLP Stamford Law Corporation Stamford Law Corporation
Trademark Law Firm of the Year: the Netherlands Public Procurement Law Firm of the Year: the Netherlands Cross Border Law Firm of the Year: the Netherlands Commercial Law, Law Firm of the Year: the Netherlands
Slovakia Biksadsky & Partners Odvetniki Dolžan, Vidmar & Zemljarič Slovenia Odvetniki Dolžan, Vidmar & Zemljarič ITEM doo
New Zealand Advertising Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Most Innovative Law Firm of the Year: New Zealand New Zealand TMT Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Insurance Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Pharmaceutical Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Property Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Forestry Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Financial Services Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year New Zealand Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Nigerian Trademark Law Firm of the Year Nigerian M&A Law Firm of the Year Nigerian Joint Ventures Law Firm of the Year Nigerian Aviation Law Firm of the Year Nigerian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Nigerian Corporate Law Firm of the Year Nigerian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Norwegian M&A Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Trademark Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Energy Law Firm of the Year Norwegian EU Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Pharmaceutical Law Firm of the Year Norwegian Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year
South Africa Adams & Adams Nortons Inc ATTORNEYS AT LAW Ramsay Webber & Co Knowles Husain Lindsay Inc Legal and Labour Law Advisory Services Werksmans Attorneys Norman Brauteseth and Associates Norton Rose South Africa Trade Law Chambers
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South Korea Barun IP & Law Spain Deloitte Abogados y Asesores Tributarios Blas de Lezo Bird & Bird Fornesa, Prada y Fernández Abogados Perez Albors & Co. PAJARES & ASOCIADOS, ABOGADOS DESDE 1958 S.L. CMS Albiñana & Suárez de Lezo Ernst & Young Abogados
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Peruvian Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
Puno & Puno Law Offices Puno & Puno Law Offices
Portugal GASTÃO DA CUNHA FERREIRA, LDA. Luis Miguel Amaral - Advogados/Lawyers Neville de Rougemont & Associados
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Full Service Law Firm of the Year: Panama
Filipino Energy Law Firm of the Year Filipino Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Filipino Project Finance Law Firm of the Year Filipino Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
Russia Levant & Partners Law Firm
Project Finance Law Firm of the Year: Moldova Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Moldova Overall Law Firm of the Year: Moldova Moldovan Consumer Goods Law Firm of the Year
Norwegian Labour Law Firm of the Year Norwegian TMT Law Firm of the Year
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Singapore Construction Law Firm of the Year: Singapore Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year: Singapore
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Patents Law Firm of the Year: Singapore M&A Law Firm of the Year: Singapore Employment Law Firm of the Year: Singapore Shipping Law Firm of the Year: Singapore Slovakian Commercial Law Firm of the Year Slovanian Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Slovenian Financial Services Law Firm of the Year Slovenian Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year
South African Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year South African Competition Law Firm of the Year South African Aviation Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: South Africa South African Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year South African Acquisition Financing Law Firm of the Year South African Environmental Law Firm of the Year South African Corporate Law Firm of the Year South African Trade & Customs Law Firm of the Year South Korean Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Spain Spanish Transport Law Firm of the Year Spanish Energy Law Firm of the Year Spanish Commercial Contracts Law Firm of the Year Spanish Shipping & Maritime Law Firm of the Year Spanish Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firm of the Year Spanish Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Spanish Integrated Tax & Legal Advisory Firm of the Year
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LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Winners List
Sri Lanka Sudath Perera & Associates Sweden Advokatfirman Peter Bengtsson Awapatent AB Eric Ericsson Advokat Hellström Law Wistrand Switzerland ABELS Avocats Pestalozzi CPV Partners
Sri Lankan Corporate Law Firm of the Year Swedish Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year Swedish Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Swedish Competition Law Firm of the Year Swedish Media Law Firm of the Year Swedish Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Jeremy Lack Bugnion Ballansat Ehrler Vischer
Swiss Boutique Law Firm of the Year Swiss Property Law Firm of the Year Start-up Law Firm of the Year/New Law Firm of the Year Swiss Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Swiss Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Swiss EU Law Firm of the Year Swiss Copyright Law Firm of the Year Swiss IT Law Firm of the Year Swiss Private Client Law Firm of the Year Swiss Cross Border Law Firm of the Year Swiss Collective Investment Scheme Law Firm of the Year Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year: Switzerland Swiss Mediator of the Year Swiss E-Commerce Law Firm of the Year Swiss Merger Control Law Firm of the Year
Syria Oussi Law Firm
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Syria
Tax Partner AG Bersheda Avocats Baker & McKenzie Genève E. Blum & Co. AG Suffert Neuenschwander & Partner Froriep Renggli Carrard & Associés Suter Howald Attorneys at Law Kasser Schlosser avocats
Taiwan Formosan Brothers Attorneys at Law Eiger Law Eiger Law Eiger Law Ernst & Young Lee, Tsai & Partners Deloitte & Touche Lee and Li Turkey GUR LAW FIRM AKUGUR LAW FIRM Pekin & Bayar Guven Law Office
Pekin & Bayar UAE The Rights Lawyers FZ LLC The Rights Lawyers FZ LLC Agha & Co Vinson & Elkins Jones Day
UAE TMT Firm of the Year Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: UAE Islamic Finance Law Firm of the Year: UAE Overall Law Firm of the Year: UAE Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year: UAE
Bezen & Partners Bener Law Office Balkaya & Balkaya Attorneys at Law
UK Bargate Murrary Essex Court Chambers Richard Todd QC Frank Burton QC/ 12 King’s bench walk David Holloway No5 Chambers Kirkland & Ellis International LLP Elkington and Fife LLP Appleby Keith Mitchell/33 Chancery Lane Kerman & Co LLP 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square Colin David Russ LLP Flint Bishop LLP Derby Kirkland & Ellis International LLP Brick Court Chambers SJ Berwin Matrix Chambers RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP Sterling X-AG Withers Martin Kaye Solicitors Brachers Maidstone 1 Hare Court Doughty Street Chambers Kirkland & Ellis International LLP Buckles Solicitors LLP Watson, Farley & Williams LLP Morrisons Solicitors LLP Anderson Law LLP radiant.law Slaughter and May PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Solomon Taylor & Shaw Brian Koffman & Co Carter Perry Bailey LLP Harrison Goddard Foote Hutton’s Cardiff Travers Smith Redeker Sellner Dahs One Crown Office Row
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Furnival Chambers AMC Economics Deloitte The Granary Rupert Pardoe, 23 Essex Street Chambers Andrew Hogarth QC/12 King’s Bench Walk Addleshaw Goddard James Love Legal USA Law Offices of Suzanne M. Reisman Char Hamilton Yoshida & Shimomoto Otterbourg, Steindler, Houston & Rosen, P.C. Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C. Levin Papantonio Thomas Mitchell Rafferty & Proctor, P.A. Ansa | Assuncao LLP
Taiwanese Mining & Energy Law Firm of the Year Taiwanese Corporate Law Firm of the Year Taiwanese Investment Law Firm of the Year Taiwanese Employment Law Firm of the Year Integrated Tax & Legal Advisory Law Firm of the Year Most Respected Law Firm: Taiwan Taiwanese Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year Taiwanese Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year Turkish Commercial Law Firm of the Year Turkish Boutique Law Firm of the Year Turkish Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Turkish Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year Turkish Legal Due Diligence Law Firm of the Year Overall Law Firm of the Year: Turkey Turkish Banking Law Firm of the Year Turkish Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Turkish M&A Law Firm of the Year
AKUGUR LAW FIRM
Blue Sky Law Limited gunnercooke llp. Rollits LLP Horn [+] Co. Pett Franklin & Co Mediation in Scotland Shan Warnock-Smith Q.C. 5 Stone Buildings Norton Rose Parker Bullen LLP Richmond Green Chambers Frydenson & Co Latham & Watkins Tooks Chambers Oliver Glasgow Howes Percival LLP
Overall Law Firm of the Year UK Joint Venture Barrister of the Year QC of the Year: Family Law UK Clinical Negligence QC of the Year International Trade Law Barrister of the Year UK Corporate Counselling Law Firm of the Year UK Patent Drafting Law Firm of the Year UK Private Client Law Firm of the Year White Collar Crime Barrister of the Year UK Mining & Energy Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year UK Aviation Law QC of the Year UK Commercial Mediator of the Year Regional Law Firm of the Year: East Midlands UK Outsourcing Agreement Law Firm of the Year Most Innovative QC of the Year UK Natural Resources Law Firm of the Year Asset Recovery Barrister of the Year UK Inward Investment Law Firm of the Year Lawyers Choice: Data Room Provider of the Year: UK UK Structured Finance Law Firm of the Year UK Small Business Law Firm of the Year Regional Law Firm of the Year: South East UK Divorce Barrister of the Year UK Constitutional Law Firm of the Year UK Cartel Investigations Law Firm of the Year UK Post Termination Law Firm of the Year UK Labour Law Firm of the Year Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year: UK UK Patent Licensing Law Firm of the Year UK Outsourcing Law Firm of the Year UK Corporate Law Firm of the Year UK Integrated Tax and Legal Advisory Firm of the Year International Immigration Law Firm of the Year UK Motoring Offences Law Firm of the Year UK Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year UK Full Service IP Law Firm of the Year UK Asset Sales Law Firm of the Year UK Private Equity Law Firm of the Year UK Conflict of Law Firm of the Year UK Human Rights Barrister of the Year
Ladas & Parry LLP. DLA Piper LLP (US) Gallagher & Associates Law Firm, P.A. Page 36 Page 38
Covington & Burling LLP Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Greenberg & Lieberman, LLC A + Legal Services Seyfarth Shaw Venable LLP Bates White LLC Business Acquisition and Merger Assoc Law Offices of Dayna Kelly Marks ADR LLC Furgamg & Adwar, L.L.P.
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Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP Hood & Lay, LLC Covington & Burling LLP Les Weinstein Esq. Weinstein ADR Services Bryan Cave HRO Ernst & Young Cantor & Webb P.A. Greenberg Traurig Montgomery Barnett L.L.P. Faegre Baker Daniels LLP. Peters Advisors Kissel Hirsch & Wilmer LLP. Lathrop & Gage Morrison & Foerster LLP Nixon Peabody Venable Law Office of Eric B. Darnell Hogan Lovells Arent Fox LLP
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Ukraine Lavrynovych & Partners ENGARDE Avellum Partners Baker & McKenzie Mikhailyuk Sorokolat & Partners AstapovLawyers Vietnam Phuoc & Partners
Shareholder’s Choice: Law Firm of the Year UK UK Restructuring Law Firm of the Year UK Renewables Law Firm of the Year Offshore Disputes Law Firm of the Year: UK UK Share Scheme Law Firm of the Year Scottish Mediator of the Year UK Trusts, Wills & Estates QC of the Year UK Health & Safety Law Firm of the Year UK Military Law Firm of the Year UK E-Commerce Barrister of the Year UK Charities Law Firm of the Year UK Environmental Law Firm of the Year QC of the Year: Administrative Law UK Health & Safety Barrister of the Year UK Forensic Insolvency Recovery Law Firm of the Year UK Insolvency Barrister of the Year UK Integrated Merger Control Advisory Firm of the Year UK Cross Border Leasing Advisory Firm of the Year UK Insurance Arbitrator of the Year UK Fraud Barrister of the Year UK Employment QC of the Year UK Asset Based Lending Law Firm of the Year UK Brand Clearance Law Firm Of The Year US Boutique Private Client Law Firm of the Year Hawaiian Corporate Law Firm of the Year New York Financial Services Law Firm of the Year Massachusetts Environment Law Firm of the Year Washington D.C. Patent Law Firm of the Year Florida Class Action Law Firm of the Year New Jersey Risk Management Law Firm of the Year New York Trademark Law Firm of the Year New York Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firm of the Year Florida Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year California Cross Border Law Firm of the Year Florida Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year Washington D.C. Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year California Employment Law Firm of the Year New York Technology Law Firm of the Year Washington D.C. Economics Consulting Firm of the Year North Carolina Post Acquisition Firm of the Year North Carolina Immigration Law Firm of the Year Maryland Mediator of the Year New York Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year New York Joint Ventures Law Firm of the Year Alabama Consumer Law Firm of the Year Californian Patents Law Firm of the Year California Mediator Of The Year Colorado Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Florida Integrated Tax & Legal Advisory Firm of the Year Florida Private Client Law Firm of the Year Florida M&A Law Firm of the Year Louisiana Full Service Law Firm of the Year Minnesota Employment Law Firm of the Year New Jersey Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year New York Insurance Law Firm of the Year New York Unfair Competition Law Firm of the Year New York Securities Law Firm of the Year New York Fund Law Firm of the Year New York Public/Private Partnerships Law Firm of the Year Texas Transportation Law Firm of the Year Washington D.C. Project Finance Law Firm of the Year Washington D.C. Trademark Law Firm of the Year
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Ukraine Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Ukraine Cross Border Law Firm of the Year Ukraine Corporate Law Firm of the Year Ukraine Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year Ukraine Trademark Law Firm of the Year Ukraine Commercial Law Firm of the Year
VCI Legal Phuoc & Partners LLP
Vietnamese Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Vietnamese Energy Law Firm of the Year Vietnamese Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Vietnamese Competition Law Firm of the Year Vietnamese M&A Law Firm of the Year
Yemen Sahra Petroleum Consulting
M&A Law Firm of the Year: Yemen
Frasers Law Company Frasers Law Company
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LEGAL AWARDS 2012
French Arbitrator of the Year Acquisition International speaks with Kamal Sefrioui, partner at Sefrioui Law Firm and Valérie Contri, partner at Sefrioui Law Firm in charge of international arbitration and litigation about their recent win. Valérie Contri: Sefrioui Law Firm has been a respected Paris-based arbitration practice from its beginnings in 1969. We have acted in dozens of international commercial arbitrations and developed a very specific expertise in the fields of construction, aviation, maritime law, investments and project finance. We have also handled major international litigations, in matters ranging from State responsibility for support of terrorism to international export of contaminated blood products. Our practice, which has offices both in Paris and in Geneva, works in English, French and Arabic languages, and routinely intervenes within cases coming under systems of civil law, common law and under Arab laws. Our law firm has historically represented several Arab governments and public entities in their international disputes, relative to both their sovereign and commercial activities. We also assist on a regular basis numerous companies, particularly from North Africa, the Middle East and the Arab Gulf, including major industries, banks, airlines, in litigations involving their relations with Europe, North America and Asia. Regarding international arbitration, our practice has most recently served as counsel in several large-scale investment related proceedings, under various Euro-Arab bilateral investment treaties. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING YOUR SPECIFIC PART OF LEGAL SERVICES? DOES THIS CREATE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU? Valérie Contri: The series of political revolutions which occurred in several Arab countries in 2010 and 2011 indisputably created a new situation in the MENA region, not only through the implementation of new governments and various processes of legal reform, but also with the termination of numerous international contracts. On the one hand, besides the human losses, the civil uprisings and the military conflicts caused extensive damage to the infrastructure. In particular, the occupation and the destruction of economic facilities frequently resulted in situations of dispossession and in the inability to perform the on-going contracts, for both local and foreign investors. More specifically, the enforcement of international sanctions against several governments also caused the termination of important contracts with the public sector companies that were subject to economic and financial restrictions. Consequently, many new proceedings have been initiated, either by local or foreign parties, and we are presently involved in various arbitrations and judicial actions, relating, among other things, to force majeure situations, to the protection of foreign investment and to various contractual matters. Kamal Sefrioui: On the other hand, the social and the political evolutions created invaluable opportunities, along with the extensive needs of these
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countries for reconstruction and for development. In this context, our practice has recently counseled clients on the negotiation of new contracts in matters including for instance construction and energy. More generally, the definition of new axis of social and economic policy created opportunities for new actors to start an activity in these countries, and we are routinely involved in providing advice and strategic support to companies and industries in their business initiatives. It should be noted that, beyond some structural continuities, these opportunities come in the scope of important institutional reforms, including not only new legislations but also a new administrative organization, new procedures and new economic policies. A precise understanding of the political and administrative environment and a very strict respect of the local regulations have always been the key to carry out successful international projects in the region and our experience enables us to provide our clients with both inventive business solutions and the highest level of legal security in their commercial relations with these countries. HOW DO YOU SEE THE LEGAL MARKET CHANGING AND HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU? Kamal Sefrioui: The legal market didn’t undergo any major structural transformation recently. However, international legal affairs are often a reflection of the economic and political situation and law firms have to adapt to the evolving needs of their clients and to the new matters that are submitted to them. The changes that have occurred in the Arab world have thus generated new litigations, but also the negotiation and the signing of numerous new contracts. In a similar way, the legal activity has also been a mirror of the long-term evolutions of the economy. For instance, the global financial crisis has had a determining impact on the conduct of international commercial relations. Over the last years, an increasing number of companies, especially in Europe, have encountered difficulties to contract loans, and finance has become a prerequisite for most business projects. As a consequence, our practice has observed a growing demand for international project finance, as an alternative to traditional local credit. We are therefore frequently consulted for the purpose of implementing financial solutions, and particularly agreements with investors and lenders from the Arab Gulf, sovereign wealth funds and private funds, that are able to provide the economy with capital and that have been significantly strengthening their position in the global markets. In the context of our traditional activity with governmental interests, we are also called to counsel public investors from these countries with regard to their international operations of investment, in fields including notably real estate, technology, industry and capital investment.
With regard to the legal market, this evolution appears to us to illustrate the enlargement of the scope of intervention of lawyers when advising on commercial operations, especially at the international level. The environment of investments and of business transactions has indeed become complex over time, and law firms are at the crossroads of several requirements, including the ability to provide their clients not only with a strong legal expertise but also, in a very proactive way, with financing solutions, facilitated administrative representations, as well as contacts with a large range of highly qualified professionals, technical experts and strategic decision-makers. We believe that this evolution is a
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Sefrioui Law Firm
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Sefrioui Law Firm has been a respected Paris-based arbitration practice from its beginnings in 1969. We have acted in dozens of international commercial arbitrations and developed a very specific expertise in the fields of construction, aviation, maritime law, investments and project finance.
vichie81 / Shutterstock.com
real opportunity for our profession to be at the heart of the realisation of the international projects.
practice of experienced lawyers, with the strongest commitment to technique, quality and achievement.
THE GLOBAL MARKET IS CLEARLY IN A PRECARIOUS POSITION. HOW DO YOU BEST PLACE YOUR SERVICES AND BUSINESS IN THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT?
HOW DID IT FEEL WHEN YOUR FIRM WON THE FRENCH ARBITRATOR OF THE YEAR?
Kamal Sefrioui: In the present economic situation, the highest quality of legal advice and assistance represents a real stake for the economic actors, with the purpose of conceiving and executing the most profitable and the most secured solutions for their projects. To this end, we will remain a confidential
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Kamal Sefrioui: We have been very honored to receive this award, as a recognition of our lawyers’ dedication and of the quality of their work as counsel and arbitrators. We are extremely flattered that your readers expressed their positive experience with our practice, and this award will certainly stand as a landmark in our 40 year history in the field of international arbitration.
72 boulevard de Courcelles, 75017 Paris, France e: contact@cabinetsefrioui.com w: www.cabinetsefrioui.com t: +33 1 47 66 11 00
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Nigerian M&A Law Firm of the Year
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We were pleasantly surprised when we won the Nigerian M&A Law Firm of the Year, as this is the first time we have been considered for this award. We view the award as recognition of the efforts we have put into building relationships and supporting our clients’ ambitions.
Acquisition International speaks to CHIAGOZIE HILARY-NWOKONKO the Managing Partner and Head of the Energy & Natural Resources and Legislative Oversight Practice Group of Streamsowers & Köhn, a Nigerian commercial law firm with offices in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt about their award winning year. As Head of the Energy & Natural Resources Practice Group, I lead the firm in the provision of legal advisory and support services in respect of transactions and dispute resolution, primarily in the oil and gas sector. We also provide legal services to
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industry players and regulators in the power, mining and water sectors. In these sectors, we focus on the acquisition and divestment of rights, financing and regulatory compliance. This requires familiarity and expertise in several areas of law ranging
from oil and gas law, electricity, mining, environmental law, commercial law, employment law, taxation, foreign investment, finance, insurance and securities law.
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Streamsowers & Köhn We have had to be extremely adaptable to cope with difficult economic conditions. We have had to carefully manage intake and team composition to ensure that we are well-equipped to serve our clients effectively. 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?
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A friendly and warm atmosphere is part of the Firm’s ethos and there is no compromise on that issue. Birthdays and individual achievements are celebrated at the Firm and every member finds time to interact with colleagues on a personal level. We have annual Firm retreats and various other interactions where the importance of team work is instilled and practised. A further means by which we have built a strong and effective team is by consistently hiring those who are confident in their individual legal abilities and providing them with regular training for enhanced performance. We care about and are accountable to each other for the work we take on, and I believe that these elements of our team culture have contributed significantly to our winning the award. 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 were pleasantly surprised when we won the Nigerian M&A Law Firm of the Year, as this is the first time we have been considered for this award. We view the award as recognition of the efforts we have put into building relationships and supporting our clients’ ambitions. We can spare a moment to cherish the recognition but we cannot indulge, as there is still so much to be done support our clients and our society in maximising the opportunities that abound in Nigeria.
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We are constantly advancing our knowledge base and skills and strengthening our areas of expertise so that we can break new ground and improve on the reputation we already have. Accordingly, we have several internally and externally organised seminars and trainings for members of the Firm on relevant legal issues within the M&A market. These enable us to showcase our skills and also build new relationships. We are also currently seeking innovative solutions to issues affecting clients. For example, we are presently working on new groundbreaking legislation which is intended to reform the Nigerian oil and gas sector, and customs and excise. We are also involved in several transactions and disputes spanning the financial services, telecoms, oil and gas, power and aviation sectors. We differentiate ourselves by our willingness to give more value than is asked. We are more interested in relationships than transactions. HOW DO YOU SEE THE LEGAL MARKET CHANGING AND HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU?
The legal market is becoming more competitive at both global and local levels. Nevertheless, there is always room at the top for sheer competence and effectiveness. These create the opportunity for longstanding relationships without which significant law practices cannot be built. We see ourselves as that firm that will remain at the top of our profession in Nigeria by consistently emphasizing superior skills and abiding relationships. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE FACING YOUR SPECIFIC (PART OF) LEGAL SERVICES? DOES THIS CREATE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU?
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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 biggest issue facing our practice area is the ongoing passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill through the National Assembly. This issue creates huge opportunity for us as we were involved in its drafting, and its eventual enactment will create a wave of transactions in the oil and gas sector which we are well positioned to get a good share of. THE GLOBAL MARKET IS CLEARLY IN A PRECARIOUS POSITION. HOW DO YOU BEST PLACE YOUR SERVICES AND BUSINESS IN THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT? As we emphasize long-term relationships, we place ourselves as “the firm for all seasons”. That is to say, whilst we hold on to the core precepts of law practice, we are flexible about the manner in which we deliver or charge for our services so that we can remain relevant to our clients’ businesses, regardless of the business season. In 3 years, I see a business with more depth, more equity partners and deeper relationships, particularly with regional and international law firms. We will certainly be recruiting in our core areas of Energy & Natural Resources, Dispute Resolution, Corporate & Commercial, Infrastructure, Aviation and Legislative Oversight because we see growth across the board. Our firm will be more institutional and more attractive to the best legal talent and clientele.
16D Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos e: chiagozie@sskohn.com w: www.sskohn.com t: 234 1 271 2276, 271 3846, 461 1820, 461 3852
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
M&A Law Firm of the Year: Yemen Acquisition International speaks to Jamal Alkaf is the Managing Director and Head of Legal of Sahra Petroleum Consulting (Sahra) about what made the firm a winner this year.
view of sanaa old town yemen with traditional yemeni architecture
Jamal Alkaf
Sahra acts as a boutique company specialising in providing a synergised set of consulting and advisory services in legal, technical and financial aspects of petroleum, power, minerals and a wide range of related industries. “It was an honour to receive this award. It serves as a reward for our hard work and it is recognition of the fact to that effect. Furthermore, the team is grateful for this acclaim. “For the past years, we were concentrating on the development and growth of our firm providing the best quality services we could offer without compromising the firm’s values and objectives. Therefore, the award is an endorsement and acknowledgment of our various accomplishments and achievements. “To adapt in a very difficult economic conditions, is a triumph for our firm. This is one of our special merits as boutique consulting company/firm that we are focused on deal generation, teamwork and hands on management.” 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? “That goes without saying, we successfully built a team with culture that we are proud of and it is with no doubt that it will be a drive for our future achievements, a culture that engaged the team with the firm and its values, and motivates them to work with passion and enthusiasm. Indeed, a
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happy team is a productive team and the success of the firm. “We at Sahra believe in team work, organisation, efficiency and quality to satisfy the client’s needs and concerns and for the continued success of the firm.” 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? “To emphasize, our clear goals, focus ambition are an open reach, we set no limits, in building our strengths, nourishing on every opportunities, taking our momentum and creating intentional acceleration. Therefore, we aim to win more awards in the near future, of course with the recognition of our clients. “We are a boutique consulting company/firm and always we create a bespoke solution to our clients’needs, which distinguish us from other consultants. “At Sahra we believe in professionalism, integrity and reliability and aim to provide a dynamic bespoke advice and solution, based on the-stateof-the-art and other requirements of international communities, to all our clients taking into consideration the dynamic interaction and sharing the rewards between all the stakeholders.” HOW DO YOU SEE THE LEGAL MARKET CHANGING AND HOW WILL IT AFFECT YOU?
“Changes and challenges are prevalent and continuing in the legal market services. In such a challenging world economy, the legal market is leaping to cope with such changes and no doubt this has a great impact on the dynamics of our company/firm. “We see all matters as paramount issues, which is why whether a small job or a big job, we give them the same attention. Create the right solutions/answers for out clients needs.” THE GLOBAL MARKET IS CLEARLY IN A PRECARIOUS POSITION. HOW DO YOU BEST PLACE YOUR SERVICES AND BUSINESS IN THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT?
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Sahra Petroleum Consulting
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“It was an honour to receive this award. It serves as a reward for our hard work and it is recognition of the fact to that effect. Furthermore, the team is grateful for this acclaim.
“In Yemen we are among the best if not the best, and we are working hard to enter the regional and international market through association with firms of similar standing and goals.” HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN 3 YEARS’ TIME? HOW WILL IT HAVE CHANGED SHAPE? WILL YOU (THE FIRM) BE RECRUITING? “Our vision is Growth, Growth, Growth, without compromising the quality and standards of our services,always add value for our clients and associates.We see growth (national, regional and international) an important and integral part for our plan for development.
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“Our company/firm growth will definitely include recruitment of young lawyers and top lawyers in their field(s) to be part of our team.” 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? “A piece of advice to all firms/companies (including ourselves), is to keep maintaining top quality consultancy/advice, high standards services and adding value.”
Hadda District, P O Box: 15228,Sana’a, Republic of Yemen e: jamalalkaf@sahraconsulting.com w: www.sahraconsulting.com t: 00 967 (1) 428 149 - f: 00 967 (1) 428 150
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Overall Law Firm of the Year Acquisition International speaks to Quentin Bargate, Senior Partner at Bargate Murray, about their recent accolade - Overall Law Firm of the Year, their recruitment plans and partnering overseas. Bargate Murray specialise in high value transactions helping and supporting offshore business – in particular high net worth individuals who buy and sell their yachts. The firm also covers high net worth litigation and dispute resolution which, over the years, has developed into a massive focus of the firm. In response to the win, Quentin commented that he was delighted as it’s such a prestigious award and that it gives great recognition of a very successful year which has built on the firm’s previous success– Quentin elaborates: “we have had a very busy year with a lot of great feedback so whilst we were surprised and delighted, it’s really a testimony not only to me, but to my very talented team.” Quentin continues and underpins the importance of being sensitive to client needs: “We have always tried to be very reactive to client needs and I accept the current economic conditions are not easy for every client. We are always ready to negotiate fees and introduce capped fee structures where appropriate - we also put limits on how we charge rates and take on board any other particular requirements the client may have to ensure that they get value for money which, at the end of the day, is what matters to us more than anything else. Our focus is not making money at the expense of our clients, but ensuring that they leave us feeling they have had value for money - this really is a genuine objective of ours. All in all we are very outcome focused and that means we make sure the client gets a great deal, not just on fees but on the work itself.
The team is the most important aspect of the firm, right after our focus on client culture. At Bargate Murray we have a very open and flat playing field, where we don’t work in a hierarchy or practice a top down culture. By this I mean whilst all the partners take responsibility for the firm, everybody from the most junior member has a say in how it is run. Everyone has a stake in the future of the firm and thus shares in its success, whether it be winning this award or making a client happy. Basically, when we enjoy a success, they do too. “We are obviously already working very hard on ensuring we win next year; we are currently expanding and recruiting, we have a new aviation department which fits in very nicely with our other asset transaction practices and we are looking into the possibility of partnering the firm.
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The latter of course, won’t change our culture. It will simply mean that other benefits flow from the links created. We are also looking into moving to bigger premises as we are running out of space where we are, and we have taken on a new Managing Director. His job is very much to drive the administration of the firm, so we have leaner meaner operations and myself and my colleagues spend more of our time on what really makes us tick – client work. Unique Selling Point
Bargate Murray has many but what really makes us different from other firms is my background working at a top 10 firm…. What we have tried to do with Bargate Murray as a team, is to offer the same standard and service you would expect from a big firm at a lower price with a partner centred focus. I know from my own experience of working at a big firm that sometimes the personal touch can be lost. This is something which people really do appreciate. At Bargate Murray a partner is instructed at the beginning and is still there at the end, it’s not just trainees doing all the work. “The right hand man of one of the richest men in the world, a client of ours, referred to Bargate Murray as the firm that offers and appreciates quality but does so in a friendly and approachable way… I think that really sums us up as a firm. We are partner centred, value for money, driven and outcome focused.” The Changing Legal Landscape “I can see that a lot of the high street work is going to be sucked up by new structures but this is not an area we operate in so it doesn’t really pose a threat. We see ourselves as a more personal and bespoke service but we want to ensure that we continue to compare ourselves on a value for money basis. You can go to a supermarket these days and buy offthe-shelf legal advice but if advice is key for your
company’s growth and your future prosperity, you will run into difficulties because a personalised approach is best. I am not criticising these new businesses, I actually welcome the change since they will make the legal market more competitive and make our type of service really stand out. “Because we offer more bespoke services to our clients they will always appreciate the personal touch – you are not going to get that from a big firm so as long as we don’t lose that and we keep care and attention in mind, I am pretty sure we will continue to be successful.”
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Bargate Murray
“Looking ahead, we have very strong connections with Russia, the Ukraine and Eastern Europe, but we are looking to expand our markets and interests in other parts of the world such as South America and China. We are also looking at partnering with other law firms and good quality outfits aboard to make sure that we can leverage our connections there. Of course, we won’t lose who we are and our focus - we will always measure everything we do by our usual standards and we aren’t going to give away our name and the control of our practice or any of the qualities that make us a different, award winning law firm.
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Looking forward, over the next three years, Bargate Murray will be significantly increasing the size of the firm, moving to larger offices and entering into new partnering arrangements around the world.
Quentin Bargate Senior Partner ___________ Bargate Murray Solicitors t: (switchboard): +44 (0) 20 7375 1393 e: (general office) info@bargatemurray.com w: www.bargatemurray.com f: https://www.facebook.com/bargatemurray
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Data Room Provider of the Year: UK Paul Yung is Managing Director of Sterling’s X-AG Data Room division who specialises in Virtual Data Room Service Provider for Online Due Diligence. He commented that he was delighted to win such a prestigious award and to be recognised by their clients and users of their data room technology and services to the legal community. 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?
friendly and relatively informal environment for the staff to enjoy the work and feel fulfilled in their roles.”
“Despite the economic downturn we have found that current market conditions have not adversely affected our rapid growth and continued success. I believe that any company shall continue to look for the best product and the best value offering in any economic climate and thus all clients acknowledge the tangible benefits that our X-AG data room offers compared to other solutions in the market. I believe that this proposition has significantly helped our merit based continued success and growth.
As with any technology centric business we need to constantly stay ahead of the pack. We are continually developing exciting enhancements to the platform and also researching and building brand new features and “killer apps” that shall set us apart from the competition. We are also very aware that regardless of how advanced anyone builds their technology, that all clients will always need the reassurance that they can always rely on good old fashioned service and know they can fall back on our superior levels of 24/7/365 customer service, response and pro-activeness at any time.
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 company has strong roots in the transactional financial printing arena and thus all of our staff are very experienced in all of our client’s expectations of quick turnaround, rapid response and 100% accuracy in all work they perform. Our staff possesses a very team orientated mindset and work towards a strong ethos of collective responsibility that is required to successfully manage and support demanding projects in the capital markets arena. These same clients also often work in M&A and Pre-IPO due diligence transactions and thus our culture transfers well to all of our VDR clients. As management we also that you are only as good as the you have available, so we specifically focus on making sure they have all the software and resources available for them to do not just a good job but an excellent job that clients positively remember and appreciate. I also like create a
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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?
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 VDR solution possesses many compelling technological and feature advantages, however we prefer to pitch our offering to all prospective clients as more of a benefit driven solution, helping them accelerate their VDR projects by saving them time, costs (financial and opportunity) and
eliminating all the risks that are inherent in any online due diligence process.
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Lawyers Choice
Sterling X-AG Data Rooms Paul Yung Address: 63 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4N 4UA, United Kingdom w: paul.yung@sterlingxag.com w: www.sterlingxag.com t: +44 (0) 20 7634 4988
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LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Integrated Tax and Legal Advisory Firm of the Year: Malta Acquisition International speaks to Malcolm Meilak the Managing Director of M. Meilak & Associates, affiliates of the global WTP Advisors Network about their recent win.
How did it feel when your firm won the Integrated Tax and Legal Advisory Firm of the Year: Malta? “The notification of receiving the nomination and then confirmation of our success came as an extremely pleasant surprise. At M. Meilak & Associates we are focused on working consistently, yet quietly, on behalf of our portfolio of clients and so the reward of public recognition within our profession on an international level is highly welcomed and a positive boost personally as the Managing Director and across the whole team that make M. Meilak and Associates what it is. Internally we know we are strong candidates within our field for such a prestigious title, yet being acknowledged by our clients, peers and the industry in general is more than heart-warming to say the least. 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? “All sectors are experiencing increased resource challenges which have only been magnified by the continuing economic pressures. At M. Meilak & Associates and through our developing relationship as an affiliate of WTP Advisors global network in Malta, we have remained loyal to our company mission in regards to our commitment to quality of service provided to our clients and our approach to tax and business planning advice. Rather than opting for sensational offers or deals by reducing fees or broadening our core business, we have focused on what we can offer in regards to added value for the client whilst closely examining our own resource effectiveness alongside targeted marketing activity. We have invested strongly in professional learning and development for our team, overhauled and made improvements to our IT and Communications Infrastructure and taken an evidence based, target focused approach to marketing activity. We have long believed that a personable approach to doing business is the corner stone of our company and that investment in people, be it our staff, clients or partners is what contributes the greatest to our success and growth. Targeted marketing has played a crucial role in our sustainability and this has been supported further by developing excellent business relations with professionals within related fields.”
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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? “There is no “I” in team and that has always been our starting point. Having clearly defined roles and responsibilities and clear parameters in regards to our overall company mission and modus operandi has been and is crucial. It allows everyone to understand where they fit in to the bigger picture. I believe in a transparent approach to company direction and policy and greatly encourage a performance management approach to leadership establishing clear targets with achievable benchmarks. Ensuring clear channels of communication, encouraging an environment of constructive critical feedback and nurturing a culture of continuous self and collective improvement keeps all of us focused on why we are here and what we need to achieve. 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? “At M. Meilak & Associates we are strictly client focused in all we do. We believe in providing a fairly priced, quality service and from our experience it is these values that will speak for themselves. In regards to innovation within our business model, we are continuing to grow our market in regards to the services we provide to international clients and strive to be a recognised authority in regards to international tax. Further to this, we wish to continue to invest in systems that greatly simplify the day-to-day compliance requirements of our clients whilst building our portfolio of successful case studies.” How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? “M. Meilak & Associates works globally with local insight. We are seasoned, experienced accountants, tax advisors and business consultants and our would-be clients sense this in us from their first point of contact be it via the Internet, over the phone, via a referral or face-to-face. Ultimately, we are professional, proficient and personable. The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment?
“Understanding the needs of potential clients is the key factor at all times, whether operating in a boom or bust scenario. Being expert in specific areas, essentially finding or maintaining a niche within the profession is the best advice we could provide for any service focused business. More generally, marketing and communications is critical and establishing brand and maintaining and growing market share is everything. Staying abreast of how people receive and digest information is of great importance and by understanding this and adapting to changes in consumer/client habits and trends will help to best place our business.
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
M. Meilak & Associates
Working in a global environment means that sound Internet based communication platforms are a high priority and whilst traditional web-based networks and forums play a role so does making good use of online social marketing. In summary, we will be remaining true to our specialism, analysing our potential clients needs and ensuring we have the most appropriate format for communicating with them.” How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting? “Three years in business is a mere blink of the eye. Without robust planning, businesses run the
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risk of becoming stagnant or worse still, failing. We practice what we preach, by thorough planning strategically, tactically and operationally and therefore we anticipate year on year growth of our international client portfolio and slicker systems for responding to local client needs. With such developments, the need to resource our operation appropriately will be necessary be it through direct employees or contracted partners.” 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?
Stay focused on your area of expertise and invest in your self and your people. The world changes constantly and so do your clients’ needs and the environment we operate in. You need to be on top of the game, so aim to lead rather than follow. M. Meilak & Associates Malcom Meilak e: malcolm@wtpadvisors.com w: www.mmeilak.com M.Meilak & Associates Arch. P. Pace Street, Victoria, Gozo, Malta t: +356 2156 1216
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year: Brazil
Turci Advogados Acquisition International speaks to Flavia Turci, founding partner of Turci Advogados about their recent win. The firm specialise in corporate law and within this area, they have relevant experience in mergers & acquisitions as well as in assisting businesses ran by families. How did it feel when your firm won the Most Trusted Law Firm of the Year: Brazil? “It made me and all my team very proud. To be trusted has always been our goal. Trust is our brand. When you visit our webpage, the first thing you read is: “The trust-based relationship we develop along with each client is the instrument that transforms our expertise in the most adequate legal solution for each case.” 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? “Throughout my career, I have experienced many situations where economic conditions changed rapid and drastically while negotiating deals. Brazil has implemented different economic recovery and monetary adjustment plans in the past. Can you imagine how it is to wake up one morning and find out that finances, and even currency, changed when you were building a corporate reorganization or an M&A deal? So, I guess I am prepared to see things changing during a deal. More importantly, one must keep in mind that adaptation will always be required to understand and respond to needs, interests and inevitable changes (including humour changes). Knowing that sometimes you will not stick to the plan is as important as planning ahead. 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 are a small team, and strive to keep a very respectful and friendly environment of constant communication, keeping the work clearly objective-oriented. This gives everyone a sense of participation and cohesion at all times. Responsibility, commitment, initiative and a solidary attitude are expected. People are stimulated to go deep into all aspects of a
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case and to understand its interconnections, despite the engagement of experts for specific matters. 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? “Brazilians appreciate football, as everyone knows. And there is a saying that a winning team and a winning game plan should not be changed. For us, it means that a trust-based relationship must continue to be our inspirational value. And sometimes it may be harder to keep the old good value than trying a new one. But, on the other hand, we are constantly seeking to improve our knowledge and administrative tools. How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? “I truly believe that any legal work has to be intelligible to the client. It is an attorney duty, in my point of view, to somehow translate the intricate legal world to clients and society. No matter how complex a matter can be, the opinions rendered, the solutions proposed, the explanations given have to be comprehensible. “A deep understanding about the matters that are presented to me and about the client’s opinions and interests are key elements. However, my understanding and a very well done job are not enough if the client has not a clear and complete comprehension about it. So, this is something I want to assure if I am pitching for new business. How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “There are cycles in the market when firms grow or shrink, offer full or more specialized services, watch new generations coming, feel the need to improve and update technology. On the other hand, the social and economic oscillations in the world tend to require a different legal approach about business. As long as we are aware of such movements, and are following the new trends which come with them, we will be prepared to act properly and even find new opportunities. I think the biggest issue will be to be able to anticipate the trends and the ability to come
up with more suitable ideas to the challenges presented by a changing business landscape. And, for sure, it creates an opportunity for us to go beyond our comfort area of expertise and to surpass our past experiences. The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? “By offering the alternative to build business and create value together. We must also be open to take risks together, working to offer clients more cost efficient fee structures, for example. How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting? “We do not see ourselves significantly growing in size; it would compromise our profile and the way we work. However, we are always working to improve our team and infrastructure, and there are investments to come. 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? “For other nominees to this award in particular, I would say a spirit of goodwill in professional relations. Trust is founded on goodwill. And without it you cannot keep your mind open enough to capture, understand and measure every aspect of a business and its legal outcomes. I believe that our spirit of goodwill and a straight forward behaviour, sometimes having these two as counterpoints, probably allowed us to lead the pack.
Company: Turci Advogados Associados Flávia Turci Address: Rua Fidencio Ramos, 100, 7 andar, São Paulo - Brazil e: turci@turci.com w: www.turci.com t: +55 (11) 2177-2177
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Italian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year
Hager & Partners Hager & Partners is one of the largest independent tax advising and corporate auditing firms in Italy with more than 50 professionals on a total of ca. 90 person strong staff. Since the founding of our offices in 1995, we have been working in the areas of national and international tax law specialising in mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructuring. Acquisition International speaks to Heinz Peter Hager, founder and Partner at Hager & Partners.
you achieve this award? “We invest in team culture as an essential pillar of our corporate culture and a distinguishing feature of our relationship with clients and team members.”
needs, with the aim of seeking comprehensive interdisciplinary solutions is our challenge. As a modern tax advisory firm we are committed to grasp any tax issues, to investigate legal and economic risks and to explore any optimization potential.”
“We perceive our role of being interpreters of cultural sensitivity issues on behalf of our clients, being Italy a quite complex environment in terms of laws interpretation and business behaviour.
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?
How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting?
“We intend to keep our corporate value and to continue to develop our expertise in order to remain competitive on quality, results and pricing. For us the whole is greater than the sum of its parts!
“A core philosophy of Hager & Partners is to recruit quality people, in order to enhance our range of services and to improve their quality. This is one of the reasons why we decided to set up a transfer pricing department in our Milan office.
Hager & Partners delivers sector-specific assistance to companies of all legal forms and sizes. We are strongly specialised in the real estate and energy sectors, but we usually cover the banking, leasing, financial, insurance, and wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing industry fields. In particular, our practice areas include Italian and international tax law, tax planning and optimization with reference both to domestic and cross border activities, tax litigation, assistance for Italian branches of our foreignbased clients, VAT representation and/or identification for foreign-based clients. The international tax practice has been strengthened during 2011 with the setting up of a dedicated unit which provides advisory on transfer pricing matters.” How did it feel when your firm won the Italian Corporate Tax Law Firm of the Year? “We were delighted and proud. This award was the recognition of the hard work that we have been developing over the past years delivering concrete results. But, the award was also the starting point for achieving new goals.” 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 focus on quality and we believe that it consists in a day by day thorough and on-time delivery. It is also about recognising that every client is different from another and deserves specific attention. We also support them with what they need in order to coordinate other services and professionals, and to manage contacts with public authorities.” 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
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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 aim is to achieve the highest quality standards through deep professional knowledge and to provide the maximum level of trustworthiness by offering client-tailored consulting services. “For this purpose Hager & Partners is able to combine the needs of both Italian and foreign clients (with particular reference to clients from German-speaking countries).” How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “Competition is growing in the Italian market. Furthermore, the market is stressed by the economic crisis as the downturn has affected many industries: our effort is to satisfy clients’ needs by delivering cost-effective services.” What is the biggest issue facing your specific (part of) legal services? Does this create opportunity for you? “Globalization is one of the most important challenges for us and for our clients. For this reason Hager & Partners provides a 360-degree range of services. Our philosophy can be summarized as follows: innovative, practical, pragmatic, solution-oriented. We strive to find new, effective and feasible solutions in a rapidly changing national and international context.” The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? “Understanding complex interrelated issues, gaining an insight into our clients’ various
“We have recruited not only tax professionals but also professional with technical knowledge and background in relationship with stakeholders. We are currently recruiting and I see a growth potential over the coming years.” 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?
Expertise, knowledge, commitment and personal assistance for high profile solutions. A wide range of diversified and integrated services as well as a high level professionalism are main characteristics of our firms.
Hager & Partners Heinz Peter Hager Via Borgogna, 2 – 20122 Milan (Italy) e : heinzpeter.hager@hagerpartners.it w: www.hager-partners.it/ge/ index.aspx
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Texas Transport Law Firm of the Year
The Law Office of Eric B. Darnell Acquisition International speaks to Eric Darnell President of Eric B. Darnell, P.C about their recent accolade. Eric B. Darnell, P.C. is a professional corporation that was created in 1996 to provide a variety of legal services and to serve small to mid-size businesses with all of the legal support, consultation and services they require from start-up to the point where the business should acquire in-house counsel in order to reduce the costs of using outside law firms and attorneys for all of its legal services, and even beyond as the guiding beacon and on-going instigator of leading edge thinking, planning and performance for production, financial and compliance issues. This Firm does business, at this time, as The Law Office of Eric B. Darnell and The Eric B. Darnell Law Firm. This Firm was originally established as a full service legal resource and law firm for small to midsize business. Over the years, this Firm has developed a significant level of experience and expertise in specific industries, with transport and transportation related fields being one such industry segment, although it is quite broad and the scope of which this Firm is involved in this industry is not just throughout Texas, but also throughout New Mexico and Oklahoma as well as Mexico and Canada and with even a more far reaching global presence than just the Northern and Southern Borders of the United States of America.
perform today at the time the recognition is being received.
How did it feel when your firm won the Texas Transport Law Firm of the Year?
What is the biggest issue facing transport law? Does this create opportunity for you?
“Winning this award was the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication by the members and the staff of this Firm who have participated in all facets of and even actually worked in and been a part of various segments of the Transportation industry, including trucking/motor carrier as well as compliance and cargo/shipping in addition to local, state and Federal compliance issues along with products/ product liability and other safety, performance and industry specific issues and factors that relate to the on-going and future viability of an industry that is critical to the future of this Nation’s and the World’s economies through the use of more modern and efficient technologies, processes and, of course, fuel and energy utilization and consumption .
“The dynamics of the industry and in providing industry specific legal services , consultation and advise that is based upon an in-depth understanding of the current, future and every changing requirements of the industry, including knowledge of the current status of an industry and where the industry is going in terms of legal, regulatory, economic, political and geographic barriers and obstacles with plans to address, respond and pursue alternative remedies and solutions if and when the need arises or company management determines that a change in direction and directives is warranted.
Through the efforts of many individuals and many dedicated hours spent in learning the trades and learning the transportation industry both inside and out as well as backwards and forwards, the efforts were rewarded and recognized by receiving such an award that really affirms the commitment and the level of commitment this Firm has made to its clients in this industry. We really did not see it as being an award for performance during this year or a particular year, but performance by the individuals of this Firm, individually and collectively, over many years that have culminated in the processes that work and the way they
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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? “This Firm will continue to work hard to provide quality service and competent legal counsel and services at a fair and reasonable price in a timely manner subject to the demands of society, the economy and, of course, the industry specific areas in which we work within and related to the Transportation Industry.
“The opportunity exists and should always exist for a Law Firm to lead, advise, and direct a Client through, around, over and under potential obstacles through identification of obstacles and developing or at least identifying alternative solutions and paths that are not as encumbered by legal limitations or restrictions or barriers to competition and, ultimately, financial growth and success that a business or company requires for long term sustainability and productivity. 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 opportunity to reduce and minimize legal, regulatory, and political impediments and obstacles to growth and performance on a much
broader scale than just addressing local, state, regional or just territorial needs, limitations and requirements. How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting? “This Firm’s business will not see substantial changes in the way it operates, even if growth or even an extraordinary magnitude of growth lies in its future, because at some point someone has to understand the problem, identify a resolution, develop the solution and move the business forward, that business being the businesses in which the Client is in and the demands as well as the forces that require a business to innovate and adapt for survival and in order to progress for the sake and benefit of its own clientele. “The business model for this Firm will not change, in general, although the tools of the trade and the tools used to timely deliver quality legal services, solutions and advise, are changing every day and will continue to change, but products and services that will be delivered by this Firm will not change and the shape of this Firm, in terms of the business model will endure. “Good workers and good people that are dedicated to their employer and totally committed to taking care of clients and the needs of clients and are willing to take the extra step and go the distance and even farther, to accomplish the mutual goals and objectives of the Client and the Firm, will always be needed and will always be in demand. The problem is finding those very special individuals and applying their skills and work ethic, as they gain the appropriate, critical and necessary expertise for the benefit of everyone. The Law Office of Eric B. Darnell/The Eric B. Darnell Law Firm Eric B. Darnell e: edarnell@darnell-lawfirm.com w: www.darnell-lawfirm.com P.O. Box 121, El Paso, Texas 79941-0121 t: Office: 915-313-0000 toll free: 1-877-EBD-LEGL (1-877-323-5345) Facsimile: 915-313-0001
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Korean Boutique Law Firm of the Year
Hanol Law Offices Acquisition International speaks to Yun-Jae Baek, managing partner of Hanol Law Offices, about their recent accolade- Korean Boutique Law Firm of the Year.
Hanol Law Offices was founded on August 8, 1997 as the first Korean boutique firm with a commitment to providing clients with up-to-date legal counsel and services. Today, the firm is recognized by numerous domestic and foreign clientele as having unsurpassed expertise and experience in a broad spectrum of legal matters including finance, intellectual property (IP), litigation and arbitration, corporate and securities law and transactions.
today’s global market. Primerus has been established internationally as a coalition of law firms that recruits the top-rated, independent, boutique law firms including more than 180 law firms located in 130 cities in over 30 countries. Collectively, Primerus is now the size of some of the world’s largest law firms and is growing at an unprecedented pace throughout Europe, Asia, and elsewhere around the globe.”
“In today’s global era, Hanol Law Offices has established a network across the world. We are committed to providing the best advice and legal services to every client we represent. Whether our client is a multinational corporation or a small firm embroiled in a domestic business conflict headed for litigation, we are confident we can provide the best advice, the correct blend of local legal services and foreign legal consultation with the aid of foreign law firms, if necessary, that are specialized in a wide range of practice areas through our global network.”
“Primerus seeks out, screens and audits its firms to make sure they have only the finest included in its membership using all the ratings services available to them, including Martindale Hubbell, Best Lawyers, Chambers and Legal 500. With the exception of the United States, Primerus chooses one firm per country as a member. This means that, as a member, Hanol Law Offices has been recognized internationally for its quality of services and as a unique distinction in the Korean market.”
“Another point to be noted is Hanol Law Offices’ strength lies not only in international business transactions but also with domestic litigation as well. Among the firm’s diverse clientele, composed of both domestic and foreign companies, are financial institutions, public authorities and other corporate and individual clients. Additional areas of emphases include construction, labor, maritime, entertainment and telecommunications laws.”
“In the midst of a transition period where the legal market is opening, boutique law firms in every nation are forming an international community to compete against the British and American mega law firms, and this means that there is a new paradigm being offered in every nation. Especially with the mega law firms demanding relatively larger fees from clients (with the exception of conglomerates, which have a larger volume of work to assign) companies generally experience difficulties with such burgeoning costs.”
“Hanol Law Offices is registered as the Korean member in Primerus, a society of the world’s finest independent boutique law firms. Being a member of Primerus gives us an edge in
“That is why Hanol Law Offices, as a member of Primerus, provides international legal services to clients for reasonable fees, in the context of a global network of Primerus providers
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that collectively provide the same breadth and depth of services and coverage as the world’s largest law firms.” “Hanol also offers assistance to those looking to expand their business in Korea, and the Primerus affiliation provides such international clients an assurance of global quality services at reasonable rates.” “As one of the Korea’s top quality law firms, Hanol Law Offices is committed to providing up-to-date counsel and effective services that can result in substantial savings for our clients, domestic or foreign.” “We are aware that every client is different - attorneys of our firm make sure to deliver a custom-tailored solution and successful results in a cost and time efficient manner to each one, even through the most complicated legal challenges.” “I believe being firm in carrying out our commitment consistently over the years has allowed us to garner the privilege of winning this esteemed international legal award.”
Hanol Law Offices Yun-Jae Baek e: yjbaek@hanollaw.com w: www.hanollaw.com 19th Fl., City Air Tower, 159-9 Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea t: +82-2-6004-2500
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Peruvian Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year
PwC Lima Acquisition International speaks to Miguel Puga and Rudolf Röder who are partners in charge of Transfer Pricing Area in PwC Lima, Perú. They head the team specialising in international taxation and Transfer Pricing they collectively commented that they felt gratified because this award recognises all the efforts given by every team member.
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?
Every obstacle creates opportunities. If you know how to take advantage of the difficulties, it certainly may turn into your benefit. All collaborators at PwC are focused on delivering the best of the best to all our customers. All our energy and effort is set to help organizations overcome their problems. We believe this is the key element for us. 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 strategy consists in giving responsibilities to all our team members. We believe that young collaborators need challenges to keep them motivated. At the same time, we have worked hard during the last years to bring balance between personal and professional life.
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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?
How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting?
“We have always kept in mind that we have to be a reference model for the market, study the related regulations better than anyone, train our customers as well as the market, stay always in touch, always deliver the best.
“In 3 years our business will be, without doubt, much bigger, more competitive, more globalized, and as a consequence of that, we will need more people working on cross border projects. Mobility will be the rule.”
How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business?
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 differentiate by the quality of our work, we seek long and truthful relationships with our customers, we aim to be the preferred business trusted advisors. How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “While businesses are in constant motion, the legal market is also constantly moving and, therefore, we have to keep the pace, be responsive; more so in an increasingly globalized world where specialization is the starting point. What is the biggest issue facing transfer pricing? Does this create opportunity for you? “This is a regulated market that affects businesses and investments profitability; consequently, if we are exceptionally good helping our customers in what we know, we will help them increase their profitability and that creates great opportunities.
“The best advice we can give to anyone is to give always the best of themselves without doubt, with no restrictions. When you do that, the results are always satisfactory.”
Rudolf Röder PwC | Partner Tax & Legal Services t: + (511) 2116500 | Fax: (511) 2116550 e: rudolf.roeder@pe.pwc.com PricewaterhouseCoopers S. Civil de R.L. Av. Santo Toribio 143, piso 8, Lima 27, Perú Miguel Puga PwC | Partner Tax & Legal Services t: (511) 211 6500 Anexo: 8006 e: miguel.puga@pe.pwc.com PricewaterhouseCoopers S. Civil de R.L. Av. Santo Toribio 143, piso 8 Lima 27, Perú
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Chinese Healthcare M&A Law Firm of the Year
- China Global Law Office Acquisition International speaks to Alan L. Zhou Partner at China Global Law Office about how it felt to win Chinese Healthcare M&A Law Firm of the Year “It is a great achievement for our Global’s pharmaceutical and healthcare team. But our firm deserves this award based on 0ur long-term and high-quality services to our multinational and local pharmaceutical and healthcare clients in this emerging market of China. We have the following deal creating and project management strengths: - our ability to provide quality services at interna tional standards; - our highly experienced team consisting of U.S./ U.K./Switzerland/Hong Kong trained lawyers; - our ability to offer expert level English and Chi nese bilingual services; - our partners’ commitment to work closely on the proposed matters; and our competitive quotation of legal fees. “We invest a great deal of effort and resources in internal team-building through: - creation of a “task-supermarket” where associates have certain flexibility to choose the assignments which interest them; building a learning path for each lawyer; - a strong legal knowledge and skills foundation; relevant commercial and financial knowledge; conducting Timely and regular review; - Internal discussions and alignment of the impor tant elements for excellent client service; Bi weekly organized sports activities and outings; - a quicker promotion scheme compared to interna tional firms. “As no one can rest on their laurels in this market place, we are considering following approaches: - Further enhancing our training and work efficiency measures; - More competitive fee structures to reflect the cur rent economic situation; - Augmenting our close communications with clients including direct visits with EU and US clients; - Enhancing our cooperation with foreign firms. So how do you see the legal market changing over the next 12 months and how will it affect you? “Due to the slow-down of the economic development worldwide and China, we see more competition in the legal market, e.g. downward pressure on service prices and an influx of lawyers from other practice area (e.g. capital market) into the M&A market. We will need to be more flexible in our service fee and increase our work efficiency. The continuous reform of the healthcare industry in China and the pervasive amendments to the Chinese healthcare laws and regulations is a consistent challenge that we must overcome on a daily basis. In three years’ time the legal service market in China will still increase. But its development speed, esp. the high-end service market may become slower. The market is still segmental due to the size and diversity of China. But there will be more integra-
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tion among top firms in competing to capture the high-end market. We will continuously recruit.” Global Law Office Launches a Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Practice Group Global Law Office launched a Pharmaceutical & Healthcare (P&H) Practice Group consisting of partners Alan Zhou, David Fu and Huanzhong Chen and foreign counsels John Liebeskind and Yiliang Dong, each has extensive experience in legal services in the P&H industry, effective January 1, 2012. The lawyers of the group have successfully represented both multinational and Chinese clients in every sector of the P&H industry, including drug R&D, clinical research organization (CRO), pharmaceuticals, life sciences, biotechnology, medical devices, supply producers and distributors, hospitals and other healthcare providers as well as various investment funds specialized in P&H sector. In recent years, with increasing regulations and growing competitions in China, local P&H business is becoming increasingly complex. With combined industry experience and expertise, our P&H practice group is strongly positioned to counsel and advise clients in this industry on challenging regulatory and business matters, such as compliance, structuring industry-specific transactions and contractual arrangements, realization of pipeline and geographic expansions, capital raising and project financing, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, IP protections, licensing and distribution arrangements, disputes settlement for adverse effects in clinical trial, medical treatment and etc. In addition to legal expertise, our P&M industry specialists have in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical, medical devices and healthcare services sectors through their close links to industrial associations as well as involvement in relevant committees making recommendations on industry codes of conduct. Our P&H practice group consists of five professionals who have profound knowledge and understanding of the local business practice and legal regime of the P&H industry in China: Alan Zhou, Global Law Office, Shanghai. Alan Zhou focuses his practice on mergers & acquisitions, private equity/venture capital, corporate and taxes matters. Mr. Zhou has profound experience in advising M&A, private equity investment, legal compliance and other corporate matters in the P&H industry. He has represented many leading multinational and local pharmaceutical corporations in China, including Sanofi, Novartis and Boehringer Ingelheim. David Fu, Global Law Office, Beijing. David Fu has more than 15 years legal experience in foreign direct investment, mergers and acquisitions, private equity investment and restructuring of foreign-invested enterprises in China. Mr. Fu has extensive experience in advising cross-border M&A, foreign direct investment, private equity investment, intellectual property and other corporate matters in the P&H industry. He has represented many leading multinational pharmaceutical corporations in China, including Genzyme, Sanofi and Lonza. Huanzhong Chen, Global Law office, Beijing. Huanzhong Chen focuses his practice on a broad areas of corporate law, trade laws (including antidumping and WTO disputes), competition laws, IP rights, liquidation and insolvency. Mr. Chen has extensive experience in advising on dispute resolution, corporate restructuring, intellectual property and other corporate matters in the P&H industry. He has represented many leading multinational pharmaceutical corporations in China. John Liebeskind, Global Law Office, Beijing. John Liebeskind has a solid expertise in matters comprising company law, contracts, labor law, administrative law, IP, tax, torts and disputes. Mr. Liebeskind is an expert in advising in
international commercial matters in the P&H industry, in particular foreign investment in and trade with China. He has represented many multinational pharmaceutical corporations in China, including Lonza. Yiliang Dong, Global Law Office, Shanghai. Yiliang Dong is also a partner of a reputable German law firm HEUKING KÜHN LÜER WOJTEK. Mr. Dong’s practice focuses on China outbound investment, corporate restructuring, cross-border mergers and acquisitions and international commercial arbitration. He is specialized in advising Chinese and foreign clients in the P&H industry on restructuring, competition, dispute resolution and other corporate matters. With profound industry experience and expertise, our P&H practice group is dedicated to provide integrated, tailored and client-oriented services for clients in the P&H industry and is committed to assist clients in navigation through legal and regulatory hurdles and realization of opportunities in the emerging markets in China.
Global Law Office Alan L. Zhou. 30F, Shanghai Square, No.138, Middle Huai Hai Road,Shanghai 200021, China
e: alanzhou@globallawoffice.com.cn w: www.globallawoffice.com.cn t: 86 (0) 21 6375 6722 Global Law Office David Fu Beijing Office 15F, Tower One, China Central Place No. 81 Jianguo Road, Beijing 100025, China t: (8610) 6584 6678 e: david.fu@glo.com.cn Huanzhong Chen Beijing Office 15F, Tower One, ChinaCentral Place No. 81 Jianguo Road, Beijing 100025, China t: (8610) 6584 6616
e: chenhuan@globallawoffice.com.cn John Liebeskind Beijing Office 15F, Tower One, China Central Place No. 81 Jianguo Road, Beijing 100025, China t: (8610) 6584 6737
e: jcliebeskind@globallawoffice.com.cn Yiliang Dong Shanghai Office 30/F, Shanghai Square, 138 Middle Huai Hai Road, Shanghai 200021, China t: (8621) 6375 6722
e: dongyiliang@globallawoffice.com.cn
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Investment Fund Law Firm of the Year
- Bonn Steichen & Partners global distribution centre for such funds in the world. The Luxembourg investment fund industry is not all about UCITS however. In 2007 the law on the specialised investment fund (SIF) was passed creating a flexible non-UCITS fund subject to a lighter supervision by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (the “CSSF”). There are no investment policy restrictions applicable to SIFS.
Acquisition International speaks to the winner of the Investment Fund Law Firm of the Year: Luxembourg, Bonn Steichen & Partners, the full service Luxembourg law firm committed to providing the highest quality legal services.
Within excess of 60 professionals Bonn Steichen & Partners offers a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of Luxembourg law. The Firm advises local and foreign clients including leading international financial institutions and corporations and we work regularly with well-known international law firms worldwide. We are a dynamic organisation, investing in exceptional people to help us achieve our objectives and those of their clients. The firm provides a high degree of partner involvement, with a confident and highly-experienced decision-maker to provide answers not options.
The firms practice areas include corporate, banking and finance, investment management, tax, employment, IP, IT and general commercial, dispute resolution, real estate and construction. Luc COURTOIS has been working in the investment fund law area for more than seventeen years. He advises major fund managers and banks to develop their business
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in Luxembourg through the launch of investment vehicles and management companies. Luc comments: “Due to the strong legislative activities at the EU and national levels, our work is getting increasingly complex and technical. I am a partner with BSP and head of our investment management department, recognised to have a strong and well-established expertise in all areas of investment fund law. We provide advice and assistance throughout the life-cycle of the fund working with the firm’s tax and corporate teams to provide tailor made solutions to our clients. This includes advice on the structuring or the restructuring of all types of investment vehicles including real estate funds, hedge funds, private equity funds, carbon funds and other alternative investment funds. Our main strengths consist in being able to understand the needs of our clients and in finding innovative and creative solutions. Each department is headed by a well-recognised and experienced partner and benefits from the expertise of the other departments.” Luc comments on the biggest issue investment funds in Luxembourg at this time: “Luxembourg is a leading global location for investment funds being the world’s second largest investment fund centre after the United States with fund assets under management over EUR 2.1 trillion as at January 31, 2012 . “Luxembourg’s competitive regulatory framework, strategic position at the heart of the European Union and concentration of highly skilled service providers and a multi-lingual and multinational workforce has ensured that Luxembourg has built up a strong track record in relation to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) leading it to become the largest
They are subject to lighter risk diversification rules than UCITS and Part II Funds created under the law of December 10, 2010 on undertakings for collective investment. Up until recently the risk management function was not regulated but with the approval of the Law of March 6, 2012 (the “2012 Law”) by the Luxembourg Parliament that has changed. The 2012 Law (implementing certain provisions of the alternative investment fund managers directive (the “AIFMD”)) now provides that SIFs must have in place an appropriate risk management system and be organised in such a manner so as to mitigate conflicts of interest. The 2012 Law also now makes it compulsory for SIFs to be approved by the CSSF prior to launch. In addition the Luxembourg legal framework provides for the investment company in risk capital (the SICAR). The SICAR is a regulated structure designed for private equity and venture capital investments. There are neither risk diversification rules nor lending or leverage restrictions.
The Luxembourg legal framework allows for the creation of all types of alternative investment funds, such as hedge funds, real estate funds, private equity funds and socially responsible funds and an expertise in all of these areas has built up in the Luxembourg investment fund sector. Bonn Steichen & Partners Luc COURTOIS 2 rue Peternelchen L-2370 Howald Luxembourg 00352 260251 w: lcourtois@bsp.lu e: bsp.lu
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
A Team of Experts Bonn Steichen & Partners is a Luxembourg law firm with an international focus committed to providing the highest quality legal services. With in excess of 50 professionals we offer a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of Luxembourg law and represent a wide range of clients from a variety of industry sectors in Luxembourg and abroad. Excellence is the standard we set for ourselves and we have created an environment where everyone is determined to deliver such standard, while sharing knowledge, experience and time. In today’s dynamic and challenging business environment, we recognise the necessity to be innovative and adaptive to change in order to provide our clients with tailor-made solutions. Our common goal: creating value for our clients.
Banking & Finance Corporate Dispute Resolution B S P
Employment, Compensation & Benefits Investment
IP, IT & General Commercial Real Estate, Construction IP, IT & General Commercial Tax Real Estate, Construction Tax
BONN STEICHEN & PARTNERS Avocats
2, rue Peternelchen I Immeuble C2 I L-2370 Howald I Luxembourg T. +352 26025-1 I F. +352 26025-999 mail@bsp.lu I www.bsp.lu
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LEGAL AWARDS 2012
UK White Collar Crime Barrister of the Year
- 33 Chancery Lane Acquisition International talks to the UK White Collar Crime Barrister of the Year Keith Mitchell, one of 18 highly specialist Barristers who form part of 33 Chancery Lane about his award winning work over the last 12 months AI asked Keith Mitchell how he felt about winning the award: “I am very honoured to have won this award and thank all those who nominated me and voted on my behalf. There are of course far more deserving candidates than myself, but I accept this award for those in particular who tirelessly defend in criminal cases, and who passionately believe in providing a top quality service no matter what the cost. “The stand out case of many of the last year would have to be the “Lord” Davenport advance fee frauds on, high profile celebrities and others, in a number of foreign jurisdictions. The case was reported in the WSJ and more recently featured on a Channel 4 documentary. As the leader of a great team, we secured an excellent result in terms of sentence and confiscation for the defendant we represented.” So Keith what will you be doing next
year to win the 2013 accolade? “Awards like this undoubtedly help to bring our project to a wider audience. In addition, to maintain our position as market leaders, we provide a host of lectures on specialist areas of work and our chambers regularly publish a news supplement and provide a constantly updated website www.33cllaw.com that I would strongly recommend to all. The Changing Landscape “When pitching for new business it used to be frowned upon to promote oneself, but the profession has become more commercially minded and we have to go out and sell our brand. Being a good/competent advocate is no longer enough, not only do you have to impress and excel, you have to deliver a product that is in demand and is the best. We, as a set, are very much in demand. “Another element that is constantly changing is fraud, which has no boundaries and is truly international. Increasingly we as a set are expanding our horizons and looking further afield to new areas and continents. To that end we have recently taken on a new member who has established connections with India, and can practice in both jurisdictions, and who will help us forge greater links with a huge untapped market.
We have to look beyond the traditional mindset of chambers for criminal and civil work.” The Future & Beyond “As a set we are greatly assisted by a very forward-thinking Head of Chambers and we are ideally placed to deal with the changing shape of the legal profession and continue to attract the best white-collar crime and civil work by continually adapting to that change. We are equipped to deal with all areas of commercial wrongdoing whether criminal fraud, civil fraud, regulatory tribunal, asset-tracing and recovery or proceeds of crime work and we have developed to be able to accept instructions not only from solicitors but from other professional clients, firms and individuals with us offering unrivalled expertise whilst providing great value for money, whether privately or publicly funded.” Chambers of Andrew Mitchell QC, 33 Chancery Lane, London WC2 t: +44(0)2074409950 w: www.33cllaw.com
UK Aviation Law QC of the Year
- John Steel QC Acquisition International speaks to the John Steel QC, a member of Chambers at 39 Essex Street, London UK with offices in Singapore, about his recent accolade – UK Aviation Law QC of the Year. “In terms of a silk – I am a self practitioner. As a result I am able to be an adviser to numerous international and national bodies including airlines, airport operators, regulators, government authorities and other organisations, as well as civil and military aviation bodies and individuals. “There are a number of cases which have defined my career, starting with the Stansted airport expansion cases in 1981. My subsequent work concerning Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Coventry, East Midlands, Cambridge, Farnborough, Biggin Hill and other airports in the UK has continued for the last three decades. TAG Farnborough Airport obtained planning permission after a strongly contested public inquiry for a major 80% expansion of flights in 2010, the largest expansion obtained at any airport under current government policy. This was a major achievement. Planning permission was also obtained by my team at a contested public inquiry for Olympic flights at Dunsfold, the former home of BAe Systems and the Harrier testing programme. I am currently advising airport operators and airlines
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concerning the development of other airports as well as the Future Airspace Strategy of the UK. “The UK Government Policy ‘White Paper’ on aviation was the subject of High Court challenge causing a rethink by the UK government of its policy. I successfully represented a number of UK local authorities in this case. This was a watershed case as it marked the first time a Government policy consultation at this level had been quashed. Other successful High Court challenges I have led include the rethink required by the UK government’s Department of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority and NATS concerning its decisions over airspace (flight paths) and air traffic control requirements. As a result, a totally new procedure is in place in respect of making airspace changes. “You have asked me what has to be done in the future to be awarded this accolade again. The short answer is to be wholly aware of what the client is seeking to achieve and to deliver this in the most efficient and cost effective way. To do this it is necessary to be at the centre of the team. One needs to have an in depth knowledge of aviation generally, and where the international aviation industry as a whole is seeking to go. My own knowledge and experience gained as an instrument rated pilot flying internationally has helped significantly in this regard.
“One of the main areas of debate at the moment concerns airport capacity in the SE of England, especially in relation to the UK’s hub airport at Heathrow, but also making the best use of airport and airspace capacity both in the UK and internationally. New technology concerning navigational equipment, aero engine and aircraft design have significant roles to play and have not to date been fully deployed to the benefit of aviation, the environment or residents on the ground. This is an urgent requirement. I have been the joint author of a paper commissioned and published this month by the Air League which considers these matters in some detail. “my position in three years’ time? I hope to continue to be recognised as one of the leading UK aviation law QCs both nationally and internationally. This is a tall order, but the opportunities are immense and challenges highly rewarding for those who love their work in this field as much as I do.” 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square John Steel e: jsteel@4-5.co.uk
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Belgian Tax Law Firm of the Year
- AFSCHRIFT Law Firm AFSCHRIFT Law Firm is specialized in domestic and international tax law and law relating to white collar crime. AFSCHRIFT law firm was established in Brussels in 1994 and over the years, has expanded its presence and activity in Antwerp, Geneva, Luxembourg, Madrid and Tel Aviv. The firm advises all taxpayer, natural or legal persons, in order to organize at the best their personal, real property or professional patrimony. As a specialist, it helps its clients in performing transactions including by setting up international financial packages that minimize tax costs while remaining legally compliant. The firm gives preventive and rigorous advice in relation to the decisions and behavior clients plan to adopt, so as to avoid the application of fiscal and criminal laws. The firm’s practice and advises a significant number of major companies and banks, in reorganizations, tax planning and tax litigation. Furthermore, AFSCHRIFT Law Firm defends all taxpayers in all disputes concerning all taxes matters. The firm also defends assertively and effectively taxpayers undergoing criminal prosecution in tax and all other financial cases, notably to assure respect for their fundamental rights. 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?
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“AFSCHRIFT LAW FIRM always tries to provide stateof-the-art tax legal services to its clients, while respecting the highest standards of integrity and professional ethics. The firm maintains continuously in-depth and up-to date knowledge, as our clients move in an ever-changing world in crisis, while complying with an important number of laws and regulations, and all of this in an increasingly competitive business environment.” How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? “The firm chose deliberately the “boutique” status as it dedicates its entire activity to the sphere of Tax Law and Financial Criminal Law. This situation allows the firm to gather real specialist lawyers. This grants also the firm a large independence. “Moreover, the firm deliberately chooses not to create distinct departments for consultancy and litigation, in order for each lawyer to practice simultaneously in the two spheres of activities. “AFSCHRIFT lawyers are not afraid to go off the beaten tracks. Innovation and open mind are key characteristics of our firm. As an example of the application of these criteria in the developing fields of tax law, AFSCHRIFT has often appeared as a “pioneer” in respect of the development of argumentation. What is the biggest issue facing your specific (part of) legal services? Does this create opportunity for you? “To be a tax lawyer is not a job like others: tax lawyers defend the rights of individuals and companies against the State, against power. Fighting against the State, i.e. against
the power, presupposes some strength and determination like our lawyers are.” “The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? Taking into account the internationalization of the business and our clients’ needs, AFSCHRIFT Law Firm has expanded over the years and reinforced its presence and activity in Antwerp, Geneva, Luxembourg, Madrid and Tel Aviv. How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting? “The firm plans to reinforce its presence and its activity in Luxembourg, a country of major importance for taxpayers. The extremely innovative Luxembourg law, in particular, is interesting for its sophisticated and advantageous structures for tax purposes.”
AFSCHRIFT LAW FIRM Avenue Louise, 208 B-1050 Brussels t: +32 (0)2.646.46.36 f: +32 (0)2.644.38.00 e: avocats@afschrift.com w: www.afschrift.com
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
BENTSI-ENCHILL, LETSA & ANKOMAH LEGAL PRACTITIONERS & NOTARIES PUBLIC
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah Seth Asante 1st Floor Teachers’ Hall Complex, Education Loop (Off Barnes Road) P. O. Box GP 1632, Accra - Ghana e: bel@belonline.org / belm@africaonline.com.gh w: www.belonline.org t: (00233) 302 221171 / 229396 / 224612 / 2271/87 f: (00233) 302 226129
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah (BEL&A) is a private partnership, incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Ghana. The practice was started by Kojo Bentsi-Enchill as a sole practitioner with 2 associates in 1988, and was incorporated in 1990 when he was joined by Divine Kweku Letsa. Ace Anan Ankomah was elected to the partnership in October 2000. The Firm now has 6 partners (with Seth Asante and Rosa Kudoadzi (Mrs.) having been elected as partners in 2003, and Susan-Barbara Adjorkor Kumapley (Mrs.) in 2010), 2 Senior Associates, 18 Associates.
www.belonline.org
Corporate Law Firm of the Year: Ghana
Mexican Boutique Law Firm of the Year
- Brito Anderson Attorneys at Law Brito Anderson is a Mexican boutique law firm integrated by lawyers with more than 25 years of experience, with one goal: to provide legal services of excellence. Brito Anderson is highly specialized in Administrative Law; Competition/Antitrust Law; Litigation; and Legal Reforms; areas in which its lawyers are nationally and internationally recognized. Brito Anderson has also strategic alliances with other specialized boutique law firms, as well as with media groups and the most respected Mexican economists, for the benefit of its clients. Brito Anderson handles few legal cases at the same time only: the most complex one´s of its clients and relevant in Mexico in the specialty areas of the firm. Most of Brito Anderson´s clients are among the topthree companies in their respective fields. Brito Anderson has handled an important number of the most relevant cases in Competition/Antitrust Law since the Mexican Federal Competition Commission was created. Regarding Administrative Law, Brito Anderson benefits from the previous experience of some of its partners as former key lawyers and former legal consultants of the Mexican Government, including the Presidency office, the Ministry of Communica-
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tions and Transports, the Ministry of Energy, the Economy Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Federal Competition Commission, the Economic Deregulation Unit, the Federal Regulatory Improvement Commission, the National Water Commission and the State Governments of Mexico and Baja California Sur.
Regarding litigation, Brito Anderson is specialized in Constitutional litigation (Amparo), Administrative and Fiscal Litigation, Competition/Antitrust Litigation, as well as Civil and Commercial Litigation, and has handled multimillionaire cases. Brito Anderson has participated in the draft of reforms to the Constitution, the Civil, Commerce and Procedure Codes, the Foreign Investment Law, the Federal Law of Metrology and Normalization, the Federal Law of Administrative Proceeding, the Law of Acquisitions, Leases and Services of the Public
Sector and the Law of Public Works and Services, the draft of the Administrative Code of the State of Mexico and the draft of Regulations of the Airports Law, Civil Aviation Law, Railway Services Law, Navigation Law, Federal Economic Competition Law, Foreign Investment Law and Federal Law of Metrology and Normalization, among others. Brito Anderson´s experience in Legal Reforms has certainly benefited the firm in a significant way and has led it to develop high skills to interpret the reach and aim of the different laws and regulations, and to identify the best arguments to support the cases handled by the firm.
Brito Anderson, S.C. Rafael M. Brito Anderson Paseo de Tamarindos 400, B-18, Bosques de las Lomas, 05120, Mexico, D.F. e: rafael.brito@britoanderson.com t: www.britoanderson.com t: +52 (55) 5950 1590
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Mexican Competition Law Firm of the Year
- Casares Castelazo Acquisition International speaks to Víctor M. Frías, the chair of Casares Castelazo’s competition and anti-trust team about how they won this year’s Mexican Competition Law Firm of the Year Casares Castelazo is a full-service firm located in Mexico; it was founded by experts originating from boutique firms with a vision to assemble a multidisciplinary group to address clients’ demands for a robust team that could work together across different areas. The team is organized around three main groups: corporate, litigation and workplace. Within each of these there are different practice teams working together and benefiting from the experience of lawyers with different specialties. Although this organisation may be common in other jurisdictions, it places Casares Castelazo in a competitve position that few firms in the country can match. Victor, could you talk about your firm? The main practice areas within our corporate team are: banking and financing, commercial law, competition and anti-trust, infrastructure, internet and regulatory communications, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate. The M&A and competition teams have received awards and nominations from international
publications, including Acquisitions International, Global Law Experts, Corporate International, and Chambers Latin America. Also, some of our partners are listed among Mexico’s best attorneys by Who’sWho Legal.
firms are trying to develop a practice in this field and it is certainly a satisfaction to be recognized as an award-performing team in this environment.
The disputes resolution team is highly experienced in litigation and arbitration. It is currently handling cases before the Supreme Court, and federal and local courts in various states of the Republic. It is also heavily involved in arbitration. In 2010 this team, working together with lawyers from the corporate group, obtained one of the largest awards issued by an ICC Tribunal against a government-owned energy company in a complicated construction project.
Our team has been built around a purpose. We spent a lot of time thinking on what was it that made us proud about coming to work every morning, and somehow we realized that we all enjoyed providing a feeling of tranquillity to our clients. That goal is shared when we close a transaction, when we handle an anti-trust investigation, when we walk into a Court room, or when we provide the right advice on a labour matter. This is becoming our culture, and we are happy to embrace it. Importantly, our purpose also guides our ways on the inside. We are implementing mechanisms to give our team certainty and clarity. Our career paths are detailed. People know what is expected from them at every stage, know that mentors will work with them to reach goals, and know what they can expect in return. This clarity has been a useful tool in attracting talent.
The labor team is specialized in advisory for numerous industries, and in litigation. This team also successfully handles collective labor relationships with unions in many states of the country. Its chair is one of the most experienced attorneys in Mexico dealing with unions and was in charge of reducing and liquidating an over 75,ooo employees workforce at a government-owned railroad entity. Víctor so how did it feel when your firm won the Mexican Competition Law Firm of the Year? “It was a great satisfaction. Mexico’s Federal Government has made it a priority to strengthen its competition enforcement efforts, which has attracted attention and resources to this specific area. Many
What do you think makes your firm different?
Casares Castelazo Frías y Zárate Víctor M. Frías Andrés Bello No. 10, Piso 8, Col. Polanco, México, Distrito Federal t: +5255 52823363 e: vfrias@casarescastelazo.com w: www.casarescastelazo.com
Char Hamilton Yoshida & Shimomoto ATTORNEYS AT LAW
|
A LAW CORPORATION
Practice Areas l Captive Insurance l Family Law l Business Transactions & Government Affairs l Immigration Pacific Guardian Center, 737 Bishop Street, Suite 2100 | Honolulu, HI 96813 Toll Free 877.234.9119 | Facsimile 808.523.1714
www.charhamilton.com
Hawaiian Corporate Law Firm of the Year 31
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Canadian Gaming Law Firm of the Year
- Chitiz Pathak Acquisition International speaks to Danielle Bush, partner and head of the Chitiz Pathak LLP gaming law group. Chitiz Pathak LLP specialises in regulatory and corporate/commercial work for companies operating in the land-based and online gaming industries. Danielle, can you tell us how Chitiz Pathak LLP has adapted to the recent economic downturn in terms of deal generation and project management? “The gaming industry has been less affected by the economic downturn than many other sectors. Our firm has actually benefited from the increased emphasis on controlling costs. We have found that companies that would previously have retained one of the large, full-service firms for a project have retained us instead as we offer significantly lower billing rates for unparalleled expertise in this sector. So how do you differentiate yourself Danielle? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business?
“We have excellent relationships with regulators in every jurisdiction in which our clients operate. This allows us to provide practical guidance to clients navigating the shoals of licensing, registration and compliance. Of equal importance are our decades of experience in the technology and entertainment industries. We are therefore uniquely positioned to handle the commercial and regulatory needs of our gaming clients on a very cost-effective basis.” So how do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting? “Booming. We predict that in three years, the online gaming space will have changed dramatically. Provincial government operators will be white labelling for major brands which will usher in a dramatic spike in activity. Land-based gaming will also continue to develop quickly as will sports-betting. We will be recruiting! 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 old nursery rhyme – Jack be nimble, Jack be quick – is a good starting point for any law firm that doesn’t want to be left behind. Firms have to watch their pricepoint and their customers’ tolerance for legal costs while focusing at the same time on superlative and reactive customer service. Client focus is key – what is good for our clients is good for our firm.
Chitiz Pathak LLP Danielle Bush 320 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 4A6, Canada t: 416-644-9969 e: dbush@chitizpathak.com w: www.chitizpathak.com
UK Commercial Mediator of the Year
- Colin David Russ LLP Acquisition International talks Colin Russ, the managing partner of Colin David Russ LLP and a commercial mediator undertaking around 100 commercial mediations each year.
Colin commented to AI that he was thrilled to receive the award and hopes that this is recognition of the work he has done during the last 12 months assisting parties in around 100 mediations to resolve disputes with a consequent saving for them in legal costs of many millions of pounds. Colin continues: “Mediation is a confidential process and it is of fundamental importance that this confidentiality is protected. Accordingly, I am not free to discuss individual cases even in general terms. In terms of benchmarking the service I am providing what is of real significance is that regularly parties to the mediation go out their way to say that the matter would not have settled but for my involvement. “Ensuring the quality of the process is of paramount importance to me. I achieve this by ringfencing each and every mediation which ensures that nothing interferes with my preparation the day before and that on the day of the mediation I am able to continue mediating for the parties
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beyond the normal mediation day as I will not have another mediation the day after. “The overwhelming majority of mediators are part time. I have established myself as a full time, independent and highly professional mediator. The impression I am aiming to leave with someone who is considering appointing me as a mediator is that their mediation will be conducted in a totally professional manner and in a way which is going to provide the best possible opportunity to resolve their dispute. As the mediation market continues to mature, I expect there to be a growing recognition of the value that effective mediation (and an effective mediator) can bring to commercial parties who find themselves in a dispute scenario. “A key issue for the legal industry and for corporates is the ever increasing cost of litigating a dispute through court proceedings and the very significant management time that is involved which is also a real cost for corporates. “There is very significant value in being able to settle commercial disputes through mediation and achieve vast savings in terms of legal costs and management time. This represents a significant opportunity for me as a mediator to help achieve these savings.
“The services I offer as a mediator are extremely flexible in terms of their application and can be used to achieve efficient and cost effective resolution of disputes across a wide range of circumstances, including internal dispute situations (e.g. workplace disputes) as well as external disputes whether purely financial or otherwise. “Over the course of the next few years, I anticipate that the use of mediation will continue to grow strongly as more and more corporates recognise the value of mediation and that in the global market I shall be mediating an increasing number of cross border commercial disputes in the UK and overseas. “Care passionately about every aspect of the service you are providing: my aim is always to make the mediation process as effective and successful as possible.”
Colin David Russ LLP Colin Russ York House, Mill Lane Tredington, Warwickshire CV36 4NG t: +44 (0)1608 663 424 e: colin@colindavidruss.com w: www.colindavidruss.com
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Canadian Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
- Davis LLP
Acquisition International speaks to Eric C. Belli-Bivar, a Partner in Davis LLP’s Toronto office, and the Practice Group Leader for the National Banking & Financial Services Practice Group about the firm’s recent win. Eric practises in the corporate finance area with an emphasis on debt finance, secured lending, structured finance and derivatives. He also practises project finance, including the financing aspects of P3 or public/private/partnerships. He comments: “I am delighted that Davis LLP was recognized as Canadian Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year for its broad expertise, complex structuring skills, and the timely and efficient delivery of legal services. Our continued success following the 2008 global financial crisis is built upon an emphasis on highly specialized expertise, value-added services, timely and transparent reporting, and the efficient deployment of our human capital. Our National Banking & Financial Services team is organized on the founding principle that each individual success is a success for the Group as a whole and that as a team, we are able to achieve greater results than just those of an individual practitioner. Over the next 12 months we are taking additional steps to increase our exposure at various
national and international industry events, as well as targeted publicity and printed marketing materials.”
Eric, the global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment?
Eric comments on what they leave in someone’s mind when pitching for new business and how the legal market is changing in Canada: “We are easily distinguished from our competitors in the Canadian legal marketplace by being an organization which is known for innovation, adaptability, and responsiveness to client needs. We listen to our clients’ requirements, we observe our clients’ businesses, and we join them as partners in achieving their goals in a manner which is complementary to today’s 24/7 business environment.
“Our efficiencies, the speed with which we are able to adapt to change, and our responsiveness to the requirements of our clients has put us at the “front of the pack” in terms of adapting the traditional legal services delivery model into a business model which more closely resembles the practices and needs of today’s business clients.”
We believe that there will be further consolidation in legal service providers nationally and internationally, which will have a positive impact on us because our clients do not wish to deal with mega-law firms and the bureaucracies that they engender. We find many clients prefer our “cafeteria of boutiques” approach to specific areas of legal expertise, and client industry sectors. The biggest continuing challenge in the Banking & Financial Services area continues to be the hangover effects of the 2008 global financial crisis. Our focus on building the most sophisticated legal talent in certain specialized niche areas, coupled with our lean and transparent client relationships, have augured well for us in this environment.”
And finally how do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? “Our firm has been growing at a steady pace for the last ten years, and we continue to build strengths in our offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Tokyo and Toronto.”
Eric C. Belli-Bivar Partner (Also of the BC Bar) DAVIS LLP | Legal Advisors since 1892 t: 416.941.5396 f: 416.777.7401 e: ebelli-bivar@davis.ca w: www.davis.ca 1 First Canadian Place, Suite 6000 PO Box 367 100 King Street West Toronto, ON M5X 1E2
Overall Law Firm of the Year: India
- Desai & Diwanji Founded on 1 April 1935, Desai & Diwanji is one of India’s leading law firms, helping clients achieve their goals by combining the highest global standards with local expertise. With offices in both Mumbai and New Delhi, Desai & Diwanji is also amongst India’s largest law firms. Acquisition International speaks to the firm about their recent accolade “Overall Law Firm of the Year: India.”
the legal framework as well as the specific business requirements of various industry sectors, our team of lawyers work on some of the most challenging, complex and stimulating transactions in India.
The firm focuses on the core areas of commercial activity: corporate and M&A; capital markets; banking, finance & insurance; project finance; energy, natural resources and infrastructure; aviation; admiralty & maritime; technology, media & telecommunications; life sciences & pharmaceuticals; outsourcing; real estate & construction; litigation & dispute resolution.
“Our M&A lawyers have advised clients in their efforts to acquire and establish businesses in India both in hostile as well as negotiated environments, and possess state-of-the-art knowledge on strategies, tactics and developments.
“We also have cross-practice groups formed to respond to the needs of our clients and the market and which comprise lawyers drawn together from a range of our main practice areas, to offer legal advice covering sector-wide issues. Desai & Diwanji provides flexible support for day-to-day business needs as well as for specific transactions. With specialised knowledge of both
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Desai & Diwanji has consistently been a leader among Indian law firms in the M&A sector and has advised on some of the largest transactions in this category every year for the past several years. Various types of matters fall within M&A, depending on the need of the client, and we advise on the full spectrum of these matters, including:
Often M&A transactions are complex and require input from several disciplines – our involvement in a variety of practice areas and industrial sectors has helped us in offering time-sensitive legal advice on an integrated and efficient basis. An example of such synergies at work is where we have assisted clients in the acquisition of financially weak companies, in which transactions our experience in insolvency and restructuring becomes relevant.
Our clients range across a broad class of industry classification from small family businesses to corporate raiders, private equity investors, investment bankers, managements, buyout and other funds, large companies and institutional investors.
Vishwang Desai Desai & Diwanji Lentin Chambers, Dalal Street, Fort Mumbai - 400 001 t: +91 (22) 3984 1000 / 2265 1682 f: +91 (22) 2265 8245 e: vydesai@desaidiwanji.com
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Israeli Boutique Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
- Dr. A. Klagsbald & Co. Law Offices
Dr. A. Klagsbald & Co. Law Offices is one of Israel’s leading law firms, founded by Dr. A. Klagsbald, who is among Israel’s most highly esteemed litigators. The firm engages in litigation in all legal forums, as well as in arbitration, mediation, national commissions of inquiry, etc. Dr. A. Klagsbald and his team frequently represent prime ministers, ministers, senior public figures, leaders of the Israeli business community, leading international and Israeli corporations, and prominent Forbes 400 individuals. The firm provides its clients with professional counsel and representation in a broad variety of legal issues, while employing extensive knowledge and expertise, rich method of work and creative thinking. Method of Work With over 30 years of experience in litigation, Dr. Klagsbald personally spearheads his team in every case taken by the firm, each working team ranging from two to four lawyers, depending on the complexity of the case and the client’s needs. Dr. Klagsbald’s team is result-oriented, employing strategic thinking, creativity, team work and interdisciplinary skills to achieve the best possible results for the client. The relatively small number of cases handled by the firm at any given moment guarantees the client the full attention of the team working on the case.
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Areas of Practice Complex civil disputes The firm handles complex legal actions in connection with transactions in various fields, represents international corporations in proceedings held by or against them in Israel, and assists foreign counsel in cases conducted by or against the firm’s clients overseas. Dr. Klagsbald’s rich experience in managing complex litigation, serves the firm, particularly in complex civil cases, and in representing prominent figures in the Israeli business community in civil aspects of family disputes. Dr. Klagsbald and his team have handled complex control battles in large companies, disputes between shareholders and proceedings against officers, minority oppression cases, claims to enforce and to invalidate share purchase agreements, and other complex disputes involving the fabric of the corporate relationship. The firm provides comprehensive support in connection with such disputes, in which context Dr. Klagsbald appears in various legal forums, attends board meetings in Israel and overseas, and takes part in management meetings. White-collar crimes The firm team counsels white-collar criminal suspects and defendants (including mega corporations and senior members of the business community), from the investigation stages to the hearing and on to precedential judicial rulings. Dr. Klagsbald is responsible for the acquittal of persons accused of serious securities law offenses. The firm also advises corpora-
tions damaged by white-collar crimes and assists them with the related criminal and civil proceedings. Antitrust Dr. Klagsbald is responsible for key precedents in antitrust law. The firm counsels its clients on civil and criminal aspects of restrictive trade practices, mergers and monopolies and represents such corporations vis-à-vis the various authorities and in court. Administrative law, constitutional law and commissions of inquiry Dr. Klagsbald has rich academic experience in these legal fields. Dr. Klagsbald has lectured on constitutional law at leading academic institutions. He is the author of the book “Tribunals of inquiry” (2001) and has published many articles in these fields in leading journals. This academic experience was put to action in representation of leading market players, including large telecommunication companies. Dr. Klagsbald has led numerous precedent setting highprofile legal battles.
Gibor Sport Building, 24th Floor, 7 Menachem Begin St., Ramat Gan 52681 t: 972-3-6110700 f: 972-3-6110707 e: office@klag.co.il w: www.klag.co.il
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
German Data Room Provider of the Year
- Data Room Services GmbH Acquisition International speaks to Jan Hoffmeister, the co-founder and Managing Director of Data Room Services about the firm’s recent accolade. DRS were Europe’s first specialist virtual data room provider. The firm provides industry specific solutions that reflect the differing needs of transactions across the Real Estate, Corporate Finance & Advisory, Life Sciences, Legal and Corporate Services sectors. Jan Hoffmeister has over 15 years of experience in Corporate Finance, and his team of transaction experts are specialists in their field and all have in-depth knowledge of the industry. He comments on how it felt when they won the Lawyers Choice: German Data Room Provider of the Year:
“We are extremely pleased to have been named German Data Room Provider of the year. We have always been focused on meeting the needs of our customers with the result that, our solution, Drooms® is a ‘purpose-built solution, designed from the “bottom up” by M&A professionals for M&A professionals. Our success in Germany shows the value of having an on the ground presence in major European financial centres and with further locations in Switzerland, France, Italy, Benelux, Spain and South America, the DRS team can quickly and easily facilitate sensitive cross-border activities in the most confidential
manner. To further strengthen this approach, we also opened a London office earlier on this 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 DRS adapted in terms of deal generation and project management? “We understand the business climate is challenging and our clients are under pressure to do things more efficiently. In Germany and across Europe, companies are insourcing legal functions and seeking outside counsel for high end advice. They’re also having to accept capped or fixed fees. This provides a great opportunity to work more closely with law firms, as the efficiency that comes from Drooms® is needed by them more than ever. A good example of this, and a key aspect of Drooms® is the instant display of large documents, that can save participants hundreds of hours during the due diligence process. Small, but crucial, details - like good indexing, the ability to tag documents, ease of making notes – all really matter. As to our own business, of course transaction volumes affect us. But an increasing part of our work is around lifecycle data rooms – i.e. managing assets like subsidiaries or real estate on an on-going basis so that they’re always ready for sale with potential value maximised – and that is less transaction dependent. In
addition, Drooms®Corp, for board members to access confidential documents, and life sciences data rooms for holding clinical trial data, are also of growing importance to us. “Team culture is particularly important to DRS. We value our people and encourage a supportive, collaborative working environment. The growth of the business, which led to the recent opening of our Munich office, has provided exciting new opportunities for our staff. We’ve doubled our headcount in Germany in the last three years, as well as adding offices in major international cities around the world. We believe in flexible working hours to support staff with other commitments. There is also a strong social community at DRS to foster the development of team spirit across the whole organisation. We hold regular team events, parties and activities and in December the whole company is coming together for our annual Christmas party in Frankfurt.”
Data Room Services GmbH Jan Hoffmeister e: j.hoffmeister@drooms.com e: www.drooms.com t: +41 41 767 44 12 Eschersheimer Landstraße 6 60322 Frankfurt, Germany
UK Patent Drafting Law Firm of the Year
- Elkington and Fife Elkington and Fife is a leading firm of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys providing comprehensive services for all aspects of protecting Intellectual Property (IP). The firm’s unrivalled collection of attorneys provides the highest possible standard of work and advice across all technological areas of innovation. With a reputation for providing first-rate patent services, our clients include numerous multi-national companies. Moreover, we are the number one choice for all types of IP work because we are very experienced in tailoring our high-quality services to meet our clients’ requirements. Indeed, Elkington and Fife has been referred to as providing “first-rate, industry-specific knowledge, as well as honesty, trust and integrity” by UK Legal 500. We are also proud to consistently feature as leading UK patent attorneys in the ‘MIP Expert Guide to the Leading Patent Law Practitioners’. “Our Patent Drafting Services” High-quality patent drafting is the foundation of a valuable patent.
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“We have significant experience in drafting patent applications for every major jurisdiction. In fact, numerous multi-national companies recognise the abilities of our firm to provide first class drafting services and, as a result, we have many multi-national clients that specifically outsource patent drafting to us from their own in-house patent department. “Our attorneys always take the utmost care in drafting patent applications. Quite often this involves investing a great deal of time working closely with the inventor(s) and researching the technical area in detail, all at no additional cost to the client. Taking these extra steps means we always provide our clients with patent drafts of unsurpassed quality. “In response to receiving the award for UK Patent Drafting Law Firm of the Year, Nick Ertl (Partner) says: “We are extremely proud to receive this award
as recognition of our high quality patent drafting services. We place a unique focus on patent drafting being the cornerstone of patent protection, so much so that we have an uncharacteristically high number of patent attorneys who almost exclusively draft patent applications for our clients. This level of experience and expertise is clearly reflected in the high level of satisfaction demonstrated by our clients who have kindly voted for us. “We continue to strive for excellence in patent drafting and hope to continue providing clients with award winning service in all aspects of patent protection.” Elkington and Fife LLP Nick Ertl Prospect House, 8 Pembroke Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1XR, UK e: mail@elkfife.com w: www.elkfife.com t: +44 (0)1732 458881
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Minnesota Employment Law Firm of the Year
- Faegre Baker Daniels
Kathy Noecker is a labor and employment partner at Faegre Baker Daniels, which is an international law firm with more than 750 lawyers and consultants practicing in 12 locations in the United States, United Kingdom and China.
intensely on adding value for our clients. Whether we represent buyer or seller, we work to develop a deep understanding of the client’s business objectives in the transaction, not only with respect to employee matters but also in connection with the entire deal. We proactively identify potential issues and challenges, so early solutions can be developed and factored into the broader negotiation strategy. In short, we look for every opportunity to make the deal go more smoothly, more efficiently and with positive outcomes for our client.
Kathy is also a member of the firm’s employment compliance/ transactional practice and mergers and acquisitions practice. Overall, their labor and employment practice has over 80 lawyers who cover every element of labor and employment law. Acquisition International speaks to Kathy about the firms recent win: “Our employment compliance/transactional team is keenly focused on transactional matters – due diligence, deal terms, retention and executive arrangements, and integration of employees and employment policies and practices post-closing. We understand the rhythm and unique issues and dynamics of employment issues arising in the deal context. We leverage broad and deep expertise across the entire labor and employment practice to deliver sophisticated, practical and high value business solutions to our clients.
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?
How did it feel when your firm won the Minnesota Employment Law Firm of the Year? “We are honored to receive this recognition along with other outstanding national and international employment practices. 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? “Our approach has always been, and continues to be, focusing
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“Teamwork is a longstanding and deeply rooted value of Faegre Baker Daniels, and this collaborative culture is at the core of our success. Our team is dedicated to client service, getting the work to the best person, going the extra mile, and calling on others to jump in to provide additional expertise or bench strength. Every team member sees the client’s issues and challenges as their own issues and challenges. We recognize and reward the kind of teamwork that leads to better results, greater efficiency and higher value to clients. 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 constantly working to stay ahead of the curve with respect to deal trends, changes in the law, and to improving our internal systems that drive efficiency and value. How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? “Client feedback tells us that our ability to collaborate effectively sets us apart. And in no practice is this more important
than the complex area of acquisitions, where we work seamlessly within our international and transactional employment team, as well as with members of the other teams integral to managing a global transaction – in-house legal team, business leaders, corporate development and human resources. How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “The legal market is changing dramatically, and we see this as a significant opportunity for firms, such as ours, that understand clients and their business and legal needs. Clients want value and efficiency, team members they know and trust, and confidence that their matter is a priority. “Based in the Midwestern United States, with key offices in London and China, we handle large, sophisticated global transactions, for Fortune 50 clients acquiring employees in dozens of countries around the world. We actively explore alternative fee arrangements when appropriate, we strive to improve efficiencies and deepen expertise and actively develop working relationships with country counsel to provide seamless coverage. This allows us to provide worldwide solutions and compete effectively with any firm in the country.”
Kathlyn E. Noecker Partner e: kathy.noecker@FaegreBD.com t: +1 612 766 8604 w: FaegreBD.com FAEGRE BAKER DANIELS LLP 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis, MN 55402-3901, USA
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Turkish Commercial Law Firm of the Year
- Gur Law Firm
Acquisition International speaks to Tevfik Gur, Founding Partner at Gur Law Firm about their recent accolade. “We are a full-service law firm consisting of departments such as Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Shipping, Banking & Finance, IP, and Debt Recovery. Each of our departments comprises attorneys highly specialized in the relevant legal disciplines. “We are very proud and honoured to have won Acquisition International’s Turkish Commercial Law Firm of the year. We have a very strong team of attorneys and support staff, which is probably the main reason for our success. We are one of the largest law firms in Turkey in terms of size, with 50 attorneys and a support staff of 20. We also have a Moscow Office. We firmly believe in specialization – Each of our attorneys specializes in certain legal areas and practices within a certain department of the firm. This is often appraised by our clients and peers. We always aim to establish longterm relationships with our clients and regard each client as a long-term friend and we would like them to consider us their business solution partner. Each of our clients, regardless of the size of the business, receives personalized attention from us. Many of our clients have been working with us for decades. We believe the foregoing sums up how, even at the hardest of economical times for Europe, we have been able to keep our business going and have even been able to expand our business and our team. We believe that a strong legal team is crucial for a law firm’s success. All of our attorneys are carefully selected amongst
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multilingual candidates who have graduated from top law schools nationwide and worldwide. We also believe in raising our own talent, which, in our opinion, significantly reduces the turnover rate at the firm. Many members of our team, including some of the Partners, have been with our firm since their legal internship. “We constantly try to keep up with the developments in the market and the changes in the legislation. Our attorneys regularly attend conferences, seminars and workshops in Turkey and abroad to expand their legal capabilities and business knowledge. This is what we will continue to do next year as well. We will also strive to deliver excellent services to our clients, as we always have done, and to exceed our clients’ expectations. In the meantime, we are also contemplating expanding the size our team as we have a significant number of new transactions expected to commence towards the year-end. In addition to our strong team of attorneys, our clear and pragmatic advice and our attorneys’ exceptional turnaround time, we must emphasize that we do not only possess in-depth legal knowledge but are also very businessminded attorneys. We know the law, but we are also able to provide our clients with the commercial solutions that they need – which, in our opinion, is a rarity. How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “We do not feel that the Euro crisis has had a significant effect on the Turkish legal market. We have been (and are still) involved in high-level Corporate/M&A projects and
international arbitration proceedings, as well as many other transactional and contentious work. We feel that there is more activity in the Turkish legal market when compared to the last two quarters. There have been a significant number of spin-offs from some of Turkey’s large law firms; however we have not been through any such spin-off. “It is our hope that our business continues to develop the way it has been over the last two decades. As long as the market conditions are convenient, we do not see any reason why it should not. As mentioned above, we contemplate recruiting new team members in the near future.” 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 feel that this was a well-deserved award for our firm, as we have been putting a lot of effort in our work and striving hard for excellence. We have the utmost respect for the other nominees for our award, as we are sure that they are also among the most reputable law firms in Turkey.”
Gur Law Firm Tevfik Gur Sumbul Sok. No: 61, 34330 Levent, Istanbul, Turkey e: tevfik@gurlaw.com w: www.gurlaw.com t: (+90) 212 325 90 20
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Turkish Foreign Investment Law Firm of the Year
- Guven Law Office Selim Guven, the managing partner at Guven Law Office (“Guven”) which is a full service law office offering tailor-made legal services at global standards of quality to its domestic and foreign clients since 1969, talk about the firm’s recent win: “Our office concentrates specifically on corporate and commercial law, foreign investment, energy law, mergers and acquisitions and IP law. “Guven provides broad range of legal services to both local and foreign legal persons doing business in Turkey. In most cases, Guven represents corporations during all aspects of their corporate existence, from the original establishment of the enterprise through all facets of its development and operation. Our consultancy practices specifically involve services including, without limitation, corporate issues of clients (e.g. equity and debt investment, increase of share capital, management contracts, shareholder arrangements, share transfers, corporate governance, borrowing and lending, corporate finance, securities and insurance contracts) mergers and acquisitions, drafting and negotiation of agreements with regard to wide range of sectors and areas of law, company establishment, international
real estate, construction and engineering projects, registration and license processing regarding intellectual property rights. When I have received the news of winning this award, I felt honoured and proud since it is an important award which is granted as a result of an objective assessment and analyze and which provides opportunity for international recognition. I consider this award as a testament to our success in our specialized practice areas. So how much emphasis do you place on team culture and what elements of that would you point to in helping you achieve this award? “So as to maintain being a top-rated law firm, it is extremely important to have a strong and dedicated team culture. I am of the opinion that a coherent and happy team plays a huge role in achieving the success. We, as a team, are united with the mutual target of providing our clients with well-quality and efficient legal service. I think we owe winning this award to this team spirit. I think winning an award should not be the goal, but a consequence. I believe keeping the hard work efficiently with the strong team spirit shall bring us with new awards. What differs us from others is that the professionalism, legal expertise, ability of harmonizing the legal
principles with the needs and expectations of the clients. We always place emphasis on whether our clients feel satisfied with the service which they take from us. In this context, we provide our clients with responsive and on-time service with passion for what we do. In the eyes of the clients, our law firm is specifically distinguished by its high standard and experienced legal advisory services. Turkey, as a country having tendency to follow economical and political stability and to improve relationship with EU, has been attracting the foreign investors over the recent years. This creates opportunity for us to arrange deals with new foreign clients. We are planning, over the coming years, to expand our client portfolio by especially increasing the number of our offices around Turkey and by widening our recruiting policy. In three years’ time, we will grow our capacity; but I sincerely believe that we will always remain a highly specialized law firm.”
Guven Law Office A. Selim Guven Ataturk Caddesi 152/606 Pasaport, 35210, Izmir, Turkiye e: guven@guven.av.tr w: www.guven.av.tr t: + 90 (232) 483 55 51
Construction Law Firm of the Year: Singapore
- Harry Elias Partnership LLP We were involved in a number of construction masterpieces such as the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Singapore F1 Night Race Pit Building and the Singapore Flyer projects. We have also advised and represented corporate and individual clients on complex cross-border deals.
Established in 1988 by Mr Harry Elias, Senior Counsel, our Firm is a leading player in the evolution of our legal landscape. For more than 24 years, our Firm has been on the cutting edge of legal changes, particularly on the litigation front. We are privileged to act in cases that broke new ground, and which resulted in landmark and watershed judicial decisions such as the Raffles Town Club, Horizon Towers and Digilandmall.com cases. 38
It comes as no surprise that we have been described as one of Singapore’s top law firms, renowned for providing focused, proactive and practical advice for its highly diversified clientele. Leading publications have even described us as a ‘Heavyweight’ Firm, one that punches above its weight. Above all else, our clients enjoy the personal attention of our vibrant Partners, who work with passion and intensity. At the end of the day, we believe that to be the best for clients means delivering legal solutions that are appropriate and effective within the practical framework of the issue at hand.
Areas of expertise: Arbitration Aviation and Shipping Civil and Commercial Litigation Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Projects Corporate and Financial Services Family and Matrimonial Law HEPCorporate Services Insolvency and Asset Recovery Intellectual Property and Technology Private Client and Wealth Management Real Estate and Banking Regulatory Compliance and Commercial FraudSports and Media
Harry Elias Partnership LLP SGX Centre 2, #17-01 4 Shenton Way Singapore 068807 t: +65 6535 0550 f: +65 6438 0550 e: enquiries@harryelias.com.sg
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Indonesian Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year
- Harsono Strategic Consulting Acquisition International speaks to Indonesian Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year, Harsono Strategic Consulting (HSC), about the methods behind the success . HSC is an independent firm providing business and tax and customs advisory services to multinational corporations, joint ventures and domestic companies in a wide range of business sectors. Senior Director, Dwi Ary Retnani is in charge of the firm’s transfer pricing practice as well as the Firm’s Japanese practice. She told AI how she felt when she heard the news: “We strive to do our best to assist our clients and are pleased that our dedication and expertise has been recognized. “Our teamwork and team culture have been essential to our success. HSC is a relatively new firm, but our senior professionals have worked together for almost 20 years. We enjoy what we do, which I believe has a significant and positive impact on our approach. Although we all have technical proficiency in taxation, we each have our particular strengths and areas of expertise. If a difficult or specialized issue arises in a particular project or assignment, we will work together to provide the best possible advice for a workable solution for our clients. “There has been increased focus on transfer pricing issues by the Indonesian tax authorities over
the last 3 years. In order to enhance our transfer pricing practice, HSC has entered into a strategic partnership with Transfer Pricing Associates, a firm headquartered in Amsterdam. In this strategic partnership, HSC provides in-depth local knowledge and expertise with extensive experience on the local practice, while TPA provides expertise and experience in economic analysis and management of complex global transfer pricing issues. “We never take our position in the community for granted and constantly strive to improve. Our professionals are kept up to date on the latest developments in tax by attending internal technical workshops as well as external training by internationally recognized tax experts. “Our professionals understand the commercial issues companies face when operating a business in Indonesia. This, combined with our in-depth technical knowledge, allows us to evaluate business risks and offer practical solutions to our clients. “The Indonesian tax laws and regulations are constantly changing and there are many grey areas which can lead to different interpretations concerning compliance. In addition, there are unwritten policies and internal tax office guidelines which can have unanticipated impacts on doing business in Indonesia. Our experience, as well as our good relationships with government officials, helps us understand and anticipate how the authorities are
likely to react to any particular issue. “Indonesia is one of the best performing emerging markets in recent years and the government’s policies have helped improve the investment climate. The government is actively improving the country’s infrastructure and this will result in increased foreign and domestic investment in infrastructure and other related construction projects. HSC has extensive experience advising investors in large infrastructure projects, including power plants and we expect our consulting business to benefit from the anticipated increase in investment. “In addition, Japanese manufacturing companies are also increasing their investment in Indonesia. Our CEO, Mr. Sony B Harsono is the chairman of the Indonesia – Japan Economic Committee of Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, therefore also reinforcing our position in the Japanese business community and creating potential business opportunit.” Harsono Strategic Consulting w:www.harsono-strategic.com Sony B Harsono e: sony.harsono@harsono-strategic.com Dwi Ary Retnani e: dwiary.retnani@harsono-strategic.com
UK Mining & Energy Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
- Kerman & Co LLP Kerman & Co LLP’s award winning corporate teams serve their clients in the global mining and energy sectors. Kerman & Co LLP’s energy team acts for clients in international and domestic energy matters in both the public and private company arenas. This covers a broad range of transactions from the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas and other fossil fuels such as anthracite coal; and uranium to developing and implementing alternative energy concepts. This includes advising clients who are active in developing cleantech offerings including solar, wind and water power. The Firm’s energy litigation practice also plays a crucial role in safe guarding its clients’ assets and interests overseas. The team regularly handles commercial disputes as well as arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings in international energy litigation matters. Kerman & Co LLP’s award winning mining teams have, despite the market downturn, continued to advise clients with international interests in jurisdictions such as the USA, Russian Federation, Australia, Philippines, Peru and Colombia and many African countries. This has included advising on natural resources exploration and exploitation of: iron ore, gold, molybdenum, rutile, bauxite, copper, and a range of other metals. Activity has remained strong from AIM listed public companies in the mining and natural resources sector where the Firm
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has acted on admissions, placings, acquisitions, and other equity and debt raising transactions including the increased use of convertible debt instruments. Looking forward to what 2013 may bring, the outlook for the UK, European, USA and global economies continues to appear very mixed. The Bank of England continues to use quantitative easing, however scepticism is growing as to how effective this is proving to be. With the recent rise in inflation and limited growth in investment and employment, growth prospects, if any, in the UK in 2013 appear to be very modest. The recession in the Eurozone continues to deepen with an overall contraction in the economy continuing for over 10 months. The forecast is that it may get worse before it gets better. The USA faces three challenges the financial deficit, the budget deficit and the debt ceiling. A drop in the potential growth rate of the economy may inhibit USA economic recovery even if those three challenges are successfully addressed. The global trade figures however provide a brighter picture. China’s manufacturing output has increased steadily as has Taiwan’s, driven by increased export orders. Export orders are also improving in Asia and the USA. These factors are likely to lead to increased demand for energy and resources in 2013. Kerman & Co LLP is well placed to provide excellent legal services to its clients who wish to exploit the opportunities increased global trade may bring in 2013.
Its lawyers are well versed in the development and financing of mining and energy transactions as well as acquisitions and disposals. A significant proportion of their work is international in scope and the Firm has a number of multi-lingual partners and staff. Having developed strong working relationships with likeminded firms around the world, in particular across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Firm can offer extensive experience in project managing the legal aspects of international transactions which range in both size and magnitude. The Firm has recently joined the Alliuris Network, a network of independent mediumsized lawyer’s offices that specialise in European and international company law. This connection provides clients with the assurance that they will receive comprehensive and constructive support in cross-border transactions, through offices with a similar profile to Kerman & Co LLP. Last year the Firm opened an office in Dublin to service international clients looking for a tax efficient European base.
Kerman & Co LLP w: www.kermanco.com Joan S Yu (Mining) e: joan.yu@kermanco.com Keith Dempster (Energy) e: keith.dempster@kermanco.com Michael Bennett e: michael.bennett@kermanco.com Michael Corcoran e: michael.corcoran@kermanco.com
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
German Cross-Border-Injunction Law Firm of the Year
- KUHNEN & WACKER
Acquisition International speaks to Rainer A. Kuhnen, the founding partner of KUHNEN & WACKER Intellectual Property Law Firm, about how it felt to win German Cross-Border-Injunction Law Firm of the year. Rainer Kuhnen is a qualified patent attorney and founded the Intellectual Property Law Firm KUHNEN & WACKER with his partner PaulAlexander Wacker. As a German and European Patent Attorney as well as a European Trademark and Design Attorney he is specialized in the fields of mechanical engineering, medical technology, air and space technology as well as many other technologies. He also has an outstanding experience in patent litigation, M & A and mediation cases. Rainer Kuhnen was the responsible attorney for the landmark case “Epilady v. Remington” and has been selected to appear in the “Guide to the World’s Leading Patent Law Experts” since 2005 published by Legal Media Group. Among other organizations, he is a member of ABA (American Bar Association), AIPLA (American Intellectual Property Law Association), the European Patent Institute, FICPI (International
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Federation of Industrial Property Attorneys), LES (Licensing Executives Society), UNION (Union of European Patent Attorney Associations) and VPP (Association of Intellectual Property Experts). He is frequently invited to lecture on German and European Patent Practice by U.S. and Japanese law firms and schools, including the John Marshall Law School, Chicago, and George Mason University, Washington, as well as at Seminars in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. He has published numerous articles in the field of Intellectual Property. From a firm perspective KUHNEN & WACKER is a specialized law firm which has been offering comprehensive legal counsel with its competent team of patent attorneys and attorneys at law in the field of intellectual property for more than three decades. In order to provide the best support for their clients in global competition KUHNEN & WACKER has a comprehensive network of colleagues and associates in more than 150 countries with which they have long-standing and trustful relationships. Rainer told AI, “We are a fine blend of senior attorneys with sophisticated experience, and younger proactive attorneys, who can, if needed, rely on the expertise of their more senior colleagues and may complete various interdisciplinary teams.”
“Rainer A. Kuhnen elaborates on what really sets the firm apart from the rest of the pack: “Our team members regularly receive further education and special training, and the training of young specialists from all technical fields guarantees a high level of know-how. Also, our firm regularly offers Seminars at home and abroad (U.S.A., Japan, Korea, China) and shares this knowledge with clients and colleagues.” “We are also proud of our trustful and harmonious co-operation with many of our clients as, due to this continuity also a higher efficiency, synergy effects and thus cost savings can be reached for the clients.” “The decades of experience and expertise is passed on to the younger generations in order to enable them to confront and surpass future challenges. A perfect teamwork is the key and basis for our highly successful and qualified staff at K&W.”
KUHNEN & WACKER Intellectual Property Law Firm Rainer A. Kuhnen Prinz-Ludwig-Str. 40A, 85354 Freising/Munich, Germany e: rak@patentfirm.de w: kuhnen-wacker.com t: +49 8161 608 302
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Florida Class Action Law Firm of the Year
- Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Rafferty & Proctor, P.A Mike Papantonio is a Shareholder at Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Rafferty & Proctor, P.A. He speaks to Acquisition International about their recent win.
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?
The precarious global market has had an adverse impact on stock values. We seek out clients for whom we can protect the value of their stock portfolios.
The key for us will be to continue to take cases to trial and show positive verdict results.
How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting?
What areas of law do you (and your team) specialise in?
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 firm will be recruiting new attorneys. Our appointments to key Multidistrict Litigation provides and abundance of work to be done for our clients.
How did it feel when your firm won the Florida Class Action Law Firm of the Year?
We are the law firm that other law firms go to litigate their cases, and to learn how to successfully litigate their own cases.
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?
It was an honor to be selected with the other distinguished law firms from the U.S. and around the world.
How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you?
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?
There will continue to be more competition, but at the same time the economies of scale will make it harder for new firm to compete. Our advantage will come from the resources we have to apply to getting the job done for our clients.
A firm needs to be prepared to go the distance with class action litigation. Our willingness to try cases before a jury is part of our reputation and helps us to settle cases effectively.
Mass Tort / Product Liability
We have had to adapt a totally long-term outlook on all our cases and projects. Our firm has been successful for over 65 years and we are looking forward to the next 65. 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 main focus is to do the best job we can for our clients. That gives everyone the sense of purpose and a common goal to rally everyone’s efforts.
What is the biggest issue facing your specific (part of) legal services? Does this create opportunity for you?
316 South Baylen Street Suite 600 Pensacola, FL 32502 P.O. Box 12308 Pensacola, FL 32591 w: www.levinlaw.com t: (850) 435-7000
Ongoing tort reform efforts are our biggest challenge. If we can stop these efforts through effective advocacy, we will have the opportunity to show ourselves as leaders in the field. The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment?
Pakistani Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
- Liaquat Merchant Associates Darakhshan Sheikh Vohra is a partner at LMA. She speaks to Acquisition International about the firm and its practice.
“It is an honour to be recognized for all the hard work and time that the dedicated team at LMA puts in. The greatest accolade for the team is knowing that we have been able to satisfy the requirements of our clients and that they took the time out to vote for our firm.” 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? “Difficult economic conditions have caused deals to be fewer and far between. Plus with greater competition in the market, both deal pitching and project management have become more challenging. Clients now expect more, in less time, with out of the box thinking playing an important part in both the generation of new transactions, as well as retention of existing clients. Striking a balance between commercial efficiency and protection of the client’s interest is an integral part of our team’s success in the transactional market.”
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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? “Teamwork is extremely important at LMA. With a blend of experienced partners and a number of younger associates, the well balanced team works together well to produce innovative solutions to complex problems.”
“As a tertiary/ services market, the changes in the legal market are ultimately attributable to the changes in the macro economy. As such, we have seen in the recent past an increase in the number of restructurings and recovery suits in our banking practice, as opposed to a large volume of project financing. The ability to analyse existing trends and predict future ones has helped us to adapt to this change and we shall be relying on the same approach in the future.”
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? “Our top priority at LMA is providing swift, sound and innovative legal advice to our clients. We will continue to strive and adapt to meet this objective and to understand and address the evolving areas of concern for our clients.” 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 each client has varied and individual concerns and needs. At LMA, our distinguishing factor is that we make an added effort to familiarise ourselves with each client’s individual concerns and needs and to come up with solutions which are innovative, commercially sound and are unique to the problems at hand.”
Liaquat Merchant Associates Darakhshan Sheikh Vohra 4C, 9th Commercial Lane, Zamzama Boulevard, Phase V, DHA, Karachi - Pakistan e: d.vohra@liaquatmerchant.com w: www.liaquatmerchant.com t: +9221 3583 5101 - 104
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Indonesia
- Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo Mohamed Idwan (‘Kiki’) Ganie is the Managing Partner of Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS). He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the University of Indonesia and holds a PhD in Law from the University of Hamburg. Dr. Ganie is a Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Anti-Trust Lawyers, a member of the Regional Panel of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), and a fellow (FSIarb) of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators.
Overall Law Firm of the Year: Indonesia: “We are extremely pleased at the recognition of our more than 27 years of service, and experience in representing a diverse range of clients from domestic to multinational corporations, public and private companies, to government instrumentalities and state owned enterprises.
LGS was founded in 1985 by Timbul Thomas Lubis, Dr. Ganie and Arief Tarunakarya Surowidjojo. Since then, LGS has grown into the largest corporate transactions and corporate litigation firm in Indonesia. LGS has also obtained Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance certifications of ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management systems and ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management systems to ensure the quality of all aspects of the firm’s operations and services.
“One of our unique selling points is the combination of our long-standing commercial law practice and our premier litigation department that has extensive experience in dealing with commercial disputes in the context of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution as well as litigation in the Indonesian courts. This allows our corporate transaction departments to benefit from such litigation experience, and from their own compliance work, to ensure that any transactions handled by the firm are carried out with a view to the potential for future disputes.
Dr. Ganie has more than 30 years of legal experience, and specializes in commercial transactions and commercial litigation, including alternative dispute resolution and has acted as an expert in a number court and arbitration proceedings. His expertise covers general corporate/company law, banking law, finance, bankruptcy and restructuring, mining, investment, acquisitions, infrastructure projects/ project finance, antitrust, and shipping/aviation, with a particular focus on corporate governance and compliance.
We work with our clients to understand their problems, determine their needs, and arrive at a practical solution that is both cost-effective and viable over the long term. We strive to understand a client’s needs and the legal complexities faced by them in Indonesia’s highly dynamic legal and business landscape, translate this into a solution, and then see the successful outcome. To this end, we approach our clients’ assignments with a pragmatic view that is driven by a deep understanding of their business needs and of the surrounding practicalities of the legal and business landscape that they operate in.
“We are developing our compliance practice offers a full range of advisory and representation services relating to the rapidly developing Indonesian anti-corruption and money laundering legislative regimes as well as their enforcement. This includes advice for foreign investors acquiring Indonesian businesses as well as for already operating businesses seeking to implement good corporate governance practices or deal with problematic situations that may arise in the course of operations.
AI asks Dr.Ganie how did it feel when your firm won the
“A number of business sectors in Indonesia, such as financial services and the natural resource sector in general, and the mining sector in particular, are becoming a popular target of populist legislative policies that cause issues for foreign investment. As such, and combined with the effects of varying world demand in the natural resource sector, companies in the sector often come under pressure as the surrounding conditions undergo at times dramatic change. A number of such recent policy changes, with the foreign ownership restrictions and the domestic processing obligations in the mining sector and new bank ownership and financial health regulations, have raised issues for a number of companies, but at the same time have also presented certain opportunities in the market, both for businesses and for the providers of legal services who assist in reacting to the changes and in the deals that are resulting from the changing conditions. “We will continue to build on its strength in corporate law and commercial dispute resolution as we endeavor to work with our clients to provide an exceptional service. As always, we will continue to steadily increase the headcount across our corporate law and litigation departments so as to meet the needs of our clients. We also plan to increase the number of partners in the coming years, by having some of our younger team members become partners in the firm so as to ensure the dynamic growth for years to come.”
Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo
Dr. Mohamed Idwan (‘Kiki’) Ganie Menara Imperium 30th Floor Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1 Kuningan Jakarta 12980, Indonesia
e: ganie@lgslaw.co.id w: www.lgsonline.com e: +62 21 831-5005, 831-5025
Indian Boutique Law Firm of the Year
- M S Mishra Associates Manu Shanker Mishra, Managing Partner, M S Mishra Associates, New Delhi based full service law firm speaks about their recent projects and outlook.“ As the price actualization is from a cluster of perceived (of generators) and conceived prices (of operators), a market conjecture about prices is made, the solution to which is by double coincidence. Preferences are built on operator algebra.” “A market pulse by its definition breaks down the axioms of choice. The market forces are not only the rectangular matrices but also the diagonal matrices which resolve the complexities of the interaction of fundamental forces. The angular matrices are the first axiom of choice which is about the order of rotation.” “Market Beta is the most widely used measure of risk and plays a major role in the capital asset pricing model of regression analysis with statistical leverage h as a measure of firm-specific risk and loop beta is a sensitivity test. The loop alpha risks show the stress bearing capacity and the stability. From the criteria parameter rp we arrive at the co-relation coefficient of regression” “Establishing correspondence between decision making variables and stress variables, successive approximations at local optimal solution from a global sensitivity analysis requires removal of sub-optimal global solutions in the semi-global system as admissible strategy. “ “We can
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make the expected yield curve, tax plan curve, Risk free rate, and the rings from market lambda and delta hedge lie on the same plane as the momental ellipsoid lies on the plane with a point below. Introducing options price and volatility derivatives we have a punctured plane with open rings, whose second turn by investors attitude forms a cuboid. This is firm specific with heterogeneous expectations The cuboid rolls towards the centre rotational plane of polarization” “Unknotting loop theta, we have the theta of regression as a parameter vector theta hat and a theta star operation can be performed. The beta star operation can also be performed to calculate the cost equity or debt in financial restructuring.. The first moment condition of statistics is the unconditional expectation of p must equal the steady state mean. The first order auto-co-relation is the unconditional mean and variance. And the first order approximation of f is the global under-estimator.” “Reconstruction of a firm gives a line joining the curves on the punctured plane of the cuboid as convex risk preferences exist. The financial restructuring is for the lowest weighted average cost of capital. The cube of mean risks differ from the cuboid and difficulty arises with asymmetries of information and absence of market conservation rules. Convex optimization is done with hyper-planes and half space and operations preserve convexity by perspective as the image and the inverse image are convex. Optimal methods correspond to resource vectors as eigen-values are optimized with generalized inequalities defined by a cone and maximum value ellipsoid inscribed in a convex set. Stability requires delta and double cone solution for the two rings and a multiple point momentum analysis. We have to speak in terms of evolving structures. The stability test is on alpha,x, r Stability conditions are in
terms of scalar inequalities. As property is a locus as well as a vortex, with flow instabilities, steady state means considering the conditional probability. A resolution can lead to a single point appearing on a side of the cuboid. Welfare loss is categorical in social choice technique and the validity is of content whose justification is a regress argument. The welfare criteria requires making Q primitive and the polynomial with integer coefficient to be irreducible over rational number .We are involved in development of admissible corporate strategies in a growing economy using beta reduction and lambda and it is conversion for the amalgamation property Valuation is a serious issue while fixing a target for acquisition. Only the government should maintain neutrality towards merger and acquisition as the economy is sluggish, the word of caution is that synergy gains may not be large.” “The recent significant developments in international tax law are to bring offshore money back, stricter compliance requirements, and disclosure schemes along with review of double taxation treaties and checking tax avoidance and fraud. The real problem is to increase co-ordination to prevent erosion of national tax base and to bring arbitrage and speculative transactions under control as harmonization of regulations and standardization of tax policy.”
M S MISHRA ASSOCIATES Patna, Hyderabad , New Delhi w: www.msmishraassoc.org e: info@msmishraassoc.org
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Belgian White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year
- Mattijs, Voet & Co Acquisition International speaks to Joris Mattijs about the philosophy behind Mattijs, Voet & Co recent accolade - Belgian White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year. “Firstly most of our clients are medium sized businesses for whom we provide a wide range of legal services. These activities vary from assisting in debt recovery, to contract law, labour and commercial law as well as financial penal law which lead us to receiving this amazing award. “We work in cells and every cell is specialised in a certain area of law. Of course, if need be, the cells can work together perfectly on a specific case or legal problem. “Our clients have different needs, which is normal when one conducts business in our present society where it has become very complicated to follow all the rules, national as well as international and European. We therefore have to constantly evolve and keep up to speed with all the laws, we follow courses given by universities and specialised firms in order to stay on top of the complexities of law as it is practised in this day and age, as well as reading up on every topic relevant to our clients businesses and their ensuing problems. “We also organise regular meetings between the
different cells to ensure the best level and exchange of knowledge and mutual cooperation within our office and its lawyers. “It has always been my goal, since I started this firm over 30 years ago, that we be (and stay) dynamic and always stay on top of our clients’ needs, even if this requires substantial efforts to ensure that everybody within the firm constantly keeps us with all the new rules and regulations. If need be, we also have a network of specialists at our disposal for example specialised accountants, or lawyers in different countries around the world, in order to assist us in international cases to ensure the best legal defence for our clients. “We were ever so proud when we won Belgian White Collar Crime Law Firm of the Year because this award is an international recognition of our continuing efforts to provide the best legal services for our (inter)national clients. It is not easy, as a legal firm, to ensure this constant level of quality especially in White Collar Crime, because this is a very specific and complex area of the law. It takes a profound knowledge of fiscal, as well as of penal and commercial law to assist clients in this area. It also takes you across the borders because conducting business in the 21st century, entails that our clients maximise their profits and activities all around the world and as their lawyer, we have to assist them in doing this, and in giving the best legal advice and services on an international level.
This award is the crowning of our long lasting efforts in doing just this. “I have always believed that when you achieve good results in a case, this is down to a team effort. As aforementioned, we work in cells at our firm, with their own speciality, but at the same time for a certain case, several of the cells come together in order to ensure a total solution for a complex problem. My partners and I have always made every effort to ensure a good team spirit within our firm, we having taken trips abroad with our team, skiing as well as sailing or other sports. We regularly have meals together with the whole team including the secretarial staff, we have our famous Christmas party and of course, we love our Happy Hour, on Fridays, at the end of the day, where we come together to share, with a glass of wine, our week and our problems, as well as having a good time. It is essential for a good team, to be a happy team, so this is a priority for us, as management.”
Mattijs, Voet & Co Donk 54, 2500 Lier, Belgium t: +32 3 488 46 66 f: +32 3 488 43 79 email: info@advocatenkantoor-mattijs.be web: www.advocatenkantoor-mattijs.be
Canadian Personal Injury Mediator of the Year
- Miskin Law Offices Murray H Miskin, founder of Miskin Law Offices, who is both a mediator and arbitrator tells Acquisition International what makes him an award winning mediator: “As a former personal injury plaintiff lawyer who has worked with some very difficult people over the years, I do understand how injured people and their families feel and the need they have to be listened to and understood. I have considerable good and bad trial experience and from it I developed skills at risk assessment needed for personal injury cases. This includes knowing the uncertainty of a jury trial and appeal possibilities. At mediations that I conduct, we consider the best and worst alternative outcomes if there is no settlement, and we assess probabilities. Lawyers for whom I mediate look to my experience for guidance in making assessments of what is a reasonable settlement. Insurance company representatives know me from experience or reputation as a reasonable person who is easy to work with. All parties are happy that I will express my own opinions on their case’s merits and problems privately to them. I help parties and their legal counsel stay calm and focussed in mediation and I use humour wisely.
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Murray what are you doing to make sure you win the award next year and how do you differentiate yourself? “I am increasing my neutrality and objectivity by distancing myself from my previous identity as a Plaintiffs’ lawyer. I am also getting a little better at what I do every day.” “I have much more trial experience than most Canadian personal injury mediators. I have a way of making people comfortable. I have a lot of credibility because I am well known for my work in Arbitration as a teacher and practitioner. That experience enhances my ability to be careful, independent and neutral in the process.” “Regarding the changing legal market, I believe the civil courts in Canada are moving towards privatization which will increase the costs and risks associated with not settling claims. Mediation to settle civil cases is a growth area and will be used more outside of the major urban centres where it is now concentrated. Although we have too many qualified Mediators in Canada there are very few with my range of skills and so I do not worry about my future work sources.” “The biggest challenge facing personal injury litigation now is the high cost to prepare a claim for trial due to new court requirements for expert
reports well ahead of trial. As the claim progresses, costs become the biggest barrier to settlement. In mediation I see opportunities for settlement at an early stage before the costs have gotten too high. I am able to assess a claim at an early stage and project where it will go if it does not settle. This gives me the ability to step in before things have gone too far and help get a case settled.” “If I could offer one piece of advice to the other nominees for your award, I would say it’s extremely important to read mediation briefs in advance and start the mediation with an understanding of the facts and issues. Then you need to quickly assess the people who are there by observing everything and listening to them. Do not waste time at the mediation doing the preparation that should have been done in advance.”
Miskin Law Offices Murray H. Miskin 263-380 Armour Rd., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, K9H 7L7 e: miskinlaw@yahoo.com w: www.adrworks.ca t: 1-416-492-0989
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Indian Aerospace Law Firm of the Year
- O.P Khaitan & Co. Solicitors & Advocates Mr. Gautam Khaitan is Managing Partner who specialises Corporate Law talks about how it felt to win the Indian Aerospace Law Firm of the Year: “It feels very good especially with the kind of tough competition which is prevalent in the market today. “We feel that today Lawyers need to have good knowledge of law, with high personal integrity, sound business judgment, courage and excellent interpersonal skill. Today companies are looking for sounding boards, a confidante as well as a trusted advisor. Senior company officials expect the lawyers to act as valued business partner weighing risk & reward. Keeping all these things in mind, for any transaction, our aim is to have a pragmatic approach with time bound delivery and delivering best result to our clients with low cost. We aim at making client reach commercial goal rather than focusing only on legal angle. “A positive team culture is a very important aspect for any organization as it helps your team to communicate in a more effective manner and the tasks are accomplished faster with a more trusting and supporting environment. “Our Firm believes in proper division of work and responsibility with over all supervision of seniors.
We believe that there should be a clearly identified goal and the time spent by team members is within the scope of work assigned to them.
presentation is key ingredient and delivering the result in a timely and cost effective manner is an important aspect.
“We feel that today Lawyers are expected to discuss the management and strategic issues beyond the strict legal perspective/parameter and that is also what we aim at. We also intend to continue working hard and deliver results to our client in timely and cost effective manner.
“Lawyers are expected to discuss the management and strategic issues beyond the strict legal perspective/parameter. Further, now client have more expectation vis-à-vis cost of legal services. It does create opportunity as long as there is a balance of expectation with cost.
“We feel that rather than just being a lawyer with understanding of various areas of law, today lawyer need to have a well-rounded business person with commercial acumen as well as technical expertise in law. We feel that we are different from others in a way as to how we approach any transaction.
“Seeing to the precarious position of the market, we believe our Firm would focus on being a leaner organization with Partner dealing with legal issues directly rather than using the channel of juniors to bring in more cost efficiency. Further, for legal work, it will be more clearly identified work for client without creating any unnecessary legal issues which bring in more unnecessary work.
For any transaction we keep a holistic approach, which would be advantageous for the clients keeping both commercial and legal perspective in mind. We identify the area of concern at the preliminary stages of discussion and assist the client in exploring all possible options available to him. “Globalization economic environment, merger, governance concerns and business competition have influenced the way the legal function is viewed now. The market has become very competitive and the lawyers have to work harder with new types and styles of delivery through innovative process, technology and client services. Communication and
O.P Khaitan & Co. Solicitors & Advocates Mr. Gautam Khaitan Khaitan House, B-1, Defence Colony New Delhi-110024, India e: gkhaitan@opkhaitan.com w: www.opkhaitan.com t: +91 11 46501000
New York Financial Services Law Firm of the Year
Otterbourg, Steindler, Houston & Rosen, P.C. Otterbourg, Steindler, Houston & Rosen specializes in the representation of financial institutions and creditors, including commercial banks, investment banks, insurance companies, asset-based lenders and hedge funds in all aspects of their businesses, including the structuring and documentation of loan transactions, acquisitions, litigation and alternative dispute resolution, real estate transactions, workouts, restructurings and insolvency proceedings.
tions, restructurings and bankruptcy cases, and major fraud matters, working with a national and international network of attorneys that we have developed over the years. As a direct result of our size, focus and culture, we offer clients: • Direct contact with experienced, senior attorneys on every matter, • In-depth understanding of client’s businesses so as to provide advice, as well as legal services, • Practical analysis of available alternatives to best address the issues, • Efficient use of law firm resources.
The firm has particular expertise in leveraged finance, asset based lending and second lien loans, whether within the United States or cross-border, as well as the representation of committees of unsecured creditors in large and complex bankruptcy reorganization cases throughout the United States. It is also well known for its representation of individual institutional lenders, bank groups, commercial enterprises and other secured and unsecured creditors in complex, high profile litigation and bankruptcies as well as its role as co-general counsel for the Commercial Finance Association, the trade association for asset-based lenders, with nearly 300 members consisting of a diverse range of lending institutions that range from major domestic and international banks to independent commercial finance companies. From our office in New York, we regularly handle matters of national and international scope, including financing, litiga-
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We have extensive experience in representing lenders and creditors both in the initial financing and when credits are in distress. Our transactional attorneys have experience with distressed credits and work closely with our attorneys that focus on workouts and bankruptcies, which gives us the ability to provide real-world advice concerning the ways in which issues would be addressed in such circumstances. We work to develop deal structures that achieve our clients’ goals while minimizing legal risks should the borrower become involved in a workout or bankruptcy. While we understand that lenders want to limit and manage their risk, we also know that they need to develop a positive working relationship with borrowers. We approach the financing process with these goals in mind. Our objectives are to help our clients understand the legal issues affecting each financing, and work with the other parties in the
transaction to facilitate the prompt resolution of issues in the most efficient and effective way. A critical aspect of our mission is to add value to our clients. Some of the ways we add value include: • Active participation in industry associations • Educational and training programs • Pre-deal advice on deal structure, industry specific issues, intercreditor issues, indenture reviews, bankruptcy issues and other matters • Reviews of market practices on specific issues and questions • Preparation and maintenance of form documents We believe that our approach has led to satisfied clients with the resulting success for us as a firm.
David W. Morse, Esq. Otterbourg, Steindler, Houston & Rosen, P.C. 230 Park Avenue New York, New York 10169 t: +1.212.905.3641 f: +1.917.368.7122 e: dmorse@oshr.com
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
www.pwclegal.de
Finding a common ground Merging multiple parts into one can be quite challenging. Especially, when enterprises from different jurisdictions have to be integrated – in spite of the peculiarities and incompatibilities of their respective legal systems. With our post-merger integration experts you move on save terrain. Co-ordinating the planning and implementation of all legal subjects centrally from Germany, they gladly support you during the complete integration process. When do we talk about your ground-breaking plans? Dr. Dirk Stiller, Practice Group Corporate law, M&A and restructurings Phone: +49 69 9585-6279, dirk.stiller@de.pwc.com
© PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal Aktiengesellschaft Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft. All rights reserved. In this document, “PwC Legal” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal Aktiengesellschaft Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft, which is part of the network of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwCIL). Each member firm of PwCIL is a separate and independent legal entity.
PwC_Anz_LegalAward_235x150_RZ.indd 1 Finnish Insurance Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year
- Procopé & Hornborg Partner Kalevi Tervanen and the head of the Transactions and Financing Group of the law firm of Procopé & Hornborg tells Acquisition International what made the firm a 2012 winner: “The team specializes in advising Finnish and international clients on matters in the finance and insurance sector, and large-scale M&A deals and Joint Ventures- we were of course delighted to receive such a recognition. 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? “In short, we haven’t. We always seek to implement best practises and manage projects as efficiently as possible, the same still applies even if the context in which we operate has changed. An inherent component of efficient project management is the ability to make the most of the situation, whatever the context may be. 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?
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“Craftsmen need to have proper tools, which are properly kept and taken care of. The tools of a law firm are its people, which need to be taken care of equally well. 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 do what we always do: wake up, be awesome and then go to bed. On a more serious note, the key to success is in the basics; love your job, bring your a-game to work, stay hungry and remember to have fun. “I don’t know if it really is an issue, but I can tell you that when I first started in the field of insurance, most cases had to do with indemnities. Nowadays most of my assignments relate to savings insurances and the insurance business itself. “Yes, indeed it does given my experience from corporate management. The two fields that I specialize in are finance and insurance, the changing landscape allows me to combine my areas of expertise. The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? “It has been said that a good product sells itself. That is rubbish. In order to claim your place,
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you need to work hard and meticulously. That is however not enough because dedication without the right talent is a waste of time, you need to identify the needs of the market in which you operate, otherwise you cannot possibly know which way to push. 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? “I think that our way of doing things is quite clear from the above answers. Exernally you need to focus on the needs of the market, don’t just react but act. Internally, what it boils down to is not settling for the average.”
Procopé & Hornborg Ltd, Attorneys at Law Kalevi Tervanen Keskuskatu 8, PO Box 1077, FI-0011 Helsinki, Finland e: Kalevi.tervanen@procope.fi w: www.procope.fi t: +358 10 3090 300
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Isle of Man Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
- Quinn Legal
Acquisition International talks to Chris Webb, Dispute Resolution & Litigation Advocate and Director of Quinn Legal about their recent accolade “Isle of Man Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year”
that we can do for any one client. A client who is a company director for example not only instructs us on his commercial needs, but can also remain with us for property purchases, employment law issues and family matters. Our clients are reassured by the team approach; that they do not need to go elsewhere for each different query.
Quinn Legal as a firm offer services in Corporate and commercial (non-contentious and litigation), dispute resolution, private client, property (commercial and residential), criminal and family. Chris adds: “We have small teams of experts in each field, enabling us to offer clients a personal service, tailored to their own requirements. “It is always encouraging to be recognised for one’s achievements. We as lawyers work very hard to offer the best service we can to clients, whatever field you are in and to have the hard work and dedication recognised is fulfilling.
As a firm we differentiate ourselves through service as ours is quite simply second to none- which is down to having a team of specialists working together to be able to fulfil all a client’s legal needs. Added to that, we do not project airs and graces, but tailor our service towards the needs of the client. It is also noteworthy that we are not pricing ourselves out of the market, which clients appreciate in difficult financial times. Clients large and small are all conscious of their costs in this economic climate and therefore when they receive the service that QL offers at a fair price, they remain loyal.
“We have focussed on the quality of our service and ensured that our clients have received our best attention. Not only has that meant we have retained existing clients, we have also thereby benefitted from referrals and recommendations. As a firm we have a strong team culture which has enabled us to provide to clients a service spanning the various fields of law that we offer. The benefit of team spirit, rather than compartmentalisation has enabled Quinn Legal to maximise the work
“Going forwards into 2013, the team at QL has no intention of sitting back and resting on our laurels. Whilst other firms may be content to be reactive when work walks through the door, QL intend to be proactive, publicising our services, talking directly to our clients and enthusing about the opportunities that are out there for new business. We are a forward thinking firm, happy to publicise our strengths and success “The legal market is not as buoyant at present as it has been but rather than
have a negative effect on us, we have seen it as an opportunity to improve what we do. We have quite simply made it our remit to offer the best service to our clients.
Whether that is in terms of turnaround, provision of advice, access to the team or whatever fulfils a client’s needs. Added to this that we remain financially competitive and we know that we can make a success out of a changing market where our competitors may not be so proactive.
Quinn Legal Chris Webb 30 Ridgeway Street, Douglas, Isle of Man. IM1 1EL e: mail@quinnlegal.im w: www.quinnlegal.im t: +44 1624 665522
South African Aviation Law Firm of the Year
- Ramsay Webber Inc Acquisition International speaks to Brian Webber the managing partner of Ramsay Webber Inc about their award winning performance and how it feels to win “South African Aviation Law Firm of the Year: “I am the managing partner of Ramsay Webber Inc, a law firm established in 1982 based in Johannesburg but which has associations in Durban, Cape Town, the Eastern Cape and Bloemfontein. You will also note that we are members of Mackrell International an association of independent law firms with in excess of 4500 lawyers and offices in all major commercial centres worldwide; “I act largely in the field of mergers and acquisitions but have a very personal interest in aviation as I hold a private pilot’s licence and own a share in a Cessna aircraft. Accordingly I have been involved in the aviation industry in South Africa for many years and our firm has represented many of the international aviation firms and still represents Pilatus Aircraft Company in Southern Africa. “We have done work with British Aerospace and Piper Aircraft. Some of our firm’s major successes in the recent past include representing the South African Defence Procurement Agency in the acquisition of its fighter and trainer jets, its helicopters and maritime helicopters as well as its frigates and submarines. We were responsible for drafting the acquisition agreements. “We have also represented an international airline in a
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large arbitral dispute in the ICC and a South Africa Bank acting as the lead financiers for the acquisition by South African Airways of its Boeing 737 800 fleet. More recently we co-authored a publication on the repossession of aircraft together with our Mackrell International counterparts in New Delhi.” “Our firm is a general law practice firm specialising in corporate, commercial litigation and property legal consulting. We currently have seven partners and ten supporting lawyers. “We believe that our firm is distinguished from most of our competitors due to our close working relationship with our clients which is more of a partnership approach than a client/attorney relationship. We pride ourselves in low client turnover and high client satisfaction. We understand that our mandate is to ensure the best possible results for our clients. Through our association with Mackrell international we are able to offer truly international service to our client’s both locally and internationally. We have access to the expertise of more than 4500 lawyers worldwide in 145 offices and in more 50 countries. Our firm’s particular specialist skills lie in banking law, telecommunications, construction and engineering, defence, insolvency and property law. “We compete with the major firms by providing a more user friendly and cost effective solution to the client’s requirements and, as I have mentioned, we endeavour to work in partnership with our clients so as to achieve the best possible client satisfaction. We believe that we not only provide great value for money but also provide a value add solution to client’s commercial litigation and property requirements;
“Regardless of the size of the firm it is necessary to maintain market share and those new clients are injected into the firm on a regular basis. The existing clients are also required to remain aware of our firm’s presence as well as our standing in the legal community. I have mentioned that we pride ourselves on our low client turnover but marketing ensures the introduction of new clients as well as existing clients’ awareness. It is through the creation of a strong identity brand and message that firms maintain their existing client base and grow exponentially; “Our firm has very much a partnership culture wherein we intimately share in each other successes and failures of which, I am happy to say, there are not many. However, by the very nature of the business there will regrettably be occasional failures. We participate regularly in events and team building exercises such as the annual JP Morgan Challenge Run in which most of the firm participates. Due to our size we are better suited to control costs and as a result thereof are able to provide equivalent service at better value for money;
Ramsay Webber Inc Brian Webber 269 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg, South Africa e: bw@ramweb.co.za w: www.ramweb.co.za t: +27 11 778 0600
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Singapore
- RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP Acquisition International speaks to Ms Amita Dutt, who is a Partner at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP, about their award winning performance over the last 12 months and asks how it felt when the firm won the Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Singapore:
“This is an honour. It is quite an achievement for a firm that is just a year and the half old. We got it right. There is so much to look forward to.” “We have also adapted to the current climate by working harder and smarter. While setting up the firm, we set in place from scratch all the processes, procedures and policies that would help us in our business moving forward. We had a clean drawing board, and being experienced players, this was a tremendous asset to work with. Also we made more friends.” “But most of all, and importantly, we had our clients’ support. They have been a gem. Without asking even, they have been our ambassadors.” “In turn, we keep them close to us by making sure that we remain on each of their minds by staying relevant to them. This can be by doing something as simple and meaningful as writing as article that
may be of use, or sharing an idea. It does not take a transaction to bring us together.” “Working as a team is everything; and this includes the client who is also part of our team. We are friends; we care, understand and respect each other.” “Our business has never been about any specific individual. It has always been about enjoying our journey together in completing the transaction.” “With us, our clients have at one go legal and business solutions from a team attuned to working in Asia, with the benefits of an international perspective, expertise and support immediately at hand behind them.”
I see the need for more collaboration between colleagues, teams, organisations and their appointed legal advisers and other industry players. The goal is not about any one of us winning, but about all of us collectively winning.
So how do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “The cliché is “Change is the only constant”. The legal market has been changing in Singapore since the day I got called to the Bar. The big changes are never a secret, and so you can prepare for them.” “It is the subtle ones that will affect your clients that you have to look out for; pre-empt and prepare yourself and then your clients, all well ahead of time. With disappearing boundaries on every frontier, competition is keener and expectations are higher.”
RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP Amita Dutt Six Battery Road #10-01 Singapore 049909 e: amita.dutt@rhtlawtaylorwessing.com w: www.rhtlawtaylorwessing.com t: +65 6381 6900
Washington DC Patent Law Firm of the Year
- Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck PC Acquisition International speaks to R. Danny Huntington, partner with Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck PC and one of the most experienced attorneys in the firm about the new procedures in the USPTO for attacking patents, and what he does to include clients as part of the team. “My practice includes all phases of IP law, including US and foreign patent prosecution, litigation in the federal courts, licensing and general client counseling. Having practiced both in-house and in private practice, I can provide advice that takes into account the various issues confronting IP holders as well as those accused of infringement. I have specialized in patent interference law for most of the last 25 years. Patent interferences are unique to US practice and are proceedings to determine who was the first to invent an invention, as opposed to the rest of the world, where the patent goes to the first to file. While the US has changed its patent law to go to a first-to-file system that goes into effect in March of 2013, most of the issues involved in interferences will still arise under the new system. Included in the new proceedings in the USPTO are Inter Partes Review (IPR) and Post Grant Review (PGR), both of which are very similar to the current proceedings in the first stage of a patent interference. Although the AIA requires the USPTO to recover its costs in conducting these proceedings
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and thus the official fees will be substantial, they will allow a company to attack a patent for a fraction of the cost of defending infringement litigation. There will also be numerous strategy questions to consider. For example use of both IPRs and PGRs will result in estoppels in subsequent district court litigation with respect to issues that were raised and decided, or could have been raised and decided in the IPR or PGR. So a decision will have to be made as to whether to file an attack in the USPTO or wait for an infringement suit instead so that the discovery and procedural safeguards of district court can be relied upon. “We were very pleased to be recognized for the work we do. As a boutique firm with only 40+ attorneys, we often are smaller than the firm representing the other party in the transaction. To be chosen based upon the quality of the representation we provide is quite an honor. It has been more important than ever to work closely with the client to understand what they want and manage expectations of what can be accomplished within a budget they set. It has also been important to offer the client a say in which attorneys are used on a matter, and not simply having attorneys cycle in or out. An explanation of why a particular attorney has been suggested to work on a matter helps the client understand how you are trying to man age each project. It is important to give all of the members of the team a chance to interact directly with the client so they feel a personal responsibil-
ity for the work that is done. It also allows them to hear from the client exactly what they want to accomplish. Moreover, if the discussions with the client are handled properly with a clear agenda, it actually reduces the cost for the client because the number of separate team meetings is reduced. “ Danny, 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 continuing to develop our knowledge of the resources available for clients in particular situations. An incredible number of specialized service providers have sprung up who can provide value to a client. One example is companies who specialize in searching for prior art to make certain that the IP being acquired is worth the value being paid. In that way, the attorneys can provide the specialized knowledge in their particular areas of expertise while using vendors in an efficient manner to handle certain tasks.” Rothwell Figg Ernst & Manbeck, P.C. R. Danny Huntington 607 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States of America e: dhuntington@rothwellfigg.com w: www.rothwellfigg.com t: (202) 783-6040
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Austrian Competition, Compliance, Public/Private Law Firm of the Year and Austrian Legal Consultants of the Year
- Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partners (SCWP Schindhelm) Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm Austria) is one of Austria’s leading CEE-operating law firms. Our roots date back to 1946. On the basis of this long-standing tradition, our focus is to provide comprehensive legal advice in all relevant fields of domestic and international business law through our specialised teams of lawyers.
and know-how with our thorough expertise in the supervision and coordination of legal work in many different jurisdictions.
With around 80 lawyers at the commercial centres of Graz, Linz, Wels and Vienna and offices in Bratislava, Brussels, Pilsen, Prague and Budapest, SCWP Schindhelm provides national and international clients with support in all areas of business law.
Alliance and international work:
Our mission is to deliver creative and pragmatic legal solutions. Our challenge – and our source of inspiration – lies in offering our clients both, prompt and flexible legal services of the very highest standard, and understandable and easy solutions tailored to the client’s technical and/or commercial needs. Through our global network we can combine local expertise
We are not just experts at law. We are also experts at identifying a client’s (legal) needs, and at explaining and summarising any legal problems and the respective tailored solutions to our clients. We can thus proudly guarantee our clients the best possible legal advice.
SCWP Schindhelm is a member of the SCWP Schindhelm Services SE, alliance of European business law firms with offices in Central and Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific. With more than 150 lawyers in 18 commercial centres in 11 countries, the alliance members accompany national and international companies in all areas of business law. The offices of the alliance are located in: Bratislava, Wroclaw, Brussels, Budapest, Bucharest, Burgas, Graz, Hanover, Istanbul, Linz, Osnabrück, Pilsen, Prague, Shanghai, Sofia, Warsaw, Wels, Vienna.
Due to our long and successful multi-office operation and our intensive and experienced cooperation with the teams of other alliance offices in nomerous major transactions, PPPprojects and daily legal support, we have a rich experience with cross-functional and crossborder cooperation in various jurisdictions, in particular in the CEE/SEE- and the East Asian region. Further information about SCWP Schindhelm can be found at www.scwp.com.
Saxinger Chalupsky & Partners Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm Austria) Linke Wienzeile 4/II/2 A – 1060 Vienna, Austria t: +43 1 9050100 f: +43 1 9050100 100 e: vienna@scwp.com w: www.scwp.com
Natural Resources. Pure talent.
Fast-moving markets, fast-moving lawyers. First-of-its-kind projects, innovative solutions. SJ Berwin is proud to have won the ‘UK Natural Resources Law Firm of the Year’ at the Acquisition International Legal Awards 2012.
www.sjberwin.com Berlin
Brussels
Dubai
Frankfurt
SJ Berwin LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England no OC313176 21934
Hong Kong
London
Madrid
Milan
Munich
Paris
Shanghai
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
French Transfer Pricing Law Firm of the Year
- STC Partners Created in 2005, the business law firm STC Partners brings together more than 80 lawyers who specialize in the main areas of business law and who have a solid managerial and financial background.
Combining tax, legal and labour law and sector expertise, STC Partners assists large companies, whether private or listed, in connection with local or cross-border transactions. The firm also advises private and family groups, their shareholders and executives as well as the management teams of major company groups, both listed and private, with diverse shareholding structures. Tax Thanks to a solid knowledge of finance, STC Partners’s tax teams have acquired experience and know-how which they bring to bear on all stages of major merger/acquisition operations. A proven due diligence methodology allows them to help both buyers and sellers to identify tax issues in relation to target companies by producing reports that facilitate rapid, optimised decision-making. STC Partners teams also provide assistance with the implementation of acquisition entities and optimised, tailor-made financing (debt push downs, foreign holding companies) in all acquisition scenarios (simple acquisition, LBO, LMBO, etc), whether for industrial groups or financial investors (institutional investors, investment funds, sovereign funds, family office, etc.) The Taxation of Mergers and Acquisitions team has a first-
class reputation on the Paris marketplace, which is attested to by the rankings. STC Partners advises professionals of the finance sector (banks, insurers, management companies, etc) on all of their direct or indirect taxation issues. This advice concerns both the management of their own tax situation and the impact of highly-complex financial arrangements on behalf of their customers, and is provided in consultation with the Finance Law teams. Investment funds STC Partners assists numerous investment players with the design and implementation of investment structures, such as holding companies set up in France or abroad and open or closed-end investment funds, including private equity funds (FCPR, SICAR, LP, SCA, retail funds etc.).
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Arbitration and Litigation The Arbitration and Litigation team manages pre-contentious and litigious situations involving companies and their managers. The team generally takes action as soon as the litigation risk has been identified, in order to tackle difficulties early and defend the interests of clients concerned by the dispute. The Arbitration and Litigation team also provides advice within the framework of risk assessments, internal proceedings and pre-litigation or settlement negotiations. Our attorneys provide companies and managers with invaluable advice in relation to exposure to corporate criminal liability. Customised legal advice is the best prevention. The team applies its expertise in the management of media crises to the legal domain.
The team also guides sponsors when investing in funds, including in offshore funds, assisting them with tax and legal due diligence investigations of management teams. It also helps them to negotiate articles of association, rules and carried interest/vesting agreements. In addition, the Investment Funds and Structures team assists management companies and consultancies in connection with changes to the vehicle used, profit-sharing for management teams (carried interest) and relations with investors and/or the sponsor, co-investment vehicles or direct co-investments. The team also provides services in relation to “secondary” operations: transfers of fund units, portfolios, holdings, etc.
171, boulevard Haussmann 75008 Paris t: +33 (0)1 53 53 30 30 f: +33 (0)1 53 53 30 53
The team is made up of tax specialists and jurists and, thanks to the close ties with the KPMG network, can benefit
We chose the most challenging mision: to offer legal services to lawyers
www.sutti.com
from the latter’s international tax network.
Italian Litigator of the Year
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: UAE
- therightslawyers Acquisition International speaks to Mark Hill is Managing Partner and Founder of therightslawyers. In 2013, therightslawyers will celebrate 10 years of success in the Middle East, having been established by veteran industry lawyer, Mark Hill, to provide specialist legal service to the media, entertainment and technology industries and in the field of intellectual property
How did it feel when your firm won the Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year: UAE? “I was super happy and am very proud of my team. As a boutique law firm, to be acknowledged for our expertise within the industry means a huge deal for us. No other law firm in the region has the depth of insight into the creative industries and intellectual property work that we do.” 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? “One of the key things about therightslawyers is that we are an industry based firm so in other words we know how our clients work, we know what the key issues are for them and we know what the drivers are in their businesses. We don’t have to go through a long learning process as we understand the business deeply already. We understand their objectives and this helps from the very start of working with them. Whenever we come to working on a deal or project with them, we don’t have to play catch up. Another advantage from having an industry orientation is that we speak the same language as our industry based clients. We frequently get that as a comment from our clients as being one of the things they like about working with us in that we don’t come across as being “like lawyers” but as people who understand the business.”
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? “I would completely agree with this and the team and culture is very important in terms of how a boutique business such as therightslawyers can operate. The things I am looking for is what I refer to as people with “the light in their eyes”. To do what we do requires passion. It’s hard enough being a lawyer but being a lawyer in industries we work in takes extra enthusiasm. The world of intellectual property on its own is high pressured and driven by a myriad of deadlines so it takes a particular kind of person to be able to relish. Having the right kind of team is crucial.” 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? “Building strong close working relationships is a huge part of why our I clients work with us so that is key for us. That applies also in terms of working with other suppliers from the intellectual property world who require our kind of understanding of the Middle Eastern region but again everything benefits from having a close relationship and ensuring that those relationships are maintained and developed.” 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 unconventional approach to the business of legal service delivery, combined with the fact that we are so focussed on knowing how our clients work and what their key drivers are is really the key way that we differentiate ourselves. Our role is to smooth the way, to get the job done – we are not hurdle setters or challenge creators. To us, it is all about working with the client to manage risks from both a regional and corporate perspective, working with what we have available on a deal or a project, to get the job done. If anything, I hope it’s an awareness of our “can do” attitude that we leave people with when they meet us.” How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? “For us as a boutique firm working in industry and intellectual property, finding a more innovative way of charging for our offering is key and also finding a way of delivering across multi jurisdictions including online is important particularly for a firm like ours which is so often operating technologically at the cutting edge so I think they are two areas that we will be focussing on particularly over the next year or so.”
“In the Middle East one of the biggest issues is still, I feel, the poor commercial wrap around so much intellectual property advice. In other words, often intellectual property advice is given without any real understanding of what the business is all about, why the client would be wanting to do something in the Middle East, what its actual basis of operation might be, what its commercial objective might be and so on. There is of ten a tendency towards “bucket shop” intellectual property delivery. That obviously is an opportunity for us because it’s exactly what we don’t do as an industry based firm as what is key for us is understanding what the client is about.” The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? “Our position is pretty clear I think in that we very much are what it says on the tin i.e. a boutique industry based firm handling intellectual property, media and entertainment and technology work but with a clear regional focus based on the Middle East “Our firm has always stayed true to its core business model but it will continue to develop collaborative arrangements, in the areas of intellectual property but also media. For example, therightslawyers has just announced a very exciting partnership with Rotana Music, the Arab world’s largest record label and music publisher relating to the launch of Rotana Music’s new blanket music licensing initiative specifically intending to draw attention to issues surrounding copyright infringement and the support of music within the Middle East. The collaboration with Rotana Music, a primary rights holder in the region is a natural step for theirghtslawyers in relation to the work it has been doing over the years in relation to the protection and commercial licensing of intellectual property rights, in this instance in the music field. These kind of initiatives inevitably have an impact on the business and will shape its development over the next few years.”
The Rights Lawyers Mark Hill Building 8, Office 420, Dubai Media City, P O Box 502175, Dubai, UAE e: mark@therightslawyers.com w: www.therightslawyers.com t: +971 4 3903646
What is the biggest issue facing your specific (part of) legal services? Does this create opportunity for you?
Vietnamese Competition Law Firm of the Year
- VCI Legal
Tuan Anh Phung, Esq is the Managing Partner at VCI Legal, a leading law firm in Vietnam. The firm specialize in corporate, securities, M&A, banking & finance, tax and intellectual property, in addition to antitrust & competition, regulatory and international trade. Tuan commented on it felt when your firm won the Vietnamese Competition Law Firm of the Year? Our firm is greatly honoured by being recognized by such a prestigious award. It demonstrates the breadth, depth and calibre of VCI Legal’s expertise. We are delighted to be acknowledged as the leader of competition law in Vietnam. 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? During the economic downturn which has affected deal activity. Our firm has had to adapt by using a global strategy, making use of our global reach with our strong ties with associated offices worldwide. For larger deals it is essential for firms to have a global network. We have also reorganized our teams from areas which can seamlessly utilize cross skill sets, such as corporate to antitrust. 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?
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“Our team participates in creating shared values and values-based common goals and have a feeling of interdependence for their work and unit as a whole. Such a team spirit has been our firm’s culture since the beginning and it continues to thrive today. This award is confirmation of our integrated strategy which we pursue with our team consisting of lawyers, tax advisors, experienced consultants who work together to give industry-focused advice. Therefore, an effective team-working in a collegial atmosphere has been key to our success. Also noteworthy is our team’s unique capacity, which can be observed in our uninterrupted service to clients across the board, without depending on individuals. 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? “Our firm will continue to strive to demonstrate excellence, innovation, and provide a depth of expertise and achieve outstanding results for our clients. We are also expanding the professional team in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offices and have developed new practice groups in banking & capital markets. How do you differentiate yourself? What is the one thing you’d leave in someone’s mind if you were pitching for new business? In addition to traditional legal services such as corporate, securities, M&A, international trade and antitrust & competition, VCI Legal offers business-oriented, specialized legal services such as “In-house Counsel Service”, “Investment Structuring & Placement”, “Compliance & Risk Management”, “IP Strategic Management Services”, which are provided by a team of seasoned lawyers and
financial advisors who all possess a business management background. How do you see the legal market changing and how will it affect you? The future of the legal market will be dictated by external forces. It will also be influenced and changed by the development of new technology, new competitors and the evolution of the legal profession. As a firm, we need to anticipate and prepare for such changes and adapt accordingly. .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 need to anticipate the necessary steps and adapt to the ever-changing marketplace. Given our expertise and specialist legal services, for client-specific industries, we place ourselves as a leading antitrust and competition law firm in Vietnam.
VCI Legal Tuan Anh Phung, Esq. e: tuanphung@vci-legal.com w: www.vci-legal.com t: (84-8) 3827 2029 e: info@msmishraassoc.org Suite 501, 5/F, 111A Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Brazilian Administrative Law Firm of the Year
- Vinhas e Redenschi Advogados Guilherme Vinhas and Fabricio Dantas are partners at Vinhas e Redenschi Advogados – VRA. They are jointly responsible for administrative law at the firm.
VRA is a full service law firm specialising in tax law, administrative law, civil law, labour law and corporate law. Our administrative team are very active in the oil & gas sector in Brazil, both upstream and downstream. We provide our clients counsel on regulatory issues and oil & gas contracts. We have lawyers that previously worked for oil & gas companies and lawyers that worked for the regulatory agency in Brazil. “Winning Brazilian Administrative Law Firm of the Year is terrific recognition for our efforts to understand the business of our clients and provide them with the most appropriate solutions. “We give our lawyers the opportunity to improve their legal knowledge on a regular basis. We believe in investing in the further education of our team members and promoting a comfortable and productive atmosphere
at the firm. Since we have grown from a small firm, we do our best to maintain the personal touch, which promotes a positive exchange of ideas amongst the team. “Currently Brazil is receiving a lot of investments due to its good economic moment and we have needed to expand in order to meet the increasing demand. We keep the team focused on the clients´ business and on the high quality of our services; that´s why we believe that we will have success if we are not just experts in law but also in the economic sector in which our clients have business.
We believe that our law firm will continue to grow over the coming years. We will maintain our focus in the areas in which we have been working and growing for the last few years.
“We are facing good opportunities in oil & gas in Brazil. We believe that the demand for oil & gas lawyers will increase in the coming years and we are very well placed to take advantage of this opportunity. “The legal market is becoming more and more competitive every year and this is forcing law firms to keep the quality of their services high, which makes it necessary to continue investing in our team and to stay abreast of the wider issues affecting the legal market.
VINHAS E REDENSCHI ADVOGADOS Guilherme Vinhas Rua do Mercado 11 – 16o andar, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, CEP: 20010-120. e: gvinhas@vradv.com.br w: www.vradv.com.br t: 55 21 21977677
Kenyan Corporate Law Firm of the Year
- Walker Kontos Alexandra Kontos the founding and the Senior Partner of Walker Kontos, Advocates speaks to Acquisition International about the key reason behind the firms recent win. “Walker Kontos specialises in Corporate and Commercial Law with emphasis on Project Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets, Energy, Banking and Real Estate Law but we also have a boutique litigation department which deals with matters arising out of the corporate law division. 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? “Walker Kontos is a young firm – it was set up in 1988 and has had to fight its way up the ladder. We are therefore trained to face difficulties and our motto is “thinking both in and out of the box”. 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 enormous importance on team culture and take pride in the fact that most of our professionals are ‘homegrown’. They joined as pupils and grew with the
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firm. Indeed some of them are now full 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?
leading firm in the region puts us in good stead to meet growing demand. How do you see your business in 3 years’ time? How will it have changed shape? Will you (the firm) be recruiting?
“We are very conscious of competition: Kenya is opening up its doors to the world at large and some of the giant law firms are looking to setting up offices in Kenya. We appreciate that in order to stay on top we have to keep re-inventing the wheel but we are a strong unit and confident that we can deal with the pressure.”
“We recognize that we have to grow from 17 professionals to about 25 but at the same time we want to maintain our ability to communicate with one another and to work as a closely knit unit – something that is very difficult if the team grows too fast.
What is the biggest issue facing corporate law in Kenya?
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 biggest issue is change. The new constitution which came into force in 2010 ushered radical changes in property and other rights which have necessitated the enactment of new laws and amendments to many of the existing laws. These changes have brought new and exciting challenges in the legal services sector. The global market is clearly in a precarious position. How do you best place your services and business in the market at the moment? To a large extent, the domestic market that feeds demand for legal services does not seem to be overly affected by global markets. On a further positive note, the situation in the more traditional global markets has seen a shift in focus to Africa, of which Kenya is a prime destination. Accordingly, our position as a
“At the first instance, they have to recognize and believe in their abilities: they also have to be able to inspire their junior associates and keep re-energizing them using all possible tools: friendship, continuous training, initiatives, team building, and pride in what they are and what they have.
WALKER KONTOS Alexandra Kontos e: akontos@walkerkontos.com e: walkerkontos@walkerkontos.com Hakika House, Bishops Road, P.O. Box 60680, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya. t: +254 20 2713023-6, +254 20 2718433-6
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Corporate Directory
Company: Kuhnen & Wacker Intellectual Property Law Firm Name: Rainer A. Kuhnen Address: Prinz-Ludwig-Str. 40A, 85354 Freising/Munich, Germany Email: info@patentfirm.de Web: www.kuhnen-wacker.com Telephone: +49 8161 608 0 Case Study: KUHNEN & WACKER is a full service intellectual property (IP) law firm which was established more than 36 years ago in Freising close to Munich airport. The firm represents SMEs as well as major corporate and global technical innovators. It has a fine blend of senior attorneys with sophisticated experience, and younger proactive attorneys who can, if needed, rely on the expertise of their more senior colleagues and may complete various interdisciplinary teams. We are a diverse group of 90 people, 18 of whom are specialised patent attorneys and attorneys at law. These attorneys are supported by 9 expert patent engineers and specialists, as well as by a highly qualified and multilingual administrative team.
Company: Lebuhn & Puchta Name: Dr. Johannes Trost Address: Vorsetzen 35, Hamburg 20459, Germany Email: lawfirm@lebuhn.de johannes.trost@lebuhn.de Web: www.lebuhn.de Telephone: +49 40 37 47 780
Company: IPEG Private Institute for International Projects Development, LLC Name: Dr. Boris O. Kojevnikov Address: Hörlgasse 4/7, Vienna 1090, Austria Email: office@ipeg.co.at Web: http://members.aon.at/boris.kojevnikov/ Telephone: +43 664 203 2781
Case Study: LEBUHN & PUCHTA is a leading Hamburg maritime and commercial law firm with a broad international legal service. A team of 16 highly qualified and experienced lawyers are ready to assist our clients. Our main activities are maritime and commercial law with special emphasis on renewable energy, offshore business, shipbuilding, chartering, financing and insurance. Further we have specialists in corporate law matters (KG model, M&A, joint ventures, transactions) all familiar with the specificities of the maritime and offshore industry. LEBUHN & PUCHTA regularly achieves legal awards in shipping and maritime matters as well as within renewable energy law sector.
Case Study: IPEG Private Institute for International Projects Development, LLC, is a reliable source of various services needed in pursuing business opportunities and meeting challenges in foreign environment, mostly in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Services range from informational support and legal advice to translation services; however, the main specialization is international commercial arbitration, where the company’s professionals can act as representatives of the party or act as arbitrators. The key expert is Dr. Boris Kojevnikov, internationally renowned arbitration specialist. He participated as an arbitrator or as a representative of a party in more than 90 international arbitration cases, is a Fellow of the CIArb, arbitrator at international arbitration courts in Moscow and in Prague, member of ArbAut, NYC Bar, ABA, ASA.
Company: Swindell & Pearson Ltd Name: Nick Womsley, Paul Higgin, Michael Skinner, Robert Sales Address: 48 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1GY, United Kingdom Email: info@patents.co.uk nick.womsley@patents.co.uk Web: www.patents.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0)1332 367 051
Company: Corina Fassouli Grafanaki & Associates Law Firm Address: 16 Panepistimiou Str., 10672, Athens, Greece Email: lawofmf@lawofmf.gr Web: www.cfgalaw.com Telephone: +30 210 3628512
In order to document the high quality standards that the firm has upheld for years, KUHNEN & WACKER obtained the official ISO 9001:2008 certification.
Company: Bonn Steichen & Partners Name: Pierre-Alexandre Degehet Address: 2, rue Peternelchen, Building C2, L-2370 Howald, Luxembourg Email: padegehet@bsp.lu Web: www.bsp.lu Telephone: +352 260251 Case Study: Bonn Steichen & Partners is a Luxembourg law firm with an international focus committed to providing the highest quality legal services. With in excess of 50 professionals we offer a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of Luxembourg law and represent a wide range of clients from a variety of industry sectors in Luxembourg and abroad. Excellence is the standard we set for ourselves and we have created an environment where everyone is determined to deliver such standard, while sharing knowledge, experience and time. In today’s dynamic and challenging business environment, we recognise the necessity to be innovative and adaptive to change in order to provide our clients with tailor-made solutions. Our common goal: creating value for our clients.
Case Study: Swindell & Pearson is one of the UK’s leading practices specialising in Intellectual Property, with offices in the Midlands, Yorkshire and London. The firm services multinational, national and local clients who trust them with their IP portfolios. The firm acquires IP rights for its clients, enforces and defends IP rights across the world, advises upon how third party rights impact on clients’ freedom to operate and assists with due diligence and assessing the value of IP to businesses. The firm has a reputation as one of the top high-technology patent teams in the UK, with particular strengths in electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, materials, engineering, semiconductors, computers and computer programs, automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, chemistry, food, plastics and packaging and nanotechnology. The trade mark team also has an enviable reputation, advising clients on trade mark acquisition, infringement, oppositions, clearance searches, watching and monitoring services, assignments and licensing.
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Case Study: CFGA Law Firm was founded in 1981 in Athens, based on the twin pillars of advisory and dispute resolution, establishing an extensive German clientele and a long-standing collaboration with prominent Law firms in Cyprus. Over the last years our Law Firm has grown significantly, operating in various geographical regions and industries, such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, banking, media/telecommunications and real estate. Our clients range from individuals and closely held companies to banks and public corporations, as well as venture capital firms and private equity funds. We distinguish ourselves for our emphasis on providing superior, individualized client service and we select our attorneys based on the core premise that the practice of law requires commitment, persistence, extensive knowledge, outstanding skills and unwavering responsiveness.
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Corporate Directory
Company: Ichino - Brugnatelli e Associati Name: Mr Carlo Fossati Address: Via Mascheroni 31 – 20145 Milan - Italy Email: carlo.fossati@ichinobrugnatelli.it Web: www.ichinobrugnatelli.it Telephone: + 390248193249 Case Study: Ichino Brugnatelli’s relationship with prime banks, institutions, and corporations in Italy dates back to the founding of the firm in the 1890s. Partners and attorneys were renown nationwide for their involvement with many aspects of the development of Italian society and economy through the 20th Century. In recent years, attorneys at Ichino Brugnatelli have been increasingly taking into account the needs of foreign companies interested in investing in Italy. Law firm culture is strongly client-oriented, and always in pursuit of perfection. It also includes special dedication to professional development, teamwork and community support. More than 20 experienced attorneys can count on the full participation of junior lawyers and qualified assistants to meet the expectations of domestic and international clients.
Company: John K Daly & Co Ltd Address: Queensgate House, 48 Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SR Email: johnkdaly@onetel.net Web: www.john-k-daly.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0)7919 166853 Fax: +44 (0)1392 422980
Company: Russell Advocaten Name: Reinier W.L. Russell (managing partner) Address: Reimersbeek 2, 1082 AG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Email: reinier.russell@russell.nl Web: www.russell.nl Telephone: +31 20 301 55 55
Case Study: John K Daly [ Dip Arb, Dip IC Arb, FRICS, FInstCES, FFB, FCIArb, PG Cert Adj ]
Case Study: Russell Advocaten is a medium-sized law firm providing legal services mainly for the corporate sector. The scale and the well-organized office structure of our law firm allow us to give personal attention to each client, resulting in prompt, professional advice. Our services are centred on quality and efficiency. The highly-qualified staff members render high-level legal advice.
Chartered Arbitrator, Quantity Surveyor, Registered Adjudicator, Party Representative and Quantum Expert. Major Building & Civil Engineering projects experience since 1973. Has worked mainly in the UK, also has International experience for projects in Iraq, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Ireland and Jersey. Over 150 disputes successfully concluded in Litigation, Arbitration, Adjudication and Mediation.
Areas of practice include: labour law and litigation, corporate employment counseling, business law, bankruptcy law, dispute resolution, civil litigation and family law. Furthermore, a broad network of professionals specialising in different practices has been established, allowing the firm to provide prompt assistance with tax and accounting matters, as well as criminal law issues.
Company: Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen Address: 1A Bucureşti-Ploieşti National Road, Bucharest Business Park, Entrance A, 4th Floor, 1st District, Bucharest 013681, Romania Email: office@nndkp.ro Web: www.nndkp.ro Telephone: +4 021 201 12 00
Company: Sanjines & Asociados - Abogados Name: Raul Sanjines Elizagoyen Address: Ñuflo de Chavez Street, 470 Email: rsanjines@sanjinesabogados.com.bo Web: www.sanjinesabogados.com.bo Telephone: (591) (3) 3329300 Case Study: Is a group of business lawyers with main base in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia that offers services in legal advising in all the areas of civil law, taxation law, commercial law and alternative methods of solution of controversies. We are the first law firm in Bolivia that implemented ISO 9001:2008 since April 2012, the quality management system certified by TÜV Rheinland. Since the implementation of these quality standards, Sanjines & Asociados – Abogados has experienced a better relationship with their customers, optimizing the document preparation time and reduced the margin of error in the legal services.
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Case Study: NNDKP is positioned on the market as a premium provider of high-quality, full-service, integrated consultancy services for medium and small companies in Romania. NNDKP has a highly specialized and multi-disciplinary team of lawyers and consultants and has become, over the past years, a “one stop shop” for our clients for both legal and tax advice. NNDKP benefits of consistent recognition from the international legal directories – over the past two years, NNDKP has been the only Romanian law firm ranked first, in all practice areas researched in Romania, by all the prestigious legal publications (Chambers and Partners, The European Legal 500 and IFLR 1000), added to the constant top rankings over the past nine years. The firm is also distinguished on the Romanian legal market through its membership in prestigious international professional alliances and organizations, such as Lex Mundi and World Services Group, as well as the South East Europe Legal Group (SEE Legal), which it has co-founded in 2003.
The Netherlands is an appealing place to conduct business. At Russell Advocaten, we have highly skilled specialists to assist you in successfully entering the Dutch market and we render legal support to your day-to-day business operations. Russell Advocaten is a member of Primerus, a network of independent, top-rated law firms. We have been recommended repeatedly by Legal 500 and listed in Martindale-Hubbell. Furthermore, our firm has received several awards for ‘Best Employment Firm’, ‘Best Real Estate Firm’ and ‘Best Commercial Law Law Firm’ of the Netherlands.
Company: Alfaro-Abogados Name: Carlos E. Alfaro Address: Avenida Libertador 498 – Buenos Aires - Argentina Email: cealfaro@alfarolaw.com Web: www.alfarolaw.com Telephone: 54-11-4393-3003 Case Study: Alfaro-Abogados is a full corporate services law firm with a strong practice in government relations, compliance, corporate governance, regulatory issues, investments funds, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, trade finance, banking, oil and gas, infrastructure, real estate, insolvency, restructuring, arbitration, labor and international transactions. Our policy is to understand the business culture and objectives of our clients. We are active in business associations or chambers of our clients’ industry, thereby obtaining the information necessary to understand their business and anticipate industry challenges. Our lawyers’ capacity to understand the business of our clients and business patterns of the parties involved in a transaction is one of our main assets, a key feature in the efficient and expedient implementation of the client’s objectives. Alfaro-Abogados is consistently recognized by leading industry guides and publications.
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Corporate Directory
Company: Agha & Co Name: Oliver Agha Address: Al Barsha Boutique Bldg. P.O. Box 390104, Suite 101 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Email: info@aghaandco.com Web: www.aghaandco.com Telephone: +971 4 4478989 Case Study: Agha & Co is a premier award winning law practice whose attorneys proffer homed international transactional skills and deep Shari’ah knowledge with the response time of a top tier large New York or London firm. Agha & Co’s practice areas include the leading Islamic Finance and Islamic Banking practice (including sukuk, novel Islamic working capital facility structure, Capital Markets, Islamic Funds), Arbitration/Litigation (including Islamic Dispute Resolution), Project Finance (including Islamic Project Finance), Energy, PublicPrivate Placements (PPPs), Construction, Commercial, Corporate M&A, Joint Ventures, Restructuring, Islamic Insurance (takaful), Trusts and Estates (including novel waqf constructs), High Net Worth Estate Planning (including Wills), Intellectual Property, Business law, Labor and Employment, Real Estate and Family law (select international divorce cases involving English, US and UAE/Saudi litigants).
Company: Kanga & Company Name: Ms. Preeti Mehta, Partner Address: Readymoney Mansion, 43, Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001, INDIA Email: mail@kangacompany.com preeti.mehta@kangacompany.com Web: www.kangacompany.com Telephone: + 91 22 6623 0000, + 91 22 6633 2288, + 91 22 2204 2288 Case Study: Kanga & Co, a full service law firm, is one of India’s oldest law firms established in 1890 with its office in Mumbai. Kanga & Co is broadly divided into principal departments like Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Capital Markets, Banking & Finance, Real Estate, Litigation, Franchising and Taxation with a partner heading each department but working in close association with other partners. The Firm has been awarded Indian Business Law Journal’s Indian Law Firm Award in “Construction & Real Estate” category for three consecutive years 2008, 2009, and 2010 and Asian-Counsel Firm of the Year for the category of “Regulatory & Compliance” in India 2010 and for Maritime & Shipping – 2011. It has also been awarded Global Law Experts - Indian Franchise Law Firm of the Year – 2011 as also Acquisition International M&A Awards Corporate litigation law firm of the year 2012 India.
Company: Soteris Pittas & Co LLC Name: Soteris Flourentzos Address: 223, Makarios Avenue, Avenue Court, 2nd Floor, P.C. 3105, Limassol, Cyprus Email: info@pittaslegal.com Web: www.pittaslegal.com Telephone: +357 25 028460
Company: A. Nicolaou & Associates L.L.C. Name: Agathi Nicolaou Address: 48 Inomenon Ethnon, Guricon House, Ground Floor, 6042 Larnaca, Cyprus Email: info@nicolaoulawfirm.com Web: www.nicolaoulawfirm.com Telephone: +357 24667662
Case Study: The partners of Soteris Pittas & Co have substantial experience in international mergers & acquisitions, with particular focus the Russian and the CIS market, acting as co-counsels with certain reputable legal, audit firms, private equity managers, and fiduciaries in Cyprus, Russia and Ukraine on M&A deals, equity capital markets transactions, banking projects, corporate issues and international tax planning. Soteris Pittas & Co often advises multinational corporations, international investors and high-net-worth individuals, on complex cross-border business and corporate transactions, structuring, negotiating and implementing cross-border acquisitions, tender offers, joint ventures, private equity investments, workouts and restructuring, and commercial contracting relationships.
Case Study: A. NICOLAOU & ASSOCIATES L.L.C is one of the most modern and innovative law firms in Cyprus, located in Larnaca. We are a leading business and litigation firm. We do interesting and challenging work for a diverse client base, including businesses, financial institutions and many more.
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The Firm serves as outside general counsel and also advises clients in areas such as Corporate Law, Arbitration, Banking and Finance Law, Immigration Law, Construction Law, Employment Law, Family Law, Shipping and Admiralty, Wills and Probate and all types of civil and criminal matters. We also represent both buyers and sellers in the purchase, acquisition, lease and all types of transaction concerning real estate, including commercial and industrial real estate.
Company: Ferchiou & associés Name: Noureddine Ferchiou Address: 34 Place Du 14 Janvier 2011 1001 Tunis, Tunisia Email: contact@falaw.tn Web: www.ferchioulaw.com Telephone: +216 71 120 500 Case Study: Since its creation in 1984, Ferchiou & associés has grown progressively as one of the leading business law firm by attracting top caliber professionals. Ferchiou & associés’ general corporate practice encompasses all aspects of business law. With more than 28 years of experience in providing legal advice and assistance to its clients, the firm has been consistently involved in the country’s high profile projects whether in terms of investment or complexity and is well known for its high level of negotiating skills. Clients of the firm are predominantly international corporations and investors seeking to develop a business activity on the Tunisian market and find in Ferchiou & associés a reliable partner.
Company: Soemadipradja & Taher Name: Linda Widyati (Partner), Emalia Achmadi (Partner) and Retno Muljosantoso (Partner) Address: Wisma GKBI, Level 9, Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 28, Jakarta 10210 – Indonesia Email: center@soemath.com Web: www.soemath.com Telephone: (+62-21) 574 0088 Case Study: Soemadipradja & Taher is a leading full-service commercial law firm that provides international standard legal services, and is widely regarded as having one of the leading M&A practices in Indonesia. Soemadipradja & Taher’s depth of expertise and experience in M&A transactions, coupled with its involvement in some of the most significant/high-value M&A transactions in the Indonesian market, particularly in the minerals and coal sector, means that the firm brings best practice to clients to ensure that all M&A transactions are successfully concluded.
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Corporate Directory
Company: Oswell & Vahida Name: Dennis Oswell, Esfandiar Vahida, George Metaxas Address: Rue Edith Cavell 66, 1180 Brussels, Belgium Email: info@ovlaw.eu Web: www.ovlaw.eu Telephone: +32 2 348 4810 Case Study: Oswell & Vahida was founded in Brussels in 2006, by an international team of EU law experts. With its recent expansion in Paris, the firm offers comprehensive French and Belgian corporate, commercial, labour and administrative law support to its clients, beyond its core areas of expertise in European competition, State aid and telecommunications law. In addition, the firm has rich litigation experience before the European, French and Belgian courts. Our standards of service to our clients across the world reflect our lawyers’ decades of hands-on experience in global law firms. As an independent law firm, however, we are also committed to a cost-effective and flexible work style that meets the real needs of today’s demanding, result-oriented and price-sensitive business environment.
Company: Pajares & Asociados, Abogados Desde 1958 S.L. Name: Jose Pajares Echeverria Address: Claudio Coello 43, 2º Izq. MADRID; Pº Independencia, 21, 1º centro ZARAGOZA Email: info@pajaresyasociados.com Web: www.pajaresyasociados.com Telephone: 00 34 976 233383 Case Study: Our office has acquired a solid position in insolvency law, company law and in general commercial law consulting. Our activities cover both national and international areas. Our attention is focused mainly on prevention and comprehensive analysis of contracts and risks. Our company is distinguished for its total dedication to the client; our response is pront and immediate. The company has participated in many insolvency procedures, and operations of restructuring and refinanciation of companies, of great magnitude. One of the most important and recent jobs, has been the largest bankrupcy case in the history of Aragon. Given the current economic situation, our prevision is that in a short and medium period, these cases will continue to rise in number. Moreover, our company is comprised of experienced professionals who work with companies in every stage of their planning, structuring, creation, expansion, franchising … and all their proffesional needs.
Company: Gecko Corporate Services Limited Name: David Stevenson (Director) Adrian Hall (Director) Address: One Dale Street, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 1BJ Email: accounts@gecko.gb.com Web: http://www.geckocorporateservices.com Telephone: 44 (0)1624 817104 Case Study: We deliver world-class Company formation and management services and offer a wide range of tailored corporate solutions to clients large and small. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standards in client service and work hard to ensure you have the right structure and the right management team. Every client is unique, and we offer an all inclusive fee on our management services. Contact us for a quote. Licensed by the Financial Supervision Commission of the Isle of Man to provide corporate services.
Having analysed the economic situation and flux, we are of the conviction that at the end of 2013 the market will begin to percibe a gradual positive transformation. Then, company structures will need to be more efficient in every aspect, in order to benefit from the aforementioned recovery.
Company: Lewin & Wills Name: Adrian F. Rodriguez Address: Calle 72 # 4 – 03, Bogota, Colombia Email: arodriguez@lewinywills.com Web: www.lewinywills.com Telephone: +57(1)312.5577 Case Study: Adrian Rodriguez (Partner. Tax, M&A) is well recognized for his experience in tax law with an emphasis in domestic and international tax planning, restructurings and reorganizations, international business transactions, and a strong background on various M&A projects. He advises domestic and international clients on new and ongoing business and M&A operations in Colombia and in Latin America in a variety of industries and projects, with emphasis on international and domestic corporate taxation and foreign investment. Admitted to practice in New York (2003), Illinois (2003), and Colombia (1995). LL.M in International Taxation from NYU (2002). Proficient in English and Spanish, both written and spoken. Worked for Baker & McKenzie in Chicago and Sidley Austin in New York.
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Company: Batini Traverso & Associates Name: Alberto Batini Address: 20123 MILANO - Via Camperio, 9 Email: a.batini@bbpartners.it Web: http://www.bbpartners.it Telephone: +39 02 30322 560 Fax: +39 02 30322 562 Case Study: The Firm Batini Traverso & Associates was established in 1960 by the founding partner Giuseppe Batini, still acting as of counsel. The main specialization at the time was banking and commercial law when Alberto Batini, son of the founder, in 1993 joined the Firm after a long trainee period in a London law firm and improved the mari¬time, insurance and international business opening a network of local offices and correspondents in all the main ports of Italy and abroad. The firm is now specialized in marine insurance, yachting, finance and corporate law, medmal and professional liability and works extensively with Lloyd’s and non Lloyd’s Insurance market. Other associates joined and in 1999 the Firm counted 20 lawyers among partners, senior and junior associ¬ates. The Firm opened in Milan, Genoa, Ravenna, Naples and Rome.
Company: Weis & Hertzog Name: Frank Wies Address: 68, rue des Romains L-2444 Luxembourg Email: frank.wies@barreau.lu anne.hertzog@barreau.lu Web: http://w-h.lu/ Telephone: 00352 26 48 29 25 Case Study: Result of the pooling of complementary skills and experience, our firm is a human-sized structure located in the heart of Luxembourg City offers a diverse clientele of legal services in many areas. Our goal is to complete missions advice, assistance and advocacy for both natural and legal persons in all spheres of public or private law. Advice before any proceedings, contracts or any other obligation on your part to third parties. Knowledge of applicable laws, the latest changes and their interpretations by the Courts is required to decide whether and chances of success of any legal action you propose to achieve. Assistance in your negotiations and / or transactions by searching the best solution to your situation and, if necessary, to draft the acts by which you agree, whether in your everyday life (residential leases, loans ... ) or in your business (contracts and commercial transactions ...). A defense in all courts (civil, criminal, administrative or social) in the first instance and on appeal, whether as victim or defendant, you are sued in a court or you want to introduce yourself action.
LEGAL AWARDS 2012
Corporate Directory
B., Bermúdez & Bermúdez S.C. - Law Offices Company: B., Bermúdez & Bermúdez S.C. - Law Offices Name: Rodrigo Bermdez Address: Edificio “Alfa Centauro” (Nº 73, Calle “E”, Entre Calles “D” Y “F”), Segundo Piso - Dpto. 2-C Zona De Achumani - Sector San Ramón Email: bermudez@unete.com Web: www.bermudez-lawoffices.com Telephone: (00591) - 705.75357 Case Study: Our Law Firm, is integrated by professionals Attorneys at Law, specialized on PRIVATE LAW, with SPECIAL EMPHASIS in a sub-branch of the Commercial Law: The INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (Constituted in turn by the INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, better known as Trademarks and Patents Law, and the Copyrights). Our Law Firm, it seeks to shape individualized relations with the client, under TECHNICAL and MORAL VALUES, to support successful activities to short, medium and long term: TECHNICAL VALUES to offer definitive and effective legal solutions, and MORAL VALUES for the preservation of the confidence of our clients and for the fulfillment of the Law.
Backstrom & Co Company: D. H. Law Associates Name: Nusrat Hassan, Managing Partner Address: 111, Free Press House, Free Press Journal Road, 215, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021. Email: nusrat@dhlawassociates.com Web: www.dhlawassociates.com Telephone: (+91)-22-6625 2222
Company: Backstrom & Co Name: Peter Backström Address: Kasarmikatu 44, FI-00130 Helsinki, Finland Email: peter.backstrom@backstrom.fi Web: http://www.backstrom.fi Telephone: (+358) 9 6689 940
Case Study: D.H. Law Associates is a full service law firm headquartered in Mumbai. Our Firm was established in 1997 by Mr. Nusrat Hassan, a dual qualified attorney in India and the UK and a Chevening Scholar. We are present through fully functional offices in major Indian business cities that include – Mumbai, New Delhi, Goa and Patna. We have been referenced by leading international publications as a dynamic law firm with great potential and high professional delivery standards.
Case Study: Backström & Co offers legal services in practically every area of business law. Our core expertise is intellectual property and copyright law.
We advise a wide range of clients, listed and private companies, institutions and individuals. Our Clients include Fortune 500 companies, international institutions, investment banks and private equity funds. A broad industry spectrum of our Clients includes – mining and energy, FMCG, technology, banks, engineering, service and consultancy, media and entertainment, telecom and pharmaceutical companies. We have substantial experience in structuring and advising on foreign direct investments, regulatory compliance, joint ventures and commercial agreements. We are equally successful in representing our domestic and international clients in matters of commercial arbitration and dispute resolution.
We also offer services in general business law, especially contract, competition and corporate law. In addition we handle civil litigations and arbitrations. Backström & Co was established in 1993. Our principle is to handle all commissions on a basis of personal responsibility. Over the years Backström & Co has achieved a solid position as a front-ranking law firm and has particularly gained recognition as an expert in intellectual property. We have been named in several international publications such as European Legal 500, Chambers and Partners and MIP as one of Finland’s leading firms in our special field.
Michael Chambers & Co Advocates & Legal Consultants Company: Migueres Moulin Name: Emmanuel Moulin Address: 45 avenue Montaigne – 75 008 Paris Email: e.moulin@mmlaw.fr Web: www.mmlaw.fr Telephone: 01 72 00 23 72 Case Study: MIGUERES MOULIN, AARPI is a lawyers’ association founded in 2010 by Masters Luc Miguérès and Emmanuel Moulin after nearly 15 years of partnership in a leading law firm. Luc Miguérès is a well-known specialist on social law. He advises companies in their social affairs, restructuration’s operations and employment safeguarding, implementing their collective agreements and conducting their litigation procedures. He is also specialized in exemptions to Sunday work restrictions’ issues. In parallel, he advises for many years several majors in cinematographic industry and he has a real experience regarding intellectual property in the audiovisual field. Emmanuel Moulin is a recognized specialist in mergers and acquisitions in France and abroad and advises several investors and European PME managers in their cross-border operations.
Company: Doulah & Doulah Name: Nasir Doulah Address: Doulah House [Annexe], 1st & 2nd Floors, Plot 153/2, Road 2/2, Block- A, Section 12, Mirpur, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh Email: ndoulah@doulah.com Web: www.doulah.net Telephone: +8802 9003153
Company: Michael Chambers & Co Advocates & Legal Consultants Name: Michael Chambers Address: 25 Voukourestiou Street, Neptune House, 1st Floor, Suite 11, Limassol, Cyprus, CY - 3045 Email: info@cypruslawfirm.com Web: www.cypruslawfirm.com Telephone: (+357) 25819966
Case Study: Doulah & Doulah is a leading law firm in Bangladesh under registration number 27074. Established in 1965 the firm stands as one of the oldest and most experienced law firms in Bangladesh representing the world’s largest business houses and working with the biggest international law firms. With twenty-nine lawyers all over Bangladesh it is now one of the biggest law firms in Bangladesh.
Case Study: Michael Chambers and Co. LLC is a full service law firm offering a wide spectrum of expertise in an impressive variety of legal disciplines. Located at the heart of the commercial district of Limassol, the firm has enjoyed considerable success and developed an enviable reputation by pursuing a very simple goal - to give its clients unambiguous, concise and clear-cut legal advice
The firm possesses top-ranked transactional capabilities complemented by a strong litigation practice with a large client-base including over one hundred of the Fortune 500 companies. The firm is regarded as top “Banking & Finance”, “Corporate” and “Intellectual Property” law firm of Bangladesh So far the firm has completed sixteen project finance deals in 2012 including five power projects. Total number of M&A handled in 2012 is eighteen. The firm is representing clients like BAT, GE, Nokia, ILFC, IDB, Maxim etc. in Bangladesh.
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Company: Uteem Chambers Name: Muhammad R.C. Uteem Address: 254th Floor, Les Jamalacs Building, Vieux Conseil Street, Port Louis, Mauritius Email: info@uteemchambers.com Web: http://www.uteemchambers.com Telephone: (230) 2117700 / (230) 2118700 Case Study: UTEEM CHAMBERS is a leading Barristers’ Chambers in Mauritius which specialises in Banking and Finance, Securities law, Corporate law, International tax and trusts laws as well as all aspects of offshore business activities. The Chambers was set up in response to the demand for Mauritius-based lawyers with international exposure and expertise in the fields of international trusts, international finance, corporate and cross border insolvency. The chambers is headed by Muhammad Uteem who holds an LLM in international business law, Company law, international finance and trusts law from the University of London and was called to bar at Middle Temple in England after winning the 1st prize at the English Bar exams. Muhammad Uteem was an associate of US firm Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Robert (now Pilsburry Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP) and worked principally in its Hong Kong and Singapore offices. More than 80% of the Chamber’s practice involves advising international clients, multinational enterprises, international law firms, the top ten international accountant firms, management companies, domestic and international banks.
Company: Baltic Legal Solutions Name: Valters Kronbergs Address: Muitas iela 1A, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010 Email: Advocate@lv.blslawfirm.com Web: www.blslawfirm.com Telephone: +371 67043803 Case Study: Kronbergs & Cukste is a full service corporate commercial law firm founded by two former ‘big four’ accounting firm law service line partners based in Riga Latvia in 2005. Our experience in providing legal services to the Latvian market, however, dates back to 1993. Our firm has extensive experience in corporate and transaction advisory services, real estate, IT, public private partnership matters, energy and utilities, restructuring, insolvency and litigation. Our core team of lawyers includes experienced lateral hires who extensive knowledge in the banking sector, public sector and regulatory environment. Kronbergs & Cukste is favorably rated by market watchers such as Legal 500, IFLR, Chambers & Partners and PLC. Our firm is a founding member of Baltic Legal Solutions, a pan-Baltic legal network including Glikman & Partnerid in Tallinn and Baltic Legal Solutions Lithuania in Vilnius. Baltic Legal Solutions offers: • Over 85 practicing lawyers in the pan-Baltic group, • Reliable and comprehensive legal service, • A well equipped team to manage complex pan-Baltic assignments; • One account manager for the entire Baltic assignment.
Company: Kuhnen & Wacker Intellectual Property Law Firm Name: Rainer A. Kuhnen Address: Prinz-Ludwig-Str. 40A, 85354 Freising/Munich, Germany Email: info@patentfirm.de Web: www.kuhnen-wacker.com Telephone: +49 8161 608 0 Case Study: KUHNEN & WACKER is a full service intellectual property (IP) law firm which was established more than 36 years ago in Freising close to Munich airport. The firm represents SMEs as well as major corporate and global technical innovators. It has a fine blend of senior attorneys with sophisticated experience, and younger proactive attorneys who can, if needed, rely on the expertise of their more senior colleagues and may complete various interdisciplinary teams. We are a diverse group of 90 people, 18 of whom are specialised patent attorneys and attorneys at law. These attorneys are supported by 9 expert patent engineers and specialists, as well as by a highly qualified and multilingual administrative team. In order to document the high quality standards that the firm has upheld for years, KUHNEN & WACKER obtained the official ISO 9001:2008 certification.
Lee, Tsai & Partners A Greater Local China Firm Dr. Chung-Teh Lee and Jaclyn Tsai, after working as judges and practicing for extensive periods, both had a vision of creating a law firm that is not only grounded on professionalism but also compassion. As such, the first office of the Lee Tsai Group was founded in Taipei in 1998 with the professional motto “Reason” and “Compassion” and a mission statement “to provide the highest quality of professional service to our clients through our comprehensive knowledge of their industries while dedicating ourselves not only to our clients but also to our community.”
www.leetsai.com Most Respected Law Firm: Taiwan 58
We can...
...see the wood At Dillon Eustace our many years of experience mean we can provide clear, focused advice, without ever losing sight of the bigger picture. We offer national and international corporates, banks, asset managers and insurers our expertise in: • • • • • • • •
ABS/Funds Listing Asset Management Banking Commercial Property Corporate Finance Cross Border Insurance Defamation Financial Services
• • • • • • • •
General Commercial Investment Funds Labour Law Litigation Maritime/Aviation Regulatory Compliance Securitisation Tax
For more information contact: Mark Thorne. Dillon Eustace, 33 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Tel: +353 1 667 0022 Fax: +353 1 667 0042 mark.thorne@dilloneustace.ie